We trust and affirm that each of us is created in the image of God.
God’s Grace is immeasurable and God’s will for us is always Goodwill.
We believe that Jesus Christ lived to forgive, to heal the broken hearted and proclaim God’s love to the world.
We believe Jesus bore our shame carrying our sins to the cross where he surrendered his own spirit to God in order to set our spirits free.
God promised that Jesus would not be given up to death and true to that promise God raised him from the dead.
We trust in the counsel of The Holy Spirit who guides us in our efforts to live out the
commandment to love one another as Christ loved us.
We believe the Holy Spirit moves us ever onward toward perfection.
Thanks Be To God! Amen
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving God you have breathed into us the breath of life and to each you have given gifts, skills and creative talents. Through the days of our life you strive to nourish us by your goodness, to supply our needs, and to build within us a spirit of generosity and selflessness. Guard our ways and keep us from cultivating a sense of entitlement, or pride of place that seeks to exclude others from your goodwill. Remind us always that all that we have and all that we are has not been accomplished solely through our own devices. Apart from you we have nothing, and cannot endure the drought of the soul that comes with being disconnected, marginalized or cut off from your grace, mercy and love. Let us forever bear the fruit of your wondrous love inviting all to partake of it and be nourished into to the joy and abundance of life in Jesus Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
How many of you remember when fruit had a season. Rev. Amanda grew up in Massachusetts where you couldn’t get every kind of fruit all year round. Watermelon was a summer fruit. Fresh oranges accompanied by “fruit spoons” were a gift sent from the grandparents who wintered in Sarasota, Florida. Apples were picked, polished and eaten from trees in the backyard in the fall, and ripe, juicy cantaloupe appeared on the breakfast table in the spring. We are well aware that trees bear fruit in their season. Depending upon the weather and the soil the fruit can be sparse or plentiful. Those whose spirits are nourished by their faith in Jesus Christ, are empowered to bear fruit abundantly in every season. Share what you bear with the Lord. The ushers will come forward to collect the offering.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we ask your blessing upon the gifts we set before you today. Presenting these tithes and offerings is an act of worship as well as our best response to your incredible generosity. May those we minister to through these gifts come to recognize and embrace your empowering and gracious presence at work in the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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