OrderforFarewellandThanksgiving-AlleghenySynod.docVIP

Order for Farewell and Thanksgiving The following order is intended to be used at the chief service of the congregation, on or near the last day of the departing minister. The order replaces the Benediction and Dismissal. Leader: My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: In the book of Ecclesiastics, the preacher writes: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose…” Our pastor, {N. N.}, led by the Spirit, is leaving us to follow God’s call. The time has come, therefore, to mark the ending of his/her {# years} of ministry here at {N. Parish/N. Lutheran Church}. God has blessed us with his/her faithful service as our co-worker in Christ, our counselor, teacher, companion, and most of all, our pastor. With a mixture of joy and sadness, we give thanks to God for our time together and mark the ending of his/her ministry with us. The congregation addresses the departing minister. Congregation: {N.}, we called you to be our pastor, to proclaim God’s Word, to baptize new members into the Church of Jesus Christ, to announce God’s forgiveness to us, and to preside at our celebrations of the Lord’s Supper. With the Gospel you have comforted us in times of sickness and trouble, and at the death of our loved ones. Sharing our joys and sorrows, you {and N. (spouse)} have been important to our life together in the Church of Jesus Christ and in our service to the community. The departing pastor addresses the congregation. Pastor {N.}: People of God, you called me to serve in this place. Now God has seen fit to lead me elsewhere, bearing