The Opening Sentences

Our services begin with the pastor saying, “Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The people respond: “And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever.” Why? First, these words reminds us that we’re here for something different from normal life—because who needs more of that?—we’re here to meet God. Second, we remember that God is Three Persons (the theological term is Trinity)—so he’s bigger than us, and maybe a little mysterious, beyond our understanding. Third, when we say "blessed be his kingdom, now and forever" we remember God is our king—and he’s in charge forever. This is good news. If God is here, and he’s big, and he’s in charge, there is hope for us, because “sometimes you can’t make it on your own” (U2).