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Raleigh Mennonite Church

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Pastor Melissa’s last Sunday

August 1, 2025

  • Melissa plays djembe while children play rhythm instruments in front of her.
  • Melissa on her knees in the front of the church speaking with a group of children.
  • Melissa and Hans serve communion to folks as others wait in line.
  • Melissa preaches her final sermon at RMC with her image projected on the screen beside her.
  • Colorful quilted wall hanging given to Melissa on her last Sunday at RMC.
  • Jackie presents Melissa with a binder book of memories contributed by RMCers.
  • Large group of people surround Melissa as she receives a prayer of dedication.

On Sunday, July 27, we wished our pastor of nine years, Melissa Florer-Bixler, well as she left the pastorate to pursue doctoral studies at Duke Divinity School . She shared with the children, preached her final sermon and served communion. We had a special dedication for her followed by a potluck reception. You can see a collection of photos of Melissa during her tenure at RMC.

On her last day as pastor Melissa sent RMCers this blessing by Jan Richardson:

This Day We Say Grateful
A Sending Blessing

It is a strange thing
to be so bound
and so released
all in the same moment,
to feel the heart
open wide
and wider still
even as it turns
to take its leave.

On this day,
let us say
this is simply the way
love moves
in its ceaseless spiraling,
turning us toward
one another,
then sending us
into what waits for us
with arms open wide to us
in welcome
and in hope.

Filed Under: Events, Service, Worship Tagged With: blessing, dedication, farewell, last Sunday, Melissa Florer-Bixler, quilt

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121 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27603

Phone: 919-831-2969

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