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
Everliving and ever creating God, we come reverently, on this first day of the week, gathering as one body to worship you, to sing praises to your holy name, and offer prayers of thanksgiving, petition and intercession. It was on the first day of the week that you brought the risen Christ forth from the tomb, opening wide the eyes of his disciples to the meaning of your promises fulfilled. Help us to be alert to your efforts to open our eyes, to see all the ways we can serve you as disciples of Jesus. Life’s distractions are many, and are often exhausting. We confess the power these distractions have to pull our focus from the spiritual practices that renew and heal us. Remembering how Jesus found his source of renewal communing with you in prayer; we shall follow his lead and turn our eyes to heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
When someone says: “I hate change!” I understand how they feel. However, change is part of our very essence. If not for the ever changing universe, we might not even be here. We might not exist at all. Change is inevitable. We can try our best to ignore it, resist it, even fight against it tooth and nail, like toddlers who simply will not give up their worn out “woobie.” Steeling ourselves against change and the fall-out we believe it leaves in its wake, is one way to handle it, but welcoming change opens us up to the possibilities it promises. The Golden calf was like the Israelites' wilderness-woobie. Feeling lost and abandoned, worshiping the familiar visage of the Egyptian god, Apis, comforted them. They forgot, for a moment, that they didn’t belong to Apis, and never really had. We shall not forget that God accompanies us through change, always leading us to the promised land.
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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