Leader: There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all…

Congregation: We give thanks for faith nurtured and nourished in this church.

Leader: The gifts God gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers…

Congregation: We give thanks for all these gifts. Today we give special thanks for our teachers, all who love us, all who challenge and nurture us, and all who guide us in growing and learning; all who themselves are challenged to grow and learn; and all who support the teaching ministry of this covenant community.

Teachers: We commit ourselves to this calling. We invite God’s Spirit to equip and energize us for service. Embed in our hearts and minds the capacity for discernment and wisdom. We dedicate ourselves to developing relationships of shalom in our classrooms. We open ourselves to learn from those we teach. We will meditate on God’s word, love generously, dream passionately, persevere boldly, and share the stories of the faith.

Congregation: Help us to affirm and support our teachers in educational ministry.

All: God, We remember our role as lifelong learners and seekers of the faith. We give thanks for all those who support the teaching and learning that takes place through our congregation. Be with all – children, youth, and adults – who will be participating this year in our church school. Bless our times of study so that we may grow in faith. Bless our times of fellowship so that we may truly live as sisters and brothers in Christ in this covenant community. Bless our times of prayer and worship sot that we may be enriched in our spirits and go forth and serve all people and creation. Amen.

 

A Litany of Blessing and Commissioning at Oakhurst Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia on October 20, 2013.

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