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 are ever grateful for your grace. When we gather together in worship, we intend, as a community of faith, to thank you formally for all of your blessings. If someone asked us why we go to church, our first and simplest answer might just be: to say thanks. The children might answer, my parents made me come church, but someday in the future they will remember the moments of goodness they experienced here. Some of us willingly confess that we are here because we need fellowship. We have a need to sing favorite hymns and learn something about the way you are at work in our lives. For some being in worship energizes their soul like a dose of spiritual vitamins. Still others are challenged by your word to ponder the meaning of discipleship. Let us never take for granted the privilege and freedom we are afforded to worship you in peace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In 1958 Chairman Mao Zedong declared war on sparrows. He believed they disrupted China’s agriculture. Adults and school children were recruited to the fight the war against the birds. Girls’ middle school rifle teams received training in techniques for shooting birds, and 150 free fire zones were set up for the purpose. The bird warriors ended up killing too many sparrows. Not enough survived to keep the locusts and grasshoppers at bay. The insects devoured Chinese crops and 35,000,000 people died of starvation. In the 1850s North America introduced House Sparrows to rescue Elm trees from caterpillars. It didn’t take long before ornithologists resented the bird immigrants and declared war on the alien invaders. China might have dodged a significant bullet by taking a look at our history with “sparrows.” Civilla Martin wrote “His Eye is on the Sparrow” in 1905, referencing Luke 12 verse 7: “Do not be afraid you are of more value than many sparrows.” Hmmmmm —Maybe not so much.
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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