The voice of the Lord came to Samuel:
And he replied, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam. 3:10)
Mordecai said to Esther: For if you keep silence at such a time as this… who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal position for such a time as this. And God stirred in Esther’s heart.
And Esther said: “I will go… and if I perish, I perish.”
The voice of the Lord said to Isaiah: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for me?”
And he replied, “Here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
Gabriel said to Mary- “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you… Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
And Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me as you have said.”
The voice of the Lord comes to us: “Lift up your eyes. Look, the fields are ripe for harvest.” And we say,
“Let us gather the harvest so that both sower and reaper may be glad together. (John 4:35)
The voice of the Lord says: “This saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I send you to reap what others have sown. They have worked hard and you have entered into their labor.” (John 4:36-38)
THE CHARGE TO THE MINISTER
… minister of word and sacrament, sister in Christ, friend: You have been called by God through the voice of this congregation to be its Minister of Spiritual Formation; you have been called to help lead this people in the way of Jesus Christ. Within the common ministry of all of us, you have been set apart for special service, to equip the body of Christ for its ministry of reconciliation to the world. As you embark on this chapter of your ministry,
I charge you — Remember always that Jesus came not to be served but to serve.
I charge you — To seek to live with the joy and confidence that comes from being rooted in the gospel and in knowing the giftedness of life. While your office grants you privilege, it is the privilege to serve in the name of Christ Jesus. So, in the discharge of your office,
I charge you — To love and serve Christ’s people, in this place and beyond, even as Christ has loved you; open your life to them, sharing their joys, their burdens, their labors, their faith.
I charge you — Not to forget the trust of those who have chosen you. Preach the word, in season and out. Teach faithfully, watching over these people by providing for their spiritual life and instruction. Nourish them with wisdom and strengthen them to glorify God. Care for them with patience: young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. Urge them to remember the friendless and the needy. Show the love of Jesus to all peoples.
I charge you — To serve this people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, relying on God’s mercy and rejoicing in God’s promises through Jesus Christ.
I charge you — to seek Christ’s presence in prayer, strengthening yourself for your work. Spend ample time in study and do not shortchange it; for only then can you be a worthy instrument. Trust the many gifts bestowed upon you and allow God and this congregation to forgive your failings. Take leisure and recreation; enjoy your family and friends and give them time to enjoy you.
Will you accept this charge?
With God’s help I will.
And may the Lord God bless you and keep you, now and forever.
THE CHARGE TO THE CONGREGATION
Sisters and brothers in Christ: With guidance of the Holy Spirit, you have called Eli to be your minister, to lead you in the way of Jesus Christ. So,
I charge you — Encourage her. Respect her decisions. Follow as she guides you, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is head of the church. Stand by her in troubles and share her joys. Listen to the word she preaches, hear as she teaches, welcome her pastoral care, and honor her calling, as she seeks to honor and obey our Lord. Re-dedicate yourselves to the gospel and give yourselves to God’s renewing power. Place your whole selves in Christ’s service, that God may be glorified in this place and beyond.
Church, will you accept this charge?
With God’s help we will.
And may the Lord bless and keep you, now and forever.
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