June 1st, 2008 – Pastor Dayle’s Last Service before Sabbatical

This service was Pastor Dayle’s last before her sabbatical starting now and ending in October. It was also the first service with the volunteer positions filled through the new Spiritworks small group ministry.

Particularly in the readings there was a burst of enthusiasm / spirit with this new method of volunteering, particularly in the readings. For most of the work there were two volunteers and veterans teaching people new to work how it is done. This was an auspicious beginning for Spiritworks.

During announcements Sara and Craig gave us an update on synod assembly which happened over the weekend. They talked about the Book of Faith initiative and the material that was given out at the assembly reinforcing our habits to read the Bible more diligently.

During Children’s Time and later in the sermon Pr. Dayle stressed our call to mission and ministry. She gave out M&Ms as reminders of the two m’s that we as the church needs to keep in mind. She warned us that M&Ms won't keep and that we need to do something with our M&Ms.

This was the choir’s last service until October as well. The choir sang Worthy To Be Praised for the Psalmody, Ave Verum Corpus for Communion Distribution, and The Lord Bless You and Keep You for the Benediction. The choir circled encompassing Pastor Dayle and some members of the congregation and there were those who laid hands on her while the choir sang.

There was a Sending Song listed in the bulletin but the Sevenfold Amen that ends The Lord Bless You and Keep You definitely became a musical highlight. Pastor Dayle just smiled and said that was all the music that was needed.

The piece did complete the moment and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to Pastor Dayle until she returns.