Go in Peace. Serve the Lord.

Filed Under Pastor's Blog by Pastor Meredith

Each Sunday I end worship by saying, “Go in peace. Serve the Lord.” The congregation responds, “Thanks be to God.” Then we shake hands and everyone goes on with their day. Maybe it is out to brunch or home to mow the grass and, if you are anything like me, you do not think about that closing dialogue until the next Sunday when you hear it at the end of the service again.

When we leave worship, though, we are given marching orders. First, to go forth in peace. What does that mean? Well, for starters, probably not to immediately go home and fight with our spouses, kids, parents, or anyone else for that matter. It means living in ways that promote peace in our homes and communities. Advocating for peace instead of violence throughout our world.

Second, we are told to serve the Lord. We are to provide for those in need by offering shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, medical attention to the sick and love to those who are hurting. We are to do this not just on Sunday, but throughout the week.

This summer St. Paul’s will be holding “Six Sundays of Service in the Summer.” It is a chance for young and old alike to spend an hour after church serving God by serving our neighbors in need. I hope that you will join us as we go in peace and serve the Lord!