From dust and nothingness, we believe God created the earth and all who dwell upon it.
The Lights in the heavens above are God’s special effects,
chosen to reveal the awesome colors of creation as each day begins and ends.
We believe Jesus is the beloved Son of God, begotten to love, teach, free, and heal
humankind. His life showed all of us how best to love God and one another.
His death on a cross showed us the true meaning of surrender.
His resurrection revealed the awesome goodness of God.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, God’s gift sent to warm our hearts, walk by our side,
and give us the language of glory to honor God all the days of our life.
This Spirit invites us to dance the dance of transformation, singing songs of thanks
and praise to the One who loves us without reservation.
We believe in the Church, the body that unites our hearts,
and prods us ever onward to work for good.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
Gracious and Loving God, we have come humbly into your presence to begin our journey with Jesus and his disciples to all that awaits him in Jerusalem and beyond. Lead us in paths that will mature us spiritually and strengthen our resolve. Cause us to invest ourselves in ministry, reaching out to those in need. Prod us to take the time to visit one who is cut off by illness or inability, forced to be absent from our fellowship. Inspire us to walk in the ways of servant-hood our loving, Abba, Father in heaven. We praise your holy name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today, the food we need to be strong in service to you and your creation. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, and show us how to forgive those who wrong us. Lord, keep us away from all that is evil, for yours is the kingdom, yours is the power, and all glory shall be yours forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMITMENT AND THE OFFERING
Lent is not a season designed to help us see how rotten we are. It is a time for spiritual growth and discovery. Lent offers us another opportunity to become better followers of Jesus. It is a time of doing honor to our faith and our spirituality. Lent is always a season of decision; so I invite you to be decisive in your Lenten pursuits. Choose a spiritual discipline to practice for the next 6 weeks, join one of our small group studies, change a habit from a bad habit to a good one. Embrace one of the means of grace: pray in private, pray in public, worship weekly, communicate weekly, study the scriptures, read the scriptures, follow diligently The Three Simple Rules: "DO NO HARM; DOALL THE GOOD YOU CAN; STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD."
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Loving God, creator of all things from the dust of the earth you have formed us and from the dust of death you have promised to raise us up. We offer these gifts in grateful thanks for your steadfast love and mercy. Our hope is to continue building a church where all people experience your welcoming grace. Empower us, O Lord, to live out our purpose as the body of your Christ in the world. Guide us in your service as we journey toward our future. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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