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 Jesus 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
Gracious God, we seek a moment or two of peace in this sacred space, confronted, as we seem to be everyday with contentiousness, and people whose first response to any request is NO!. Some days it feels as if folks have been infected with some kind of negativity fever. It’s probably just stress, but we are wont to pray this morning for you to rescue us from our stress. Let us sense your ready willing, and able presence with us. Let us not be put off by the nay-sayers, and can’t-doers. Keep us from ruminating over what we have not accomplished, and help us celebrate the good fruit we will help us bear. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Anita Sanchez writes: “Dandelions are one species of flowering plant that just about anyone can identify at a glance, as familiar to humans as the dog.” I loved seeing the bright yellow flowers springing up in our yard in Massachusetts. As a little girl I didn’t know why folks were bent on killing them. To me it was a pretty flower that magically turned into a puff ball, which, when I blew on it, scattered to the four winds. According to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association it was only in the 20th century that humans decided the dandelion was a weed. “Before the invention of lawns, the golden blossoms and lion-toothed leaves were more likely to be praised as a bounty of food, medicine and magic. Gardeners used to weed out the grass to make room for the dandelions.” It’s kind of similar to the way people view paper money and coins in the 21st century. Why carry money when a mobile phone app or a plastic card will suffice? The ushers will now come forward to receive your cell phones and plastic cards.
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.
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