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 and Everliving God, creator of the universe, we stand in awe of your creation and give thanks for the natural resources of this world. Create in us a consciousness of conservation as stewards of the very ground under our feet. Your covenants made with humankind throughout the centuries have been your declaration of love, commitment and friendship. We seek to remember them always. But it was the irrepressible message of your beloved son, his undaunted spirit, his openness to all people and his sacrificial heart that claimed us, calling each and every one of us to be his disciples. His words, his experiences, even the challenges he faced day after day, inspire us to carry on doing the work of the gospel. Empower us by your most Holy Spirit to reveal the Christ within us as long as we have life and breath. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
In May, I attended a pre-retirement retreat for pastors. The leader of the workshop, Keith Lawrence, recommended that we start practicing now for the time when we would no longer be engaged in full-time work. During the two day retreat we started making a list of things we were anxious to do and see. One of the most profound things Keith advised us to do was to identify our 2 o’clock in the morning friends, those truest of true friends (not children or spouses) who wouldn’t hesitate to answer the door or the phone in the middle of the night. In his recommendation I heard a call not only to recruit such friends, but to be someone’s 2 o’clock in the morning friend. There are friendships within this congregation which have blossomed and evolved into 2 o’clock in the morning friendships. I have seen your willing presence in the lives of your friends. It reflects the love of God and is a testament to your faith. I pray that you will continue to show the rest of us how it’s done.
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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