JUNE 12, 2016 "THE WOMEN"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR PENTECOST
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters,
and brought the universe and this earth into being.
That same Spirit breathes life into human creation.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and Beloved One.
The very name, “Jesus,” meant salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us.
When Jesus gave up his life for ours, at the last he commended his own Spirit into God’s hands, and God, the creator, raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles
the language of salvation empowering them to tell the stories of Jesus to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most Gracious Creator, as your Spirit moved over the face of the waters and urged the earth into being, you made change and transformation part of the essence of every life form. Each one of us carries this transformative essence, which is you within and with us. We are given the choice to wrestle against change, fearful, trying to resist it, or we can embrace it, and the promise it brings. Spirit of Love and wisdom, help us make the choices that will heal your creation, not harm it further. Let us not be quick to chastise or punish those who resist as you urge us toward change and transformation. Show us the way of genuineness and excellence, unafraid, and working daily to be obedient to the commandment to love one another as the Christ loved us. We pray to be the people who embrace the promise transformation brings. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
The word Transform from the Latin transformare means "change in shape, metamorphose." Metamorphosis is a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means. The entity is so changed that it no longer resembles any part of its old self. God is not only a force of creation, but of transformation. We humans can be slow to respond to the Holy Spirit’s urgings to be transformed, nevertheless the Spirit is persistent, and we shall all be changed. It took 42 years before a clergywoman stood in this pulpit. It may seem as though it happened in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and after 12 years no longer seems strange. But the full inclusion of women as leaders in Christ’s church has transformed the church and she is better for it.
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.