*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR PENTECOST by Rev. Dr. Amanda J. Burr
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters and brought the world
into being. That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One. His very name, Jesus, signified salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us. When Jesus gave up his life for ours he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands and God raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured the language of salvation in Jesus into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles empowering them to tell their story to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all. Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Sovereign God there are those among us who seem to have enough energy to balance the demands work family and play. They seemed to be filled to the brim with energy — healthy in body, heart and mind. Others among find our energy sapped at the end of a long day and just aren’t as mobile as we once were. Our hearts long to be useful in every moment of this life so our prayer is this: When we are wandering aimlessly, confused, lost and in search of a direction be our compass, O Lord, and get us back on course. If human institutions have determined that we are redundant, you do not. Help us to find a new way to offer ourselves and our gifts to your service. Your Spirit, Gracious God, has the power to renew our sense of purpose and enrich our work. Open our eyes, hearts and minds. Let us feel the energy generated by our mutual connection. And when we rest, O Lord, let our minds be at rest as well, in the assurance that you will accompany us in all the adventures of tomorrow. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Today we celebrate the electrifying passionate presence of the Holy Spirit who blew into the midst of Jesus’ disciples just 50 days after his crucifixion and resurrection and empowered them anew to carry on. Since 2005 our prayer shawl team have been knitting and crocheting prayer shawls. To date we have given out over 567 shawls which are created by loving hands and are sent to people all over the world. They are gifts of love, goodwill and comfort, from every member of this congregation crafted first and then blessed by the laying on of hands—your hands —your fully Spirited hands. Thank you to those of you who have brought the gift of yarn today to help keep this ministry going. We accept yarn anytime.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless all the gifts and tithes we have brought today. We share in a ministry to all the world when we participate in this offering. May your most Holy Spirit empower and energize our ministry as servants of the Christ. Let everything we do and everything we are give witness your steadfast mercy and love bringing light into someone’s darkness and hope to those in despair. We give you thanks for the opportunities to serve you in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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