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 and most loving LORD, gathered here in this sanctuary, we hope to leave the worries of world outside for a time. We haven’t come to escape from the world, but to get perspective, to find balance and explore who we, as Jesus’ followers, are meant to be in the world. We confess our distractions, and our busyness with things we allow to demand our immediate attention. LORD, heal our hurriedness and our impatience. We long to be light; the light for others and ourselves. Let us shine with assurance, radiating our full confidence in the promise of good things to come. Let us not hinder the advancement of your kingdom come by our faithlessness and doubt. Give us spirits that allay distress and heal discomfort. All this, we are bold to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke wrote her book Out of Africa under her pen name Isak Dinesen. She wrote: The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea. I found her quote while reading up on salty folks, like the sailor called salty because he has logged a lot of time at sea. He is worth his salt to the newer sailors, because he knows every nook and cranny and all the idiosyncrasies of the ship. Matthew’s Jesus reminds us that we are the salt of the earth; basic, essential, spicy, flavorful, and necessary. Like the Sodium and Chlorine (NaCl) of the salt crystal, we are stable, strong, and tasty as long as we stick together.
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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