It was time to go.  The offering was received, and the ushers were standing front and center.  The choir was poised for the "Choral Response," or the "Detroit" as we call it in the choir room.  I had just prayed the prayer of dedication, and the congregation was standing, ready to depart.  The cookies and coffee in the Fellowship Hall were beckoning.

But nobody moved.

I nodded to Pete Hansen, our Choir Director, and he nodded back with a "what do you mean by that?" look.  I shot a quick glance in Pauline Cultra's direction, but our organist remained still - no music.  I gazed down at our ushers standing before me, but they stood as still as the guards at Buckingham Palace.  "Doesn't anybody want to leave?" I wondered.  "Do they want another round of preaching or another crack at those offering plates?"  Naw.  Then I looked out at the congregation and saw the answer.  On their faces was the message: "John, when are you going to let us go?"

That is when I realized the truth.  It was not the choir or ushers or congregation holding us back.  It was me.  "Did I forget to give the benediction?" I inquired sheepishly.  The answer was resounding: "Yes, John… oh, yes!"  I  even got a few "amens".  No one would leave without the benediction.  To everyone's immense relief I raised my hands and spoke God's blessing upon the gathered assembly.

Then all heaven broke loose.  Music flowed from the piano as the choir sang.  The ushers turned and marched to the back.  Next, it was my turn.  I took the long walk toward the back of the sanctuary amidst grins and smiles, gentle chuckles and even a playful "high five" or two.  We all entered into our service for the Lord, including the "teasing of the Pastor."

As I look back on that moment of forgetfulness, it was a sweet reminder of how much we need God's blessing.  Before we venture into service… before we take on the responsibilities of family, work or school… before we face the challenges of our lives, we need reassurance that God is with us - to guide, strengthen and equip us.  Without God at the center of our lives everything falls apart.  The benediction is an expression of that reality, a sending us into the world - with God.

Make sure you ask God to be at the center of your life.  Pray for it, and if necessary, wait for it… as one church did last Sunday.

Go with God.

Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton

Senior Pastor