St. James's Episcopal Church
West Hartford Center
© 2009 St. James's Episcopal Church
MINISTRIES: Healing
Healing
Following a meeting with the Rector, the Reverend Bob Hooper to discuss whether St. James's wanted to develop a Healing Ministry, the initial group spent two years in discernment, study preparation and learning to pray. Then they began offering the Sacrament of Healing on the second Sunday at the 8 and 9:30 services. Now, for over two years, St. James's has been offering the Sacrament of Healing and Anointing every Sunday at the 9:30 service and the second Sunday of each month at the 8 o'clock service. The members of the healing team lay on hands and pray with those who come to St. James's for healing prayer. Without their devotion and commitment we could not offer this ministry to our people.
Sacrament of Healing
Dedication, Study and Prayer
The team meets after church for an hour and a quarter at least
every second Sunday and lately every Sunday that there isn't an
Adult Discussion Group. We have worked through "Healing in the Landscape of Prayer" by Avery Brooke, "Healing Ministry" by Leo Thomas and "Stretch Out Your Hand" by Tilda Norberg and Robert Webber. Now we are studying "Making Your Church a House of Healing" by Michael Gemignani.
every second Sunday and lately every Sunday that there isn't an
Adult Discussion Group. We have worked through "Healing in the Landscape of Prayer" by Avery Brooke, "Healing Ministry" by Leo Thomas and "Stretch Out Your Hand" by Tilda Norberg and Robert Webber. Now we are studying "Making Your Church a House of Healing" by Michael Gemignani.
School of Healing Prayer
On February 28, 2009 a total of 43 of us gathered from nine different parishes and churches to participate in the "School of Healing Prayer." We wanted to share what you said in the surveys:
We are not alone!
We are a community of healers -
diverse in our approach, but with a single shared call
We came together with no expectations, and received
encouragement and affirmation
encouragement and affirmation
We found the presentations, praying and sharing of new
ideas to be helpful
ideas to be helpful
We enjoyed sharing - in small groups and as a single,
large group, and we want to continue to be in community with each other sharing experiences and resources that will enrich our ministries
large group, and we want to continue to be in community with each other sharing experiences and resources that will enrich our ministries
So what's next? The survey results indicated a stong desire that there be future events for the
Healing Community, including additional workshops and/or retreats; and there was an indication
that it would be appropriate for St. James's to "pass the baton" to another church taking responsibility for the next event. Happily, St. Mary's Manchester recently hosted an event on February 13, 2010.
Healing Community, including additional workshops and/or retreats; and there was an indication
that it would be appropriate for St. James's to "pass the baton" to another church taking responsibility for the next event. Happily, St. Mary's Manchester recently hosted an event on February 13, 2010.
A Service of Healing
On Sunday, October 4, 2009, the entire liturgy of the 9:30 service was focused on healing. The entire team worked together during the service to offer healing prayer to all who wanted it. Our Rector, Bob Hooper, preached on the need for healing for all of us.
Centering Prayer
On November 13 and 14, 2009 we sponsored another Centering Prayer workshop led by the Rev. Scott Lee. Twelve of the members of the healing team attended. Now we meet every other Saturday morning to study and support each other in our centering prayer practice. Anyone is welcome to join us.
Prayer Shawls
Over ninety-six prayer shawls have been blessed and delivered by the Healing Team. A big thank you to Cindy Welch and Judy Nelson who have knitted almost all of these prayer shawls for us. The people who have received these shawls find them to be a real blessing and a source of comfort.
Support Group for Caregivers
A group of us who spend time caring for a loved one meet once a month to support, connect
and encourage one another. We have grown closer to each other through the sharing we do
at our meetings.
and encourage one another. We have grown closer to each other through the sharing we do
at our meetings.
Casserole Ministry
Sam Dynowski coordinates a list of people who prepare meals for individuals, couple and families.
When there is a new baby, recovery from surgery or illness, a death, or any other need for a
prepared meal, these generous parishioners provide them.
We are considering how to make Healing Prayer a normal extension of the Eucharist here at
St. James's. The work of the healing team has touched and encouraged many. Those on the
team are blessed by this ministry and in turn can be a blessing to others.
When there is a new baby, recovery from surgery or illness, a death, or any other need for a
prepared meal, these generous parishioners provide them.
We are considering how to make Healing Prayer a normal extension of the Eucharist here at
St. James's. The work of the healing team has touched and encouraged many. Those on the
team are blessed by this ministry and in turn can be a blessing to others.