We believe in GOD, the divine beginner and imaginative creator of all things
good and precious.
The earth and all the creatures who dwell upon it are GOD’S labor of love,
and we are the appointed stewards.
We believe GOD so loved us that in time GOD came to us in human form; born as we are,
an infant boy, tiny and helpless, our Emmanuel.
We believe in the healing and redeeming power of JESUS’ name, and claim him as our SAVIOR.
We believe he claimed us when he gave his life for us on a cross.
We believe that GOD would not forsake or abandon the Son and Beloved One.
In fact, we believe GOD raised JESUS from the dead, inviting us all to embrace
the promise of eternal life in Christ.
We believe in the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, who is always with us, helping us to walk the path of righteousness and genuineness.
As Christ’s body in the world, we believe, no matter what happens in the world, we are to love one another as GOD has loved us, in Christ JESUS our LORD. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most gracious and eternal God, today we look back on the year 2017, and how we lived each day of life granted us. Some days we recall with a smile, and others not so much. We have said good-bye to loved ones and dear friends; we have embraced new friends who have desired to serve you as a part of this body of Christ. As the new year unfolds, dear Lord, may the Holy Spirit be at work in us, stirring us to be models of discipleship, empowered by the hope that will build our future, the peace that reigns in our hearts, the joy we have in our work, and the love we bear for each other. Looking back, we have accomplished much in the last decade, but we are not finished by any stretch of the imagination. There are so many people who long for assurances that all will be well. Help us lead them in the path of faith, the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Tomorrow begins the new year. Some of us are still amazed that we are now 18 years into the new millennium, ever closer to those Stardates logged by Captain Kirk some 50 years ago aboard the Starship Enterprise. “Another year come and gone” said my 30-something exterminator, somewhat matter-of-factly. Because we cannot pause time, or cause it to move more slowly, our time together, years, months, hours, minutes, even seconds must be counted as precious, and worthy of our full attention. If your time spent worshipping or serving God in this church nourishes your soul, then we are on the right course. To quote Mr. Spock, surely we will “live long and prosper” with your continued commitment of financial support.
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