Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
On Sunday, October 17, we will offer the fourth (and final) of the new worship forms that our Worship Team has prepared for this Fall. Pneuma is the Greek word for spirit (also breath) and it is the name of a healing liturgy. Together we will seek God’s healing power for our health and wholeness. Prayers will be offered for all those who are suffering in mind, body, and spirit and for our world that longs for restoration.
According to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book Leader’s Desk Edition, “In its ministry of healing, the church does not replace the gifts of God that come through the scientific community nor does it promise a cure. Rather, the church offers and celebrates gifts such as these: God’s presence with strength and comfort in a time of suffering, God’s promise of wholeness and peace, and God’s love embodied in the community of faith (page 660).”
I am grateful for Pastor Nancy Connor (our Visitation Pastor) and the Pastoral Care Team who are providing leadership to this new liturgical form on Sunday. Their presence in worship is a physical reminder of the care that they give to this community. Through visitation, phone calls, cards, and prayers, Pastor Nancy and the Pastoral Care Team (Karen Krafka, Birdie Olson, Kari Owens, Greta Soleim) share tangible reminders of God’s healing love.
I look forward to waving to you in worship this Sunday, whether during parking lot worship (8:00 a.m.), or in-person/online (9:30 a.m. or whenever you choose to view it on YouTube).
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt