Bethel Presbyterian Church
Healing and Wholeness Service
December 31, 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
NEW TESTAMENT READING Colossians 3:5-17
*HYMN #244 Let Us with a Gladsome Mind Monkland
CALL TO CONFESSION
Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit. 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 #394 There is a Balm in Gilead Balm in Gilead
MEDITATION Starting Over Deb Hyder, Parish Nurse
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 98:1-2
SHARING OF PRAYER CONCERNS AND PRAYER
INTERCESSION FOR HEALING Anne Weems
The whole world waits in December darkness for a glimpse of the Light of God. Even those who snarl, “Humbug!” and chase away the carolers have been seen looking toward the skies. The one who declared he never would forgive has forgiven, and those who left home have returned, and even wars are halted, if briefly, as the whole world looks star ward. In the December darkness we peer from our windows watching for an angel with rainbow wings to announce the Hope of the World. 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 balm made 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 balm 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: Our father . . .
LAYING ON OF HANDS AND ANOINTING WITH OIL
Those desiring the laying on of hands and anointing with oil come forward. You may make your request known to Rev. Bill Shenk or Debbie Hyder, Parish Nurse.
*HYMN #404 Precious Lord, Take My Hand Precious Lord
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
PRAYER
*CHARGE AND BLESSING – Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Our God, Our Help in Ages Past Hymn #210
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
*POSTLUDE
