We believe in one creative God, righteous and patient, merciful and just. We believe that God created all that is and all that lives. God is perpetually creating. We believe that God’s
handiwork is well thought out, diverse, colorful, and inspiring. We accept that God
has entrusted the earth, and all that is in it, to our care.
We believe that Jesus was given unto the world in order that humankind could know the true heart of God. Jesus’ life revealed God’s willing presence in our lives. His death revealed God’s love and his resurrection from the dead revealed God’s power.
We believe that God’s Holy Spirit came to us in the nick of time, while we held our breath, wondering what to do next. Proof that God is perpetually creating, the Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church. It is the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world. Like God’s creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Grace and Mercy, we come into your presence to praise you, hoping in every hymn, or prayer uttered, to make a spiritual connection that will quicken us, invigorate us, warm our hearts and energize us for ministry. Like witnesses who are sworn in, in a court of law, prepare us, Lord, to give testimony to your promises fulfilled, your unyielding hope for humanity, your unfailing mercy, and your never ending love. We confess our timidity and fear, our hesitancy to step out in faith, trusting that you will uphold us in our efforts. With our every breath we seek to live in response to your leading. Even if we fail to comprehend or discern your purpose, we will follow after Jesus, living in the light of your commandment to love, endeavoring to do no harm and to do all the good we can. Guide us onward, we pray, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
You’ve heard of the privileged class. In today’s world, the word privilege is understood as a restricted right or benefit not afforded to just anyone. We understand it as an advantage enjoyed only by the elite. But “privilege” comes from the Latin word Privilegium, which in Rome was a law made in-favor-of or against a singular individual. Only the Emperor could confer this anomalous or irregular right, obligation or punishment. If one received a special right or benefit, it was seen as favorable privilegium. In contrast, if obligations were imposed or punishments inflicted, these were seen as odious privilegium. Reserved only for the one chosen, whether benefit or obligation, favor or punishment, the privilegium was a private matter; not just anyone was privy to this Imperial conference. Paul, who was familiar with the laws of Rome, wrote to the church in Philippi regarding the privilege God conferred upon him — that is the privilegium of believing in the Jesus Christ, which comes with benefits and obligations.
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