Blessing and Sending for Mission

Voting Members to the Churchwide Assembly

This order may precede the blessing and the dismissal in a congregation’s primary service, or it may be adapted to be used independently.

The leader addresses the assembly.

Friends in Christ: Today we give thanks to God and seek God’s blessing as we send this/these voting member(s) to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Let us pray.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you. We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth in thanksgiving for the many blessings you have given us.

Renew in us the commitment to use our gifts in the service of others, and especially of those in need. Let us be your hands to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, comfort the weary and outcast, welcome the stranger, care for creation, and be loving neighbors to all people.

Bless those who go out from the name Synod to serve on behalf of the whole Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. Prosper the work of their hands, minds and hearts. Guide their deliberations and discernment for the sake of the Gospel. May the gifts they use and share be signs of your love to all people. Direct this church by the light of your Spirit, that we might have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace

To you, O God, be glory and honor through your Son, Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in your church and in the world, now and forever.

Amen.

The service concludes with the blessing and dismissal.

This order may be used at the congregation’s primary worship service on Aug. 9 or Aug. 16, 2009.

Adapted from the forthcoming Occasional Services for the Assembly.

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