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 generous and patient Lord of all life, fill us with wisdom, patience and determination to serve your will and your way. As we witness and ponder the tragedies that threaten to overwhelm our own sense of safety in this land, give us spirits, hearts and hands that will work to mend the brokenness around us. Empower us, as servants of your Christ, to pray diligently that the leaders of this world together seek to find a way to stop the madness. Let us not be judge and jury of those who would undo us; rather give us the heart of Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The Greek King Midas was granted a wish by Dionysus as a reward for having found the god’s beloved teacher, Silenus, who had disappeared after a night of too much wine. King Midas wished everything he touched would turn to gold instantly. Granted! He soon concluded that his gift was a terrible burden, because everything he touched, from the food he wanted to eat to the daughter he cherished, turned to gold. On the verge of starving to death he returned to Dionysus and prayed for a way to be rid of his golden touch. He was told to wash himself, and everything he had turned to gold, in the river Pactolus. According to the legend the gold washed away, and settled in the river bed. Midas gave up all of his wealth and riches, moved to the country and still longing for what satisfies from without, he became a follower of the god Pan, who was a party animal of the first order. Like Midas and The Rolling Stones, all humans search for satisfaction, as if it is something to get or obtain. Finding our satisfaction within liberates us to be generous.
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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