We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving and merciful God, on this World Wide Communion Sunday, all Christians gather in worship to remember Jesus’ wondrous gift. How simple, and yet how profound that all over the world souls gather to celebrate Jesus’ presence with us in the bread of life, and the cup of redemption. Every time we partake of the sacrament, we partake of the redemption promise and are renewed. With spirits replenished we reach out a helping hand to those in need, and regard them as better than ourselves. Our joy shall be to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, having the same love, and being in full accord with one another. For we believe that you are at work within us enabling us to will and to work for your good pleasure. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Many of you have heard me talk before about John Wesley’s Directions for Singing on Page vii of the red hymnal. He calls upon us to learn these hymns before learning any other music, and to sing in full voice with the congregation. “Sing lustily and with good courage. Sing modestly. Sing in time. And Above all Sing Spiritually.” We sing to God, true, but someone else’s heart might be touched by your efforts to sing out to please God. To sing spiritually attests to God’s presence within us and we hope that presence shines through. Well, apparently someone has taken note of our efforts to sing spiritually, particularly our choir. Distinguished Concerts International in New York has invited the Palm Springs UMC choir to sing Pepper Choplin's Journey Through The Lord's Prayer on Father's Day, June 17, 2018 at Carnegie Hall!!! We have accepted the invitation!
No comments:
Post a Comment