March 9, 2014 "WHO'S GOT YOUR EAR?"

*A LENTEN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH **
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, granter of grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world, can separate us from the love of God
who always forgives a repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came to love us into new life.
We believe that Jesus took our sins upon himself and carried them to the cross where he
relinquished his own spirit for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, for he was raised and will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks a fiery, passionate truth to all people, in every
language. Our hearts are warmed when we embrace that Spirit and we become
living proof of God’s transforming presence.
As the body of Christ in the world we believe we are called
to make a difference in this world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, we praise your name and give you thanks always. As we work to practice our piety during this season of Lent, we need your help as we endeavor to make our spiritual muscles stronger. Please give us patience and let us not struggle to be kind. May we never feel incensed over minor insults. Heal the ragged scars left by super-sensitivity and nagging feelings of inadequacy. When our egos feel bullied, or roughed up because someone took their stress or fatigue out on us, rescue us from stewing over our injuries and lead us in more worthwhile pursuits. Let prayer replace criticism and silence replace advice. Give us the courage to be vocal with our apologies, and to move on in order to keep pace with the demands of discipleship, in the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I once worked with a nurse who was a coupon aficionado. While her patients were asleep she sorted by expiration date, double value and which stores honored them, all of the coupons she had cut from papers and magazines. I was fascinated by her obsession, listening intently as she told me how to get the better and best bargains on everything from Cocoa Puffs and Captain Crunch to Charmin. Certain days were better coupon days at Ralph’s and other days were better at Von’s. I always wondered how much she spent on gas driving the distance between the stores to save 27 cents on a package of napkins. Today I am sure she shops at Costco or Sam’s Club and buys in bulk. The problem with shopping at Costco is the temptation to buy more because you get more for your money. The question, then, is always: “Do I need More?”