Online Contemplative Service

Welcome to Worship at McFarland United Church of Christ!

October 8, 2025 ✝ Service of Healing Prayer

Opening Prayer, Psalm 46, adapted by Nicky Temple

Pray Responsively:

The beloved is our refuge and our strength*

A loving presence in times of trouble

Therefore, we need not fear, though the earth should change

Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea

Though its waters roar and foam

Though the mountains tremble with its tumult

There is a river whose streams make glad the holy city,

The holy habitation of the most high

The Beloved is in the midst of it

Our loving God is an ever-present help

The nations may be at war, countries left in ruins

Yet is the voice of the almighty heard

slowly breaking through hearts of stone,

the Beloved is ever with us, an infinite heart of Love

Come, behold the words of the Beloved!

How Love does reign even in humanity’s desolation

For the Beloved yearns for wars to cease,

Shining light into fearful hearts

Loving even those who oppress the weak, refining hearts of steel.

‘Be still and know that I am Love. Awaken and befriend justice and mercy

Do you not know that you bear my Love?

Who among you will respond?’

~*~

A reading from Richard Rohr

Silent Meditation

Reflections

~*~

Cleansing prayer

Pray Responsively:

Holy One, a closed heart cannot accept your healing love;

Therefore help us open our hearts to you.

In those aspects of our lives where we have turned away from you,

Help us to turn toward you.

Where we have said or done things we regret,

Help us to seek forgiveness.

In those parts of the world where evil is done on our behalf,

Help us to seek justice.

In those places in ourselves where we are rigid,

Help us to soften and release.

In those parts of ourselves, we hold in shame or self-hate,

Help us to experience the healing power of your forgiveness and grace.

~*~

The Lord’s Prayer (Celtic Version)

In Unison:

Holy One beyond all names,

Eternal Wellspring,

May love rise again in us today

With food for every table, shelter for every family

And reverence for every life.

Forgive us our failings in love, and free us from all falseness

That the light of our souls may shine

And the strength of our spirits endure For Earth and all its people,

This day, tonight, and forever. Amen.

Passing of the Peace of Christ

~*~

Communion

Please form a semi-circle around the Altar

The Lord be with you,

and also with you.

Lift up your hearts,

We lift them to the Lord

During communion, we will sing “Ubi Caritas”

Ubi Caritas et amor,

(Where charity and love are)

Ubi caritas, Deus ibi est

(Where charity is, there is God)

Communion will be passed from person to person, saying:

“The Bread of Life, the Cup of Blessing”

~*~

Post-Communion Prayer

In Unison:

God of Love and Light, we give thanks once again

for this spiritual food and for all that it means to us.

Open our hearts to the needs of others,

especially those who are suffering or in need.

May we be a source of comfort and support,

reflecting your compassion in our words and actions.

Help us to see your presence in every person and to serve you through serving others. Amen.

~*~

Laying on of Hands with Prayers for Healing

All are welcome to come sit or kneel at a healing station to offer and receive prayers for healing with anointing.

All prayers for healing are kept in the closest confidence.

All others sing continuously:

O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer, When I call, answer me,

O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer, Come and listen to me

~*~

Prayers for Ourselves and for the World

Please Join in a circle

Leader:

I ask for your prayers for ourselves and for the world.

Response:

O God, hear our prayer

Closing Benediction

~*~

What is Taizé?

The Taizé form of worship uses calming music, candlelight, and silence to promote an atmosphere of peaceful, meditative worship.

Taizé originated during World War II, in the town of the same name in the Burgundy region of France. What began as an effort by a Christian brother and sister team to hide and protect those fleeing the war later developed into an ecumenical monastery devoted to a common life of service and great simplicity, and a world pilgrimage site.

Song is one of the most essential elements of worship. In the Taizé prayer service, words are sung over many times, gradually penetrating the whole being, uniting prayer and daily life. It becomes a way of listening to God.

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Thanks so much for joining us this evening!

To receive our weekly electronic newsletter The Pulse or for a name tag, provide your name and/or email to one of our ushers or email your information to office@mcfarlanducc.org.

Pastor: Bryan Sirchio pastorb@mcfarlanducc.org

Cell: (608) 577-8716 Office: 608-838-9322

Our Servant and Leadership Team (SaLT): Moderator - Donna Grossman (donna@mcfarlanducc.org); Vice moderator - Walt Jackson; Treasurer - Kathy Schwenn; Clerk - Diane Mikelbank; At large members - Lynn Belleau, Colleen Krattiger, Lisa Schweitzer, Cody Dewayne Shingler, and Judy Taber

Healing Prayer Team: Cameron Macdonald (Cameron1985@gmail.com), Lisa Ludwig, Martha Olsen, Trish Kalhagen, Anne Simon-Wolf, Tom Ludwig

Pianist: Bryan Sirchio

“The Wine of Sweet Communion,” Ken Medema