We believe in the one God, the creator of the universe, redeemer of humanity,
and bestower of grace, mercy and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ who came into the world that we might
see the face of God, in whose image we are created.
Bringing the Beloved One of God into our hearts, we are re-created,
and become new beings in his name.
We believe that Jesus holds all things together,
binding the hearts and minds of those whose faith is in him.
Jesus gave his life for ALL, and through his sacrifice we are reconnected with God.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who walks with us through this earthly life
until the day when Jesus will present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God.
Steadfast in faith, we cling to the gospel hope, pleased to serve our Lord,
offering ourselves, our prayers, our gifts, and our witness for the sake of the gospel.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Most Loving God, how wonderful it is to gather together in worship singing praises to your name. Our Spirits are renewed as we affirm our faith and offer prayers of thanksgiving. We trust that you will heed our prayers of petition and intercession for the healing of loved ones, ourselves, our nation and the world. When we hear the horror stories boiling up from the cauldron of prejudice, fear and hatred, help us not to react with more fear, more prejudice and more hatred. Help us, Lord, to choose the better part. Show us the path of true discipleship as we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
It isn’t in my DNA to be a laid back sort of individual. I work hard at most everything, even playing. A nursing colleague once said to me that my somewhat obsessive nature made me a good intensive care nurse. I was. The reward for me was in the meticulous attention to detail required by that kind of nursing. As a matter of fact, I referred to myself as a patient detailer. I confess to getting annoyed lab techs and x-ray technician showed up and threw me off my schedule. I even got testy when too many family members wanted to visit too often for too many minutes. I discovered, after many years, that focusing on the sick and injured parts of a person can make it difficult for them to muster the SPIRIT of healing within. When the church, as a body, suffers injury, or loss much like the ICU patient, the body must strive to locate and enlist the help of that same SPIRIT of healing that resides within.
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.
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