It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters,
and brought into being the world.
That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One.
His very name meant salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us.
When Jesus gave up his life for ours, he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands,
and God, the creator of life, raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles
the language of salvation empowering them to tell the stories of Jesus to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most wondrous and loving LORD, as we greet each new day and sort out our daily tasks, help us, first and foremost, to be grateful for your mercy and love. We confess our desire to be seen as diligent disciples who never drop or fumble the ball. Our prayer this morning is simple: Let us be ever-cheerful, responsible servants who delight in working for your kingdom. Lord, fill us daily with the Spirit’s power and energy. When we strive after much, and become frustrated by our own faults and foibles, remove the dross of disappointment from our soul. Make us new in our own eyes, so that we may better reflect the Christ who is seeking to shine through us. In his name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
During the past weeks I have received get well cards and notes from my church family that were uplifting, funny and some suitable for framing. Our expressions of remembrance of each other are meant to be heart-warming, heart-filling and heart-healing. People still love to get cards whether they come via the internet or snail mail. Since we are made in the image of God, I will conclude that God loves expressions of love and remembrance too. I think some of us tend to think that our expressions of thanks and love to God have to equal the majesty and magnanimity of our Sovereign God, but I think the regularity of our thanks and remembrances is what matters most. Just think of your offering as a thank you note and imagine the smile on God’s face.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we believe you are at work in each of us. It is your Holy Spirit that moves us to be generous, now we ask that you pour out your blessing upon the gifts we set before you. We give to support the ministries of the church. These tithes and offerings are an act of worship and our thankful response to your incredible generosity. May this church continue to thrive and grow as each of us seeks to mature as true disciples of Jesus. Help us recognize your empowering and gracious presence at work, and let us bring glory to your name. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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