In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, listeners are taken on a poignant journey through the life of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church, as recounted by Rev. AJ Mealor. Having grown up in the close-knit community and later being ordained there, Rev. Mealor shares the deeply personal story of his lifelong connection with Rehoboth.
3 Takeaways for a Dying Church:
- A church's legacy is created through the investment of time and resources in its children and youth. Healthy relationships between adults and youth can have an impact that outlasts the life cycle of the church.
- Rehoboth Presbyterian's ending freed the remaining members to serve their new churches in more meaningful ways.
- Closing a church requires us to let go of our attachments to things, spaces, traditions, etc. But we can, and should, recognize and grieve the loss. That grief is a testament to the goodness of the church family.
The episode unfolds as Rev. Mealor vividly describes the pivotal moment in his life, five years after his ordination, when he led Communion for the final service at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church. The timing of this significant event, occurring exactly on the anniversary of his ordination, adds heaviness to the farewell.
Listeners gain insight into the church's history and the profound impact it had on Rev. Mealor's ministry. Through anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, he explores the enduring legacy of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church, emphasizing the role it played in shaping his spiritual journey and pastoral calling. As Rev. AJ Mealor shares his thoughts on the church's impact on his ministry, listeners are inspired to reflect on the broader significance of congregational relationships between the elderly and youth, and the indelible mark they leave on both individuals and communities.
In this moving episode, The Last Service Podcast captures the essence of saying goodbye to a cherished spiritual family, leaving listeners with a sense of gratitude for the memories created and the lasting influence of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church.
Resources and Links
The Emerging Church by Dan Kimball
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article on Rehoboth Closing
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Rehoboth Presbyterian Church's Final Service:
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection
Celebrating the Life ofRehoboth Presbyterian Church
June 1949-May 2016
May 15, 2016 3 pm
Fellowship and Prayer
~~~Enjoy fellowship, being mindful of those who prepare privately.~~~
Prelude
Hymn Jesus Saves
Welcome Rev. Rachael Whaley Pate
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you.
† Call to Worship Rev. John Salley
We are gathered in one place
to call on the name of the Lord.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
We are members of one body,
calling out in Jesus' name:
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
† Hymn The Church's One Foundation #321
Prayer of Confession Rev. Joel Tolbert
Holy God,
You see us as we are, and know our inmost thoughts.
We confess that we are unworthy of your loving care.
We forget that all life comes from you,
and that to you all life returns.
We have not always sought or done your will.
We have not lived as your grateful children,
nor loved as Christ loved us.
We have not always been the church you called us to be.
Forgive us, God of grace.
Heal us and make us whole.
Help us to live in your light,
and walk in your ways,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Petition Lord, Have Mercy #551
~~~A time of quiet, personal confession ~~~
Assurance of Pardon
The Lord is with us! The Lord is with us, indeed!
Response Glory to God #582
† We Share the Peace of Christ
The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
~~~You are invited to greet one another in the name of Christ. ~~~
†Sung Response Halle, Halle, Hallelujah #591
Prayer of Preparation Elder David Bowman
First Scripture Reading Genesis 26:17-22
Anthem The Greatest Commands Rehoboth Choir
Second Scripture Reading Revelation 22
Sermon Rev. Rachael Whaley Pate
† Hymn To God Be the Glory #634
Giving Our Tithes and Offerings Mrs. Joann Brown and Mr. Charles Jolley
Offertory Anthem God Is in Every Tomorrow Rehoboth Choir
† Sung Response Doxology #609
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures high and low. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God in Jesus fully known; Creator, Word and Spirit one.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
† Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Invitation to the Table Rev. AJ Mealor
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving & Lord’s Prayer
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
….As your children we are bold to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever. Amen.
Breaking of the Bread; Pouring of the Cup
Communion of the People
Prayer
Rehoboth Proclamation Elder Buz Smith
Transfer of Symbols Elder Brad Bryant
Litany of Praise Rev. Joy Fisher
For the Church universal, of which this building has been a symbol,
we praise you, O God.
For all the saints who have met in this place to offer their prayers and praise to you,
we praise you, O God.
For your presence whenever your Word has been proclaimed and your gifts of bread and cup received,
we praise you, O God.
For those who have been claimed as your children in the waters of baptism,
we praise you, O God.
For all who came seeking your blessing in marriage,
we praise you, O God.
For faithful stewards, who have lived for others, serving you by loving neighbors,
we praise you, O God.
For all who were gathered from this place, having lived this life in faith, who now live eternally with you,
we praise you, O God.
