Offertory Prayers and Invitation for September 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 the General Board of Global Ministries. They guide our global mission presence in countries all around the world, and train those who will carry the gospel to faraway places and live it out by their presence. Last month, sixty-four young people from twenty-two countries completed their training as Global Mission Fellows – forty-five were commissioned in Atlanta; nineteen were commissioned by GBGM staff in South Korea! They will be deployed to twenty-seven countries to bring God’s love and compassion to others! 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 the Global Mission Fellows Program »

GBGM Photo by Cynthia Mack

September 3, 2017 – Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Living God, you miraculously used the burning bush to attract the attention of Moses. Just as the bush was on fire but not destroyed, so you sustain those you call to fulfill your purposes. Thank you for responding to the needs of your people and nurturing new leaders. By your Holy Spirit, help us to trust you completely as we seek to spend our lives following Jesus, your Son. Let us be bold witnesses of your amazing power and love. We offer you these monetary gifts for the work of your church here and around the world, through Jesus Christ. Amen. (Exodus 3:1-15)

September 10, 2017 – Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Holy God, we praise you for the life you give to each person you dearly love. As we face the mysteries of sin and tragedy, give us wisdom to view them in the light of the cross. We praise you for your redeeming love for the world. Help us to wear the armor of Christ and turn aside from wasteful things, so that we may live according to your way. We dedicate these offerings and ourselves to your service. We pray in the name of Christ, through whose self-giving love you have conquered death forever. Amen. (Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 13:8-14)

September 17, 2017 – Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

O Lord, our God, you graciously welcome all who seek you. We are grateful that you have taught us your commandments so that we may live as people who belong to you. Guide us by your Spirit so that our attitudes toward others and our daily actions will honor you. Let the ministries of our church reach out to show and tell our neighbors of your faithful love. Receive our gifts and offerings for the sake of Jesus, our Lord. (Romans 14:1-12)

September 24, 2017 – Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

God, our Heavenly King, we rejoice that you invite everyone to a place of purpose in your kingdom. Through Christ, your Son, you give us a vision of the world as your vineyard, where each person can contribute the gifts you have given. Free us from envy and comparing our circumstances to others. Give us strength by your Spirit to live joyfully as generous servants of your realm. We present your tithes and our offerings with thanks and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Matthew 20:1-16)