H OPE FOR

Church Of The Servant

Dear Church Family,

In the language of “church-ese” you’ll sometimes hear the word “benediction.” It usually means “a blessing bestowed on the congregation.”

The Bible is full of blessings and benedictions. They are found in the very first Hebrew writings and through the last words of the Revelation of John. Blessings kept the people of God going. Blessings kept far-apart communities of faith connected. Blessings provided the fledgling Christian Church with new vision and new purpose.

Benedictions are not intended to signal the end of worship. Just the opposite! Blessings bestow on us the ability to continue to worship God anywhere, at any time, and in any circumstance.

In short, a benediction is God’s gift of enduring hope—hope for you, hope for us, and hope for all who will receive it.