October 30, 2016 "HE KNEW MY NAME!?"

AFFIRMATION OF PERSISTENCE
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth.
We accept God’s abundant grace granted while we were being made in secret.
We believe that God’s testimony is written upon our hearts,
and that God forgives our rebelliousness cleansing us of all regret.
We believe in Jesus Christ, anointed to bring good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick, and comfort those who mourn.
Because he loved us, he gave his life for us, and then God restored his life.
We believe the Holy Spirit comes to all who are in Christ, Jesus.
The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us according to the will of God.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ in the world, called to bring good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick,
and comfort those who mourn.
We believe persistent prayer, in the name of Jesus,
can heal the body and the soul.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and loving Lord, it is only when we worship together that we join our hearts, minds and voices, lifting them as if singing a weekly anthem of praise to your most holy name. Ours is a corporate song, as we who are many are transformed into the one body giving thanks for your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and your persistent presence in our lives. In worship we remember all the good you have bestowed upon us, offering in response our love, devotion, and a commitment to follow your will and way for us. It is in our worship that we find the courage and stamina to rededicate ourselves, and to affirm our faith as servant disciples of Jesus Christ. In the name of our savior, redeemer and Lord, we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Mrs. Dyer, who lived next door, when I was a little girl, had the most terrific apple tree in her back yard. She would let me climb it whenever I wanted to. I loved to sit in its ample branches watching the robins and squirrels pecking and scurrying. The higher I’d climb the taller I felt. I remember watching my nephew climb a tree like a monkey at the age of 4. He would shout, “See how tall I am.” I knew then, he was destined to be an athlete. He is a linebacker at the University of Washington. Zacchaeus, the star of today’s scripture, was a diminutive man, who climbed a giant sycamore tree, not to feel taller, but to catch a glimpse of the man everyone was talking about. By the time he descended his perch, after meeting Jesus, he had grown in stature by virtue of his changed heart and a new found generosity.
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.