Liturgical position

The termination of an assignment can take place either during or after the divine service, either in the presence of the congregation or the circle of those whom the person was assigned to serve.

If the termination of the assignment takes place during a divine service, it will be performed following the celebration of Holy Communion. If several acts are planned, they are to be performed in the following sequence:

• retirement, termination of an appointment or assignment bound to a ministry
• ordination, appointment, assignment, reinstatement
• termination of, or assignment to, a service that is not bound to a ministry
• engagement blessing, wedding blessing, wedding anniversary blessing

Execution

The termination of an assignment is performed by the Apostle or a priestly minis­ter designated by him or her.

Act

The officiating minister expresses thanks to the person in question in front of the altar for his or her service and commitment. He or she then shakes the person’s hand and terminates the assignment with the following words:

“(By commission of the Apostle,) I hereby release you from your assignment as a (designation).”