SEND FORTH | Healing Hands Worship Series, week 2
July 8, 2018

(BOW=United Methodist Book of Worship)

Planning for this service

Today’s service focuses on Jesus sending the disciples forth in twos to spread the good news of the gospel. You may take some time in your service to recognize your church’s mission work in the local or global community.

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: We have powerful hands and feet. Lord, what are you calling these hands and feet to do?
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. We are being sent forth to do your will!

One: Today, we are asking God to send us unto 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! Send forth a new witness of faith to all 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!

BLESSING OF HANDS

Leader: I invite you to bring your hands forward, palms up, for this blessing.

Bless, O Lord, these hands.
May the Holy Spirit be their guidance,
That they might be your hands wherever they go.
That they might comfort and encourage.
That they might build up your kingdom.
In the Name of Jesus, go forth.
Amen.

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.