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
Gracious God, thank you for the blessings of this day. Open our eyes to all that is good and help us to be believe that we are a part of it. We must confess how often wonder why you don’t just fix all that is wrong with the world, or fix us at the very least. Too often we think of you as a wish granter, and that if we just pray hard enough and often enough all our wishes will come true. We know in our heart of hearts that you are not a wizard inclined toward magic. Help us to courageously claim our faith and not discount it as weak. May we trust you always and be patient, recognizing the faith you have in us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I like researching the origins of words and idioms. For example where did the expression “don’t beat around the bush” come from? It is said that wild boars liked to hide out in bushes and hunters would order their slaves to go directly into the bushes to flush out their prey. The slaves, not wanting to be impaled on the boars tusks, decided to beat around the bush to get the boar to show himself. There are a few stories about the saying: “put your best foot forward.” The word, best is the superlative of the word good and suggests that a count of three, is necessary for a “best” designation. Being bipeds, putting our better foot forward is more correct. In the 1800s when men were very vain, it was said that one calf was often larger than the other, so it was better to lead with the better (more attractive) looking calf when one was making a grand entrance. In those days “putting one’s best foot forward” was a fashion statement. Today it just means to do the best you can. Please do the best you can for the church as the ushers receive the offering.
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.
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