January 1, 2017 NEW YEAR'S DAY "THE MYTHICAL THREE"

AFFIRMATION FOR EPIPHANY
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, “God with us.”
He was baptized by John, and anointed the most beloved Son of God.
Jesus sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself.
Suffering for us, he was crucified, died and was buried.
God raised him from the dead for our sake and for the sake of the whole world.
We believe he will come again, one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is poured out upon us refreshing our lives.
We believe in the church, the Body of Christ in the world.
The Spirit leads us ever onward, into a new day, and always toward the kingdom of God.
This Spirit is our soul companion, and counselor of truth,
speaking to us of the power of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and ever-encouraging Lord, we call upon you to guide us as the new year begins and its 365 days unfold. With new leadership in our nation we are anticipating radical change in the new year to systems and ways we have come to depend on even though we may not fully understand them. We confess we are afraid we won’t be able to navigate the changes, weather them or afford them. Remind us daily, Gracious Lord, that we posses a resilient faith, able to move mountains. Let us not be quick to panic, but let us ponder the journey ahead with hopeful hearts. Like the wise men who saw the star and followed it, may we see your star leading us to something wonderful, new and hopeful. We are resolved to be able disciples of the Christ, marching to his drumbeat, choosing life over death and love over hate. All this we pray in his name. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Epiphany, from the late Greek epiphaneia, means “manifestation, striking appearance.” The etymology dictionary also says that in Ancient Greece it was a festival held in commemoration of the appearance of a god at some particular place." When referring to Jesus the Christ the word refers to his being made manifest, displayed, shown off, as it were, in a particular place attested to by the visit of the star-following wise men. It was the day of his display, his appearance in a particular place, when foreign visitors, from a distant land made very public their belief that Jesus was the newborn king of the Jews. Certainly the gifts they brought were fit for a king. How could they have know that their gifts, in fact, saved the life of the child.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

December 25, 2016 CHRISTMAS DAY "BE BORN IN US TODAY"

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR CHRISTMASTIDE
We believe in GOD, the divine beginner and imaginative creator of all things good and precious.
The earth and all the creatures who dwell upon it, are GOD’S labor of love,
and we are the appointed stewards.
We believe GOD so loved us that in time GOD came to us in human form;
birthed like us, an infant boy tiny and helpless, our Emmanuel.
We believe in the healing and redeeming power of JESUS’ name and claim him as our savior.
We believe he claimed us when he gave his life for us on a cross.
We believe the GOD of would not abandon JESUS, the beloved.
GOD raised JESUS from the dead, inviting us all to embrace the promise of eternal life in Christ.
We believe in the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, who is always with us,
helping us to walk the path of righteousness and genuineness.
As Christ’s body in the world, we believe, no matter what happens in the world,
we are to love one another as GOD has loved us, in Christ JESUS our LORD. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Loving ABBA Father, when Christmas falls on Sunday, we become even more aware that this day was meant to be a day of gratitude and pondering the meaning of your most precious gift. We all have traditions that we follow on Christmas day. Some of us spend the whole day in our PJs. Some of us open our stockings before breakfast and the-under-the-tree-presents after breakfast. Some of us stay home and some of us travel over the river and through the woods to see children and grandchildren, singing our favorite carols on the journey. However, as we spend hours celebrating with loved ones and friends, we will also take that most important moment celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. We will think about why the babe has come to us, to abide with us. And, in the midst of the gleeful cheers and excitement , going on all around us, we will ponder how this Christmas Day is meant to change our lives for the better. Thank you. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
It’s Christmas morning. How do you go about opening your gifts? Do you open them in any certain order? Do you open them according to the name of the giver? When I was growing up there were always gifts under the tree from our pets— my father called them our 4-legged brothers and sisters— a sweater from our goldens, Exit and Minnie, or mittens from the 3 legged black lab, Joshua. We received fun and funny gifts and always one, seriously, special gift from Mom and Dad. It was something we had longed for, and often something that took my breath away. The gift of the Christ child is that longed for gift, so exquisite, so precious that it takes our breath for a moment, until we catch it once again and breathe him in.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, the arrival of the Christ child is always in the nick of time and reminds us that life is more than the sum of our possessions. What you have given us in person of Jesus, is beyond measure. Accept the gifts we set before you today as a gesture of our love and reverence. We offer them with full and grateful hearts proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you. Pour out your blessing upon us and this offering. We offer ourselves in service, seeking always, to do your work and will, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

PROUD AUNT SHOWING HER NEPHEW'S VIDEO!!!

