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
Dearest ABBA Father, we lift our prayer of thanks and relief believing that you are always close at hand ready, willing and able to embrace even the most resistant soul. When we surrender our calloused and stubborn hearts you empty them of all our regrets. You fill them, instead with the assurance of your love, the promise of eternity, and renewed hope in the possibilities of today. Let us not be those who hide in the shadow of your wings, but let us be those who find rest and respite from the demands and rigors of our daily lives. When we awaken, send us forth invigorated, refreshed, and ready to invest our spirits in purposeful endeavors as ambassadors of the Good News. May our discipleship shine forth in everything we do and say. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
The prefix “re” means “back” and fugere is Latin for “to flee.” When we are in danger we seek refuge, find refuge, take refuge or return to places of refuge, protection and safety. In his most famous hymn, Martin Luther describes God as a mighty impenetrable fortress, a never-failing bulwark against the powers of darkness grim. Psalm 91 sings to us with other images: we shall not be caught up in the fowler’s snare, but shall be rescued and cradled in God’s wings, covered by God’s pinions. Pinions are flight feathers, very powerful, but warmer than the walls of a stone fortress, and more comforting than bulwark. It isn’t the concrete structure of our church that reminds us of God, but the welcome and care received within that offers refuge to the heart and soul.
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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