Church News – February

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Jesus healed. He also preached and taught. When he spoke it was often to crowds of people, but when he healed it was personal. Healing took many forms to address many diseases and conditions. Sometimes it was just touch, sometimes a process, or a mixture of soil and saliva. He could heal from a distance. It was a significant part of his ministry on earth. And we read in the Book of Acts that his disciples healed, too. There are verses that connect all these miracles in the gospel of John:

“I tell you this truth, that the ones who believe in me will also do the works

that I do; even greater works than these will they do, because I am returning

to oneness with my father. So whatever you ask in my name will be done,

that my father might be glorified in me …” (John 14: 12-14)

Why was healing so important to Jesus? In any form, healing is an act of love. Jesus walked through a hurting world, among a people oppressed under Roman rule. Through word and action, he brought healing and hope to all he encountered. He did not see or present himself as a strong political or military leader, though some of his followers would project such hopes onto him. What he came to bring was healing. This was to be healing on many levels; physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. He understood that people who experience healing and wholeness can survive – perhaps sometimes even thrive – in the face of oppression.

So here the etymologist in me comes out to clarify that the words “heal” and “whole” are actually from the same root words in a number of European languages; Old English “hael” or “haelth”; German “heil,” Norse “heill” etc. All these words could be translated as heal/healed or whole/made whole. So, the pursuit of healing can also be understood as a quest for wholeness – a sense of general well-being that can be physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual. Healing/wholeness can be achieved through healing modalities (conventional or holistic), but also through sharing a meal, walking in nature, reading, coffee with a friend, or a comforting visit or phone call. In this sense, we can all see ourselves as healers for each other and for our community.

The size, isolation and closeness of the Point Roberts community has allowed our residents to be sources of healing, comfort and support over many years. About four years ago, we began a healing ministry for the church and community, located in the PREP Room in the education building. As a certified healing touch practitioner, I could offer pain relief, promote peace of mind, provide spiritual comfort. This ministry continued right up to the arrival of Covid-19.

Ah, yes, Trinity community experienced some significant setbacks over the last few years; not just from Covid-19. A need for a good gutter-cleaning at this time revealed that our sanctuary was in serious need of repair – so much so that we could not legally gather there.

The formation of an intrepid finance committee (God bless them all!) resulted in a swift donor response, which allowed us to do the immediate repairs required to keep the building sound.

As we continue to return, repair and rebuild (in a number of ways), we’ve started to look again at the future of our healing ministry, and how it can be a part of the healing of our church and community. So, we have repurposed another room, designated and furnished it as a healing space, and will officially reopen our healing ministry this month.

We have a few members who are gifted/trained in a variety of modalities, that will be reflecting on their experience and understanding of healing in this space of the paper. In the meantime, know that we are here, and we are here for you.

For now, inquiries can be addressed to me at gina.gaudet@aol.com, or by phone/text at 604/828-3736.

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