December 18, 2016 "GOD'S SIGNAGE"

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, LOVE and JOY 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
Glorious God, we sing this morning of joy, and lift our voices in praise to you. We pray that you will hear the sound of our reverence and our love in every note that rises from this sanctuary. In these days of Advent, our hearts have been moved, our spirits prodded, and our faith empowered. Your very presence has been palpable among us as we wait. We have been preparing ourselves, readying ourselves, to embrace the coming Prince of Peace. We want only to be fully present when he comes, listening for the angel voices that herald his arrival. Help us not to focus on last-minute Christmas preparations, but help us to engage with neighbors and friends celebrating your most glorious gift to humankind. Oh, how we long to see your face! Come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The truth is, when we offer our gifts to God, we are giving back to God what God has given to us. In other words: “We give thee but thine own, what e’re the gift may be. All that we have is thine alone; a trust, O Lord from the Thee.”
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

December 11, 2016 "PREPPING YOUR HEART"

AN AFFIRMATION 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
Most loving and gracious God, we come before you this morning pondering our own notions of the meaning of the word LOVE. We confess that living up to love’s expectations is one of life’s greatest challenges. We distance ourselves from making commitments to for fear of being hurt, or let down. We are often too busy with lots of things going on in our lives, too much on our plate, to invest ourselves in the one thing that just might renew us. And then what if too much is expected of us; what then? Open our hearts and minds in this Advent season to ponder your decision to come to us, to be with us, one like us, experiencing life and love as we experience it. What wondrous LOVE IS THIS, O my soul, that caused the Lord of Life to lay aside his crown for MY soul, for MY soul, to lay aside his crown for MY soul. For this LOVE, we give you thanks and praise. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
During this consumer season all of the jewelry and department stores promise that buying the gifts they proffer for your loved ones and friends, will be the purest expression of your love and the absolute proof of your love for the recipient. It’s almost as if they are suggesting that the gift itself possesses love. I suppose that’s true if we honor the notion that it is the spirit in which a gift is given that endows the gift with its “mojo,” its charm, its power. Think about it, we treasure heirlooms handed down to us from parents or grandparents, mostly because they remind us of the loved ones who cherished them, whether plates, jewelry, or battered antiques we just can’t part with. The spirit of that beloved ancestor somehow lingers in the heirloom. God’s LOVE Lingers here, as a presence born in each of us. That presence endows your gift with its “mojo,” its charm, its power.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

December 4, 2016 "OF CALM AND BRIGHT"

AN AFFIRMATION 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 Loving and Merciful God, in these days of Advent, we truly await your pleasure. It is you, after all, who desire to give us hope, peace, love and joy. It is you who are at work inspiring poets with words, and composers with tunes and melodies, so we can hear the glorious music that sounds across your firmament. Daily, we are listening for the music of redemption. We praise you, singing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace and goodwill to all.” Help us grasp the whole glorious idea that we are surrounded by promise, and are being enfolded in the arms of what-is-to-come. Each day we shall ready our hearts, minds and spirits to receive the wonders you will reveal to us. For all this, and more, we give you thanks, most gracious Lord. Amen.

November 27, 2016 First Sunday of Advent THE THRILL OF HOPE

AFFIRMATION 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
Gracious and wondrous God of Hope, we look forward to this Advent Season as an opportunity to contemplate our spiritual lives. We confess how very much we like seeing the smiles and laughter on the faces of children as they anticipate Christmas. But help us not to rush the season. Help us be aware of people’s concerted effort to show a kinder side of themselves, even in crowded parking lots and shopping malls. We pray stay the waiting course of Advent, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the arrival of your greatest gift to humankind. We shall not dwell on the former things, or consider the things of old, but we shall perceive the new thing that is sure to make us glad. Fill us with the Hope that is in you, as these Advent days unfold. In the name of the Christ, we pray.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
How many of you thrill to a rollercoaster ride, or thrill at winning the lottery or the jackpot at your favorite slot? How many of you remember the thrill of your first kiss, your first car, your first home, or your first child? “Thrill’s” origin in the 14th century as a verb, meant: to pierce through, perforate, or penetrate as in making a hole. By the 16th century thrill was being used metaphorically to describe a penetrating emotion, that made one shiver with excitement. When translating the French Carol, O, Holy Night, into English, Boston born, Unitarian, John Sullivan Dwight, translated the word tresaille (meaning tremble) to “thrill.” Until 1971 you couldn’t find “thrill” in scripture, but an enthusiastic translator took the Hebrew pâchad meaning, to tremble with fear or dread, in Isaiah 60:5, and put the word “thrill” in its place, which is a word more welcome than tremble, to our sensitive ears, as well as, a feeling we look forward to.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

November 20, 2016 "THE KING'S PROMISE"

