We believe in the eternal, gracious presence of God the creator of all things.
We believe God’s fiery presence was revealed in the burning bush that was not consumed.
We remember too, how God accompanied the wandering Israelites through the darkness,
as a pillar of fire lighting their way.
We believe God came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, to ignite once again,
our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
Jesus preached good news, and his words were like a fire burning within us.
He promised a baptism of the Spirit and of fire.
It was on the day of Pentecost that God’s Holy Spirit was poured out upon Jesus’ disciples.
A fiery passionate presence, the Holy Spirit opened their mouths to proclaim
God’s deeds of power, in every language.
We believe God’s Holy Spirit is ever-present advocating for ALL people.
As the body of Christ in the world, we believe that Spirit is at work
igniting within each of us a spirit of openness and radical welcome.
Thanks be to God!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Most Loving and Compassionate Creator, we are continually amazed by your goodness and kind consideration. Keep us from second guessing your will and way for humankind reminding us that your will for us is and has always been goodwill. Let your commandment to love one another as you have loved us, guide our thoughts and our steps along the path of discipleship. When we encounter days full of darkness and turmoil re-kindle within us the light and warmth of your presence. Let us not be impatient with your timeline. Empower us to trust that you are forever and always the God of wondrous deeds. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
A FIERY INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Discovering how to make fire changed the course of human history. If you want someone to fish or cut bait, sometimes you have to light a fire under them. If you are impressed with someone’s work performance you describe them as a ball of fire -- if unimpressed you say: “Well, she’s no ball of fire.” When deluged with criticism, we come under fire and we just might fire back. When we are thrown into a job setting or a situation unfamiliar to us, we may say we have experienced a baptism by fire, better described as a “trial by fire,” which was one of the many medieval “trial by ordeal” techniques used to decide a person’s truthfulness, guilt or innocence. May the Holy Spirit who baptizes us with fire from on high, ignite within you a spirit of generosity for the well-being of Christ’s church.
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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