The Apostles Creed
UMH #881
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic** church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Special Insert
COVENANT SERVICE
At the beginning of a new year, we gather not to make resolutions or promises we are unsure we can keep, but to place ourselves again in God’s care. The covenant we renew today rests not on our strength or faithfulness, but on God’s grace, which has already claimed us. As we worship, we are invited to listen, to trust, and to offer our lives once more to the God who holds us.
Commit yourselves to Christ as His servants. Give yourselves to Him, that you may belong to Him. Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both. In some, we may pleas Christ and please ourselves. But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ. Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:
Let me be Your servant, under Your command. I will no longer be my own. I will give up myself to Your will in all things.
Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work.
Lord, make me what You will. I put myself fully into Your hands: put me to doing; put me to suffering; let me be employed for You; or laid aside for You; let me be full; let me be empty; let me have all things; let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to Your pleasure and disposal.
Beloved, confirm this by a holy covenant. First, set apart some time, more than once, to be spent alone before the Lord in seeking earnestly God's special assistance and gracious acceptance of you; in carefully thinking through all the conditions of the covenant; in searching your hearts whether you have already freely given your life to Christ. Consider what your sins are.
I freely confess my sins and trust in God's grace alone.
Consider the laws of Christ, how holy, strict, and spiritual they are, and whether you, after having carefully considered them, are willing to choose them all.
I will, God as my helper.
Second, be serious and in a spirit of holy awe and reverence.
I will, God as my helper.
Third, claim God's covenant, rely upon God's promise of giving grace and strength, so you can keep your promise. Trust not your own strength and power.
I will, God as my helper.
Fourth, resolve to be faithful. You have given to the Lord your hearts, you have opened your mouths to the Lord, and you have dedicated yourself to God. With God's power, never go back.
O God, You know that I make this covenant with You today without guile or reservation. If any falsehood should be in it, guide me and help me to set it aright. And now, glory be to You, O God the Father, Whom I from this day forward shall look upon as my God and Father. Glory be to You, O God the Son, Who have loved me and washed me from my sins in Your own blood, and now is my Savior and Redeemer. Glory be to You, O God the Holy Spirit,
Who by Your almighty power have turned my heart from sin to God. O mighty God, the Lord Omnipotent, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You have now become my Covenant Friend. And I, through Your infinite grace, have become Your covenant servant. So be it. And let the covenant I have made on earth be ratified in heaven. Amen.