Offertory Prayers and Invitation for May 2018

Each month’s Offertory Prayers include 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

Your offering last week empowered ministry within our congregation and in response to the needs of our community. It also helped support global United Methodist initiatives in the focus on Abundant Health, such as the recent United Methodist Day of Health held in Dunwoody, GA. This event, sponsored by our Global Ministries agency in Atlanta, brought together clergy and laity from across the U.S. to share in their passion for spreading the word about health and wholeness for all Christ followers. Workshops provided training on varied topics from nutrition and exercise, and even included instruction on making your own hula hoop, and the benefits of this fun way of getting a workout. Other breakouts included HIV-Aids, accessibility of facilities, as well as physical, emotional and spiritual health and wholeness. This ministry happens, thanks to the way the people of The United Methodist Church live and give connectionally. I invite you to give generously as we worship God through sharing our gifts, tithes and offerings.

Learn more about the Abundant Health Initiative and Global Ministries, www.UMCAbundant Health.org or www.umcmission.org.

*Photo by Anthony Trueheart

May 6 – Sixth Sunday of Easter

O Lord, you are the victorious King! You have revealed your victory over death through Jesus’ resurrection. With joyful songs we rejoice in your marvelous deeds. Let our voices and actions reflect your saving power. Use our gifts to help more people to know your steadfast love in Christ, until the day when this world is made new in your kingdom. Amen. (Psalm 98)

May 13 – Seventh Sunday of Easter

Dear God, thank you for your great generosity toward the whole world. You give us guidance and encouragement through your word. You did not hold back even your Son so that we would have eternal life! You make our joy complete. Let us find joy by giving with joy to the ministries of this church for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. (John 17:6-19)

May 20 – Day of Pentecost

Living God, you are the Lord of all! Only you can send your Spirit to bring us new life. You graciously speak your word of hope in times of struggle and uncertainty, and in times of joy and peace. We are grateful that you are continually at work in our lives and the world to fulfill your promises. May our giving today show our trust in you. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

May 27 – First Sunday After Pentecost/ in Kingdomtide – Trinity Sunday

Holy Lord, the whole earth is full of your glory! We are in awe of your majesty. In great kindness, you reveal yourself as the One who forgives us. You give us gifts and invite us to go into the world to tell your good news. Help us to respond in faith and go where you lead us each day. We dedicate our gifts so that our community will draw closer to you. Amen. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

May Offertory Prayers were written by the Rev. Rosanna Anderson, Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church.