A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
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
O Most Loving and merciful God, we proclaim and believe that your will for us is always goodwill. Even when we falter or fail in our efforts to be genuine disciples of Jesus, you hold out hope that we will carry on in faith, pressing on to the goal of your kingdom. We are well aware that there are potholes all along the road of life, but we are confident that you are eager to help us over the rough spots. Encourage our prayers, O Lord, and let us be transformed from the inside out empowered by your presence within us. Nourish our spirits through your word and sacrament that we may be fully energized to do the work of the gospel. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
When John Wesley was having a crisis of faith the evangelist Peter Bohler said to him: “Preach faith until you have it, then, because you have it, you will preach faith.” Wesley himself said: “Once in seven years I burn all my sermons; for it is a shame if I cannot write better now than I did seven years ago.” Preaching and sermon preparation is a spiritual discipline that must be cultivated by every preacher. Prayer is a spiritual discipline that must be cultivated by every disciple, because the more we pray the better we pray. Like preaching and praying, pledging to support the church is a spiritual act and requires a willing and disciplined heart.
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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