Saying Goodbye

Into churches people come, and from churches people go. After individuals and families join our congregation through the Session, we make a liturgical fuss over them at a subsequent worship service. That helps to introduce them to their new community of faith. But when they leave, what do we do?

Well, if they go away mad, then we either rue the rupture or say, “Whew!” at their departure. But if they just go away, because of graduation from school, a job opportunity, retirement, or to be closer to their children, then we try to arrange a Service of Farewell for them during worship. In a mobile society like ours, it is important to seek God’s blessings for the modern pilgrims and to mark transitions in the life of the believing community they leave behind.

When people leave our fellowship, they change the gathered body as much as when they enter it. Ours is a faith based on a personal relationship with God, and that relationship is experienced in our personal relationships with other people—and some of these run especially deep. It doesn’t have the weight of a funeral, of course, but a service like this helps us grieve the passage of dear friends from our daily lives, even as we wish them well.

The liturgy for the Service of Farewell is adapted from one designed by Roger Nelson when he was pastor of Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Roger is now enjoying honorary retirement after finishing his active ministry with the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, Nebraska.

The Service for the Lord’s Day in the Book of Common Worship, I believe, would classify this sequence as a Pastoral Rite of the Church, and place it after the hymn following the Affirmation of Faith and the sermon. That positioning works well for us.

Many times people move away too quickly, before we can schedule this service. Sometimes they decline the offer to come forward and receive such attention from the congregation. But those who let us wave a liturgical goodbye to them as they cast off from our shoreline love being loved in this fashion. And we love loving them just as much.

A Service of Farewell

Introduction
Litany of Farewell

As we say farewell, we want you to know that we will miss you. We love you. We send you forth as disciples of Jesus Christ and as ambassadors of friendship, spreading the love of God in your new surroundings. As you go, we admonish you with these words: Go in the spirit of Christ. Be steadfast in your devotion to him.

Go in peace. Go in love. Go in the spirit of Christ.

Know that your ministry with us has served the cause of Christ in this community. Well done, good and faithful servants!

Go in peace. Go in love. Go in the spirit of Christ.

May your deepening commitment to Christ become your starting point as you enter into a new relationship with another community, another congregation.

Go in peace. Go in love. Go in the spirit of Christ.

And always remember that even though we will be separated in space, our common love for Jesus Christ will find us together always in his spirit.

Go in peace. Go in love. Go in the spirit of Christ.

Unison Prayer of the People

God of Abraham the sojourner, you are also the God of modern travelers. As you traveled with Abraham and Sarah, go with (person’s or family’s name). Keep them faithful to you, in prayer, worship, and service, in the many new relationships before them. Bless their new home and their new environment. May our friendship with them endure, and may we ever be one in Christ’s name. Amen.

Response (Congregation stands.)

We gather here to bid farewell to friends who leave for other parts.
Our prayers we pledge, our love we tell, and lift to God our grateful hearts.

Submitted by the Rev. Dee H. Wade, Anchorage Presbyterian Church, 11403 Park Rd., Louisville, KY 40223. He may be contacted by e-mail via our Web site, www.pcusa.org/ideas.

Ideas for Christian Education Sunday

Some congregations give Bibles to those who are in certain grades. One congregation combines this with a BIBLE FAIR. Children are asked to think of something or someone in the Bible they'd always wondered about, do research and make a creative presentation to share what they learned. Whole classes, small groups, and individuals came up with a vast array of topics and displays - Foods in the Bible, 'Queens of the Old Testament', histories, monologues, quizzes, and other things. This was designed on the format of a public school science fair - students explaining their research and findings to all church members during a coffee and fellowship time.

For more information, contact Sherrolyn G. Weed.

Appreciation Meals

An appreciation meal is a great way to thank those who contribute their time and talents to educating the next generation of Presbyterians. A breakfast, dessert or luncheon is a way to support teachers/leaders all year long.

In one congregation, the senior high students sponsored a “brunch for the bunch” each month. They cooked and served brunch to the teachers and leaders of the church.

In another congregation, an annual end-of-year pot luck picnic is held. The main course is provided by the Christian education program, and others prepare dishes to share.