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.
UNISON PRAYER
O, most loving and generous God, we are grateful for willing patience, and unshakeable mercy toward humanity. Even though Genesis tells us that we have been created in your image, you are not like us. You do not hold grudges toward the hateful, or retaliate against the wicked. Neither do you ignore human evil. You do, however, expect your creatures to follow the Spirit’s lead and do what is right and genuine and excellent in your sight. When we become puffed up with our own importance, or too big for our britches, you don’t seek to put us down, but you are close, giving us the freedom to pave the way to our own demise. When we find ourselves bogged down in the muck and mire of our own egos, remind us, O LORD, that only your hand can pull us up and out into a new day. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
When Matthew’s Jesus says: “You have heard it said that…..but I say to you that....”, he is challenging his disciples and the crowd to take their long held thoughts and opinions to a different level, to look at them another way, through a different lens. He seeks to get them and us, as those who have ears to hear, to open our minds, to look at life and humanity from his perspective, to grasp the hope and significance of each day. Jesus calls upon his disciples to fine tune their thinking, and what I call the “ Good Shoulds,” recounted in Matthew’s chapters 5, 6, and 7 are the spiritual map that will lead us onward to perfection. 5:42 begins: “Give to everyone….”
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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