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
Wondrous God of grace and glory, we lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving on this All Saints Day. We are reminded when hearing the names of those who are no longer in our midst, to treasure these moments of worship and communion. We have been blessed by the companionship of these saints as we journeyed together in faith. They inspired us, challenged us, and loved us in their time. We confess our sadness in their absence from the body, but remember in joy that they are now present with you. As this year continues to unfold we pray your blessing upon us. Give us patience in our work and our service, as the days seem to grow ever shorter, and filled with more and more things to get done. Fill us with the hope of good things to come. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
All of us have to take tests in this life and answer questions that aren’t always simple and straightforward. Come on and admit it, how many of you get 100% of the questions right on your drivers test? Jesus was frequently tested being asked all sorts of wild and bizarre questions during his ministry. Many of those examination questions were meant to put him on the spot, and even trip him up, but he always seemed to be able to see through the weirdest most convoluted questions. Often answering a question with a question, the answers he provided, identified the core of the question posed. When asked if the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus quite simply said: “Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give God the things that are God’s.” He left it up to those who had ears to hear, to decide which was which, and what they ought to do. The ushers will now receive the offering.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment