Seventh Sunday after Trinity

Coming and Going

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Every congregation goes through periods when people enter the flock and when people depart the flock.

These are times of joy and times of sadness.

We welcome the newcomer with joy, we’re glad to have them among us, to toil, to cry, to laugh, to mourn, to be brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yet, when those who have been among us and have toiled, cried, laughed, and mourned depart, there is also a sadness throughout the flock. While we all know how to welcome newcomers, we don’t often speak of how we ought to support those who move away or transfer to a new congregation. So, what should we do in situations like this?

1. Trust in the Lord. (Proverbs 3:5)
2. Be kind, listen, charitable, and always abiding by the 8th Commandment.
3. Pray for those who depart, that they would continue to faithfully attend church and grow in their faith. (1 Timothy 2:1)
4. Remain their brother and sister in Christ. (Matthew 12:50)

As I said, these periods of individuals coming and going occur at every congregation, but we always have an opportunity to confess Jesus, even in our goodbyes.

‍ ‍“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” ~John 14:27

In Christ,
Pastor Rogness