[Faith-talk] GoodNight Message for Wednesday, April 24, 2013

[Paul]

Hello and good evening to my fellow saints of the Most High God in the Americas, and good morning or afternoon to the rest of you living in other parts of the world.  For the latter group it's already Thursday, but here on our continent it's still Wednesday.  I hope that your day went well or is going well.

Rachel Pitchett has a rather unique article for us today entitled "Reaching Out With A Blessing," rendered as follows:

Parents have certainly shaped our lives, but they aren't the only ones.  In many cases it's other adults who spend all those waking hours with us:  teachers.

With that in mind, educators were thanked and blessed during a special service earlier this year (2010) at First Lutheran Community Church in Port Orchard, Washington.  Joe B.W. Smith, interim pastor, asked worshipers to reflect on and remember the teachers who helped shape them.  Then educators of all types were invited forward for a blessing.

Some congregations give a nod to our labors when Labor Day rolls around each year, and each fall teachers, students and backpacks are often blessed.  But Smith wants the congregation to honor vocation and community year round.

During the past year, the congregation in this small, Navy shipyard town has lifted up other valued members of the community.  Health-care workers get similar recognition, as did fire fighters, police and various emergency personnel.

In August, the congregation brought the service of blessing called "Celebrating Faces" to the waterfront, honoring those who work in the Port Orchard proper.

"The ministry is shifting from fellowship and vocational connection to blessing" Smith said at the a.m. last Sunday of the month service.  "The blessing seems to drive the service.  That is what moves the people the most," he said.

In his blog (http://youraveragepastor.blogspot.com) Smith reflected on the Sunday when healthcare workers were honored:  "When I invited the health-care workers in the congregation to come forward for the blessing/laying on of hands, people started pouring forward.  At least 20 people came, and I shared blessings with these healthcare workers and their healing service for people in their daily work.

"The blessing was easily the most powerful part of the worship service.  I am reminded how easy it is to be discouraged in life and that with prayers, thanks, hospitality, appropriate touch (laying on of hands) and an opportunity to connect with God and others, people can be affirmed in their value in God's world and given the strength to face their days."

When educators were blessed, worshipers were reminded again of the impact this vocation has on their lives.  "We always had to push to do better," said one man in a videotaped presentation of members' memories of beloved teachers.  "Mediocrity wasn't an option."

"We want people who are involved in education to know that God is with you," Smith told the teachers, as he and members pledged their support.

Smith read from a litany prepared by the National Council of Churches:  "As your faith community, we pledge to be with you on your education journey.  We affirm that each of you is a precious gift from God.  We will do all that we are able to ensure that your schools are positive places filled with hope and the resources necessary for learning."

The congregation's Christian education teachers weren't forgotten during the service.  Smith asked anyone who'd been a Sunday school teacher to stand up, and about half of the medium-sized congregation came to their feet.

With that, the educators were asked to gather at the altar, and there Smith and Robert D. Hofstad, Southwestern Washington Synod bishop, who was visiting that day, blessed each educator.

And in good Lutheran hospitality, the teachers were treated to a meal following worship.

And that is Rachel's article for today.  Do any of your churches follow this custom and, if so, what were the results, if I may ask?

And now may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob just keep us safe, individually and collectively, throughout this night or day and especially in these last days in which we live.  Your Christian friend and brother, Paul