We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe, that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ, ascended into heaven, and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is our ever-present advocate,
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Most, Loving and Eternal God how wonderful to worship you in this beautiful garden. We ask your blessing upon this garden of memorable gifts, the labyrinth built for us by Peter Bahnson, the water fountain placed in honor of Bishop Swenson, the memory bricks honoring loved ones and friends, along with the donated benches and flowering plants. We pray that this garden will live as a sacred place where searching souls can find a moment of respite from the demands of the day. The world expects much from each of us, and we confess trying meet those expectations can be exhausting. But our spirits are renewed, when we gather in your name to worship, to sing, to pray and meditate on your word. Give us strength to do your work and will, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
One of the challenges the church faces everyday is being relevant in a world that upgrades and changes its technologies faster than we can pronounce the word. Every minute of our everyday is fillable with obligations, or adventures. At times I think we have an aversion to stopping, to just standing still for a moment, because we are afraid we will get tossed off the wild ride. God never meant for the human spirit to be in endless turmoil, rather spiritual peace is God’s hope for all. God has known from the beginning that the human spirit needs, and deserves a sacred space in which to spend sacred time. It is for this reason as servants of God we work diligently and give generously to preserve the places of sanctuary for the wandering souls in search of sacred space and time.
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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