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What does “Passing of the Peace” mean?  It is so much more than a mere “howdy” to your pew mate and “welcome to our service” to our visitors, although both are important gestures and need to continue.  When we “pass the peace” we are actually tapping into the tradition of Paul when, during his travels, he would direct his followers to “Greet one another with a holy kiss”.  Today we greet one another with a hug or handshake.  This acknowledges and celebrates each other as fellow believers.  Traditionally, one person will say, “The peace of Christ (or the peace of the Lord) be with you” and the response will be, “and also with you”.  We certainly do not need to be that formal, but isn’t it comforting to know that those we love, care for, worship with, and even strangers (who are now new friends) want us to have God’s peace to surround us?