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
God of Grace and Glory, we are confident that Jesus has come to us in your name. Let us see ourselves in the procession of disciples as Jesus rides on in victory. Entering the city of Jerusalem, he is not unaware of what awaits him. Nevertheless, he has come. Your beloved has come to deliver us, to show us the way that leads to life. His passion is what he will endure for us all. We confess, dearest Abba Father, that we are mystified, humbled, and awed by your willingness to wipe the slate of human sinfulness clean, offering yourself as the atoning sacrifice. Make it possible for each of us to observe this Holy Week, stepping out of our daily and weekly routines. Prod us to invest spiritual time and energy so that we may fully grasp the extent to which you were willing to go to renew your covenant of love with every human soul. Write again your testimony upon our hearts, that we may never forget that you are our God and we are your people. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
O Lord, help us comprehend that the gifts we offer today were first received from you. Nothing of what we have or possess in this world will do us any good or give us any comfort in the life you have promised beyond this one. Neither will the gifts we offer make anyone rich. However, they may offer a modicum of comfort or relief to those who have given up everything or who have nothing left to lose. Help us be ruled by a heart that presumes nothing about the whys and wherefores of misfortune, and judges not. Amen.
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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