2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

The Charge and Benediction serves as the formal dismal of the congregation at the end of worship. The Charge to all those who have gathered to worship serves as a call to go out into the world in the name of Christ seeking to engage in ministry, to live our call to be disciples, and to be in service to the world bearing witness to God’s love. At First Pres, the Charge often includes a summary or challenge from the sermon as a point of focus for the congregation as they leave to go out into the world.

PC(USA) Book of Common Worship

God sends the church in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel, to engage in works of compassion and reconciliation, to strive for peace and justice in its own life and in the world, to be stewards of creation and of life, caring for creation until the day when God will make all things new.

The church in both its worship and its ministry is a sign of the reign of God. God’s reign is both a present reality and a promise of the future. In an age hostile to the reign of God, the church worships and serves, confident that God’s rule has been established, and with hope firmly rooted in the ultimate triumph of God.

Immediately following the Charge, the Benediction is a blessing; reminding us that we do not go out into the world alone, but with God’s presence, providential care, and peace. God’s blessings are with us as we do the difficult work of loving in the week ahead.

Prayer

Merciful God, thank You for the gift of this day and all the blessings that will come throughout it. Strengthen us to heed Your call to be Your disciples and agents of love and change in this world. We thank You for the gift of worship and the opportunity to share Your love and peace in the world. Amen.