We believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving ABBA, Father,
creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son, who was conceived
by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe, the risen Christ ascended into heaven, and is seated
at the right hand of God the Creator.
We believe that the Christ will come again one day to take all who are in him to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the source of truth and power, sent to us from on High.
We believe in the one body, the church open to all people.
We believe in the forgiveness of sins, justification by faith, the resurrection of the body,
and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Lord God, Sovereign of the Universe, on this, Christ the King Sunday and Thanksgivng Sunday, it is right and good to give thanks for your eternal love and bountiful blessings. From the beginning your desire has been to grant us good, and yet sometimes we doubt. You know well, that when troubles come, our trust and calm can fly out the window. When our confidence is shaken, keep us from anxiety over what may come. Remind us only of your powerful presence in our lives. When negativity and faithlessness invade our spirits, sweep them away like so much dust and ash. Let us trust in you like the Christ who would not lose heart. Energize us for ministry, discovering new ways to serve in Jesus’ name, and fill us, at last, with a Spirit of triumph, believing that your kingdom is won already. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Do you remember making promises when you were a little kid? I remember promises made with words and hand gestures, as I drew a cross over my chest, and said: “Cross my heart and hope to die.” The phrase is from a much longer poem, but those 7 words were considered enough to seal the deal. I didn’t learn about pinky promises until I was too old to participate in such silliness, even though, the “pinky swear” has been around since 1860, and is believed to be of Japanese origin. Failure to keep the promise in Japan could result in the loss of said precious pinky.** We make all sorts of promises in this life: fidelity in marriage, remembering anniversaries, protecting our children, following doctor’s orders, paying for services rendered, and supporting our church. Breaking most of these promises carries obvious consequences, but there is nothing in the fine print, that says you could lose a pinky if you don’t or can’t keep your promise to the church.
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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