RITE OF FAREWELL AND GODSPEED FOR PASTORS

(When set within the liturgy for Holy Communion, this order is used following the Post-Communion Prayer.  A representative of the Synod or Dean presides at this rite.)

The Congregation may be seated

Hear the words addressed to the Philippians:
	“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be 
known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything
by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to
God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your 
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.  Keep on doing the things that you have learned and
received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be received and
heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.  I rejoice in the Lord 
greatly that now at least you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were
concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.”
								(Philippians 4:4-10)

	Our Lord Jesus Christ says:  
	“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like
those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may
open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those slaves whom the
master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit
down to eat, and he will come and serve them.  If he comes during the middle of the night, or
near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.”
								(Luke 12:35-38)

THE DEPARTING PASTOR ADDRESSES THE CONGREGATION:

	On the _____day of __________, _____, I began ministry in this congregation.  I have,
	with God’s help and to the best of my abilities exercised this trust.  After prayer and
	careful consideration, I am now leaving this charge, and I publicly state that my tenure
	as pastor of this parish ends today.

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SYNOD OR DEAN SAYS:

	Do you, the people of ___________________________, recognize and accept the conclusion of this pastoral relationship?

		Congregation:  We do.

THE DEPARTING PASTOR MAY EXPRESS THANKSGIVING FOR THE TIME OF TENURE, with its joys and sorrows, and may state hopes for the future of the congregation.

A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SYNOD OR DEAN may then indicate what provision has been made for continuation of the ministries of the parish.

SIGNS OF THE OFFICE ARE RETURNED TO REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PARISH
The departing pastor joins the presiding minister at the Altar.

Pastor:  	Dear friends, through your call I have shared the responsibilities of ordained ministry in your midst.  When I was installed, you presented me with symbols expressing my role among you.  It is time to relinquish these symbols.

The presiding minister escorts the pastor to the front

Pastor:	I have been among you to baptize, teach, and to forgive sins.
		I now relinquish the sign of this office.

The Ewer of water (or shell) is given to a representative of the parish.

Congregation:  There is one Body and one Spirit, there is one hope in God’s			call to us.

The presiding minister escorts the pastor to the pulpit.

Pastor:	I have been among you to proclaim the good news.
		I now relinquish the sign of this office.

A Bible is given to a representative of the parish.

		Congregation:  The Word of the Lord is our sustaining strength.

The presiding minister escorts the pastor to the altar.

Pastor:	I have been among you to lead worship, and preside at the Holy Communion.
		I now relinquish the sign of this office.

The chalice is given to a representative of the parish.

		Congregation:  Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in God.

The Congregation is invited to stand.

Pastor:  	It is time for me to go forth having restored to you the signs of office which you 
		presented to me.  I ask that you send me forth in your love.

		Congregation: 	   May God’s blessings be with you as you go forth from us.

The Benediction