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
O most glorious Creator, you are not only the master builder of the universe, but a doting, patient, and forgiving parent. Indeed, You surprise us by your immeasurable grace. Even when we think the very worst of ourselves, you work diligently to help us move beyond self-denigration. When we head out in the other direction thinking too much of ourselves, puffing ourselves up to great heights of entitlement, you open our eyes to the plight of those who have lost everything. You are always at work inspiring us to take that oh so, necessary step forward, prodding us to choose the smarter way, the compassionate way, the way of Jesus. Strengthen our resolve to be an even stronger, more open, ever more involved and welcoming body of Christ as we reach out to the community and the world around us. Let us bring glory to your name, O Lord, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
In anticipation of his death Jesus left humanity a will. He had no hard cash, property, blue-chip stocks or bonds to leave his disciples. He had nothing in the way of tangible assets to help his followers carry out their call to minister in his name. He hadn’t the wherewithal to build a Chrystal Cathedral in downtown Jerusalem. Nevertheless Jesus did leave a will, an ethical will, which he gave to his disciples for safekeeping. His words, his deeds, his encounters with people from all walks of life he left for us, a treasure to cherish. Much liked the servant in the parable of the talents who buried his one talent in order to return it to the master intact; not all of Jesus’ disciples shared what was left to them. Please help the church carry on sharing Jesus’ legacy of Love.
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