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 loving and gracious God, it is always a good and joyful thing to be able to worship you in the company of those who are clothed in Christ. We confess moments and days when the world attempts to strip us of this gracious gift, reminding us of our flaws, foibles and fears. All too often we can be convinced that the weight of the world rests upon our shoulders and ours alone. We are never quite sure if it is stubborn pride, or shame that keeps from asking for the help we need, whether from you or the brothers and sisters in Christ all around us. Our greatest wish and most fervent prayer is never to be separated from you. Our savior sought to help us understand that true repentance merits and receives forgiveness. Let us not be haunted by the mistakes of our past, rather plant within us the courage to take our forgiveness and move on. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Last Sunday morning, as I was backing out of my driveway, about to head East on Tachevah, I noticed the road up ahead was blocked with police cars. I turned around and came to church by another way. It wasn’t until the following day that I learned there had been a shooting death not a quarter mile from my house. The victim and the three suspects were all high school age children. In the 10 years I have lived in my neighborhood I have been aware of two murders. Many of you know, I don’t watch the television news, not because I wish to be ignorant or live in denial; the fact is I don’t consider what is called “the news” worthy of my time, energy or angst. I don’t want to wonder or worry about evil lurking around every corner. I don’t want to be afraid to walk about in this world. It is a waste of my brain cells. I would rather challenge us to build a church that empowers the unenlightened to hang up on the call of evil, and listen at long-last for the call of grace.
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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