Offertory Prayers and Invitation for October 2015

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://www.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 the work of ministries beyond the local church, such as the support we give to our 13 United Methodist seminaries through the Ministerial Education Fund. Every year, these institutions of higher learning prepare students to lead the church in the context of a rapidly changing world. A portion of the Ministerial Education Fund (25%) remains in annual conferences for the ongoing continuing education of clergy already leading congregations, to help them sharpen skills to lead more effectively. These kinds of cooperative efforts happen all across our connection, 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.

--UMNS file Photo by Ronny Perry

Learn more about the impact of the Ministerial Education Fund at:

http://www.umcgiving.org/pastors/resources?category=2754

October 4, 2015 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost / in Kingdomtide

Dear God, for whom and through whom all things exist, you are the Sovereign of the universe! Yet you have named us among your beloved children and call us to live as brothers and sisters of Christ. On this World Communion Sunday, we rejoice that you gather us around the Table of your Son, the risen Lord. May our offerings reach out to bring hope and grace to our near and distant neighbors, whom you know and love. We pray in the most excellent name of Jesus. Amen. (Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12)

October 11, 2015 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost / in Kingdomtide

O Lord, our Savior, you listen to each prayer and respond to every cry. You are present by your Spirit to bring courage, comfort, and deliverance. On this Children’s Sabbath, we are mindful of the children in our communities and among the nations who need advocates and tangible assistance. Open our eyes to see how our church may demonstrate your love and kindness to the weakest among us. We pray through Christ, your Son, who held children gently in his arms and blessed them. Amen. (Psalm 22:1-15)

October 18, 2015 – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost / in Kingdomtide

Gracious God, through the witness of Christ, you show us the kind of leaders you desire: people of integrity and obedience who live with patience and peace. Today, we celebrate the ministry of the laity who serve you with faithful hearts and hands ready to reach out in your name. May each of us joyfully give of our talents and treasure from the abundance you provide. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, and who gave his life for our salvation. Amen. (Isaiah 53:4-12)

October 25, 2015 – Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost / in Kingdomtide

Dear God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise you! You graciously give us faith. You assure us that the risen Christ prays for us as we approach you in his name. May all who follow Christ as disciples be renewed by your word and Spirit. Let these offerings and our lives contribute to your will being done through the ministry and mission of this church. By the power of the Spirit, we pray through Christ, our great high priest. Amen. (Hebrews 7:23-28)

Offertory Prayers were written by the Rev. Rosanna Anderson, Associate Director of Stewardship at Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church.