We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:

     He calls the worlds into being,
          creates man in his own image,
          and sets before him the ways of life and death.

     He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

     He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

     In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,
          he has come to us
          and shared our common lot,
          conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.

     He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit,
          creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
          binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

     He calls us into your church
          to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
          to be your servants in the service of men,
          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.

    He promises to all who trust him
          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 his kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.

     Amen.