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.
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