Do you wish you had been one of those people clapping
and singing instead of the one running down the aisle to get on the bus?
Now is your chance.
You don't need to have a candidate to participate in the fun of a
send-off. The more people present, the greater the send-off! Now that you
know what lies ahead for the candidates, you can send them off with
enthusiasm. Just remember to practice the chicken song, so you can sing it
with gusto!
When the buses leave the parking lot, head back into the church for
a brief prayer service and any announcements regarding the weekend. Lists
of candidates are available then, too, for your prayers and letters. Watch
the newsletter for the time and place of Send-Off's.
You don't have to be sponsoring anyone to attend a
closing. Like a Send-Off, the more people present, the greater the bond of
love and community we show to the new pilgrims. The newsletter will give
the time and place of the closing. The rector or rectora tries hard to
keep on schedule, but be considerate if the closing doesn't start quite on
time.
A closing is not only a time of celebration, but also one of
worship. It's a time to recall your own weekend and the impact it has had
on your life. It is a time to show support for the new pilgrims. When they
receive their crosses, this may be a good time to pray for each of the pilgrims.
Because the atmosphere of a closing should be one of worship, and
the service may be long, it is wise to leave children at home. A
baby-sitter is provided for children 5 and under.
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