Scripture – Matthew 28:16-20 NRSVUE
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
From Rev. Heather Leffler
Fourteen years ago the Spirit invited us to journey together for a time. Through those years we have baptized, married, and celebrated the lives of members of our congregation and the community. We have created partnerships so we can learn and grow in faith, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe those in need, heal the sick, and welcome the stranger. It has been a privilege to share in ministry together. I will hold each of you in my heart. Thank you so for our time together, for this Sunday’s wonderful celebration and for the precious gifts you gave me to remember Stone and Rockwood, Alsfeldt, and Knox United Churches.
In the new season ahead, I pray you will continue to engage in deep spiritual, bold discipleship and daring justice. There are people in your communities waiting to be invited into a place of belonging where they are cared for and can care for others and God’s creation – people who long to be accepted as they are and to share their gifts in order to make a difference in the world. In this season, trust that the One who is faithful and whose love is steadfast has chosen you to be a place where others can come to meet the One who is Holy Mystery and Wholly Love.
Just as Jesus commissioned the disciples on the mountain in Galilee, he invites us to be his church. As you continue in ministry, open yourselves to the new possibilities the Spirit has for your congregations and invite others to join you. I will also find new ways to be a disciple in this season of my life. Remember that we are not alone, even when we are apart. God is with us always to the end of the age.
May God continue to bless you as you seek to follow Christ together. Know that I will give thanks for you, remember you with deep affection, and trust that the Spirit will continue to lead you into a hopeful future.
Contemplation and Conversation
What will you carry forward from our time together,
and what will you lovingly leave behind as God leads you into a new season?
Prayer
May God bless you and keep you. May God be gracious to you and shine upon you.
May Christ walk beside you, the Spirit guide you,
and may you always remember that you are not alone.
Go in peace, with courage, hope, and love. Amen.
If you missed Sunday’s worship service, visit our Rockwood Stone YouTube page.