APOSTLES’ CREED REVISITED
We believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving ABBA, Father,
creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son, who was conceived
by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe, the risen Christ ascended into heaven, and is seated
at the right hand of God the Creator.
We believe that the Christ will come again one day to take all who are in him to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the source of truth and power, sent to us from on High.
We believe in the one body, the church open to all people.
We believe in the forgiveness of sins, justification by faith, the resurrection of the body,
and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Lord God, Sovereign of the Universe, on this, Christ the King Sunday and Thanksgivng Sunday, it is right and good to give thanks for your eternal love and bountiful blessings. From the beginning your desire has been to grant us good, and yet sometimes we doubt. You know well, that when troubles come, our trust and calm can fly out the window. When our confidence is shaken, keep us from anxiety over what may come. Remind us only of your powerful presence in our lives. When negativity and faithlessness invade our spirits, sweep them away like so much dust and ash. Let us trust in you like the Christ who would not lose heart. Energize us for ministry, discovering new ways to serve in Jesus’ name, and fill us, at last, with a Spirit of triumph, believing that your kingdom is won already. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Do you remember making promises when you were a little kid? I remember promises made with words and hand gestures, as I drew a cross over my chest, and said: “Cross my heart and hope to die.” The phrase is from a much longer poem, but those 7 words were considered enough to seal the deal. I didn’t learn about pinky promises until I was too old to participate in such silliness, even though, the “pinky swear” has been around since 1860, and is believed to be of Japanese origin. Failure to keep the promise in Japan could result in the loss of said precious pinky.** We make all sorts of promises in this life: fidelity in marriage, remembering anniversaries, protecting our children, following doctor’s orders, paying for services rendered, and supporting our church. Breaking most of these promises carries obvious consequences, but there is nothing in the fine print, that says you could lose a pinky if you don’t or can’t keep your promise to the church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

November 13, 2016 "SO, WHAT ELSE IS NEW?"

APOSTLES’ CREED REVISITED
We believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe,
the loving ABBA, Father, creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Condemned to death by Pontius Pilate,
Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe, the risen Christ ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Creator.
We believe that the Christ will come again one day
to take all who are in him to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the source of truth and power, sent to us from on High.
We believe in the one body, the church open to all people.
We believe in the forgiveness of sins,
justification by faith, the resurrection of the body,
and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Compassionate God, hear our prayer. This has been a week of remembering those who gave their lives defending the freedom of all souls; remembering loved ones who finished their course in life, and remembering past presidents of the republic. As a nation we ask you to pour out your spirit of renewal upon our imperfect union. Empower us by your glorious spirit of renewal, to work with our new leaders seeking, always, to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the Welfare of all, and keep secure the blessings of Liberty. Let us not be a people of complaint and negativity, fear and doomsday thinking. Let us soldier on not for our own interests, but as citizens, who embrace equality for all people, and the right of every individual to pursue happiness. The Christ calls us to an even higher level of commitment, and that is to do whatever it takes to love one another as he loved us. All this we pray in his name. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Do remember Henny Penny, also known as, Chicken Little? It was an oral folk tale first published in the Danish Language, in 1823. In America in 1840, it appeared in a children’s illustrated volume and was called: “The Remarkable Story of Chicken Little.” Multiple versions with multiple endings, have appeared across the centuries, including the one in which Henny Penny and her friends, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, and Turkey Lurkey, are eaten by Foxy-Loxy, before Henny Penny can notify the king that the end of the world is at hand. Chicken Little’s hysterical mantra, “The Sky is Falling!” is the conclusion she came to when an acorn fell on her head. Today, that idiom is used to make light of a very human tendency to jump to conclusions, along with our penchant for mass hysteria and doomsday thinking. The moral of the story could be, not to overthink any moment in time. Like right now, try not to overthink your gift to the church. (historical info from Wikipedia)
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

November 6, 2016 "JESUS' THEOLOGY OF THE RESURRECTION" or (Just explain it to me like I am a child.)

THE APOSTLES’ CREED REVISITED
We believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe,
the loving Abba Father,
creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Condemned to death by Pontius Pilate,
Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe, the risen Christ ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Creator.
We believe that the Christ will come again one day to take all who are in him to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the source of truth and power, sent to us from on High.
We believe in the one body, the church open to all people.
We believe in the forgiveness of sins, justification by faith,
the resurrection of the body, and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God of grace and glory, we lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving on this All Saints Day. We are reminded when hearing the names of those who are no longer in our midst, to treasure these moments of worship and communion. We have been blessed by the companionship of these saints as we journeyed together in faith. They inspired us, challenged us, and loved us in their time. We confess our sadness in their absence from the body, but remember in joy that they are now present with you. As this year continues to unfold we pray your blessing upon us. Give us patience in our work and our service, as the days seem to grow ever shorter, and filled with more and more things to get done. Fill us with the hope of good things to come. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
All of us have to take tests in this life and answer questions that aren’t always simple and straightforward. Come on and admit it, how many of you get 100% of the questions right on your drivers test? Jesus was frequently tested being asked all sorts of wild and bizarre questions during his ministry. Many of those examination questions were meant to put him on the spot, and even trip him up, but he always seemed to be able to see through the weirdest most convoluted questions. Often answering a question with a question, the answers he provided, identified the core of the question posed. When asked if the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus quite simply said: “Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give God the things that are God’s.” He left it up to those who had ears to hear, to decide which was which, and what they ought to do. The ushers will now receive the offering.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

October 30, 2016 "HE KNEW MY NAME!?"

