Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)

The Little Children and Jesus

¹³ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Acts 20:17-38 (NLT)

¹⁷ But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

¹⁸ When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now ¹⁹ I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. ²⁰ I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. ²¹ I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

²² “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. ²⁴ But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

²⁵ “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. ²⁶ I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, ²⁷ for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.

²⁸ “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. ²⁹ I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. ³¹ Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

³² “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

³³ “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. ³⁴ You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. ³⁵ And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

³⁶ When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. ³⁷ They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. ³⁸ They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.

Farewell Service for the Abners

Pastor: The church is a family.

United by the common recognition of Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are all brothers and sisters.

And, for a time, McCuthanville Community Church is our home.

Like every human family, our church family is formed and reformed over time:

As members are born, as they die, as members are adopted into our family, and as they leave our congregation for a new home, in a different place.

For a time, Jonathan, Shiloh, Savannah and Kennedy lived with us.

We have shared with each other good times & bad, we have lightened each other’s heavy loads.

Together we have laughed and cried, together we have worshiped & praised God, together we have lived.

We celebrate together Shiloh’s ministry as Children’s Director and give thanks for the many children whose lives she touched.

All: We feel sorrow in your leaving, yet we rejoice with you in anticipation of this new phase of your life.

We will miss your love & support, yet we know you will add much to the lives of those who will be your new church family, as you have added much to our lives.

You will be in our prayers.

Pastor: Let us pray: O God, you are the strength & the protector of your people.

We humbly place in your hands the Abner family who are about to leave us.

Keep & preserve them, O Lord, in all health & safety, both of body & soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go in the peace of Christ. Our prayers are with you as you depart.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

²⁴ “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’