March 4, 2012 "CROSSING BOUNDARIES"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Loving God, what a glorious morning this is! What better way to give you thanks for today, than to sing songs of praise and proclaim our love and devotion to you. On this Sabbath morning, we gratefully take time to rest our spirits basking in your most divine company. Guide us into quietness and help us embrace, fully, all the goodness and mercy that flows from your heart. Dearest Lord, we confess our lives seem to get more and more complicated with each passing day. We can get worn out with the obligations we must meet. If we find ourselves becoming ill-tempered and critical of one another, please open our eyes, our hearts and our minds. Help us recognize each other’s best efforts as you have always recognized ours. Your gracious “Yes” was in the heart of Jesus and was ever upon his lips when he reached out to heal the sick, comfort the mourners, and forgive sinners. Teach us to be the people of your gracious “Yes” working to bring healing to the world. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
This congregation believes in the benefits of scouting programs for boys and for girls. Being involved in the discipline of scouting, they benefit as individuals and in turn benefit the communities in which they reside in the present and the future. Scouts remind us of the importance of investing time, energy and financial support in programs that challenge our children and our youth. We provide the scouts a safe place to meet, to honor each other and to grow spiritually, mentally and physically. They have inspired us with their creative energy and determination, giving back to us their time and muscle as we launch projects of our own.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Most High God, bless these gifts to the care of your creation. Let us not be those who give in to anxiety and skittishness over what we do not have. These gifts are a statement of our faith in you and they herald our commitment to help those in need here and around the world. Receive these gifts and multiply them, we ask you, in the name of the Christ. Amen