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
Gracious God, how wonderful it is to bind our hearts, minds and spirits with yours particularly in this time of worship. Today, we are grateful for the addition of our new members whose life experiences and fresh perspectives promise to enhance and empower our shared ministry. We give you thanks for the blessings of this day, remembering those who have suffered misfortune and loss. Help us in our efforts to be your most thoughtful servants. Keep us alert and fully tuned in to the many opportunities open to us to help those in need. Give us courageous spirits to meet the challenges that are part of life, and let us not be overwhelmed or undone by the misfortunes that befall us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The word “join” appears relatively few times in the New Testament and is the English translation for a variety of Greek words. “Join” appears in the NT mostly when Genesis 2:24 is quoted: “A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” The word undeniably has a physical connotation. In 1st Corinthians 6 Paul does some ranting over the less than laudable behavior of the Corinthian church members. Mid –rant in verse 17 these words appear: But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. The Greek verb here translated as “joined” is Κολλάω (Kallao) means: to glue together, to cement, to fasten firmly together, to join one’s self to. With that kind of glue holding us together, there is nothing we can’t do in Christ.
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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