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 God, we give you thanks for so many things; for the sunshine of a new day, for the opportunity to welcome new friends, to sing in full voice our hymns of praise, and share our concerns for old friends and loved ones. We confess how very much we miss friends who moved away, leaving our company, to be closer to family as their years of life wain. They are people of great courage, and our prayer is that they will find comfort, soon enough, in their new community. Help them share the good news they carry with them ministering to the people they meet. Remind them their strong spirit will be a gift to all those around them. Teach us, O LORD, to make the best of the time we are given here on earth. Help us let go of impatience and fear. Open our hearts and minds to the great possibilities born of our faith in your goodwill for us. Pour out your most positive Spirit upon all of us, washing away all our doubts and empowering us to make the best of what ever comes our way. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I visited a website the other day which identified 27 different kinds of listening from Active listening to whole-person listening. Just knowing that someone has identified that many listening styles will probably find me looking curiously from now on at the person I am talking with to see what kind of listening they are engaging in. Are they actively, casually, or critically listening? Or are they fully, partially, falsely, deeply, or inactively listening. Is their technique, relationship listening, sympathetic listening or total listening? I suppose the church could launch a website that describes tithing like the types of listening: casual, active, full, partial, deep, false, sympathetic, critical or inactive tithing. Are you listening?
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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