DRAW CROWDS | Healing Hands Worship Series, week 4
July 22, 2018

(BOW=United Methodist Book of Worship)

PLANNING FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICE

Today’s service focuses on the crowds that flocked to Jesus wherever he went. They sought healing from him, just by being in his presence or touching the hem of his robe. This movement of crowds following Jesus from place to place inspired this week’s ritual action. We suggest a “movement song” (a congregational song that both encourages us and enables us to move as we sing) that can be sung as a response in the midst of ritual, or even as a song that is sung in the midst of the sending as people go into the world.

This season, we will be giving worship pieces in this space rather than an order of worship. This is to allow churches to use these resources in the order of worship that their context is used to. We suggest that you consider including a ritual action each week in worship that connects to the Scripture and allows your congregation to embody their response to the Word.

Week 1 - Service of Healing (BOW 615). If you are welcoming a new pastor today, consider including a Service for the Celebration of an Appointment (BOW 595).

Week 2 - Blessing of Hands

Week 3 - Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant (BOW 111)

Week 4 - Movement Hymn (see Music Notes)

Week 5 - Communion or gathering for a meal immediately following worship.

Worship pieces that you may consider for this week:

CALL TO PRAISE AND PRAYER

One: How do we know our God? Lord, what are you calling us to do that draws crowds to you?
Many: Our world needs God’s healing touch and restoration. Wherever our journey goes, God is with us. Yes, we are seeking God’s healing touch and hope. We are being sent forth to live your will!

One: Today, we are asking God to send us into this world two by two to witness holy boldness. With these hands and feet, God is healing hearts, transforming lives, renewing souls, raising us from death, and granting this new day!
Many: Yes, we are seeking God’s healing touch! You are known as the one who draws crowds throughout the world!

One: What is our call today? We will worship an awesome God who sends forth healing to a dark world.
All: Let us worship God this day as new life comes forth in the name of Jesus Christ!

NRSV texts, artwork and Revised Common Lectionary Prayers for this service are available at the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
Leccionario en Español, Leccionario Común Revisado: Consulta Sobre Textos Comunes.
Lectionnaire en français, Le Lectionnaire Œcuménique Révisé

Calendar Notes

The color from now until All Saints Day or All Saints Sunday (November 1 or 4) is green. Consider using different shades or patterns of green throughout the coming months, if you have means available to do so. On All Saints, the color is white or gold.