September 27, 2015 "BE SAVED BY ONE ANOTHER"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH AND HEALING By Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth.
We accept God’s abundant grace granted while we were being made in secret.
We believe that God’s testimony is written upon our hearts;
God forgives our rebelliousness and cleanses us of all guilt.
We believe in Jesus Christ.
God anointed him to bring good news,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
bind up the brokenhearted,
heal the sick and comfort those who mourn.
We believe in the eternal healing power of Jesus’ name.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who comes to all who are new beings in Christ, Jesus.
The Spirit helps us in our weakness,
and intercedes for us according to the will of God.
We believe in the church, empowered as the very real Body of Christ,
to bring good news, proclaim liberty to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted,
heal the sick, and comfort those who mourn.
We believe that our prayers of faith in Jesus’ name will heal the soul and the body.
Thanks be to God!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Merciful God, we come in need of soul repair and healing. We find ourselves in need more often than we care to admit. We are so determined to be strong in our faith, ever-prepared to follow your will for us, that when we are caught off guard ,we look back in search of our own missteps. Forgive us LORD, for thinking that faith will keep us from being afraid, or insure that we are ready for anything and everything. Help us understand that faith isn’t a talisman held out to fend off monsters; faith is what we carry with us to handle the eventualities of today in this life. We cannot predict how people will respond or react to things we say and do; we learn that from our children. But when the cauldron of our troubles is threatening to boil over, point us to that cool down switch called prayer. There, without reservation, we shall confess our need for consolation and relief. All this we pray in the name of our savior, redeemer and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
You know what at impulse buy is don’t you. That’s when something is triggered in the “need to have” part of your brain that causes you to add an item to your cart while you are waiting in the check-out line at your favorite grocery store. The impulse buy items are the sodas, candy bars, gossip mags and rags, and even those dollar-donation-opportunities for the Heart Fund, March of Dimes or Jerry’s kids. You can even put your name on a card-board-hangy-thing and join the ranks of other donors. There is something to be said for giving on impulse and that is why there are now E-giving apps available to churches so folks can give from anywhere at anytime. We aren’t there quite yet. In the meantime, the ushers will now accept your offering given freely, regularly or impulsively. All will be put to good use.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus will be the good news. May the church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you, gracious God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

September 20, 2015 IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!

ABOVE IS A PHOTO OF ONE OF THE FAVELAS IN RIO DI JANEIRO. THERE ARE FACES PAINTED ON THE SIDES OF THE TENEMENTS.

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
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
Wondrous and Loving God, when we gather to sing praises to your most holy name, affirm our faith and offer prayers for loved ones, strangers and ourselves, we realize that we are linked to you in very special way. With you in our hearts and minds, we can embrace the hope and promise you infuse into each day. We become aware of the fact that your Holy Spirit has always been part of us, even when we were unwilling, or unable to acknowledge your presence. You have no desire to inflict injury upon humankind. You do not seek to make us sad, or mad, or frustrated. No! You affirm our creative spirits as we imagine a better world. You encourage our best efforts at caring for and serving our brothers and sisters, in the same way Jesus cared for and served his. Praying in Jesus’ name we ask that you continue to guide us in the Way. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
From 1968 to 1971 I lived in that Asphalt Jungle known as Manhattan, on the upper West Side overlooking the George Washington Bridge. I don’t remember if I was itching to live in the Big Apple or I was just there because that’s where my nursing school was. I grew up near Boston and when driving in and around that city I always preferred to be driving away from it. My mother loved big cities, Boston, New York, San Francisco, London, Rome, Hong Kong, because she loved all the things she could do in the city. My Dad worked in Boston and deliberately built his dream home on a hill in the country 40 miles north of the city because he wanted to grow vegetables in his garden. Whether surrounded by a jungle of asphalt or lush greenery, when you draw near to God, God will draw near to you.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you, gracious God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

September 13, 2015 TALE SPINNING--SAY WHAT?

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
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
Gracious and Loving Creator, we give you thanks for our voices particularly when we hear them singing the triumphant, sweet and reassuring hymns we love. We want to be conscientious in living our faith, believing that your commandments guide us on our way. We must confess that our missteps are frequent, particularly when we get tired, or frightened or are feeling frustrated and alone. When the world threatens to undo us, let us know you are ever near, and ready to lend your strength to help us harness the beast. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
How many of you watch tabloid talk shows? The more famous hosts were Jerry Springer, Morton Downey, Jr., Geraldo Rivera, Montel Williams, Jenny Jones, Sally Jesse Raphael, Ricky Lake, Maury Povich, and others. Shows that started out as copy cats of Phil Donahue morphed into outrageous spectacles that sensationalized human bad behavior. These hosts invited their audience of voyeurs to pass judgment on bigots and racists, cons and ex-cons, cheating spouses, people too fat or too skinny, people with bizarre phobias, habits and beliefs. They purported to present real stories, but what was exposed was the tragedy faithlessness. Believing in something greater than ourselves takes time, investment and work, like anything else we seek to do well.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you, gracious God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

