AFFIRMATION OF FAITH **
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, God with us, baptized and revealed
the most beloved Son of God. He sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself, suffering for us and dying for us; he was raised from the dead for our sake and for the sake of all the world. We believe that he will come again.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, continually poured out refreshing our lives, leading us into a new day, ever-birthing the church, the body of Christ in the world. This Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of the gift of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, Our Savior, Redeemer and Friend, we have unwrapped our Christmas gifts, the sweaters, socks and gift cards, the perfume and trinkets, all of them expressions of love from family and friends. Many of us have spent time lingering over delicious meals, seated around lavishly decorated tables and have felt how pleasant it is to relax in good company. May the aura of this marvelous season of hope, joy, peace and love linger long in our hearts and attitudes. As we enter the new year, help us to carry the newness and gentleness of the Christ child with us. Help us to let go of the grudges, chips and disappointments we have carried on our shoulders for too long. The time of renewal belongs not to one day of the year, but is ours every morning as the sun rises. You offer us a new day and another chance to try and get it right.For this and more we give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The New Year will soon be here and we will resolve perhaps to make some changes in our lives for our own good, the good of our families, our community, and maybe even the world. A friend of mine told me she needed to get herself a treadmill, because she wasn’t walking enough. She doesn’t want to walk around her neighborhood anymore, but if she doesn’t start walking soon, she believes she won’t be able to walk at all. I think the same thinking must apply to supporting the church. The church depends upon the money you place in the offering plate. Without your offering the life of the church cannot be sustained. Imagine coming to church every Sunday and finding that a pew has been removed because we couldn’t support it. Pretty soon the sanctuary would be empty of pews and people. Resolve to give regularly to your church whether you are here or not.
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