A NEW LIFE AFFIRMATION by Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
It is God who lovingly gave us the breath of life. May all our days be occasions of thanksgiving for the gifts of life and grace.
It is Jesus who, though he was equal with God, would not exploit his divinity.
Instead he emptied himself, for our sakes, becoming one like us. Because he first loved us, his name shall be on our lips at dawn and dusk. He is our Good News forever.
When Jesus was crucified, and died with forgiveness on his lips, it was God who raised him from the dead so we would know God’s kingdom has no end.
Not only do we receive new life in Jesus Christ, but eternal life, as well.
It is Jesus who promised us a constant companion and helper, even the Holy Spirit.
Present at Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit is a witness to the truth of Christ. That same Spirit is a witness in the moment of our baptism.
We listen for the voice of the Spirit speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
The Church is peopled with disciples of Jesus seeking to love one another.
We gather spiritual strength from our unfettered worship of God the three-in-one.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united heart, body and mind in ministry to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, this is a day of new beginnings for all of us as we witness baptisms and new member commitments. We are all renewed in our commitment today as we celebrate the strengthening and growth of the Body of Christ. Oh how wonderful it is, when people who love Jesus, find a place and a way to invest their time, talents and energy in ministry to one another and the world. Teach us how to care for each other, to uphold and support one another as we journey together on the path of discipleship. Ever grateful for your blessings, we accept the challenges life brings. Guide us in the ways of kindness and understanding. Cleanse our souls of impatience, and the clutter of things past that cannot be changed. Remind us, that in Jesus we can be new beings every morning. In his name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Some of my clergy colleagues place the time of the offering in a different location in the worship service; specifically, they put it after the sermon. I understand their thinking. If the preacher succeeds in giving a rip-roaring sermon, come might conclude that what comes in the offering plate reflects the prowess of the preacher or the merit of the sermon’s content. To me, placing the offering after the sermon has the potential for reducing the offering to a kind of spiritual applause-meter. If the preacher did a good job, those in attendance at the service might be more generous. Then again, my colleagues might be thinking that placing the offering after the sermon gives the folks twenty more minutes to decide what they will give and write the check. To me, it doesn’t matter where the offering is in the service. It could be right after the prelude because it is an act of worship, an expression of our love for God, not a tip, a token or monetary kudos for a job well done.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, offering our gifts is an act of worship, just as important as our praying, singing and attending to your word for us. We are happy to place our trust in you, seeking to discern your will and way for us. Our hearts are full as we labor in your vineyard, sharing the work with our brother and sister Christians. As we reach out to those in need, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and
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