Jesus challenged the religious tradition that tried to separate healing and worship when he healed on the Sabbath in the temple. From the beginning, Highland’s Session developed the practice of meeting prior to worship to share concerns and lift up the names of the sick to God in prayer.
In June 1978, when it was learned how serious the illness of their third pastor, Ben Kirkland, was, the practice of holding a special prayer service for Ben’s healing following worship was established.
In May 1988, Elder Ginny Gunn first wrote an article for the Highlights, the church newsletter, about the possibility of a Memorial Garden which six years later became part of the church’s healing ministry.
In June 1991, Elder Jim Swing suggested that they not only lift up the names of the ill during a meeting of the Session but that they also do so during worship.
And in October of 1992, the Service of Wholeness was approved as a way of focusing their prayer life on behalf of those who experience illness in body, mind and spirit.
The relationship between worship and healing also continued to be expressed in prayerful visits and the celebration of communion in both the hospital and the home.
