August 11, 2013 "DOES IT TAKE A THIEF?"

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON THE TRADTIONAL APOSTLES’ CREED ***
I believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving Abba Father, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son, who was conceived by The Spirit of God and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. He was crucified, died and was buried.
On the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead.
I believe the risen Christ ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God Almighty.
From this throne Jesus shall come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the church universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and eternal life. Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to God and to the Christ and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dear Lord, someone says, “Take a deep breath and relax.” “Let go of the troubles of the world and feel the presence of the Spirit.” They say: “Be at peace in this sanctuary.” But, Lord, it’s so hard to clear our thoughts and unburden our minds, even for one hour. It’s really next to impossible to set aside the lists of things that simply must be accomplished. Some of us can’t even let go of the angst we have over whether or not there will be enough refreshments for the fellowship hour. Some of us are trying to remember just how many appointments, meetings and deadlines we have to juggle this week. We can’t even stop thinking about the things that need fixing in our own lives, never mind the things that need fixing in your church and in the world. Enough said. Just, now, Oh Gracious One, help us focus all that is within us on the task at hand. Bring us into the heart of worship as we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING Luke 12:13-21
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Tours of China end with an overnight stay in Hong Kong. About 20 years ago it was a great place to spend money, particularly on things you didn’t need. Six months after my first visit, I went back to Hong Kong and stayed a week just to spend money. I went on a spending spree, buying gold and pearls, opals, rubies and diamonds, a fancy 35 millimeter camera, a Gameboy, a gorgeous custom made suit with two skirts, and 40 silk jackets from Stanley Market for family and friends. Three weeks after I got home the pearls, the opals, my Colombian emeralds and an amethyst ring made by my grandmother, were stolen from my home. New and nostalgic possessions were gone in the twinkling of an eye, forever. Two years later the camera and the Gameboy were stolen, and I outgrew the suit. Possessions come and go. Their value is subjective; their actual worth is often determined by a pawn-broker, or an insurance adjuster, or it will be discovered by the auctioneer at your estate sale. If you invest in the church, you can realize its value now.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Pour out your glorious Spirit of Blessing upon these our offerings most loving and gracious Lord. May every ministry they support, every program they nurture, every comfort they provide glorify your name. We are indebted to you for our every breath and blessing, however we give not because of our indebtedness, but because of our gratefulness. We offer these tokens of thanks in the name of the Christ. Amen.