AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR ADVENT
We believe in God, the giver of life and grace, whose wondrous deeds bring hope and healing to people of all nations
We believe that God’s decision to be with us, in the person of Jesus, manifested God’s immeasurable love for humankind.
We abide in Jesus, the Beloved One, whose name is written upon our hearts.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is at work whispering words of hope, peace, joy and love to ALL people.
We believe in the church, the living body of Christ in the world, to which we belong.
As members of the body, we are called to minister to all people in Jesus’ name
seeking transformation for ourselves, the church, and the world.
And so it begins. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious Creator, as this Advent season launches us into a new church year, we open our hearts to your leading. We shall be as expectant as parents anticipating the birth of a child. We shall be HOPEfull, believing that your church will flourish, grow and be transformed as more and more people are drawn to your promised “YES.” Our minds shall be at PEACE, knowing that you are awake and watchful; always with us in times of trial and triumph. In the days ahead we shall not be misers of our JOY. We shall look forward to singing favorite songs and carols as we glide along the aisles of the grocery store. We will stop, and watch old movies that remind us of our childhood. We will make time to LOVE our friends and family, and above all, we will cherish the miracle of the season. We make these promises, O God, as our thanks for remembering us. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Advent is the liturgical season of waiting, anticipating, believing that God is about to accomplish something wonderful and completely different, intended to affect our lives in a whole new way. We have a tendency to think of the Jesus event as “Old News,” but Good News should never be old news. During these holydays North Americans are confronted by what I call commercial ambivalence, perhaps because we are haunted by the countdown of days fraught with angst and pressure to buy stuff for whoever, in order to meet myriad gift-giving requirements. Why not decide to receive God’s gift of HOPE this week and let your heart be filled and your spirit be uplifted.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, grateful for all of your blessings, these gifts assert our longing to be effective as Christ’s body at work in the world. Together we are transforming ourselves and the church as the world around us longs for healing. Guide our vision, our hearts and our efforts, in service to you, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
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