For the knowledge that your church and your ministry among us will continue today, tomorrow, and forever,
we praise you, O God.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by recommendation of the Session, vote of the congregation, and concurrence of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta,
Rehoboth Presbyterian Church is now dissolved.
We praise you, O God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
† Hymn Blest Be the Tie that Binds #306
† Blessing
Benediction Children of Rehoboth
Postlude
Worship Leaders
Mr. David Bowman, Ruling Elder serving under every pastor in Rehoboth's history
Mrs. Joann Brown and Mr. Charles Jolley, Charter Members, longest members in continuous service
Mr. Brad Bryant, Clerk of Session
Reverend Joy Fisher, Congregational Consultant of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
Reverend AJ Mealor, ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Rehoboth
Reverend John Salley, ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Rehoboth
Mr. Buz Smith, Elder of Rehoboth, author of the Presbytery proclamation
Reverend Joel Tolbert, Pastor of Rehoboth 2005- 2012
Reverend Rachael Whaley Pate, Pastor of Rehoboth 2013- 2016
About the Hymns
Jesus Saves, found in the Abiding Songs Hymnal from Kittredge Chapel, sung at Founder's Day in 1950.
The Church's One Foundation, sung at the laying of the Sanctuary building cornerstone in 1956.
To God Be the Glory, sung at the retirement (April 26, 1992) and funeral (August 28, 1995) of
Reverend Samuel Horton Christopher, Jr., pastor of Rehoboth from 1952-1992.
Blest Be the Tie that Binds, sung at the 50th anniversary celebration on June 6, 1999. For many years, this hymn welcomed every new member into the life of Rehoboth. Let it now send us to join the Church in the world.
The Life and Times of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church, 1939-2016
This church was “birthed” by the unstinting, cooperative efforts of Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and Columbia Theological Seminary as an ‘outpost’ Sunday School in 1939. Through a series of steps small and large-- including her women carrying the load during WW II-- this congregation evolved. What began as worship under an umbrella of trees progressed through a small chapel on Pangborn Rd.; to Rehoboth Elementary School’s auditorium; and thence to today’s location on Lawrenceville Highway. She was named after the school. Her first service was in June 1949 and she opened her permanent doors in 1952. Reverend Samuel Christopher Jr. pastored from 1952 to 1992.
After Rev. Christopher’s retirement, Rev. Don Wade served as interim and stated supply pastor from 1992 to 2002. Rev. Ken Wilmesherr served as interim pastor from 2002 to 2005. Rev. Joel L. Tolbert was called and installed as Pastor in 2005 and served until called to another church in 2012. Rev. Dudley Rose and Rev. Mary Jane Cornell served as interim pastors through June 2013 when Rev. Rachael Whaley Pate was named pastor elect. She has been our pastor since then.
At some point in this lifespan, Rehoboth’s increasing campus growth line crossed her declining membership line. As has happened too many times across the nation, it was only a matter of time until this irreconcilable, unsustainable contrast brought an end to the viability of the church.
Let us then celebrate the unique life rhythms of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church over her lifespan:
Inward focus: only three installed pastors in 64 years; served the myriad needs of her congregation through joys, tragedies, births, weddings, deaths, support for youth and seniors, hope for personal salvation, holy sacraments, and Christianity’s holiest events for youth through seniors. Campus grew to five major buildings, including a modern gymnasium.
Outward focus: Hunger— via cooperative ‘Stephen’ program (1983-1999), served over 300,000 meals to the needy; youth made “blessing bags” of food for needy neighbors; supported Decatur Cooperative Ministries and Networks to help the homeless and the hungry .
Community—offered a thriving kindergarten and later a beloved preschool program; served as a magnet and nerve center for the community via the gym, meeting spaces, activities; and provided space for multiple smaller congregations’ worship services.
Region—Provided support for Thornwell Home for Children; support and scholarships to Presbyterian College, both in Clinton, SC.; supported Presbyterian Homes.
Nation and world—supported Presbyterian Disaster Assistance programs; supported 28 missionaries to Brazil, Congo, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Malawi, Nigeria, Philippines, Taiwan, Zaire and Rivers of the World.
As Winston Churchill said during WW II, “This is not the end, nor the beginning of the end, but it is the end of the beginning.” Now Rehoboth Presbyterian as a congregation will reconstitute ourselves, going from a community of believers in one location to emissaries of faith to other locations, like seed sown on new, fertile soils. We will continue to strive to “grow disciples of Jesus Christ through relationships.”
We give thanks for God’s grace, for our time together in faith, and for God’s precious Son.
*This Proclamation will be shared at the stated meeting of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta on May 17, 2016.
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