"we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God." - Colossians 1:9-10
"God is love." - that is where we begin in living the life of faith - and God's love is where we will end, and God's love is with us all through our lives. But we all have different experiences of that love - and sometimes obstacles to experiencing it at all. Spiritual growth often calls for healing of body, mind and healing - spirituality and healing are virtually inseparable.
At Christ Church we believe in God's power to heal us, inside and out, given to the church through Jesus' ministry. We have witnessed God's healing through our prayers, sometimes in miraculous ways. We offer prayers for healing at every worship service, as well as occasional healing services.
We celebrate the spiritual journey of each person who journeys with us, seeking to support and uphold each person's path as we testify to the truth and power of the tradition of Christian spirituality we have inherited. We invite you to bring your gifts and your wounds, to share with us in the transforming love of God.
Healing Ministry
A Healing Service is held every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
This combines a short evening worship service with an opportunity for all to receive healing prayer with laying of hands. All are welcome, churchgoers or not. God's healing is offered for all kinds of needs, physical, emotional or spiritual. Confidentiality is maintained.
Prayers for healing are offered by clergy and lay people at every worship service. Periodically at the 5 o'clock service we devote the whole worship time to healing. Appointments for individual prayer sessions, especially for emotional or "inner" healing can be made by contacting the clergy ("Contact Us" tab above.).
Prayer and Support Groups
There are several groups that meet regularly at Christ Church to support one another in faith and life. If you are interested in joining such a group, please contact the clergy.
Prayer Breakfast Group - This group meets at the church on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, at 7 a.m., to share breakfast, discussion and their concerns with one another. All are welcome.
Thursday Morning Men's Group - This group for men meets at Teddy B's Diner in Bethany every Thursday, at 6:30 a.m., to share breakfast, discussion and spiritual support. All are welcome.
A.A. - Christ Church hosts A.A. meetings on Sunday and Wednesday evenings at 7:30. We welcome all who attend this program at worship and community events.
BOOK GROUP: WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 7:30 P.M.
- Join us Wednesday evenings at 7:30 to read a variety of books and discuss how to integrate our faith with our lives as citizens. Contact The Rev. Kate Heichler at 393-3399.
If you have a book or idea you'd like to discuss, let us know - we'll find other interested people.
Quiet Days and Retreats
Periodically we offer a Quiet Day (one-day retreat) or weekend Retreat for rest, reflection and recharging our spiritual batteries. These are wonderful opportunities for drawing closer to God, and to the community at Christ Church.
LENTEN RETREAT DAY - MARCH 17TH
"Earth, Wind and Fire - the Celtic Way of the Spirit"
You are invited to a Lenten Day of Retreat on March 17th.
In honor of St. Patrick, we will focus on the Celtic approach to spirituality, which is sensual and rooted in nature, intimate and relational, and stresses commitment to personal responsibility and respect for all people. This will be a good companion to our MDG focus this Lent. Kate Heichler and Tricia Pasley will be our guides for a day that will include talking and silence, music and art, worship and rest. The Retreat will be from 9 - 3 on March 17, and will be held at Lakeview Lodge in Bethany, on Route 42. Lunch will be served - please sign up so we can plan for you - call 393-3399 or email office@christchurchbethany.org.
Spirituality & Health - A Connection and an Invitation
The following was contributed by the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Boyd, a psychiatrist and member of Christ Church. His book, "Being Sick Well," on living with chronic illness came out in 2006.
Spirituality promotes health and prevents disease, according to medical research. Spiritual people deal with stress better, recover faster from surgery and illness, are less prone to depression, anxiety and drug abuse. Three-dozen research studies have shown that those who attend church live longer than those who don't. Who is teaching you and your children about spiritual health?
Who is the master of your ship and captain of your soul? Is it you, or do you yearn to relinquish control to the spiritual realm? We know of a peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). We would like to share that peace with you. Have you met Jesus?
During worship we offer prayers for healing. We would like to encourage your personal relationship with Jesus. Twelve step programs that meet at Christ Church ask those who are bewildered and lost to relinquish control over their lives to a Higher Power. We will walk beside you so you are not alone.
If you live in New Haven County and want us to pray for you or your loved ones, or if you have other spiritual issues, click on the "Prayer Request" tab above. Please tell us the personal story of your spiritual journey. We'd love to hear from you.
Ours is a nation that celebrates diversity. In order to grow in your spirituality you must choose and eventually make a commitment to one particular spiritual tradition, to one particular group of sisters and brothers who care for and pray with one another. We invite you to consider whether the community of Christ Church in Bethany could meet your needs.
References
Harold G. Koenig, The Healing Power of Faith (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1999).
Harold G. Koenig, "An 83-year-old woman with chronic illness and strong religious beliefs," JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) 288, no. 4 (Jul 24-31, 2002): 487-493.
Harold George Koenig, Michael E. McCullough and David B. Larson, Handbook of Religion and Health (Oxford University Press, 2001).
Kenneth I. Pargament, The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice (New York: Guilford Press, 1997).
