Beginning on June 11th, I will be moving away
from the appointed lectionary readings for worship and preaching. In their
place I will be presenting a longish sermon series: On Faith. Over the last few years one of the
conversations I have had on many occasions regards what it is we in the United
Church of Christ believe, how we approach the Bible, what we understand about
God, ourselves, and the world. So, for several months, each Sunday we will be
looking at another statement in the United Church of Christ's Statement of
Faith. If you grew up in another tradition, if you're
just curious, if you want to know more about our denomination and who we are,
this is a great opportunity to make a journey of discovery outside of an
educational setting. In preparation for the series, here is the
UCC's Statement of Faith: We
believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our
God, and to your deeds we testify: You
call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before
each one the ways of life and death. You
seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. You
judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and
apostles. In
Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have
come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling
the world to yourself. You
bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus
Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races. You
call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your
servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and
resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory. You
promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage
in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end. I hope that you will find this interesting,
that your faith will be challenged, that you will come to know God in new and
amazing ways. With the Greatest of Hope! Erik |
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