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
Dearest ABBA, Father, we have come to worship you not as solitary hearts, but as those who are joined together in community. We confess our fear of the unknown, desirous of a crystal ball that will reveal to us what is to come. We apologize sincerely for offering prayers that are more akin to laundry lists, than sincere communiques asking for guidance. Give us servant hearts, O God; hearts ready to work, hearts that are always awake and alert to your call. Give us unselfish spirits that seek to solve and resolve whatever comes, patiently, kindly and creatively, for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In L. Frank Baum’s story of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Glinda the Good Witch of the North reveals to Dorothy Gale the charm of the “Silver Slippers” she inherited from the Wicked Witch of the East. "The Silver Shoes, have wonderful powers. And one of the most curious things about them is that they can carry you to any place in the world in three steps, and each step will be made in the wink of an eye. All you have to do is to knock the heels together three times and command the shoes to carry you wherever you wish to go..." Dorothy’s shoes are reminiscent of the golden winged sandals of the Greek god, Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods, as well as, the god of travel, commerce, luck, gambling and thieves!? Having a pair of golden winged sandals, or charmed silver slippers in the closet would certainly help us move into action quickly, should the need arise, but being clothed in Christ will most assuredly keep us ever-ready.
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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