July 2, 2017 "DOMINION"

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
Loving and Merciful God, this week people from all nations and all walks of life who live in these United States will celebrate the historical date which marks our independence as a nation. How many of those who celebrate, will offer a prayer for those who sacrificed everything to make the day possible. Many nations celebrate similar dates, marking their freedom from long distance rule by monarchs, or dictators. As many individuals swell with Red White and Blue pride on Tuesday, remind us that all freedom comes at a cost whether, national, physical, emotional or even spiritual freedom. Men and women from all walks of life died in the Revolutionary War fighting for the freedom so many of us take for granted today. Because we do not hesitate to remember that Jesus died to give us spiritual independence from sin and death, we will take time to ponder the true meaning of freedom on this July 4th. We give you thanks and praise in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
What follows are a few fun facts about American coins. The penny weighs 2.5 grams, the nickel 5 grams, the dime 2.268 grams, the quarter 5.67 grams, the half-dollar 11.34 grams, the Liberty silver dollar 22.68 grams, the Susan B. Anthony dollar 8.10 grams, and the Sacajawea dollar 8.10 grams. Every coin is minted to an exact weight: one dollar in dimes weighs 22.68 grams; one dollar in quarters weighs 22.68 grams and 2 half-dollars weigh 22.68 grams. One dollar in nickels weighs 100 grams and in pennies 200 grams. This may serve to explain why coins add so much weight to your coin purse or wear holes in your pocket. If you are feeling the weight of your coins and want to be free of them, the church can find a good use for them.
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 our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.