We Affirm and Pledge Anew
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Our loving God, as we come into your presence this day we are grateful for all the ways you show your love and care for us through the magnificence of your creation, through the provisions of your hand, through the ministry of this church, and through the relationships we share with one another in this place.
Hear our prayer this day for those who are in special need of your love and care: those facing surgery or other medical procedures, those dealing with chronic pain, those fighting cancer, those working through the emotional stress of addiction, those who are estranged from family, and a host of other needs perhaps known only to you, O God. Be with each of these and grant them your healing. Give them your strength. Impart to them your peace.
We earnestly pray for those who have suffered grief and loss in recent days. Comfort their hearts with your Spirit. We know that you are “close to the broken-hearted, and that you save those whose spirits have been crushed.” (Psalm 34:18) Be especially close and ever present with these who grieve this day, O Lord.
As we work together side by side as brother and sisters in Christ, may we pledge anew to pray for, support, and undergird the continuing work of the ministry and mission that you, Christ, envision for us your church, on this corner, in this city, for such a time as this.
We affirm and pledge ourselves to be an inclusive body of Christ where all are celebrated for being just who you, God, have created each of us to be and loved so much that each of us might become who you intend for us to become… a place where all are welcomed.
We affirm and pledge anew to be a diverse community of faith; old/young, rich/poor, white/people of color, born in lands abroad/born here within our shores, liberal/conservative… and everything in between… yet all the while loving, affirming, and accepting of one another… as you are loving, affirming, and accepting of each of us… a place where all are valued.
We affirm and pledge anew to be a compassionate group of Christ followers where we see each other as your dear children, brother and sisters in Christ, more than just acquaintances, truly becoming dear friends to one another as you are such a friend to us ... a place where all are loved!
We affirm and pledge anew to be your church – a shining light to the community that surrounds us, a place of refuge for those who are hurting or in need, a sanctuary of hope, unity, and peace in our world torn apart by despair, division, and war.
Be in us, be with us, dwell among us, and work through us.
We pray all of this in Christ’s name and by the Spirit. Amen
R. Mark Green
Pastor to Senior Adults and Youth & Children’s Music