Pastor’s Message

“Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, one God, bless, heal, and hold you today and always. Amen.”

Called “the Benediction,” these words are based on biblical verses in both the Book of Numbers and in 2 Corinthians. We hear these or similar words weekly toward the end of the Sunday worship service. Why then? Why not at the beginning of worship or while receiving communion? Why always as we are preparing to leave? At the Benediction, we are being sent into God’s world by sharing, touching God’s word.

The Benediction is a reminder that whatever the world might present us, no matter what physical, emotional, or psychological troubles we might face, the triune God is with us, blessing us, healing us, and holding us.

The Benediction is a reminder that this reality is true not just in the moment of worship, but “today and always.” May we bear this reality in mind as we navigate our relationships with God, each other, and the world around us. God blesses, heals, and holds us.

Dear God,
Bless, heal, and hold us today and always.
Amen.

Intern Pastor Andrew Thomas