We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, God with us.
He was baptized by John and anointed the most beloved Son of God.
Jesus sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself.
Suffering for us, he was crucified, died and was buried.
We believe God raised Jesus from the dead for the sake of all people,
and the promise of eternal life.
We believe the risen Lord will come again, one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the inspiring counselor of truth breathed into us and poured out upon us; sent to guide our lives.
We believe in the church, Christ’s body at work in the world.
We believe God is leading us into a new day, ever onward toward the Kingdom of God.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Loving God, as we gather this morning in worship, help us ponder our purpose. As disciples of Jesus we are called to minister in his name, declaring our faith not only by our words, but also in our work for the gospel. During our fifty-five years we have experienced many new beginnings and endings. As we have become more socially aware, we have become more spiritually sturdy. Save us from the malaise that accompanies prideful, self-satisfaction; prod us to embrace transformation. United as the body of Christ we are ever-ready for the next step toward the kingdom. Confident in the presence of your most guiding Holy Spirit, we shall not fear change. O, hear our prayer, most gracious Lord, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMITMENT
People employed for the long term like to know when they will be vested— referring to the time when they will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed pension and benefit privileges. It wasn’t until my mid-30s that I had any inkling of what such promises and guarantees meant. Some employees are vested after 5 years working full-time with the company, while others may be vested after 7 years. I believe that long time church members are vested in the promises of God’s grace having made their commitment to the church, and investing themselves in the church’s life and ministry for the long-term. They are vested in the hope that the church will live on, for many years to come, and that it will continue to exemplify a spirit of welcome and openness to all. That hopeful future for the church is built on a commitment of financial support, and you are being given an opportunity over the next four weeks to ponder your commitment of support to your church for the coming year.
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