As I write this blog the seminary that I graduated from has just had it's graduation for the year 2012, which means that I have been out of school now for a year. It's hard to believe how time flies by so fast and that another group of seminarians have been equipped to enter the world as pastors for Christ Jesus. This next Sunday at church we will be celebrating Graduation Sunday in which we will congratulate those that have been equipped to move onto the next phase of their lives. Additionally, we have three teachers that will be retiring from Marshall County School District, who are now approaching new life experiences.
The Gospel of John 17: 6-19 shows Jesus placing his believing community before God, as he is about to send them out into the world in mission. As Jesus entrusts this community to God's care, he has entrusted our graduates and those moving forward in life experience to us in continuing nurture and continuing care. How these folks move forward in life is a testament to their relationship with Jesus Christ as they enter the world via new experiences. We as church family are called to continue guiding them in encouragement and love, while keeping the evil one from disturbing their paths.
Let us gather and celebrate their accomplishments, while letting them know that they are sanctified by God as they enter the new and uncharted waters of their lives. We as community, and believers in Jesus Christ are to send them out in the knowledge that in Jesus they have been set apart, for God's work and God's love.
In Christ's Love
Pastor Tim