AFFIRMATION OF PERSISTENCE
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,
and that God forgives our rebelliousness cleansing us of all regret.
We believe in Jesus Christ, anointed to bring good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick, and comfort those who mourn.
Because he loved us, he gave his life for us, and then God restored his life.
We believe the Holy Spirit comes to all who are 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, the body of Christ in the world, called to bring good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick,
and comfort those who mourn.
We believe persistent prayer, in the name of Jesus,
can heal the body and the soul.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and loving Lord, it is only when we worship together that we join our hearts, minds and voices, lifting them as if singing a weekly anthem of praise to your most holy name. Ours is a corporate song, as we who are many are transformed into the one body giving thanks for your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and your persistent presence in our lives. In worship we remember all the good you have bestowed upon us, offering in response our love, devotion, and a commitment to follow your will and way for us. It is in our worship that we find the courage and stamina to rededicate ourselves, and to affirm our faith as servant disciples of Jesus Christ. In the name of our savior, redeemer and Lord, we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Mrs. Dyer, who lived next door, when I was a little girl, had the most terrific apple tree in her back yard. She would let me climb it whenever I wanted to. I loved to sit in its ample branches watching the robins and squirrels pecking and scurrying. The higher I’d climb the taller I felt. I remember watching my nephew climb a tree like a monkey at the age of 4. He would shout, “See how tall I am.” I knew then, he was destined to be an athlete. He is a linebacker at the University of Washington. Zacchaeus, the star of today’s scripture, was a diminutive man, who climbed a giant sycamore tree, not to feel taller, but to catch a glimpse of the man everyone was talking about. By the time he descended his perch, after meeting Jesus, he had grown in stature by virtue of his changed heart and a new found generosity.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

October 23, 2016 "MORE HEART, LESS ATTACK" Part 2

AFFIRMATION OF PERSISTENCE
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 and that God forgives our rebelliousness cleansing us of all regret.
We believe in Jesus Christ, anointed to bring good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick,
and comfort those who mourn. Because he loved us, he gave his life for us, and then God restored his life.
We believe the Holy Spirit comes to all who are 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, the body of Christ in the world,
called to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, bind up the broken hearted, heal the sick,
and comfort those who mourn.
We believe persistent prayer, in the name of Jesus,
can heal the body and the soul.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everliving God, pour out your blessing on all those who enter your sanctuary: the curious, the hopeful, the solid, the repentant, the redeemed, the searching, the sure, the unsure, the prepared and the unprepared. Assure us of your presence always, and your eagerness to be a part of our lives. Let your light shine through us as we count the blessings of each day. We long to embrace a positive outlook on life believing that the light at the end of that proverbial tunnel is not a train headed in our direction. Give us moments of laughter so as not to take ourselves too seriously, and lead us into a future full of hope. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Remember those test questions on exams in school that started out Compare and Contrast? You were supposed to answer how two things were alike and how they were different. I remember my mother instructing me not to compare myself to others, I think she said that because she knew I would see myself as less able or not in any way comparable to whoever I was comparing myself to. I think church people compare themselves with others in their ability to support the church financially and see themselves as less able and not in anyway comparable to the amounts given by those they are comparing themselves to. Don’t compare the generosity of your heart to dollars and cents given by others. If your heart is in your giving, that is all that counts in the eyes of God.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

October 16, 2016 "MORE HEART, LESS ATTACK" Part 1

AFFIRMATION OF PERSISTENCE
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 and that God forgives our rebelliousness cleansing us of all regret.
We believe in Jesus Christ, anointed to bring good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick, and comfort those who mourn.
Because he loved us, he gave his life for us, and then God restored his life.
We believe the Holy Spirit comes to all who are 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, the body of Christ in the world,
called to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, bind up the broken hearted, heal the sick,
and comfort those who mourn.
We believe persistent prayer, in the name of Jesus,
can heal the body and the soul.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Loving and persistent Lord, let us be aware of your desire to be a part of each and every one of us. Remind us that your word is written upon our hearts even before we take our first breath. Our challenge in this life is to devote ourselves to you. We confess how easy it is to make politics, or money, or social rank and position, our religion, as we debate over our opinions, obsess over our investments and bank balances, or climb and claw our way to the top of some recognition ladder constructed by humans. Even in our devotion to you we can get caught up in what we think is the only and right way to do something. We can forget to consider the many who make up the body of Christ; fragile, flawed, imperfect, at times impatient, humans who are striving at every cross-roads to choose life and love in the name of Jesus. Restore us Lord, when we are weary and revive our spirits daily; in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I find it interesting that it seems to be women who stand out in the scriptures as persistent, determined and willing to risk: The woman with the hemorrhage, the Syrophoenician/Canaanite Woman, the Woman with the Alabaster Flask, Mary Magdalene, and the widow of today’s text. The word persistence when broken into its root words means “thoroughly come to stand.” Its definition in modern verbiage is firm or obstinate, continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult, or opposed by other people. As Christians we are called to be persistent in many things: faith, trust, prayer, devotion to God, each other and to Christ’s church. Let your persistent offerings be an act of devotion to your church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

October 2, 2016 "WITH A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH" World Communion Sunday

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that 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. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
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.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious and loving God, it is now, when we are gathered together in worship that we comprehend the importance of being united as one body in Christ, Jesus. In our oneness of spirit we are empowered to pray and praise you without ceasing. Our thoughts, hopes and dreams, when entwined with yours, bring us to an understanding of how you would have us relate to the world around us. You do not call us to abandon the world, or isolate ourselves from her pain. Nor do you expect us to hide from those who do harm to your creation. Rather you call us to seek out ways to serve humankind and heal your creation. Let us not be undone, or confounded by the wily ways of the wicked. Make of us confident clever Christians well able to articulate our faith. Help us expound upon the blessings we have received and the trust we have in you. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
“1933 was the darkest year of the Great Depression. The storm clouds of Nazism and Fascism hovered all over Europe and threatened the entire world. The prevailing mood was anxiety—fear about economics, fear about politics and fear about the future. Shadyside Presbyterian Church gave birth to World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday of October, 1933. The congregation desired to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity, symbolizing how each congregation is interconnected one with another. When asked how World Communion Sunday became a worldwide practice, Dr. Donald Kerr the pastor of Shadyside, replied that at first: "People did not give it a whole lot of thought. It was during WW II that the spirit caught hold, because we were trying to hold the world together.” World Communion Sunday continues to symbolize the effort of Christians everywhere to hold the world together.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

September 25, 2016 "WHO IS YOUR REFUGE"

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that 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. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
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.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving,
responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest ABBA Father, we lift our prayer of thanks and relief believing that you are always close at hand ready, willing and able to embrace even the most resistant soul. When we surrender our calloused and stubborn hearts you empty them of all our regrets. You fill them, instead with the assurance of your love, the promise of eternity, and renewed hope in the possibilities of today. Let us not be those who hide in the shadow of your wings, but let us be those who find rest and respite from the demands and rigors of our daily lives. When we awaken, send us forth invigorated, refreshed, and ready to invest our spirits in purposeful endeavors as ambassadors of the Good News. May our discipleship shine forth in everything we do and say. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
The prefix “re” means “back” and fugere is Latin for “to flee.” When we are in danger we seek refuge, find refuge, take refuge or return to places of refuge, protection and safety. In his most famous hymn, Martin Luther describes God as a mighty impenetrable fortress, a never-failing bulwark against the powers of darkness grim. Psalm 91 sings to us with other images: we shall not be caught up in the fowler’s snare, but shall be rescued and cradled in God’s wings, covered by God’s pinions. Pinions are flight feathers, very powerful, but warmer than the walls of a stone fortress, and more comforting than bulwark. It isn’t the concrete structure of our church that reminds us of God, but the welcome and care received within that offers refuge to the heart and soul.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

September 18, 2016 "GOD AND MAMMOM"

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that 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. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
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.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most gracious and loving ABBA, Father, as our wondrous creator and righteous sovereign of the universe, you have seen us at our best and our worst. We long to please you, O God, striving to work with the gifts and talents you have given to each of us. Ever grateful for the gift of the Christ, and the Holy Spirit who prods us to cultivate a good conscience, we learn from life’s lessons moving onward toward the kingdom goal. Your persistent pursuit of the human heart calls us to cleanse our minds of doubt, and trust in your will and way for us. We do confess a desire to feel secure, resting-assured that all will be well, in our own personal lives, with our families, and with the church. We shall however, pray for wisdom when the going gets tough. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Mammon is not some super special big-time religious term. It is a Greek word that quite simply refers to wealth or riches. I guess the English Bible translators decided to leave the Greek word in this text, because it sounded more ominous than “wealth”— like maybe folks would think that Mammon was the name of the god of money. The Greek word occurs in Matthew and Luke no more than 4 times in 22 English translations of the Bible. In the modern English translations the word wealth appears in its place. It is still true, however, that one cannot be a servant of God and of Wealth. It is possible however to make friends and serve God by giving of your wealth.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

September 11, 2016 "ABOUT MERCY"

Beginning on Dec. 8, 2015 and set to end on Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, Pope Frances declared 2016 The Jubilee Year of Mercy, its motto being, “Compassionate like the Father.”


AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that 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. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
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.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most merciful and loving God, you know well that in the course of human history there are many dates and events that will live in infamy in human hearts all over the globe. Teach us to be merciful in the wake of harm, for revenge and retaliation are never sweet; they empty the soul of righteousness. When plagued with the desire to be YOU, to act in your stead, the human soul is corrupted, and these dates attest to that truth: 1229, 1585, September 3, 1939, December 7, 1941, August 6, 1945, November 22,1963, January 30, 1968, April 4, 1968, September 5, 1972, April 30, 1975, and September 11, 2001. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Have mercy upon us, O God and when we are tempted to hate, turn our eyes upon the Christ who shows us the way that leads to life. All this we pray in his name. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Disapproval, disdain, malevolence, cruelty, ill will, and unkindness, are all antonyms for the word mercy. “Mercy” is from 9th century French “Merci,” which meant reward, gift, kindness, grace or pity. Now it means “Thank you.” The Latin mercedem referred to a reward or wages paid. In 6th century church Latin mercedem referred to the heavenly reward bestowed upon those who showed kindness to the helpless. Therefore mercy refers to one’s disposition to forgive or show compassion. It is not solely an attribute of God, for when God pours out mercy upon us, we are enjoined, to follow suit. Shakespeare wrote: …”we do pray for mercy; and that same prayer teaches us all to render the deeds of mercy. Giving to the church is a deed of mercy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

