January 15, 2017 "GATHERING STRENGTH"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR EPIPHANY
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, “God with us.”
He was baptized by John, and anointed the most beloved Son of God.
Jesus sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself.
Suffering for us, he was crucified, died and was buried.
God raised him from the dead for our sake and for the sake of the whole world.
We believe he will come again, one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is poured out upon us, refreshing our lives.
We believe in the church, the Body of Christ in the world.
The Spirit leads us ever onward, into a new day, and always toward the kingdom of God.
This Spirit is our soul companion, and counselor of truth, speaking to us of the power of faith,
the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, for millennia all of Israel focused their attention upon you, calling out to you for rescue, praising your name when you intervened to save them, from enemies, oppressors and even themselves. When they wailed, crying out, emitting great groans of despair, you heard the sounds of their mourning. You responded with strength and goodwill. And yet, the cries of the frightened, despairing, mournful people have not abated in our nation, or the world. Do they call upon you to intervene, to offer counsel, comfort, or soul repair? Do they even know you? If not, how can they ask you for what they need? On this Human Relations Sunday, dearest Lord,give us the audacity to claim you, and proclaim you as the savior of the world, who promises to intervene on behalf of all who call upon your name. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

January 8, 2017 "THE VOICE OF THE LORD"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR EPIPHANY
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, “God with us.”
He was baptized by John, and anointed the most beloved Son of God.
Jesus sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself.
Suffering for us, he was crucified, died and was buried.
God raised him from the dead for our sake and for the sake of the whole world.
We believe he will come again, one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is poured out upon us refreshing our lives.
We believe in the church, the Body of Christ in the world.
The Spirit leads us ever onward, into a new day, and always toward the kingdom of God.
This Spirit is our soul companion, and counselor of truth, speaking to us of the power of faith,
the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving LORD, we enter this sanctuary filled with reverence and longing. We wonder if this isn’t the very same feeling Jesus had as he walked to the edge of the river Jordan to be baptized by John? Like us was he searching for direction, or perhaps a renewal of his own faith path, hoping to find it in a moment of repentance? We confess to crowding our life moments with many things, O LORD. Even, before the New Year is in full swing, we have loaded up our schedules, calendaring our lives all the way through June. Let us hear your voice, O LORD. Pour into us wisdom and truth, patience and perseverance. Teach us the pondering ways of Jesus, that we may learn your will for us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING AND THE OPENING OF THE ANNUAL PLEDGE CAMPAIGN
WHAT COLOR IS HOPE
H is for healing,
H is for home
H is for hospitality
H is for Hope

Colors have meaning. When we think about the color red, we associate it with love, passion, and desire, as well as, courage and the color blue, with freedom, loyalty and trust. The color purple, is associated with Royalty, and was Queen Victoria’s favorite color. Before designing the brochure for this year’s HOPE campaign, I looked up what color is associated with the word HOPE. As you can probably tell by the brochure, Green, is the color that is associated with the word Hope. Now, I confess, I don’t think this has anything to do with the color of our paper money, although having greenbacks in one’s pocket is usually considered a good thing and a for most of us, a hopeful sign. But, green is the color of spring, and rebirth, the color of new growth, as trees are budding after their months of dormancy during the winter. Because Green is the color of Hope it is also the color of of possibility. We believe that all things are possible with God and for this reason, we have named our annual pledge campaign the Hope Campaign.
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.