Offertory Prayers and Invitation for February 2018

Each month’s Offertory Prayers includes an “Invitation to the Offering" along with a digital image for those who 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 shape leaders to be more effective instruments of God’s love and reconciliation in their ministry settings. Through our connectional giving, we make possible the ministry of healing and wholeness that happens in settings of particular need, such as the ministry provided by Earnestine Varnado, a parish nurse at the St. Andrew’s Mission free medical clinic in McComb, Mississippi. The mission offers the free clinic with eight volunteer physicians, a nurse, and a receptionist. It also offers community Health fairs, blood drives, health screenings and other ministries in the community. Our United Methodist missions body, Global Ministries, works with and supports church and community workers like Deaconess Varnado, 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.

Photos by St. Andrew’s Mission and Mike Dubose, UMNS

Learn more about the St. Andrew’s Mission »

February 4, 2018 – Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

Everlasting God, you are kind and trustworthy. Every day you graciously provide what we need from your abundance. We are grateful that you bring healing and hope for our life as individuals and as a faith community. Accept these monetary gifts and offerings to strengthen our church’s outreach to our neighbors. May more people come to know you and your love through our ministries. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen. (Psalm 147)

February 11, 2018 – Transfiguration Sunday

Holy God, we are in awe of you and your miraculous power! Your glorious light shone around Jesus as he prayed on the mountain. Thank you for this glimpse of Jesus’ divinity before his resurrection. The world may see just a humble teacher who died on a cross. Your Spirit gives us faith to recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world. Fill us with joy in sharing that good news, so that those who are far away will be drawn to you. Receive our offerings through your beloved Son Jesus. Amen. (Mark 9:2-9)

February 18, 2018 – First Sunday in Lent

God of heaven and earth and every galaxy, we praise you for your tremendous wisdom and love. You have been patient with us when have been slow to follow your way. Through the obedience of Jesus Christ, you have forgiven us and renewed our life. Give us grace to extend your kindness beyond our family and congregation to strangers in need. We present our offerings and gifts as a sign of our gratitude. We pray through Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen. (1 Peter 3:18-20)

February 25, 2018 – Second Sunday in Lent

God Almighty, we rejoice in your constant faithfulness! You established your eternal covenant with your people Israel. Through the ministry of your Son Jesus, you welcomed all who trust you into your extended family. Just as with Abraham and Sarah, you gave us a new name in baptism: a beloved child of God. Empower us by your Spirit to live as generous people who share freely. May we tell younger generations of your goodness and serve your purposes in the world. As a covenant people, we dedicate our tithes and offerings through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Genesis 17:1-16)