August 17, 2014 "WHAT'S THAT MEAN?"

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH GLEANED FROM ROMANS 10:5-15
We believe, from the very beginning, God poured out goodness, mercy
and love on every living thing, and God continues to do so today.
God’s word is ever near us, on our lips and in our hearts,
for God has written his truth upon our hearts.
We believe with our hearts and confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord.
We have no doubt that God raised Jesus from the dead.
We are not ashamed to speak for this confession is our salvation.
In Christ there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, male or female,
daunted or undaunted, wealthy or poor, oppressed or free. God’s generosity is for all people.
And all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe in the Holy Spirit poured out upon us from birth to death, guiding us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church, Christ’s body in the world.
As members of the body we are called to be and to bring the good news
to all who have ears to hear and hearts to receive.
For faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
Thanks be to God!

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Merciful God, seated here in this sanctuary, we breathe a sigh of relief and are able to let down our shoulders, for a little while. Having shared the joys that make our hearts glad and the concerns that weigh heavily in our thoughts, we are ready to move on, ready to listen and to explore what your word will reveal to us. Yes, it’s possible for each one of us to grasp different elements of the story or letter being read, but every morsel of your word is tasty and is meant to nourish our hungry spirits. Today we hope to have a better understanding of what it means to confess with our lips and believe in our hearts, to embrace to the fullest our salvation in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Marketing —also known as branding —fascinates me. At its best it is creative and intriguing. At it’s worst it is manipulative and coarse. When watching TV I have been intrigued by David E. Kelley Production’s sign-off logo of the old lady sitting in a rocking chair with her TV remote in hand. As she clicks the remote to turn off the television, the words David E. Kelley Productions fly out of the television and knock over the rocking chair. You hear the old lady cry out “You Stinkah!” Far Field Production’s sign-off logo features a boy, arm outstretched, pointing toward the single tree on the grassy knoll above which appear the words “Far Field Productions. “The boy says: “What’s that mean?” So you remember the last time you asked that? Here is something to ponder. The many writers of the Bible invested their hearts and minds in exploring meaning, asking the question of every life lesson and experience: “What’s that mean?” I think God welcomes the question so let us strive to make the church a safe place to ask it.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, the gifts we offer affirm our faith and trust in your will and way for us. Our desire is to serve you, undaunted in our efforts to bring glory to your name, help to those in need and care to the earth. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.