We believe we are created in the image of God, male and female.
Believing that God’s will for us is goodwill, we follow in the footsteps of God’s beloved Son,
Jesus the Christ.
We believe Jesus lived to forgive, and showed us that by serving one another,
we are connected to the heart of God.
We believe we share Jesus’ mission to bind up and heal the broken hearted.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our regrets and sorrows upon his own shoulders,
and bore them to the cross where they died with him.
Jesus was buried but, on the third day, God raised him from the dead, as promised.
After Jesus’ resurrection, we believe God sent the Holy Spirit to empower Jesus’ followers.
The Holy Spirit was their ever-present advocate, counselor of truth, and companion.
We believe that same Spirit resides with us, interceding for us and empowering our work in the name of the Christ.
The Spirit reminds us daily to love God and one another as
the Christ loved us. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, with hearts full of joy, awe and triumph we greet you this morning. We imagine you smiling as we rejoice in the news of Christ’s resurrection. We shall not be reserved with our response to your promise fulfilled; it is too wonderful to be shy. We are gladder than glad! This resurrection Sunday is your most wondrous gift of love, bringing hope to a hurting world. On this day, you chose to reveal what awaits your children beyond grief and mourning. Your message for all the world is clear. The tomb is empty, and our human existence, with all of its ups and downs, has been touched by the promise of eternity. Today you call upon us to let go of the fear of death, and embrace what awaits us beyond time itself. With our spirits ignited and our faith ever strong, we shall be your witnesses in and for the world. We’ll shout it from the mountain tops: “Christ is Risen!” Today you have made all things new! “Christ is Risen!” We may not comprehend all that you have done for us, but we humbly thank you in Jesus’ name and say again: “Christ is Risen indeed! Amen! and Amen!”
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Whether you attend church on Christmas and Easter or fifty-two Sundays out of the year, the church intends to be here for you. The communities of faith that the early followers of Jesus began, sought to provide mutual support to their members, not only to help them grow spiritually, but often to meet their most basic needs for food, clothing, and comfort. The earliest communities of faith shared everything in common. Today the church endeavors to continue that legacy of caring for people’s spiritual and physical needs, reaching out to our local community and beyond. But the wherewithal to care, and do that outreach, comes only through your generosity, whether you share it twice or fifty-two times a year. Your gift helps this church do its part in healing this broken world.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God there is no clearer message of your love and goodwill for humanity, no more graphic demonstration of your forgiveness; no greater assurance of your hope for humanity than Jesus’ resurrection. The gifts we offer this morning cannot compare to the gift you have given us, but we hope they will serve your kingdom purpose, bringing the message of your love and goodwill to those who have never known it. In the name of the risen Christ we pray. Amen.
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