OSL: The Order of St. Luke the Physician
The International Order of St. Luke the Physician (OSL) is an ecumenical organization dedicated to Christian healing ministry. It was founded in 1932 by the late Rev. John Gayner Banks (an Episcopal Priest), and his wife, Ethel Tulloch Banks, for the purpose of restoring the ministry of healing to the Church as well as to extend healing ministry beyond the Church to the greater community into hospitals, nursing homes and everywhere else where people are in need.
The core values of St. Cross that resonate with us are glorifying God by serving others by offering ourselves as vessels of Christ’s ministry of healing. We also seek to create a sacred space where those in need of healing may be made present before God.
St. Cross sponsors the Hermosa Beach Chapter of OSL which meets on the second Sunday of the month from 5-7PM. After a simple meal of soup, bread and salad, we study Scripture, books and other materials on Christian healing and on occasion invite guests to speak with us about healing. Members also engage in a service of healing prayer, often with the laying-on-of-hands. All are welcome to attend our meetings whether or not they are interested in membership.
We feel that much of what we do embodies the mission and vision of St. Cross. Every two years, we offer opportunities to learn more about Christian healing and healing prayer through a public workshop and healing service.
