Offertory Prayers and Invitation for July 2016

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 empower the whole church to reach out to those who need to hear the good news of love and redemption. You’ve also supported the work of training local church leaders in making disciples, and in helping churches see new possibilities for ministry. One of these programs is “Boomerstock” which will bring together people with a passion for ministry with older adults and newly retired persons, exploring the great potential the Boomer generation holds for the church. As this generation begins to retire, they bring a passion for social involvement, a hunger for meaning and purpose, and an active and health-conscious lifestyle – great gifts to connect with your church! This opportunity for exploring new ministry ideas 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 offering.

To learn more about the work of Discipleship Ministries’ Office of Older Adult Ministries, visit
http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources/older-adults

July 3, 2016 – Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

God our helper, we rely on your faithfulness. When we cry, you listen and answer. The light of your presence carries us from sadness into joy. Through the resurrection of Christ, you turn our mourning into dancing! Thank you for the privilege of sharing in your healing of our broken world through the mission of this congregation. Use our monetary support to draw people into closer relationship with you. We pray in the Spirit of Jesus of Savior. Amen. (Psalm 30)

July 10, 2016 – Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Living God, by your love and power, you give faith in Jesus Christ, our risen Lord! Thank you for the hope and peace that you have planted in our hearts. Your Spirit enables your word to bear fruit in our lives as we share your good news with others. We dedicate our tithes and gifts to the work of your church, as we seek to continually reach out to share the knowledge of new life throughout the whole world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Colossians 1:1-14)

July 17, 2016 – Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

God of blessing, we rejoice that you are present with us by your faithful word and Spirit. At times you speak in unexpected ways, in the voice of a friend, neighbor, or stranger. May we come to know you so well that we discern your message of blessing in others’ words. May our congregation become more like Abraham and Sarah, through whose offspring you have blessed the world. May we receive strangers and provide hospitality with no expectation of reward. We ask this through Christ Jesus. Amen. (Genesis 18:1-10)

July 24, 2016 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Gracious God, we thank you for the wonderful gift of new life in Christ! You transformed the cross of your beloved Son to bring the end of death forever. We are glad to be part of the body of Christ, the church, where your Spirit helps us to grow more like Christ in faith, hope, and love. Use our gifts and offerings to reach out to people in our community who need your good news. We pray in your holy name. Amen. (Colossians 2:6-19)

July 31, 2016 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

God of wisdom, we are grateful that your Son Jesus calls even us his friend. He warns us to watch out for all kinds of greed. We struggle to remember that true life does not come from an abundance of possessions. Turn us away from seeking our own gain and mindlessly increasing our possessions. Empower us by your Spirit to be more generous toward you. Use these offerings to fulfill your purposes. We pray through Christ, our Savior and Friend. Amen. (Luke 12:13-21)