Randie’s journey into mission has been a signal event in the
life of our congregation. She has helped
us become more aware of the world and it’s needs, has involved us in her
learning, invited us to share in supporting her, and inspired us to live more
fully in God’s way. We wanted her to
feel our love and support as she sets out into this exciting and unknown
future. A send out ritual was a way for
us to do that. It expressed our desire
to walk with her in spirit as she goes.
The ritual began with anointing. I anointed Randie’s hands with
oil making the sign of the cross. I
recalled the nameless woman in Mark 14:3-9 who anointed Jesus and challenged
her to go and do as she did being extravagant in her caring. Then I anointed her forehead in the name of
the Christ, whose body she and all of us are, challenging her to go and do as
he did; being infinite in his ability to give and receive compassion.
After the anointing the congregation gathered around her as she
knelt and we laid hands on her as I sang the following blessing adapted from a
song by Debbie Freidman called “L’chi Lach”:
L'chi lach, to a land that I will show you
Leich l'cha, to a place you do not know
L'chi lach, on your journey I will bless you
And you shall be a blessing,
You shall be a blessing,
You shall be a blessing l'chi lach.
L'chi lach, on your journey we'll go with you.
Leich l'cha, and our prayers will pave your way.
L'chi lach, may you feel our love surround you.
And you shall be a blessing,
You shall be a blessing,
You shall be a blessing l'chi lach.
We love you Randie!
Go with God.
Dianne Doten Morrison
Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church
