June 5, 2016 "KEEP AWAKE TO LOVE" Rev. Galen Goben Preaching

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 loving and patient Abba Father, we are as in awe of your grace and mercy as we are of your might and power. You hold back nothing from us, unlike us who so often withhold our mercy, kindness and affection from one another. We confess to digging in, often closing ourselves off in frustration, when things don’t go the way we think they ought to. We can get so wound up that we forget to remind ourselves to tackle one problem, one obstacle, one mountain, or even one obstreperous individual at a time. Trying to take them on all at once is simply an exercise in futility. Lead us, Lord, by your gentle persuasion. Open our eyes and our minds to discover how best to be of service to you, helping to heal the earth, humanity and ourselves. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
The word “forlorn” has a long history. It is the joining of the two Latin words  for- "completely" + leosan "to lose." Forlorn is a past participle, and since the 1500s has come to mean: "completely lost, forsaken, abandoned, wretched, and miserable.” We don’t use the word much anymore; grief has taken its place. However “forlorn” describes perfectly how we feel inside when we are anticipating or experiencing devastating loss. In moments of forlornness, many will encourage forbearance, moving forward, forging ahead whether we are ready emotionally or not. How fortuitous for all of us, that the Holy Spirit has come, and holds out a hand to lead us in the way of promise when we are ready. How fortunate we are. Let us give thanks. The ushers will now come forward to accept your gifts and offerings.
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.