Offertory Prayers and Invitation for May 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 love and reconciliation. Through our connectional giving, we engage, train, and resource congregational leaders who are seeking innovative ways to energize their ministries and grow in outreach to their community and the world. Our giving makes possible scholarships for leaders from racial ethnic congregations and smaller membership congregations (under 150 average attendance) to attend this summer’s School of Congregational Development (SCD). This event, also made possible through our connectional giving, brings together United Methodists from congregations across the U.S. and beyond. Designed and hosted by Discipleship Ministries (including the Path 1 Team) and Global Ministries, this summer’s event will be hosted in Atlanta, GA. These opportunities happen 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 School of Congregational Development at www.scdumc.org;

Discipleship Ministries at www.umcdiscipleship.org;

and Global Ministries at www.umcmission.org.

Offertory Prayers

May 7, 2017–Fourth Sunday of Easter

Dear Lord, our God, you guide us as a loving shepherd. In your presence, our spirits are renewed. In your wisdom, we discover peace. In fellowship together, we find ways to share your good news with others. As we enjoy your blessings, help us to give from our abundance with glad and generous hearts. We dedicate these tithes and offerings in the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his flock. Amen. (Psalm 23; Acts 2:42-47)

May 14, 2017–Fifth Sunday of Easter (Festival of the Christian Home, Mother’s Day)

O God, our Redeemer, you are glorious! Your Son Jesus has won salvation for all who trust in you. Thank you for nurturing us through your word and the witness of faithful disciples. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit, so that we might speak boldly of your mighty acts. Let our monetary offerings and spiritual sacrifices be acceptable to you. We pray through Christ, our risen Lord, who stands at your right hand and governs our lives with wisdom, power, and love. Amen. (1 Peter 2:2-10)

May 21, 2017–Sixth Sunday of Easter (Heritage Sunday)

Gracious God, you are the Lord of heaven and earth. You sent Christ your Son to fully reveal your abundant and deep love for all you have created. We long to be more like Jesus who kept your commandments in every respect. Let our thoughts and deeds be directed by your Spirit of truth, who lives in our hearts. Use these gifts and offerings to advance our church’s ministries, so that our neighbors will experience your loving care. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. (John 14:15-21)

May 28, 2017–Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday

Our kind Heavenly Father, we rejoice in your faithfulness! As you promised, your glorious Spirit inspires a new way of life through the church of Jesus Christ. We trust that as we continue to devote ourselves to prayer, you will strengthen our congregation in mission outreach. Direct all our gifts and offerings for the purposes of your kingdom, O God. We pray through Christ, who ascended on high to your eternal throne in the heavens. Amen. (Acts 1:6-14)