Bethel Presbyterian Church
Healing & Wholeness Service
October 29, 2006
11:00 a.m.
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of God's glory.
PRELUDE
OPENING PRAYER Rev. Richard Hettrick
NEW TESTAMENT READING Colossians 3:13
HYMN #210 (Verses 1& 5) Our God, Our Help in Ages Past St. Anne
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Friends in Christ, God knows our needs before we ask, and in our asking prepares us to receive the gift of grace. Let us open our lives to God’s healing presence, forsaking all that separates us from God and neighbor. Let us be mindful not only of personal evil but also of the communal sins in which we play a part. Let us confess to God whatever has wounded us or brought injury to others, that we may receive mercy and become for each other ministers of God’s grace.
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and our strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
HYMN #403 What a Friend We Have in Jesus Charles Converse
A MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN Deb Hyder
MEDITATION Forgiveness Deb Hyder, Parish Nurse
ANTHEM Like a River Glorious Handbell Choir
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Psalm 65:3
SHARING OF PRAYER CONCERNS
INTERCESSION FOR HEALING St. Francis of Assisi
Gracious, loving, caring God, source of all healing and wholeness, make us instruments of Your healing. When we are weak and in pain, help us to rest; when we are anxious, help us to wait patiently; when we are fearful, help us to trust in You; when we are lonely, help us to love; when we place You apart from us, help us to know that You are still near. Healing God, grant us not so much to de3mand everything from ourselves, as to allow others to help us; grant us not so much to seek escape, as to face ourselves and to learn the depths of Your love. For it is in being uncertain and not in control, that we find true faith; in knowing the limits of mind and body, that we find wholeness of spirit; in passing through death that we find life that lasts forever. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Savior, our Healer, our Lord, we offer ourselves to You. Amen.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, source of all healing, in Jesus Christ you heal the sick and mend the broken. We bless you for this oil pressed from the fruits of the earth, given to us as a sign of healing and forgiveness, and to the fullness of life you give. By your Spirit, come upon all who are anointed with this oil that they may receive your healing touch and be made whole, to the glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. And now with the confidence of the children of God, let us pray as He taught us to pray:
LAYING ON OF HANDS AND ANOINTING WITH OIL
Those desiring the laying on of hands and anointing with oil come forward.
*HYMN #404 Precious Lord, Take My Hand Thomas A. Dorsey
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE God Be with You Till We Meet Again Hymn #540
God be with you till we meet again:
Loving counsels guide, uphold you, With a Shepherd’s care enfold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
*POSTLUDE
