AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
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
Most merciful and loving God, you know well that in the course of human history there are many dates and events that will live in infamy in human hearts all over the globe. Teach us to be merciful in the wake of harm, for revenge and retaliation are never sweet; they empty the soul of righteousness. When plagued with the desire to be YOU, to act in your stead, the human soul is corrupted, and these dates attest to that truth: 1229, 1585, September 3, 1939, December 7, 1941, August 6, 1945, November 22,1963, January 30, 1968, April 4, 1968, September 5, 1972, April 30, 1975, and September 11, 2001. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Have mercy upon us, O God and when we are tempted to hate, turn our eyes upon the Christ who shows us the way that leads to life. All this we pray in his name. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Disapproval, disdain, malevolence, cruelty, ill will, and unkindness, are all antonyms for the word mercy. “Mercy” is from 9th century French “Merci,” which meant reward, gift, kindness, grace or pity. Now it means “Thank you.” The Latin mercedem referred to a reward or wages paid. In 6th century church Latin mercedem referred to the heavenly reward bestowed upon those who showed kindness to the helpless. Therefore mercy refers to one’s disposition to forgive or show compassion. It is not solely an attribute of God, for when God pours out mercy upon us, we are enjoined, to follow suit. Shakespeare wrote: …”we do pray for mercy; and that same prayer teaches us all to render the deeds of mercy. Giving to the church is a deed of mercy.
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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