February 2, 2014 "A DISCIPLES' CURRICULUM VITAE"

*THE APOSTLES’ CREED REVISITED**
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 and the communion of saints.
I believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, we are so very grateful for those men and women who recognized your Christ, who followed him, believed in him and, in turn, took up their crosses. Their courage and persistence in discipleship kept the story of Jesus relevant and alive so that we, like them, might be blessed. Pour into us your spirit of leadership, your spirit of purpose realizing that you have given to each of us gifts which empower and enable us to serve others. Let us not wonder about the days of our life, what we are doing here, if we are simply taking up space until you call us home. Make us instruments of your grace and goodwill. Let the light of your Christ shine in and through us. If we should get downhearted about anything remind us that your consolation is as close as a prayer. We are blessed to be your people, followers of the Christ in whose name we pray. Our dearest Abba Father, in heaven, we hallow your name offering our thanks and praise. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask no more than our daily bread and that you forgive our trespasses, empowering us to forgive those who trespass against us. Let us not be overcome by the temptations of the world, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
In 1971 Curtis Mayfield wrote: We who are young, should now take a stand. Don't run from the burdens of women and men. Continue to give; continue to live, for what you know is right. Most of your life can be out of sight. Withdraw from the darkness and look to the light where everyone's free; that's the way it's supposed to be. We just keep on keeping on. It isn’t easy to keep on keeping on, when we can’t see what lies ahead, but we do it — through the storm, through the night, led on to the light holding the hand of our precious Lord who leads us home. The ushers will now come forward to collect the offering.