Another question came in after the Question Box service on October 23rd , and I thought I would answer it in my way. “I wonder what people who don’t believe in god mean when they wish someone blessings?  I’ve always understood blessing to mean wishing for god to provide comfort and support.”  If a blessing is comfort and support, can’t anyone bless? Can’t anyone be a blessing to someone else? That is what I think. We all can bless, as we can all be a blessing in our actions toward one another. Think upon your days, and you will see how often your kindness and good actions bless your companions in this life.

For more years than I know, this congregation has sung “Long Time Sun” as a benediction. In the Order of Service, I call it the Singing Benediction. “Benediction” is just another word for blessing. While ministers often claim the right to give the benediction, to have the final words, a last blessing before the end of worship, I choose to leave the final words of blessing to all of you. And our Worship Associate says each week as a reminder, “Thus, we bless each other, and thus we are a blessing to each other.” So may you be reminded that all of us can bless each other with our actions to help and heal in this world of trouble, as you remember also that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. May you feel it so, and may it be so.

Blessings and warm wishes, Rev. Rita