We believe we are created in the image of God, male and female.
Believing that God’s will for us is goodwill,
we follow in the footsteps of God’s beloved Son,
Jesus the Christ.
We believe Jesus lived to forgive, and showed us how, by serving one another,
we connect to the heart of God.
Jesus’ mission to bind up and heal the broken-hearted is our mission also.
We believe and trust Jesus’ saving act of taking all our sin, regret and sorrow
upon his own shoulders.
He bore them to the cross where they died with him.
Jesus was buried in a tomb, but on the third day God raised him from the dead,
as promised.
Not long after his resurrection, also as promised, God sent the Holy Spirit into our midst
speaking truth in every language to all who have ears to hear.
We believe The Spirit is our ever-present advocate, counselor,
and friend teaching us to love God and one another as the Christ loved us.
Praise God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving and ever-present God, we enter this sanctuary for many different reasons. Some of us come in search of meaning and purpose in our lives; some to find faith or a better understanding of the faith we profess; some to discover the path to holy living; some come seeking connection with the source of our being, and still, others are in dire need of making social connections, becoming part of a united fellowship. Spiritual connection is a good pursuit no matter what the reason. We pray always to be better, stronger, more hopeful people for our efforts, investing ourselves, and the gifts you have given us in the advancement of your kingdom and the building up of Christ’s church. May this fellowship always be a gift of grace, and opportunity for all. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Remember Neil Diamond’s 1983 song written for the film “ET”? It was entitled “Heartlight” and the chorus went: Turn on your heartlight, Let it shine wherever you go. Let it make a happy glow for all the world to see. Diamond might have lifted that image straight out of the gospel of Matthew. The song was surprisingly popular, not because the lyrics were particularly profound, but because they reminded people of “ET”, the lost little alien whose heart actually glowed with love. Most of us still consider the heart the prime mover of our beings, keeping us vital and alive, but we also call it the prime mover of our emotional selves. Two thousand years ago the author of Ephesians, wrote that the eyes of an enlightened heart could know hope, the hope to which God has called us. See with your hearts the hope your gifts bring.
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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