Develop a Discipleship System
Offertory Prayers and Invitation for April 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 engage, train and resource the next generation of disciples who will lead the church and the world!
Generation Transformation is a ministry of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) that opens a door for young people to explore mission work in a variety of ministry settings. Open to people between the ages of 20to 30 years old, it provides opportunities for mission work as Global Fellows in the U.S. (as US-2) or abroad (as International Fellows). Fellows commit to two years of service, not “to others” or “for others,” but “with others.” We are talking about life-changing opportunities! 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.
Photo provided by umcmission.org
April 2, 2017–Fifth Sunday in Lent
Living God, you are the Holy One of Israel. Our world cries out in pain, as children and adults bear heavy loads of injustice and sorrow. You respond with great assurance: ‘I am your Savior; I will give you a new life!’ Thank you for including us in the work of your church to bring help and renewal to people here and around the globe. Use our lives and these offerings to share the good news of your Spirit’s gracious, healing power. We pray through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
April 9, 2017–Passion/Palm Sunday
Blessed God, you are the King of the Universe! In steadfast love, you sent your Son Jesus to be the Prince of Peace. We are grateful for the majestic light that you shine through Christ’s love and faithfulness, a light that could not be extinguished by his innocent death. Send your Spirit to strengthen the church to become bold witnesses who help our neighbors draw closer to you and your light. We dedicate our offerings and gifts in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29)
April 13, 2017–Maundy Thursday
Loving God, you take good care of us in more ways than we know. Your personal love is reflected in the kindness of Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples. May our congregation show your love to one another and our neighbors through practical deeds of mercy. Make us willing to get our hands dirty in assisting others. Help us to discover joy in giving our time and money. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Amen. (John 13:1-17)
April 16, 2017–Easter Sunday/Resurrection of the Lord
Most Gracious God, you proclaimed your powerful love by raising Jesus from death to eternal life. We are grateful that you forgive our sins and bring peace to all who trust in you. Help us to offer your forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships with people in our lives. May we respond to your tremendous love with glad and generous hearts. We dedicate these gifts and offerings in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Amen. (Acts 10:34-43)
April 23, 2017–Second Sunday of Easter (Festival of God’s Creation)
God of miracles, in the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, you overturned natural laws. Thank you for the patience Jesus showed to Thomas who was afraid that it was too good to be true. You still do wonders, transforming people’s lives by your Spirit working through disciples like us. Direct our offerings to strengthen the ministries of this church, especially among people who struggle with doubt or feel distant from you. We pray through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (John 20:19-31)
April 30, 2017–Third Sunday of Easter (Native American Ministries Sunday, Special Offering)
Generous God, we would be lost without the gift of your living, enduring word in Scripture. You teach us the mystery that Jesus, your dear Son, who willingly gave his life to ransom us from death. Guide our hearts by your Spirit to set our hopes on you, not on perishable things like money. Accept these offerings in gratitude for all that you provide for us. Embolden our church to bring your word to enrich the lives of our neighbors. Through Christ, the source of new life, we pray. Amen. (1 Peter 1:17-23)
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