The
call of Christ is to a willing, dedicated apostleship. Our
apostleship is a manifestation of the new life we enter through
baptism as we travel through the world. It is both a gift and
commitment, as well as an offering and a responsibility. Today Alex
Gilbert comes before us, as she begins her role as intern at the
CROSS ministry of Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.
At this time I invite Gail Gilbert and Brooke Bazemore forward to
join me in commissioning Alex.
Alex,
we commission you, representing your family, your friends, and your
church:
We
send you with the knowledge, the grace bestowed on you in Baptism is
sufficient for your calling because it is God’s grace. By God’s
grace we are saved and enabled to grow in the faith and to commit our
lives in ways that serve Christ. God has called you to particular
service. Show your purpose by answering these questions.
Will
you be Christ’s faithful disciple, showing his love in word and
action?
I
will
Do
you welcome the responsibility of this service, To love neighbors,
And to work for the reconciling of the world?
I
do
Will
you serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and
love,
Relying
on God’s mercy and rejoicing in the power Of the Holy Spirit?
I
will
Do
we, the congregation of Harbor View Presbyterian, confirm the call of
God to our sister to this service?
We
do
Will
we support and encourage her in this ministry?
We
will
We
send you not away from us, but as part of us, loved by family,
friends, and faith. We send you with prayers, with promises to be
here as you need us, with our blessing. Go forth and do that which
God has called you to do. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment