We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light, truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who
never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us,
reaching out to love us into new life.
We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying them to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death, and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks a passionate truth to all people in every language. Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof of God’s
transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong, and through which we are called to serve, and to make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Merciful and Loving God, we pray never to take you for granted. We are awed and inspired by all the ways in which you touch our lives and ask your pardon if we forget to say thank you in the moment. We confess our want to be spiritually nourished in a way that satisfies us personally. We want to be moved by music that triggers our endorphins to dance, giving us sense of joy from the inside out. Our hearts and souls long to be fed on the truths that ignite our faith and give purpose to our lives. Enlighten us, O God, with the “AHA” experiences that will keep us moving onward toward Christian Perfection. Let not sorrow, disillusionment, loss or betrayal deter us, or threaten our connection to you. When we turn to you and repent of our distraction we trust that you are already running to greet us with open arms. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
For some folks traveling to distant lands is a thrilling experience, well worth their time, effort and money. Other folks prefer the comfort of home. If inclined to travel at all, they stay within US borders, rather than attempt to figure out how things work in a place where people speak some language other than English, and eat different, sometimes unidentifiable, food. Just thinking about getting lost or robbed in a foreign country sends chills up their spines, so they stay relatively close to home. The truth is any one of us can get turned around, and end up lost even in places we thought we knew well. Finding our way can be tough to do on our own, and if we are too embarrassed, ashamed or afraid to ask for help, we could stay lost for a really long time.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we bring. We offer them with full and grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us in our use of them. 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.
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