2003 Synod Assembly

Community-wide Service of Health and Wholeness

"It was a beautiful service. It’s very uncommon in our churches, but, I think very much needed."

Many people expressed similar sentiments as they reflected on the Service of Health and Wholeness. For some it was a new experience, but one that was greatly welcomed.

The service was intended to symbolize more than just prayer for physical healing; spiritual healing was also a component. Clearly this was an important emphasis for the worshipers.

For Howard Jensen of Bear Creek Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow, it was the straightforwardness that was especially appealing. "It was real nice," he said. "I like the simpler services. And I liked the music, too," he added.

Indeed several mentioned the music. "The music was beautiful," said Jenelle Dow, of Trinity, Owatonna. Harpists, led by Eleanor Niemisto, and guitarist Rev. Victor Jortack combined to provide a mood that was soothing and meditative.

Dow went on to say, "It set the atmosphere, like you were there for healing. I definitely felt the Holy Spirit as I went forward." Participants in the Christ-centered service were invited to come forward, if they wished, and have the hands of pastors and chaplains placed on their heads as they were prayed for individually.

In the homily, the Rev. Dr. Ted Asta considered the many ways healing is needed in people's lives: divorce, illness, and abuse for example. Using the tree of life image from the Book of Revelation, Pastor Asta voiced the prayer of many people, "O Lord, bring healing." He then added that we dare to lay hands on one another to claim the power of Jesus to heal our brokenness. Rev. Asta is the Assistant to the Bishop of the New England Synod, Rev. Margaret Payne. Bishop Payne was unable to preach as scheduled because of a congregational emergency that needed her healing presence.

Not only was the healing service a novelty for the assembly, but it was also open to the Rochester community. Though it's difficult to tell how many of the over 400 worshipers were not voting members, the assembly message was conveyed strongly: Christ is made known for the healing of the world.

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