During a Sunday worship service each Lent and Advent, we offer a brief RITE OF HEALING. Oftentimes, people who have not experienced it ask about it! This Sunday, as part of our service, we will offer this rite. Here is some brief information:
1. The actual service of healing is a brief part of our regular service. NO ONE IS REQUIRED TO COME FORWARD----During this time, a person may stay in her/his pew and pray. Music will be played during that time.
2. If a person comes forward, he/she will be anointed with oil,in the Biblical tradition, and the pastor and our church deacons, again in keeping with Biblical tradition, will lay hands upon him or her.
Whether no one comes forward or many do, it is a time in the service in which we pray for healing------of the body, of the emotions, of the spirit, for ourselves and others.WE MAY DO SO IN SILENCE OR IN SIGNS. This time of healing is a time to ask forgiveness of sin as we pray before our God!
There is no pressure to participate in anything done outwardly, but many, over the years, have said that it is really a beautiful rite to witness and in which to participate.
A FEW NOTES:
* It has been a longstanding rite within the United Church of Christ
* It is found in the UCC Book of Worship
* It is part of the worship life of many Protestant as well as Catholic churches.
Again, it is a significant short part of what we do as a community in worshiping on Sunday morning....
In this season of joy, we realize that many people live with pain and hurt and grief.........
Jesus Christ came to bring joy...and healing....
He is, in the words of the Christmas carol---'RISEN..with HEALING in his wings!'( hark, the Herald angels Sing!')
By His stripes, we are reminded....WE ARE HEALED!
Hope to see you Sunday-
Pastor Bob
0 comments:
Post a Comment