Andre Solomon

Leader

Mighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, you are our Emmanuel, God with us. You came down and fully entered our life.

All

As one of us you lived the life that we should live but do not, throwing down every temptation. As one of us you died the death that we deserve, the innocent for the guilty, so that we would not have to face it. As one of us you rose from death, guaranteeing our own resurrection. As one of us you now rule at the right hand of God, guaranteeing that we will one day rule with you. As one of us you poured out your Spirit upon us and you pray for us ceaselessly with understanding and irresistible power, guaranteeing that your work in us will prevail. As one of us you will come again to complete in us and the cosmos what you have begun.

Leader

We bless you, our Emmanuel, for your love for our church. Ten years ago you brought us into being. And since that day you have been faithful.

All

You have given us 4 pastors to feed us, 5 elders to shepherd us, 19 mercy team leaders to stir us up to love and good works, 12 trustees to guide us, 150 musicians to enliven our worship, 31 staff to help us do our work, over 20 weddings to celebrate, and scores of children to nurture.

Leader

For ten years you have drawn near to us repeatedly in worship, prayer, and Christian fellowship:

All

You have met us at over 500 worship services and prayer meetings and close to 5000 home fellowship group meetings .

Leader

For ten years you have borne with us in our weakness and sin:

All

We have heard your voice inviting us repeatedly to throw off the cruel yoke of idolatry, selfishness, and unbelief. We have tasted your forgiveness repeatedly at your Table and in your Word.

Leader

For ten years you have supplied us well:

All

You have provided us with more than enough money to pay our bills. And you have enabled us to give $120,000 away to missions and $194,000 to people in need.

Leader

For ten years you have called us repeatedly out of ourselves:

All

You have given us people to love from over 21 countries, from the Grant Homes, and from the streets of New York. You have given us 48 missionaries to partner with, 7 church planting interns to help train, and a daughter church in Washington Heights.

Leader

Our Emmanuel, keep your love strong in us as we face the future:

All

Keep your cross always prominent. Keep your glory always central. Keep your love for those who do not yet know you always strong in us.

Leader

We are yours, Emmanuel. Take our lives. Take our church. Fill us. Use us.

All

For from you and through you and to you are all things. To you be glory forever. Amen.