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 ABBA, Father, as our wondrous creator and righteous sovereign of the universe, you have seen us at our best and our worst. We long to please you, O God, striving to work with the gifts and talents you have given to each of us. Ever grateful for the gift of the Christ, and the Holy Spirit who prods us to cultivate a good conscience, we learn from life’s lessons moving onward toward the kingdom goal. Your persistent pursuit of the human heart calls us to cleanse our minds of doubt, and trust in your will and way for us. We do confess a desire to feel secure, resting-assured that all will be well, in our own personal lives, with our families, and with the church. We shall however, pray for wisdom when the going gets tough. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Mammon is not some super special big-time religious term. It is a Greek word that quite simply refers to wealth or riches. I guess the English Bible translators decided to leave the Greek word in this text, because it sounded more ominous than “wealth”— like maybe folks would think that Mammon was the name of the god of money. The Greek word occurs in Matthew and Luke no more than 4 times in 22 English translations of the Bible. In the modern English translations the word wealth appears in its place. It is still true, however, that one cannot be a servant of God and of Wealth. It is possible however to make friends and serve God by giving of your wealth.
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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