We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, who grants us grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world can separate us from the love of God,
who willingly forgives the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came lived with us and taught us to choose life in his name.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our sins upon himself and carried them to the cross
where he gave up his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to humanity.
We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that he will come again one day
to take us to himself.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is present with us, offering good counsel and truth in every language.
When we willingly embrace the Spirit’s presence, our hearts are warmed,
and we are transformed.
As the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to a ministry of service,
working for justice and reconciliation.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious and Loving God, we began our journey through this Lenten season on Ash Wednesday. We humbled ourselves in the company of Job. We listened as he confessed his desire to melt away because of his lack of understanding and repent in dust and ashes for his sinful, self-righteous assumptions. Let us not make light of Lent, but give us the understanding to take it seriously. Guide us in honing our spiritual disciplines. Give us the will to pray, and not shy away from it. Inspire us for service investing time in one of the church’s ministries. And sharpen our biblical wits as we ponder your word. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
As I pondered the passage for today, my head radio started playing that tune by the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” with new words “I’m pickin’ up good foundations, their meeting my expectations, Good, Good, Good, Good, Foundations.” The first line of our opening hymn today tells us plainly that Jesus Christ is the church’s one foundation, the one Lord, in whom we share one faith, one birth, one hope, and one table. Building our corporate and personal spiritual house upon this rock, we can stand strong in inclement weather, even as storms and world crises assail us. Our tithes and offerings are a manifestation of the faith we share and help to keep us vital, alive and rock solid!
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May our work serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment