Col_Frederic_Drummond_Jr

Colonel Frederic Drummond, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Retirement Ceremony: Closing Prayer and Benediction

May 31, 2019 at U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Floria

[Remarks were edited post-ceremony to reflect what I actually said.]

In the Christian Bible’s book of 1 John, it says, “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and God’s love is made complete in us.”[1]  We don’t have to look very far today to see this in action – from the love of wife, and these amazing children, to all of you here from all over the world. Love is what we’ve been hearing about today, the kind of love that makes God’s love complete in Fred’s love for all of you and your love for him.

So now it’s time to get all of your voices in the room. We’re going to bless Fred together.  When I say, “And the people say…” I ask you all to say a big, “Amen.”  This includes family and friends joining us via live stream in Nebraska.

We’re going to practice that, okay?  Ready?  And the people say… “Amen.”

Let’s try that one more time, dig deep…and the people say… “Amen!”

O God of our seasons, we ask that Fred may hold lightly to past successes and challenges, celebrate what is to be honored and let go of what needs to be released.  As the future opens with possibility, may you grant him patience with himself and others and the peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus.

And the people say: Amen

O God of wisdom, we promise that we will continue to support Fred’s growth.  May he lean on you and those who love him as new paths are discovered. And may the assurance of your presence be revealed in vocations reimagined and relationships made new.

And the people say: Amen

O God of the future, you are the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning and the end. Empower us as we go from this place and give us courage to reveal your light and life.  May you live in us and your love made complete in us.

And the people say: Amen

And now receive this blessing:

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.

The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.

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[1] 1 John 4:12