Conference Service Center and Archives consecration service held Oct. 9
Written by Karla Abernethy-Thetford Monday, 11 October 2010 16:23
“Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a day of rejoicing. We have come together to consecrate the Northwest Texas Conference Service Center and Archives of The United Methodist Church. Can I get an Amen,” said the Rev. Ava Burdine Berry.
On Oct. 9, staff, supporters, friends, clergy and laity gathered in Lubbock for the consecration service of the new Conference Service Center and Archives. (Click here to see photos)
The new facility was completed in July and was constructed next to the former location of the Conference Service Center. Conference Archives was moved from McMurry University in Abilene to the new facility.
The consecration service began outside the building with the reading of scripture and presentation of the building by the Rev. Perry Hunsaker, chairperson of Conference Board of Trustees.
“On behalf of the Trustees of the Northwest Texas Conference, we present this building to be consecrated for the praise of God, the service of all people and the equipping of disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” Hunsaker said.
After declaring that the building be called the Northwest Texas Conference Service Center and Archives, Bishop D. Max Whitfield began the consecration with a processional into the building.
An acolyte entered the building and lit a candle symbolizing the light of Christ. Those gathered followed, each carrying a palm-sized rock.
Rocks were placed on a stand, creating an altar. The altar and candle will remain in the Conference Service Center and Archives and serve as a reminder of service and will be the center of the staff’s morning prayer time.
The following words were spoken once all were inside the building.
“Let us give ourselves anew to the service of God; our minds, that they may be renewed after the image of Christ; our bodies, that they may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and our labors, that they may be according to God’s will, and that their fruit may glorify god’s name and serve God’s eternal purposes.
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit we consecrate this building,” spoken by Bishop Whitfield.
“To the spiritual enrichment of all who shall come here seeking knowledge and planning ministries of service in God’s kingdom, we consecrate this building,” spoke by Kay Hanna of the Nurture Ministry Team.
“To the loyal service of those training and devotion have prepared them to lead God’s people toward the truth, we consecrate this building,” spoken by Esther Moses of the Equip Ministry Team.
“To the faithful keepers of our history which informs our future, we consecrate this building,” spoken by Garry Nall, chairperson of Archives and History.
“To that ministry of administration and stewardship upon whose ability and faithfulness depends the wise conduct of our life together and our ministry to the world, we consecrate this building; and we consecrate ourselves anew to that service of humanity in which we perform the true service of God,” spoken by Mike Jones, president of Council on Finance and Administration.
Conference Lay Leader Murray Murphy offered prayer for the meeting rooms and offices. Then, Bishop Whitfield led the gathering in a prayer over the Conference staff.
“By the power of your Holy Spirit consecrate this Conference staff. Bless them and sanctify what they do here, that this Conference staff may be pure and holy.”
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer and rededication to service.
The Conference offered acknowledgements and thanks to Garrison Family Foundation, Lou Dunn Dickemper, Shropshire Insurance, First United Methodist Church in Midland, American State Bank, Robert M. West and all churches and individuals who contributed to the Build, Renew, Rejoice Capital Campaign.
