ILS 2023 Closing Chapel

***Note: The below chapel sermon was given at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School on June 9, 2023. For context, Immanuel Lutheran Church and School is situated in Northern Virginia, and many students move from year to year due to their parent's employment or military service.

Closing Chapel Service
of Immanuel Lutheran School
June 9, 2023

My friends, the last day of school has arrived. It’s kind of crazy to believe, isn’t it? The time has come for us to say “Goodbye” for another summer.

But have you ever thought about all the ways people say goodbye in the world? I mean, there is the straightforward, “Bye.” But have you heard other ways of saying, “Goodbye?”

In Spanish there is “Adios.”

If you are wanting to have fun with someone you might say, “See you later – alligator.”

Or the Italians might say, “Ciao.”

The French say “Adieu.”

Or the British would say, “Cheerio” or “Ta-Ta.”

All of this brings to my mind the song from The Sound of Music,

So long, farewell
Auf Weidersehen, goodbye
I leave and heave
A sigh and say goodbye
Goodbye

 But what does it mean to say “Goodbye?”

This word came about in the late 16th century, but like so many words, it has a deep Christian meaning. It means “God be with ye.”

That’s right, “Goodbye” means “God be with you.”

As we all prepare to depart today, I want you to take a look to your left and right; some of your friends, classmates, and teachers will not be among us next year. Whether it’s a move to a new state, a new country, or a new school down the road – today we say “Goodbye.”

And while it might sound kind of sad, it turns out, it is a pretty great thing to say to a friend, “God be with you.”

And He is!

He is with all of you today, tomorrow, and always – no matter where you spend your summer, no matter where you attend school next year, where you move, or no matter what happens in life – God is with you.

And if you should ever forget this, let your memories of Immanuel Lutheran School be your reminder, because Immanuel means – “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

So as you walk out of school today and head home, be sure to say to one another, “Goodbye.”

Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Associate Pastor, Immanuel Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Alexandria, VA