October 18, 2015 "SPIRITABILITY"

THE APOSTOLIC CREED FOR THE COMMUNITY (Apostle's Creed adapted by Rev. Amanda Burr)
We believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving Abba Father,
the creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son, conceived by The Spirit of God,
and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate.
He was crucified, died and was buried.
On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the risen Christ, ascended into heaven,
and seated at the right hand of God Almighty.
We believe that Jesus shall come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the church universal, and the communion of saints.
We believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, we believe that it is always right, and a very good thing to sing praises to your most holy name, before we ask you to hear our petitions or intercede on behalf of others. We confess that sometimes we feel so exhausted, or overwhelmed by our commitments in the world, that we skip the “Thanks” and “WOW!” prayers, and go straight to the prayers for help. If we open our eyes we will see those who are in need. If we open our hearts we will find compassion for those in need. If we open our minds and imaginations we will be led by your Holy Spirit to find ways to serve those in need. As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, ministering in his name, we are confident that we will discover the very real joy, and fulfillment of true discipleship. We give you thanks, and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION (I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ONE)
After my 27 months serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in SA, I came home, and took a job as a Peace Corps Recruiter. Our office was in the Post Office Building in downtown Boston. During those 5 months I learned why the saying about the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing was so often applied to government agencies. But the saying wasn’t invented by critics of bureaucracy; it is from the gospel of Matthew 6:3. Jesus says: “When you give a donation don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift may be given in secret.” Some say the word secret is the key here. Give in secret and don’t make lavish gestures of generosity. But I think this might also be true: If your left hand doesn’t know that your right hand is making a donation, then your left hand won’t try to stop your right hand. Just to prove my point, why not sit on your left hand while the ushers are passing the offering plate.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on the gifts we offer with open hearts and hands. We have found our way to this church and pray that “HERE” will always be a place of sanctuary, where the spirit of welcome presides. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture as we strive to transform ourselves and work to heal our broken world. We pray never to take your church for granted. Remind us that every gift is life-giving. For all that we are and have, wondrous God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.