In the beginning . . .
The Georgetown Ecumenical Wholeness Service started in the late 1990’s at First Presbyterian Church as a ministry of healing prayer for those in need. As it grew, it attracted other churches and soon formed an ecumenical circle of leadership. After a few years, the service adopted a second style of contemplative prayer. Named for the French Christian community of the same name, Taizé Common Prayer now intersects with the original service of Healing and Wholeness, expanding the opportunities to connect with the Holy Spirit. Supported by a fellowship of area Christians, the Wholeness Service may take place in any of its partner churches. Our host for the current season is San Gabriel Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, Texas.
Prayers from Taizé
Congregational songs in our services are an ancient form of contemplative prayer. In Taizé, France, a worldwide congregation of monks and pilgrims pray together three times daily. Based on early Christian chant, their united voices sing short, easy phrases, repeated many times. Each song is enhanced by vocal and instrumental solos. Like the Taizé congregations, we find that singing together helps to open our hearts to the Spirit, encouraging our focus on God alone. Also in the tradition of Taizé, we observe a long moment of silence, deep in each Wholeness Service. During this moment we pause to sit silently with God.
Candlelight Intercession
Intercessory prayers are the heart of the Wholeness Service. From its beginnings, people met to pray for each other and for personal needs. Prayers are offered for neighbors and for the world. All concerns are welcomed, and all are invited to speak at the appropriate time. Following group intercession, every person is given the chance to light a candle representing their prayers.
Illumination of Scripture
Brief messages are presented each month by ministers of the Word. Combined with song and prayer, scriptural illumination adds God’s Word to the evening’s meditation. Messages are focused, topically and scripturally, in ways that help the assembly to discern and then commune with the Spirit. Each year features a new set of topics.
Anointing with Oil
During candle lighting, there is an opportunity for private prayer accompanied by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. You can receive prayer for yourself or for another. Private prayer with a pastor is also offered in a secluded space. If you would like prayer at your seat, please let us know. We will be happy to serve you in place.
Open Communion
Understanding that the communion table is the Lord’s Table and not the property of any church or group, we celebrate the reality of Jesus’ love for everyone. All are welcome and embraced here. We gather in wholeness around the table as the children of God to feed on Christ’s Grace, which bids us all to come and join in communion. Gluten free elements are an option, as is service at your seat.
