Liturgy for the Blessing of a Sabbatical
Allegheny Synod, ELCA
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And
on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested
on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because
in it He rested from all His work, which God had created and made.
Genesis 2:2-3 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8
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Leader, usually the council president: |
Throughout Holy Scripture, |
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from Genesis’ beginnings to Jesus’ ministry and the church’s witness, accounts of holy activity are clearly set apart by rest, quiet places, and time for restoration. God has given us, God’s people, the Sabbath pattern as a time of renewal, a time to be reminded of whose we are and what we are called to do, a time of rest that refreshes us for life. It is a gift given to the congregation while the pastor is away…a time for leaders to step forward and share their gifts with the community. It is a time to have others lead worship and proclaim God’s word. It is also a gift given to the pastor by the community. It is a time to be renewed for ministry and strengthened in their sense of call |
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(The Council
and Mutual Ministry Committee are invited stand.) |
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L: |
During this time of Sabbatical, I ask you, the leaders of |
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________________
congregation, will you pray for this community and your pastor?
Will you carry out your commitment to serve this community in
God’s name? |
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Response: |
Yes, with the help of God. |
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(The
pastor is invited to stand.) |
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L: |
You have been given a gift of a sabbatical by this |
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community. Will you pray for the members and ministry of this congregation? Do you promise to use this time faithfully in ways that will renew and strengthen you as a pastor in God’s church? |
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Pastor: |
Yes, with the help of God. |
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(The congregation is invited to stand.) |
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L: |
Will you pray for Pastor ___________, this community and |
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for the
ministry we share? Will you
use this time faithfully in ways that will renew and strengthen you and
this community as the baptized people of God? |
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Congregation: |
Yes, with the help of God. |
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L: Let us pray together… |
Dear God, please bless Pastor |
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_____________
,the leaders, and membership of this congregation during this Sabbatical
time. By your Spirit, empower
all to be strengthened in the gifts you give and renewed as servants of
God. In Jesus name, we pray.
Amen |
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The Sharing of the Peace |
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