Local pastors, students lead annual Baccalaureate service

NRHEG Seniors, surrounded by friends, family and local church leaders, gathered together in worship Sunday evening for the annual Baccalaureate service held in the high school gymnasium in New Richland.

 

Leading this year's service were 21-year outgoing pastor of the 1st Congregation Church in New Richland, Pastor Pamela Jensen; accompanied by Pastor Scott Williams, leader of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Richland; and Pastor Dan Kordahl of Le Sueur River Lutheran Church and Vista Lutheran Church.

 

Pastor Williams led the call to worship. Keira Lenort and Evelyn Nydegger read the Scripture readings from Philippians 4:4-8 and Numbers 6: 22-27

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

 

The NRHEG chamber choir, accompanied by Mrs. Reader, performed “Thy Word.”

 

A graduation poem, “God’s Promise is to Bless” was read by Kia Buendorf:

 

“May God bless you as you move ahead

With the plan He had in mind

Before you were ever born

Uniquely for you designed.

May you feel His presence with you

As He guides you on your way

For He’s promised to never leave you

When storm clouds fill your day.

Though the road may not be easy

As you push to climb uphill

Remember God will give you strength

When you’re in His perfect will.

For as you place your faith in God,

Know He will never fail,

For you will soar on eagles wings

Lifted higher by the gale.

God said, “The plans I have for you

Are to prosper and to bless;”

A hope beyond what you can dream

For you His words express.

So move ahead with confidence

Holding firmly to God’s hand

Knowing He will be with you

To fulfill what He has planned.”

 

Pastor Jensen bestowed the annual blessing on the graduates.

 

“We are gathered together tonight to celebrate an ending,” Pastor Jensen began. “For most of your lives you have lived in the sure and certain love of your families and friends, as well as the security of your teachers, churches and communities. The years of your young lives stretch out behind you now, and you may be feeling a bit wistful about leaving childhood. But the rest of us can’t believe how quickly this day has come – this day of sending. For that is what we are doing.  We are preparing to send you out into the world as young adults – to share your gifts with those whose lives you will touch.”

 

Pastor Jensen said she felt it was appropriate to send the graduates out with the “benediction of God.”

 

“They are words that you have heard many times, but this evening I would like to share something of what Christ has for you in this benediction – Christ’s message to you.”

 

Pastor Jensen talked about the meaning behind the words and an explanation of the benediction found in the prayer: “The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

 

A full reading of Pastor Jensen’s remarks can be found in this week’s edition of the Star Eagle.

 

Pastor Kordahl led the closing prayer.

 

The local Fellowship of Christian Athletes provided cake and fellowship in the lower commons area following the service. Guests were reminded graduation will be June 2 at 2 p.m. Students and parents are reminded to have their graduates arrive at the school by 1 p.m. and to report to Mrs. Hatton’s room on that day.