The Blessing of the Hands ceremony is a tradition that is practiced around the world. During the simple ceremony, the caregiver’s hands are anointed while a special prayer is read. Some speculate that the ceremony originated in hospitals from the times of Florence Nightingale, the 19th century nurse considered to be the founder of modern nursing.
Over the years, the Blessing of the Hands has evolved into an interfaith, nondenominational ceremony that is open to all caregivers – and those who serve.
The Care and Share Ministry team adopted the practice several years ago, says team leader, Margie Best. She loves the ceremony for its inclusiveness – as so very many among us are caregivers in one way or another. Our service to each other is exemplified daily in our care of our families, our fellow parish members, of our church grounds, in our stewardship to the earth – all are part of our service to God and to the world. The spiritual experience of service to others and caregiving makes the Blessing of the Hands ceremony meaningful.
We hope you will join the Care and Share Ministry by coming forward to participate in this simple but powerful ceremony on Sunday, February 19 at the 9:00 and 11:15 AM services. As this will be an especially busy Sunday for the Care and Share team (which is also hosting Coffee Hour that day), we would be grateful for volunteers – particularly those willing to drive a parish member to church that day! Please be in touch with Melinda Hansen if you can help with transportation (even if only that day) at melinda@thehouseholderspath.com. Thank you for all that you do.