September 11, 2016 "ABOUT MERCY"

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that 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. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
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.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most merciful and loving God, you know well that in the course of human history there are many dates and events that will live in infamy in human hearts all over the globe. Teach us to be merciful in the wake of harm, for revenge and retaliation are never sweet; they empty the soul of righteousness. When plagued with the desire to be YOU, to act in your stead, the human soul is corrupted, and these dates attest to that truth: 1229, 1585, September 3, 1939, December 7, 1941, August 6, 1945, November 22,1963, January 30, 1968, April 4, 1968, September 5, 1972, April 30, 1975, and September 11, 2001. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Have mercy upon us, O God and when we are tempted to hate, turn our eyes upon the Christ who shows us the way that leads to life. All this we pray in his name. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Disapproval, disdain, malevolence, cruelty, ill will, and unkindness, are all antonyms for the word mercy. “Mercy” is from 9th century French “Merci,” which meant reward, gift, kindness, grace or pity. Now it means “Thank you.” The Latin mercedem referred to a reward or wages paid. In 6th century church Latin mercedem referred to the heavenly reward bestowed upon those who showed kindness to the helpless. Therefore mercy refers to one’s disposition to forgive or show compassion. It is not solely an attribute of God, for when God pours out mercy upon us, we are enjoined, to follow suit. Shakespeare wrote: …”we do pray for mercy; and that same prayer teaches us all to render the deeds of mercy. Giving to the church is a deed of mercy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

September 4, 2016 "BARGAIN BASEMENT DISCIPLESHIP"

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that 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. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
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.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving,
responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and most merciful God, we gather together working diligently to use the word disciple when referring to ourselves as those who follow Jesus Christ. We, like Levi, are disciples of privilege and substantial resources. The disparity between those who have and those who do not isn’t a matter of luck, good fortune, faith, or grace. Your grace is poured out upon all people. Jesus called upon every disciple to choose life rather than death, to love, not hate, and to repay cruelty with kindness. Gracious God, we cannot know the suffering the early disciples endured, persecuted as they were for their faith, but we can follow their determined example, take up the cross, and walk in their footsteps along the kingdom road. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The title of the sermon tells you where I was born. I grew up 7 miles outside of Boston, which was the home of Filene’s ever famous bargain basement. For 100 years Filene’s basement was THE PLACE to find designer overstock and cast-offs marked down for the frugal, cheap and fiscally challenged of Boston. People brawled in THE BASEMENT long before the arrival of cabbage patch kids. Such brawls were so famous, films depicted them often showing two women in a tug-o-war over a girdle. The triumph of the competition was in getting the worthwhile bargain. When we stop to think and realize what Jesus purchased for us we might fully grasp that we received the best part of that bargain.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

August 28, 2016 "IT WAS JUST DINNER!"

Spirit of Fire Affirmation of Faith
We believe in the eternal, gracious presence of God the creator of all things.
We believe God’s fiery presence was revealed in the burning bush that was not consumed.
We remember too, how God accompanied the wandering Israelites through the darkness,
as a pillar of fire lighting their way.
We believe God came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, to ignite once again,
our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
Jesus preached good news, and his words were like a fire burning within us.
He promised a baptism of the Spirit and of fire.
It was on the day of Pentecost that God’s Holy Spirit was poured out upon Jesus’ disciples.
A fiery passionate presence, the Holy Spirit opened their mouths to proclaim
God’s deeds of power, in every language.
We believe God’s Holy Spirit is ever-present advocating for ALL people.
As the body of Christ in the world, we believe that Spirit is at work
igniting within each of us a spirit of openness and radical welcome.
Thanks be to God!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, how wonderful it is to bind our hearts, minds and spirits with yours particularly in this time of worship. Today, we are grateful for the addition of our new members whose life experiences and fresh perspectives promise to enhance and empower our shared ministry. We give you thanks for the blessings of this day, remembering those who have suffered misfortune and loss. Help us in our efforts to be your most thoughtful servants. Keep us alert and fully tuned in to the many opportunities open to us to help those in need. Give us courageous spirits to meet the challenges that are part of life, and let us not be overwhelmed or undone by the misfortunes that befall us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The word “join” appears relatively few times in the New Testament and is the English translation for a variety of Greek words. “Join” appears in the NT mostly when Genesis 2:24 is quoted: “A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” The word undeniably has a physical connotation. In 1st Corinthians 6 Paul does some ranting over the less than laudable behavior of the Corinthian church members. Mid –rant in verse 17 these words appear: But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. The Greek verb here translated as “joined” is Κολλάω (Kallao) means: to glue together, to cement, to fasten firmly together, to join one’s self to. With that kind of glue holding us together, there is nothing we can’t do in Christ.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

August 21, 2016 "JESUS UNDER STRESS"

SPIRIT OF FIRE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the eternal, gracious presence of God the creator of all things.
We believe God’s fiery presence was revealed in the burning bush that was not consumed.
We remember too, how God accompanied the wandering Israelites through the darkness,
as a pillar of fire lighting their way.
We believe God came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, to ignite once again,
our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
Jesus preached good news, and his words were like a fire burning within us.
He promised a baptism of the Spirit and of fire.
It was on the day of Pentecost that God’s Holy Spirit was poured out upon Jesus’ disciples.
A fiery passionate presence, the Holy Spirit opened their mouths to proclaim
God’s deeds of power, in every language.
We believe God’s Holy Spirit is ever-present advocating for ALL people.
As the body of Christ in the world, we believe that Spirit is at work
igniting within each of us a spirit of openness and radical welcome.
Thanks be to God!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Most Loving and Compassionate Creator, we are continually amazed by your goodness and kind consideration. Keep us from second guessing your will and way for humankind reminding us that your will for us is and has always been goodwill. Let your commandment to love one another as you have loved us, guide our thoughts and our steps along the path of discipleship. When we encounter days full of darkness and turmoil re-kindle within us the light and warmth of your presence. Let us not be impatient with your timeline. Empower us to trust that you are forever and always the God of wondrous deeds. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
A FIERY INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Discovering how to make fire changed the course of human history. If you want someone to fish or cut bait, sometimes you have to light a fire under them. If you are impressed with someone’s work performance you describe them as a ball of fire -- if unimpressed you say: “Well, she’s no ball of fire.” When deluged with criticism, we come under fire and we just might fire back. When we are thrown into a job setting or a situation unfamiliar to us, we may say we have experienced a baptism by fire, better described as a “trial by fire,” which was one of the many medieval “trial by ordeal” techniques used to decide a person’s truthfulness, guilt or innocence. May the Holy Spirit who baptizes us with fire from on high, ignite within you a spirit of generosity for the well-being of Christ’s church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

August 14, 2016 "BE DRESSED FOR ACTION"

A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together, binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life
until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord,
offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest ABBA, Father, we have come to worship you not as solitary hearts, but as those who are joined together in community. We confess our fear of the unknown, desirous of a crystal ball that will reveal to us what is to come. We apologize sincerely for offering prayers that are more akin to laundry lists, than sincere communiques asking for guidance. Give us servant hearts, O God; hearts ready to work, hearts that are always awake and alert to your call. Give us unselfish spirits that seek to solve and resolve whatever comes, patiently, kindly and creatively, for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In L. Frank Baum’s story of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Glinda the Good Witch of the North reveals to Dorothy Gale the charm of the “Silver Slippers” she inherited from the Wicked Witch of the East. "The Silver Shoes, have wonderful powers. And one of the most curious things about them is that they can carry you to any place in the world in three steps, and each step will be made in the wink of an eye. All you have to do is to knock the heels together three times and command the shoes to carry you wherever you wish to go..." Dorothy’s shoes are reminiscent of the golden winged sandals of the Greek god, Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods, as well as, the god of travel, commerce, luck, gambling and thieves!? Having a pair of golden winged sandals, or charmed silver slippers in the closet would certainly help us move into action quickly, should the need arise, but being clothed in Christ will most assuredly keep us ever-ready.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

August 14, 2016 "BE DRESSED FOR ACTION"

A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together, binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life
until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord,
offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest ABBA, Father, we have come to worship you not as solitary hearts, but as those who are joined together in community. We confess our fear of the unknown, desirous of a crystal ball that will reveal to us what is to come. We apologize sincerely for offering prayers that are more akin to laundry lists, than sincere communiques asking for guidance. Give us servant hearts, O God; hearts ready to work, hearts that are always awake and alert to your call. Give us unselfish spirits that seek to solve and resolve whatever comes, patiently, kindly and creatively, for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In L. Frank Baum’s story of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Glinda the Good Witch of the North reveals to Dorothy Gale the charm of the “Silver Slippers” she inherited from the Wicked Witch of the East. "The Silver Shoes, have wonderful powers. And one of the most curious things about them is that they can carry you to any place in the world in three steps, and each step will be made in the wink of an eye. All you have to do is to knock the heels together three times and command the shoes to carry you wherever you wish to go..." Dorothy’s shoes are reminiscent of the golden winged sandals of the Greek god, Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods, as well as, the god of travel, commerce, luck, gambling and thieves!? Having a pair of golden winged sandals, or charmed silver slippers in the closet would certainly help us move into action quickly, should the need arise, but being clothed in Christ will most assuredly keep us ever-ready.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

August 7, 2016 "WHAT IS YOUR LIFE ABOUT?"

