Lenten Healing Sunday
Organ Prelude
Congregational Welcome
Choral Introit “Come, Gracious Spirit” (Paul Sjolund)
Call to Worship
*Gathering Hymn #380 O Christ, the Healer
*Prayer of Invocation and Healing
One Voice: Hear the words of Psalm 126: “When our God restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy… Restore our fortunes, O Lord… may those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” Let us pray to the God of restoration and resurrection.
All: We are not strangers to tears, O God, nor are those who weep all around this world strangers to you. Even our creation groans in pain, says the scripture. And though we often count our blessings, we have injuries and flaws to admit also. Yet we know these are not the last word. We know you are with us. And we believe that restoration, reconciliation, and consolation are Jesus’ promises and your way. So be with us, again, through ancient promises and exalted blessings. Be with us in song, bread, and Spirit, guiding us to be with each other, too, in the yoke of Jesus’ love and even Jesus’ cross, Amen.
*Assurance of Grace
*Sung Response (Passion Chorale)
O God of all the living, both banished and restored,
Compassionate, forgiving, our peace and hope assured.
Grant now that our transgressing, our faithlessness may cease.
Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon, and in peace.
*Sharing of Peace
One Voice: The Peace of Christ be always with you. All: And also with you!
The Hebrew Bible 1 Kings 17: 17-24
The History of the Church Acts 3: 1-8
The Gospel Readings Matthew 10: 1; Mark 6: 7-8, 13; John 9: 1-12
The Morning Meditation The Rev. Kenneth Baily
Call to Offering
Choral Offering “Steal Away” (Helvey)
*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Christ the word in flesh born low,
Praise Holy Spirit evermore,
One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn #404 Precious Lord, Take My Hand
The Celebration of Holy Communion
All: For this table is spread for you and for me that we might know that God has come to us and shared our common lot and invited us to receive life anew. Indeed, God has triumphed even over death. So we come to this table for thanksgiving, for grace, for God’s presence, for peace.
Leader: Let us unite our voices in preparation. God be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them up to God!
Leader: Let us praise God together, saying:
All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest.
The Lord’s Prayer (“our Father and Mother…trespasses”)
Sharing of Communion Elements, Offering of Candles, Prayer Circles, Hymns
Hymn #394 (seated) There Is a Balm in Gilead
Hymn #280 (seated) Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
Prayer of Thanksgiving
*Hymn of Healing (insert) For the Healing of the Nations
*Assurance and Blessing
*Choral Benediction “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (Peter Lutkin)
Postlude
* Those who are able please stand
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Healing Sunday is a long-time tradition here, and in addition to the Eucharist and prayer candles we offer confidential, respectful, faithful prayer partners at two locations for anyone of any age to request private, personal prayers to God, of every type.
Like to cook? Sign up to bring a Nicaraguan-style dish to the Mission Committee’s fundraising lunch on Sunday, March 10, after worship. Mark your calendar for this special event!
Thanks to worship leaders Ken Baily, Jan Zimmerman, Yevgenia Semeina-Maroyan, Ted Palés, Amanda Ketchpaw, Jeff Wu (Saxophone), and Misha Hill.
Each Sunday, NHCC is blessed to be able to include remote members and friends in worship via YouTube and on our website. Our services are live streamed and recorded. We don’t control who can watch or who can be seen. If you do not wish to have your likeness recorded, streamed, or photographed, please inform a greeter so you can be seated appropriately.
“The church’s mission has been to create the human conditions where one can experience God, particularly in those moments of vulnerability and brokenness… being a sign of God’s presence.”
— Sr. Kathleen Popko
“Healing is an element in the work of salvation.”
— Paul Tillich