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.
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