Offertory Prayers and Invitation for August 2017

Each month’s Offertory Prayers includes an “Invitation to the Offering” (see below) along with a digital image for those who might want to use it. We hope you will find this a helpful way to remind the people in your pews that their offering travels to many places to make a powerful difference in the lives of people they may never meet. You can find great stories of the difference our giving makes at http://umcgiving.org

Invitation to the Offering

The offering you made last week empowered ministry within our congregation and in response to the needs of our community. It also helped support the work of ministries beyond the local church that reach people who are in desperate need to feel the touch of God’s love and reconciliation. Through our connectional giving, we support the work of our global agencies such as United Methodist Communications. In addition to their responsibility for telling the church’s story to the world, they help the churches in the U.S. and abroad use technology tools that can enhance the church’s outreach. From equipping people in Africa with texting technology to help control the spread of diseases like Ebola, to helping launch radio stations that help keep people connected, to designing video spots that encourage those without a church connection to visit a United Methodist congregation, they extend our invitation to the discipleship journey in so many ways! This ministry happens thanks to the generous support of United Methodists like you. I invite you once again to give generously as we worship God through the sharing of our gifts, tithes, and offerings.

Learn more about the ministries of United Methodist Communications at http://www.umcom.org/
UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose

August 6, 2017–Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

O Lord, our God, your wisdom is beyond our understanding. You are the source of all goodness. Yet we chase after things of this world that do not satisfy. We spend our money foolishly and wonder why we still hunger in spirit. Thank you for patiently calling us to trust you with our whole heart. Refresh us by your Holy Spirit so that we may lead others to you. We give these offerings in the name of Jesus Christ, who multiplied the loaves and fish so that everyone had more than their fill. Amen. (Isaiah 55:1-5)

August 13, 2017–Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

God of peace, you are kind and generous to all who seek you. You are the Good Shepherd of a vast flock. But we can be like stubborn sheep, showing favoritism like Jacob or struggling with jealousy like Joseph’s brothers. Help us to turn away from the competition for more. Incline our hearts to compassion for our neighbors so that we will give freely from what we have received. We pray this through Christ our Lord, who loves each sheep and seeks each one that is lost. Amen. (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28)

August 20, 2017–Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

God of blessing, your mercy knows no bounds! You have expanded your everlasting covenant with your people Israel to include people of every nation, to all whom you love. We were like dogs who were glad for the crumbs under the table, who now delight in feasting as sons and daughters with Christ. Send your Spirit to guide us to bring all you call to rejoice in the midst of your congregation. We dedicate these tithes and offerings in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Matthew 15:10-28)

August 27, 2017–Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

Living God, we are grateful for your faithful care of all that you have created. We are so glad to rely on your steadfast love. Today, we lift up those who are vulnerable, in physical danger, or caught in addiction. Set them free, like a bird released from a trap. Strengthen our church’s caring ministries through our gifts and offerings. May we assist others to embrace the new life that you provide through Christ our risen Lord. Amen. (Psalm 124)