Year-End Blessing Ceremony

Developed by Rev. Lyssa Gundlach

To be offered at the end of the academic year to honor those who have completed their seminary education.

Order of Service

Welcome and Chalice Lighting

"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from."—T.S. Eliot

Responsive Reading 

Stand by This Faith, Singing the Living Tradition (SLT), #569

Sung Response 

Voice Still and Small SLT #391 

Reading 

Anyone's Ministry, by Rev. Gorden McKeeman (selections) 

Song 

Find A Stillness SLT #352

Prayer

Sharing 

Each seminarian graduating shares about their future plans, after which everyone repeats a unison affirmation of their vocation.

Shared Affirmation 

(after each graduate)

Recognizing the strength of calling and considerable dedication required to reach this point, we affirm you in your chosen vocation. We recognize your commitment to the life of the mind and the life of the spirit. We await what gifts you will bring to the world and celebrate the promise and possibility of this graduation threshold for our shared free faith. We offer you blessings for the journey.

Sung Response 

Hush Hush Somebody's Calling My Name Singing the Journey #1040

Reflection

Song 

Wake Now, My Senses SLT #298 Vs. 1, 2, 5

Benediction

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."—Rev. Howard Thurman