We believe in one creative God righteous and patient, merciful and just.
We believe that God is perpetually creating.
We believe that God’s handiwork is well thought out, diverse, colorful, and inspiring.
We accept that God has entrusted the earth, and all that is in it, to our care.
We believe that Jesus was given unto the world in order that humankind could know the true heart of God. Jesus’ life revealed God’s willing presence in our lives.
His death revealed God’s love. His resurrection from the dead revealed God’s Grace.
We believe that God’s Holy Spirit came to us in the nick of time, while we held our breath,
wondering what to do next.
God’s Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world.
Like creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious and loving God, it is now, when we are gathered together in worship that we comprehend the importance of being united as one body in Christ, Jesus. In our oneness of spirit we are empowered to pray and praise you without ceasing. Our thoughts, hopes and dreams, when entwined with yours, bring us to an understanding of how you would have us relate to the world around us. You do not call us to abandon the world, or isolate ourselves from her pain. Nor do you expect us to hide from those who do harm to your creation. Rather you call us to seek out ways to serve humankind and heal your creation. Let us not be undone, or confounded by the wily ways of the wicked. Make of us confident clever Christians well able to articulate our faith. Help us expound upon the blessings we have received and the trust we have in you. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
“1933 was the darkest year of the Great Depression. The storm clouds of Nazism and Fascism hovered all over Europe and threatened the entire world. The prevailing mood was anxiety—fear about economics, fear about politics and fear about the future. Shadyside Presbyterian Church gave birth to World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday of October, 1933. The congregation desired to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity, symbolizing how each congregation is interconnected one with another. When asked how World Communion Sunday became a worldwide practice, Dr. Donald Kerr the pastor of Shadyside, replied that at first: "People did not give it a whole lot of thought. It was during WW II that the spirit caught hold, because we were trying to hold the world together.” World Communion Sunday continues to symbolize the effort of Christians everywhere to hold the world together.
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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