Blessing and Charge
The blessing and charge are appropriately led from the font or table. Assured of God’s peace and blessing, we seek to follow Christ’s way, sustained by power of the Holy Spirit.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
2 Cor. 13:13
God calls the church to join the mission of Christ in service to the world. As we engage in that mission, we bear witness to God’s eternal reign. It is particularly appropriate for a deacon to lead this charge to service.
Go in peace
to love and serve the Lord.
Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).
Excerpt from Worshiping God Together: A Guide for Children and Their Parents:
God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. We go out to follow Jesus in the world — to show and tell the good news of God to everyone.
Directory for Worship
The service concludes with a formal dismissal. This may include a charge to the people to go into the world in the name of Christ. It shall include words of blessing, using a trinitarian benediction or other words from Scripture, such as the apostolic benediction in 2 Cor. 13:13. Signs of reconciliation and peace may be exchanged as the people depart.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-3.3702
Leading the Charge to the People from the Font and Table
Find Blessings from Biblical and Confessional Resources for Worship.
Find Charges from Biblical and Confessional Resources for Worship.
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
