AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe in God the creator of the universe, and loving ABBA Father
who breathed life into us and gave the earth into our care.
We believe that Jesus is the incarnate word of God, messiah and man,
who lived and died for our sakes.
When Jesus was crucified, he spoke words of forgiveness, just before his death.
God raised him from the dead as promised calling all who follow
to believe in the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts, and his name is ever on our lips.
This loving savior promised we would not be left orphaned and alone.
We receive the Holy Spirit as the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We believe that the Spirit speaks the language of redemption to our souls.
As the church, Christ’s body on earth, we gather spiritual strength
from our unfettered worship of the ABBA Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in heart,
body and mind ministering in Jesus’ name to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious and loving God, we come into your presence with thanksgiving and praise, some of us carrying heavy burdens, while others beam bright with triumph and dreams. Let us be mindful of your presence with us in every moment. We must confess that no matter how we endeavor to remain calm, centered and well grounded, when facing change, it’s easy to get rattled. Help us open our eyes to the harvest that awaits in the community around us. Just as we welcome the arrival of October’s cooler days, following the heat of July, August and September, let us be ready, willing and able to look forward to our future. Plant in us a vision for ministry, and empower us to bring that vision to fruition. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I bought my set of the New Interpreter’s Bible, published in 1995, in the early 2000s. The 12 volumes contain commentaries on every scripture in the Bible. Last Tuesday I wanted to delve a little deeper into Psalm 116, our Call to Worship for today. When I took the commentary from the shelf, it was still wrapped in plastic covered with a 10 year coating of dust. I removed the dusty cover and opened the pages of this brand new, possibly 22-year-old, book. I began to think about Jesus’ instruction to the disciples: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.” He was saying: don’t dig in, stubbornly lingering where you aren’t wanted; move on. Search out those longing to hear the message you offer. Time is always of the essence, when it comes to the Kingdom of God. Let us not waste a minute. Let no dust collect on the work we have been called to do in the name of Jesus Christ.
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 all our work and all of efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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