Laying On Of Hands

In the New Testament the laying on of hands was associated with the receiving of the Holy Spirit (See Acts 8:14-19). Initially the Apostles laid hands on new believers as well as believers. (See Acts 6:5-6).


LAYING ON OF HANDS FOR THE SICK (ADMINISTRATION) "For us, no sacrament is more closely bound to the human condition and God’s yearning to meet us in the tangle of life. Administration is the sacrament of emergency rooms, hospital rooms, and living rooms; of camps, reunions, and retreats; of pastors’ studies, inner-city streets, and even prisons; of bad news from the doctor, of phone calls at 2 a.m., and of life’s final moments."This rite has become for us the sacrament of desperate choices, of unexpected turns, of broken hearts and dreams, of endings and beginnings, of spiritual deserts, of renewed vision. With the warm flesh of human hands, this sacrament clothes that most breathtaking of all promises: that nothing--not even suffering and death—shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8:38–39)."
- Tony Chvala-Smith, Community of Christ Theologian

Any person who is sick or faces spiritual or emotional challenges may ask for a special prayer of blessing, regardless of church membership. 

During this sacrament, ministers of the church anoint the head of the person with consecrated oil, which symbolizes the love of God. The ministers then lay their hands upon the head of the person and approach God in prayer for the blessing and healing ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The purpose is to provide assurance of God’s care and concern and also of the community's special interest in that person.

If you are in need of the laying on of hands, or would like more information, please contact Helen at Community of Christ  (02) 98717400 or call Pastor Sue Palmer on 0411330212

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