We trust and affirm that each of us is created in the image of God.
We believe God’s Grace to be immeasurable, and God’s will for us always Goodwill.
We believe that Jesus, the beloved Son of God, lived to forgive,
to heal the broken hearted, and proclaim God’s love to the world.
Jesus took our shame and regret, and bearing them upon his own back, he carried them to the cross, where he surrendered his own precious life.
We believe he did this to set our spirits free.
We believe that Jesus did not die in vain and his death was not the end of anything.
God is better than that!
True to his promise, on this the FIRST day of the Week, God raised Jesus from the dead! YES! We believe it!
We believe in the Holy Spirit, God’s gift of presence. We trust the Holy Spirit to guide us as we endeavor to live the commandment to love each other as Christ loved us.
We believe the Holy Spirit moves us ever onward toward Christian perfection.
Thanks be to God! Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, because the resurrection of Jesus occurred on the First Day of the Week, his disciples made this a day of holy celebration, as they remembered your mighty acts in Jesus Christ. As that first, first day of the week continued to unfold, it became clear that you were not going to allow the momentum of those mighty acts to slow or abate. The disciples who remained were called into action, prepared or not, to continue ministering in Jesus’ name. We confess that we have felt as unprepared to carry-on his work in the world, as those who were closest to Jesus Nevertheless from our baptismal day you have called each of us to work in your vineyard cultivating the ground of goodwill that is sure to yield the most glorious fruit. Lord, give us the stamina to keep at it in Jesus name. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
I think people would rather count down the number of shopping days until Christmas than count down the number of days until April 15th our tax return filing deadline day. The Washington D.C. Emancipation Day holiday is being observed on Friday April 15 this year (giving the federal government employees a 3 day weekend) instead of April 16th, which is a Saturday when no one would be around to celebrate. So Tax Day has been moved to Monday, April 18th. Let us give thanks for the two day grace period granted to those of us who will be obliged to get our tribute postmarked and mailed, now, by Monday. And, why not start today building your charitable donation portfolio for your 2016 taxes by giving generously to your church.
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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