A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together, binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life
until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord,
offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving and merciful God, we are ever grateful for your grace. When we gather together in worship, we intend, as a community of faith, to thank you formally for all of your blessings. If someone asked us why we go to church, our first and simplest answer might just be: to say thanks. The children might answer, my parents made me come church, but someday in the future they will remember the moments of goodness they experienced here. Some of us willingly confess that we are here because we need fellowship. We have a need to sing favorite hymns and learn something about the way you are at work in our lives. For some being in worship energizes their soul like a dose of spiritual vitamins. Still others are challenged by your word to ponder the meaning of discipleship. Let us never take for granted the privilege and freedom we are afforded to worship you in peace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In 1958 Chairman Mao Zedong declared war on sparrows. He believed they disrupted China’s agriculture. Adults and school children were recruited to the fight the war against the birds. Girls’ middle school rifle teams received training in techniques for shooting birds, and 150 free fire zones were set up for the purpose. The bird warriors ended up killing too many sparrows. Not enough survived to keep the locusts and grasshoppers at bay. The insects devoured Chinese crops and 35,000,000 people died of starvation. In the 1850s North America introduced House Sparrows to rescue Elm trees from caterpillars. It didn’t take long before ornithologists resented the bird immigrants and declared war on the alien invaders. China might have dodged a significant bullet by taking a look at our history with “sparrows.” Civilla Martin wrote “His Eye is on the Sparrow” in 1905, referencing Luke 12 verse 7: “Do not be afraid you are of more value than many sparrows.” Hmmmmm —Maybe not so much.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

July 31, 2016 "YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU"

A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together,
binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life
until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord,
offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our dearest ABBA, Father, we feel blessed to be in this sanctuary, joined together as a community of faith. We may have only just met each other for the first time today, but our faith in Jesus binds us together in perfect harmony. We are grateful to be empowered by your most Holy Spirit to manifest a spirit of welcome, embracing folks from all walks of life; all shapes, colors, sizes and opinions. That said, O Lord, we are not immune to the trauma and trouble that threatens the integrity of our nation and our world. We confess a desire to walk around wearing earplugs so we can’t hear the vitriol that echoes forth even from our own mouths. Help us cool our jets, O God, and stay the course, which, as disciples of Jesus Christ, must always be in the direction of your kingdom come upon the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In the play “You Can’t Take It With You,” Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman introduce a household of kooky characters who appear to live a totally chaotic existence in New York City in 1936 as they wish, dream, and take each day as it comes. The world outside is orderly, organized, straight-laced and uptight, filled with people making plans to enjoy life someday. When the play was written, this country was smack dab in the middle of the Great Depression when people were hungry—hungry for work, food, a roof over their heads, and hungry too, for a story about love, hope and enough, before money, power and privilege. The play is still relevant even 80 years later reminding us right now, right this minute, to treasure our life and the lives of those all around us. Because stuff is just stuff and you can’t take it with you.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

July 24, 2016 "LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY"

Bulletin Cover Art is the graphic design used at the 2013 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together, binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord, offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Most Loving and merciful God, we proclaim and believe that your will for us is always goodwill. Even when we falter or fail in our efforts to be genuine disciples of Jesus, you hold out hope that we will carry on in faith, pressing on to the goal of your kingdom. We are well aware that there are potholes all along the road of life, but we are confident that you are eager to help us over the rough spots. Encourage our prayers, O Lord, and let us be transformed from the inside out empowered by your presence within us. Nourish our spirits through your word and sacrament that we may be fully energized to do the work of the gospel. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
When John Wesley was having a crisis of faith the evangelist Peter Bohler said to him: “Preach faith until you have it, then, because you have it, you will preach faith.” Wesley himself said: “Once in seven years I burn all my sermons; for it is a shame if I cannot write better now than I did seven years ago.” Preaching and sermon preparation is a spiritual discipline that must be cultivated by every preacher. Prayer is a spiritual discipline that must be cultivated by every disciple, because the more we pray the better we pray. Like preaching and praying, pledging to support the church is a spiritual act and requires a willing and disciplined heart.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.

July 17, 2016 "OBSESSED OR IMMERSED"

A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together,
binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life
until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord,
offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Most Loving God, how wonderful it is to gather together in worship singing praises to your name. Our Spirits are renewed as we affirm our faith and offer prayers of thanksgiving. We trust that you will heed our prayers of petition and intercession for the healing of loved ones, ourselves, our nation and the world. When we hear the horror stories boiling up from the cauldron of prejudice, fear and hatred, help us not to react with more fear, more prejudice and more hatred. Help us, Lord, to choose the better part. Show us the path of true discipleship as we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
It isn’t in my DNA to be a laid back sort of individual. I work hard at most everything, even playing. A nursing colleague once said to me that my somewhat obsessive nature made me a good intensive care nurse. I was. The reward for me was in the meticulous attention to detail required by that kind of nursing. As a matter of fact, I referred to myself as a patient detailer. I confess to getting annoyed lab techs and x-ray technician showed up and threw me off my schedule. I even got testy when too many family members wanted to visit too often for too many minutes. I discovered, after many years, that focusing on the sick and injured parts of a person can make it difficult for them to muster the SPIRIT of healing within. When the church, as a body, suffers injury, or loss much like the ICU patient, the body must strive to locate and enlist the help of that same SPIRIT of healing that resides within.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.