Sabbatcial Leave Taking.

Litany of Leave Taking   

Litany of Leave Taking: Adapted from the writing of Rev. Bart Kelso written for the sabbatical sendoff of Rev. Stacy Swain on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at The Union Church In Waban, United Church of Christ in Newton Mass

Benediction adapted from the writing of Rev. Eric Elnes found here:                          https://www.facebook.com/eric.elnes/posts/10159825106481907

All: We bring before you Holy One, our sister in Christ, our Pastor and friend, Carly Stucklen Sather. We send her on sabbatical with our earnest prayers, asking your blessing upon her, and upon this congregation that she serves.

Council: May this sabbatical be for Carly a time of adventure and discovery. May her travels introduce her to people and places new to her but known to you.

All: Guide her steps, O God. May she know your accompanying presence on each journey and find you waiting for her, welcoming her, at each destination.

Council: May Carly enjoy, in this time away: a release from responsibilities, a child-like curiosity, and a thorough refreshment of body, mind and spirit.

All: “Come to me,” says Christ, “all you that are weary and are carrying heaven burdens, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11: 28 &30)

Council: Grant to her, Gracious God, times of reading, times of play, times of deep contemplation, of rich conversation, of both leisurely dreaming and focused reflection. And enable her to gaze in wonder at the beauty of your creation.

All: “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:1). “O Lord, how manifold are your Works! In wisdom you have make them all; the earth if full of your creatures.” (Ps. 104:24)

Council: Hear your servant when she prays to you, Holy God. Help her to worship you freely, whether in multitude of in solitude, joy or sorrow, in strength or in weakness. Watch over her and draw her close to yourself.

All: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come into God’s presence with singing.” (Ps. 100:1-2). “I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to you, O Lord. I will sing.” (Ps. 101:1).

Carly: I leave you in the care of our church’s leaders – Council Leaders Tom Lowry, Jean OBrien, Erik Toman, Sherri Ries, Deborah Gardiner, and Brian Kasnick, and capable staff, Ryan Cox, Stephanie McCullough, Ginger Scarborough, AnnLaura Tapia. They will steward the gifts and graces of this community of faith in my absence.  I pass to Jennifer Burney the mantel of caring. She will lead you in caring for one another in my absence.

All: Let God, the God of the spirits of everyone living, set them over this community to lead us, to show the way ahead and bring us  so God’s community will not be like sheep without a shepherd. (Numbers27:16-17)

Carly: Friends, hear these words from the Apostle Paul to Christ’s people in Corinth. Let them be my word to you as well as God’s: “Finally brothers and sisters, goodbye. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. The amazing grace of the Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” (1 Corinthians 13: 11&14, The Message).

All: “You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” (Isaiah 55: 12a). God below you, God before you and behind you, God everywhere you turn and within you. Amen

Choral Response:        Aaron's Blessing         Walter Rodby sung by the Chancel Choir

Sending:  

All: May the Spirit of the Living God

Go before you to show you the way;

Go above you to watch over you;

Go behind you to push you into places you would not necessarily go yourself;

Go beneath you to uphold and uplift you;

Go beside you to be your strong and constant companion; and

Dwell within you to remind you that you are surely not alone on life’s journey, and that you are loved - loved beyond your wildest imagination.

Carly: And may the fire of God’s blessing burn brightly upon you, within you, and through you, now and always.

All: Amen