We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life. We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks God’s truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof
of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong, and through which we are called to serve and to make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Lord, Our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth. All of the descriptors we utilize, from Gracious Creator to Sovereign of the Universe, cannot begin to describe you or the wonder of your deeds. The psalmist asked what we humans were that you were mindful of us—that you care for us. His song confesses his amazement that you, O Lord, have made humans a little lower than yourself and crowned us with glory and honor. We are humbled by your attentiveness and grateful for your intervention. Help us turn and turn again to you, placing our trust in your wisdom and good sense. Guide us in paths of healing and reconciliation, when our egos are bruised or we feel misunderstood. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
One of my favorite S & G songs from 1969 is “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” It is a song of willing selflessness: “I’m on your side, I’ll take your part, If you need a friend, like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down.” Years later in 1985, Sting wrote the song “Fortress Around Your Heart” the chorus of which goes: “And if I built this fortress around your heart, encircled you in trenches and barbed wire; then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm, and let me set the battlements on fire.” The season of Lent is a time of mending, bridging and rebuilding, whether we are working to bridge the chasm between ourselves and our Lord, or whether we are working to mend and rebuild the battered relationships between ourselves. We cannot wait for God or the other person to take the first step or to make the first move. We know where the troubled waters are; instead of butting heads, let’s join hands and become the bridge.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise, understanding that they are instruments of goodwill. Let these gifts proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard it, whether in word or deed. As we labor side by side we offer our hearts and our hands to lead the lost out of darkness, to touch the untouchable and to heal those wounded by the world. Empower us to build ministries that transform and restore the souls of your people, giving glory to Christ’s name in everything. Amen.
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