May 22, 2016 "WHO IS JUSTIFIED?"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR TRINITY SUNDAY
I believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving Abba Father,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I 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.
I believe, the risen Christ ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of
God the Creator.
I believe that the Christ shall come again, one day, to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, the counselor of truth,
and the source of power from on High.
I believe in the one body, the church, open to ALL people.
I believe in the forgiveness of sins, justification by faith,
the resurrection of the body, and eternal life. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our most Gracious Creator, Beloved Christ, and Empowering Spirit, abide with us. Help us to love and cherish the days of this life, to treasure the moments we spend in the company of loved ones and friends, to luxuriate in the kindness, and thoughtfulness of neighbors and strangers, and learn from them. Let us lift one another up always respecting our differences, and honoring all that unites us. Let us revel in our service to the Christ and all that we accomplish together in his name. May we be attentive to your empowering presence in all our efforts to care for those in need. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
This is Trinity Sunday and Peace with Justice Sunday. One theme involves church tradition and the other testifies to our commitment to social justice and a refusal to turn a blind eye to injustice. Peace, from the Latin, “PAX” means: agreement, tranquility, absence of hostility, and harmony. Coupled with the word Justice, in the spirit of SHALOM the church is called into action, to be advocates of needed policy change “in communities and nations throughout the world.” We are Methodists United for human rights. As Christians we are called to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, and open the eyes of the blind. Where there is injustice we are called to work for justice. Five Percent of your offering today will be given to support UM Peace with Justice Sunday.
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.