Dismissals
“Our liturgy ends not with an admonition to head out and find a cappuccino and The New York Times, but to go and love and serve in the name of the Lord. Like Jesus, we have a message to proclaim - a message of release, recovery, freedom and favor.” Br. James Koester, Society of Saint John the Evangelist, SSJE Daily Email
Joanna Campbell ready to go to work first day at University of Montana
“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
or
“Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.”
These are two dismissals from The Book of Common Prayer, p. 366, given usually by the deacon at the end of Eucharist service. The response of the congregation is, “Thanks be to God.”
The Prayer Book also suggests adding, “Alleluia, alleluia,” during the Easter season to the dismissal and the response. Many congregations I visit want to say the alleluias every Sunday except in Lent. This warms my heart to hear them saying praise that they just cannot keep for only the Easter season.
At the Eucharist we have been fed by what is present not only at the Table but in the Word spoken and sung. Now it is time to go out and feed others.
I also hope this is true at our work and at meetings with spiritual friends. We feed each other so that we can feed others. Is this not true at every meal where we talk, listen, and eat to nourish ourselves and others?
Joanna joannaseibert.com