We believe God created, the heavens, the earth, and all the creatures that dwell upon it.
We believe God creates new beginnings.
We believe that God is never far away. God is ever-present, ever-vigilant and has been active in our lives throughout history.
We believe God is merciful and forgiving. God came to us in the person of Jesus to be a light for those trapped in darkness, and to preach Good News to those longing for
understanding and relief.
We believe God promises good. God promised us a savior, Jesus the Christ. And when his saving act was to die for our sakes, God raised him from the dead.
We believe God’s pursuit of the human heart and soul is persistent, for the Holy Spirit seeks us out to embrace us with the message of forgiveness, hope, peace, joy, and love.
We believe that as the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to wear and carry the Spirit’s message out into the world.
A new beginning is today. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Awesome and Glorious God, it is only when we truly take time to ponder the enduring gift of the Christ child, that we begin to comprehend the nature of your goodwill toward all. We are anxious to sing all about it and tell the story of Jesus’ birth, but all to often we leave the newborn babe in the manger, until next Christmas. Let us dare not only to embrace this holy child, but follow him into manhood to the day when he will discover your will for him. For, it is through him that you will write your story upon our hearts. Lead us Lord on the triumphant path of discipleship. Let this Christmastide be a true and new beginning for each one of us, “men and women, all persuasions, old and young, each a gift in your creation, each a love song to be sung.” All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Today we remember and celebrate God’s incredible gift, presented to humankind with no strings attached. The church endures to tell God’s story generation to generation, in order that it may be written upon our hearts. Your gifts help this church continue to share the story of God’s goodwill, love and grace not only in what we say, but in what we do to serve the community around us.
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