St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Iola is setting aside a special time just for healing.
It’s a monthly service devoted to offering a quiet, reflective space for community members dealing with personal hardships.
The service, held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday, is led by Deacon Oliver Bunker.
“There are people who are hurting — who are struggling,” Bunker said. “People who are sick or struggling with relationships.
“The service is an opportunity to realize you’re not alone,” he said.
The services will include Scripture readings, a litany of healing prayers, and time for personal reflection.
Readings come from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament and the Gospels.
Bunker has selected passages from “The Message,” a contemporary translation of the Bible. He said he hopes the more accessible language will resonate with participants.
“Maybe it will speak to people in a different way,” he said.
THE ATMOSPHERE of the church itself is meant to offer solace, with candles lit throughout the sanctuary and space offered for silent reflection.
“I want people to be able to sit there and quietly reflect in prayer,” Bunker said. A key component of the service is the option for individual prayer and anointing with chrism oil, which has been blessed.
“People can come up and quietly ask for prayers for something that’s on their mind,” Bunker explained.
Participants may share specific concerns or simply request prayer, after which Bunker offers a brief blessing and makes the sign of the cross on their forehead. “It can be really powerful,” he said.
Bunker hopes the service will draw attendees from beyond the church’s membership. He also envisions and hopes to eventually offer the healing service at local institutions such as the hospital chapel or Allen Community College.
“I think the church sometimes forgets to go out to where the people are,” he said. “At times we really need to go to them.”
BUNKER’S PATH to ministry wasn’t a traditional one. Raised in Thayer and now living in Chanute with his wife Jo, Bunker has worked for 35 years at Ash Grove Cement.
