Offertory Prayers and Invitation for October 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 Discipleship Ministries, whose purpose is to resource local churches in developing effective disciple-making systems. This includes ministries of nurture and growth at all age levels, from the oldest to the youngest. By your support, the first “All In! Children’s Faith Formation Intensive” was held in August in the Atlanta area. The event helped equip those who work with children in areas such as identifying intentional ways of including children’s faith formation in the disciple-making system of the local church; creating a plan for having courageous conversations with children, parents, and church leadership; and developing practices of pastoral care of children in our congregations and our communities. 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 Discipleship Ministries' Ministry with Children resources »

October 1, 2017 – Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost // World Communion Sunday

Most Gracious God, you hold each person’s life as more precious than we can imagine. When we turn aside from following your way, you urgently call us back to your way. Send your Spirit to give us a new heart to live as faithful people who show forgiveness to others. We dedicate our lives and our money to help share your good news with our neighbors. We pray through Christ your Son, who gave his life for the sake of the world. Amen. (Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32)

October 8, 2017 – Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost // Children’s Sabbath

Almighty God, your wondrous creation testifies to your wisdom. We are in awe of you as we witness an eclipse or a glorious sunset. When a hurricane causes destruction, we ponder your power and feel vulnerable. We would be lost without your life-giving word! Thank you for befriending us in Christ, your word made flesh. May your Spirit give us a loving, childlike heart to reflect your kindness each day. Receive our offerings in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 19)

October 15, 2017 – Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost // Laity Sunday

God of peace, you are righteous and loving. Thank you for intervening in history to make a covenant relationship with your people, Israel. We are grateful that you welcome all who seek you through your Son, Jesus. Today we remember that you call women, like Euodia and Syntyche, and men, like Clement and Paul, to spread the gospel. Let your peace guard our hearts and minds in Christ, so that we may work together in harmony to do your will. We present these tithes and our offerings to strengthen our church’s ministries in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Philippians 4:1-9)

October 22, 2017 – Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

God of our salvation, through Jesus Christ’s self-offering on the cross, you granted eternal life. We who were far off have become members of your household. We belong to you, yet we get caught up in the world that judges others by what they own. Enable us to love you with our whole heart. Free us from clinging to our money and possessions. Use our gifts and offerings to bring relief to people in need of physical and spiritual healing. We ask this for the sake of Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (Matthew 22:15-22)

October 29, 2017 – Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost

Holy God, you continually work to transform the brokenness of this world into your Kingdom. You lift us up when we stumble in sin, so that we may honor you and live for your noble purposes. Embolden our congregation to tell others about your Son Jesus, whose presence brings new life. Fill our hearts with your Spirit’s gift of generosity, so that our lives and our offerings will be pleasing to you. Amen. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)