Offertory Prayers and Invitation for November 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, whose purpose is to tell our church’s story to the world and to resource all the church in ways to use communications technology to communicate the compassion of Christ, especially in troubled times. This recently included a new campaign, “Embracing Love.” It provides churches across the U.S. and around the world with a way to respond to acts of racism, discrimination, and violence – to reject hatred and embrace love. 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 United Methodist Communications at www.umcom.org and explore the
Embrace Love resources at http://www.umcom.org/tools/embrace-love-social-media-graphics.

November 5, 2017 – Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost/All Saints Sunday

God, our helper, you are our great joy! Your Holy Spirit enlightens the minds and hearts of your people. Thank you for always encouraging us to draw near to you in prayer and worship. In times of trouble or concern, we find hope and peace in your presence. Guide our congregation to share the warmth and good news of your love in ministries with people in our wider community. Receive these tithes and offerings in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (Psalm 43)

November 12, 2017 – Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost / International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

O Lord our God, you are completely righteous and good. In Christ, you call us to worship you in Spirit and truth. Help us to connect our faith with our daily actions. Thank you for the freedom to gather and worship you. Please protect our Christian brothers and sisters in every land. May our church contribute to an unending flow of justice for those in need. Let our lives and offerings be pleasing in your sight. We pray through Christ your Son. Amen. (Amos 5:18-24)

November 19, 2017 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost / Bible Sunday

God, our provider, your Word creates our life and strength. Everything we have is a gift from your open hand. Guide us by your Spirit to be diligent and faithful stewards of all that you entrust to our care. May we not bury our gifts or fearfully hoard resources. Fill our hearts with trust, so that we can experience your joy in giving. May our congregation show your generosity through our mission in the world. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Matthew 25:14-30)

November 23, 2017 – Thanksgiving Day (USA) [Interfaith / Ecumenical Service]

Holy God, you are generous and kind. You faithfully give us what we need to live, with enough to share. We are grateful, and hope that we never take your blessings for granted. Thank you for the opportunity to give back a portion of your goodness to us. May your purposes be fulfilled through these gifts and offerings. We pray in your precious name. Amen. (Deuteronomy 8:7-18)

November 26, 2017 – Last Sunday After Pentecost / Christ the King Sunday/United Methodist Student Day (Offering)

Glorious God, you are the Lord of resurrection power! You raised your Son Jesus from death to live and rule at the right hand of your heavenly throne. We rejoice that you uphold the universe, and yet you treasure every person’s life. Send your Spirit to shine your light so we will recognize your great hope for the world. Empower our church to work together to help make your reign visible in people’s lives. Accept our gifts and offerings for the church of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We pray in his name. Amen. (Ephesians 1:15-23)