Dedication Photos

Service of Dedication
Messiah Lutheran Church
November 17, 2002

The weather did not cooperate. With freezing rain through the night, it was questionable how many would turn out the for the Dedication of Messiah Lutheran's new Sanctuary building. The tent set up for the occasion, sagging under the burden of snow, sleet and slush, needed periodic shedding throughout the night to prevent a complete collapse. Morning dawned to a cold blustery November day, the snow was removed from the walks and parking lot, and Messiah began to welcome its guests from far and near.

The congregation gathered in the tent for a hymn of Praise and Thanksgiving, followed by a greeting from Dean Jahns, the Council President, and prayer by Pastor Dwight Hanson. An Official Key was presented to the chair of the Building Committee, Mrs. Janine Arnesen, by the builder, Hutter Construction. Mrs. Arnesen in turn presented the key to Mr. Jahns, who led the way to the entrance of the new building, unlocked the doors, and ushered all into the warmth as they sang "Praise to the Lord."

Bishop of the New England Synod, Margaret Payne, offered the opening prayer. (photos below) Rev. Linn Opderbecke (Holy Trinity Lutheran, Newington) gave the Prayer of the Day, followed by words of greeting from Bishop Payne. The children's choir sang "We are the Church" to great approval of the assemblage. The Rev. Kari Keyl (Christ the King Lutheran, Nashua) read the First Lesson, the Rev. Dr. Fred Wedemeyer (former Mission Director, NE Synod) read the Psalm and the Rev. Donald Blume (New Hampshire Conference Dean) read the Second Lesson. The Gospel Lesson was read by Pastor Hanson. The Sermon was then delivered by Rev. Robert Isaksen, retired Bishop of the NE Synod and former Mission Director at the time MLC was conceived and founded. He shared wonderful stories of walking the back woods of NH looking for a suitable site to build someday and his survival of of the voracious NH mosquitoes. Prayers of the Church were led by Rev. Hans Arnesen, former Pastor of MLC, now assistant to the Bishop. The Eucharistic Meal was offered to all baptized believers. MLC Choir sang "All Are Welcome" followed by Haydn's "Concerto in F Major" (D. DellOrfano, piano; S. Fiebrink, flute; P. Weed, violin; J. David, Cello.)

At the end of the service greetings were offered by many of the guests. Presentations of thanks were given to the Building Committee members by the congregation. A very fitting recessional hymn "Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing" was sung with enthusiasm to conclude the service. A wonderful Reception and Refreshments followed, thanks to the K-team.

Enjoy the pictures below as a memory of the day, thanks to member Bob Hammerstrom. (also see Construction Photos)

(click to enlarge photos)