We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Gracious Creator, make each one of us a powerful witness to your presence, today, as we seek our own spiritual transformation. We are aware that there are things we must let go of and leave behind; barriers we must tear down in order to be transformed. Jesus taught us to open ourselves to God and each other. He calls upon us to break down the visible and invisible walls that divide us as communities of faith and nations. In this modern society we are all about setting boundaries to prevent injury to ourselves or others. But, let us not convert our precious boundaries into personal barriers erected to keep people out or away. Help us Lord to cherish the gaps in walls; those that time and movement create. May they serve as invitations to greet and get to know and love our neighbor, as you commanded. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Robert Frost wrote: “Something there is that doesn't love a wall. Before I built a wall I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out, and to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall, that wants it down." The Body of Christ must be like an un-walled city, wide open on all sides, ready to accommodate the stranger and the relative, the enemy and the friend, young and old, gay and straight, liberal and conservative, grounded and flakey, sober and drunk, poor and well-heeled. Your gifts keep the doors of this un-walled city open wide for all. The ushers will now come forward to receive the offering.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, let us be moved by your Spirit always, recognizing and acknowledging how you prod us into action. We pray never to take this church, or this family of faith, for granted. When we are absent from the body, help us to remember that our gifts sustain our ministries. Through our gifts we are offering our thanks and praise for your incredible generosity. May we never fail, but continue to thrive and grow as we become better disciples of Jesus. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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