September 6, 2015 "FAITH GIVES US THE WILL TO WORK"

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
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
Gracious and loving, our most patient God, we have come joyfully into your presence with thanksgiving and song. It is our delight to be in this sanctuary in the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ, energized by the spirit of inclusiveness that pervades this space. We confess our impatience with intolerance and ask to be made your confident, calming ambassadors in Christ trusting that our faith and our work will bring healing to a world in turmoil. May our efforts to minister in your name and the work we do in and for the church, and the world bring about transformation, fostering a sense unity, and all things possible in Christ Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
What does it mean to be a person at work? What do we work for, or towards in this life? Is it for a paycheck to support self and family. Do you work at whatever you work at it gives you a sense of accomplishment? Do you work because the work you do promises to make a difference and intends to help make the world a better place for all of humanity? Do you work for the fun of it? Do you work because working gives a reason to get up every day —working gives your life purpose? Do you work with an eye on future leisure. How many of us stop in the midst of our day and think about how the gifts God has given us empower all the work we do? Take a moment to be grateful and seek to fund the work of your church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts give life. To you, gracious God, we offer thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

August 30, 2015 "BE DOERS WHO ACT!"

AN AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe that GOD the creator of the universe, our loving ABBA Father breathed life into us,
and we give thanks for GOD’S abundant and unfailing grace.
We believe that Jesus, though he was equal with GOD, emptied himself, for our sakes,
becoming one like us. Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts,
and his name is ever on our lips.
When he was crucified, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness. GOD raised him from the dead
inviting everyone to accept the promise of eternal life in JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus promised that we would never be alone.
We believe the HOLY SPIRIT is the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We listen for the SPIRIT’S voice speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
As CHRIST’S body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our worship of the ABBA Father, the Son and The HOLY SPIRIT.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in heart, body and mind ministering to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Loving God, we give thanks for this day for it is another opportunity to praise your name, to sing hymns, and meditate together on your word. We confess that sometimes the words of scripture confound us, but as we work together to understand them, their message becomes clear and we hold fast to their meaning for our lives. Bless us with clarity today as we look into the mirror of scripture and see reflected in it our true nature. Let us not see ourselves as evil or wicked, but as ever-becoming your righteousness through Jesus Christ. Amen.

OFFERING INVITATION
We are challenged more and more each day to master the latest advances of our technological age. I confess that when I go to Costco I can be found in the television audio section staring in awe at the latest innovations, pushing buttons for the demo on how the latest gadget works. I have a really smart phone, but I have only scratched the service of its level of intelligence. For all that these various devices and gadgets can do for me, they do not energize me. As terrific as they are, they don’t nourish my soul or invigorate my mind. Being in the company of living, breathing, talking, laughing, singing, expressive, human beings invigorates me and renews my spirit. Lucky for me they can be found right here. May it always be so.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you, gracious God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

August 23, 2015 "TELLING OUR STORIES" The Guatemala Mission Team

AN AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe that God the creator of the universe, breathed life into us,
and we give thanks for God’s abundant and unfailing grace.
We believe that Jesus, though equal with God, emptied himself and became like us.
Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him close in our hearts,
and his name is ever on our lips.
When he was crucified, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness. When God raised him from the dead,
God was inviting all of humanity to accept the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Jesus promised his followers that they would never be alone.
We believe the Holy Spirit is the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We believe the Holy Spirit speaks the language of redemption to our souls.
As Christ’s body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our worship of
God the Abba Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in ministry to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving God, we are bold to ask that you give us the peace of mind that comes with discerning, and accepting your will for us. Keep us from all selfishness born of fear, and help us walk the better path, guiding our steps all along life’s way. Lead us to discover how to invest ourselves, our gifts, and the talents you have given each of us, for the benefit of humanity and the wellbeing of your creation. Give us hearts that long to serve your Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
The one thing our 6 youth and four adults wanted to do in Guatemala was build more stoves, but when the 35 stoves were installed there were no more on hand. The Onil company makes the wood efficiency stoves and has made them much easier to install. With shipping and transport they cost the Guatemala Mission Project about $150 a piece. Communities recruit families —at least 20— who want stoves and who are willing to commit to the partial purchase, and to learn about the care of the stove once it’s in place. Their contribution is equivalent to about 20 dollars.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious and loving God, we are moved by the praise filled voices of those singing all around us. Our hearts are warmed and our spirits quickened. Recognizing that every blessing is a gift from you, we give you thanks humbly acknowledging your generosity. You have placed your trust in our willingness to share ourselves and what we have with others. We believe that no gift given in love is small. All gifts, practical, spiritual, and financial sustain the church and its ministries. Make us vital witnesses to your presence ministering in Jesus’ name to those close at hand and those in distant lands. We pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.