Offertory Prayers and Invitation for December 2014

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 love and reconciliation. Through our connectional giving, we support the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) and missionaries around the world -- such as Alex and Brenda Awad, who serve Christians in East Jerusalem and the ministries of Bethlehem Bible College. So when you revive the story this season of the birth of the Son of God in Bethlehem, remember that United Methodists are still working to make the world a more welcoming place for the God of love and peace. 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 work of GBGM Missionaries at: www.umcmission.org/Explore-Our-Work/Missionaries-in-Service

December 7, 2014 -- Second Sunday of Advent
O God of our salvation, we praise you, for you give us every good thing. You speak peace to our hearts. By your power, 'steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.' May we live in gratitude for our reconciliation with you through Jesus Christ your Son. Let us dedicate our selves to your service in his name. Amen. (Psalm 85)

December 14, 2014 -- Third Sunday of Advent
Gracious God, you work miracles. Nothing can hinder your purposes. Your love shines forth in your living Word. We pray that the world will reflect your Word. Use these offerings to create small miracles of transformation in our communities. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Luke 1)

December 21, 2014 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dear Lord, you are the only wise God! Thank you for your faithfulness through the ages. You spoke promises through the prophets. In time, you revealed your glory in Jesus Christ. Strengthen us in faith to follow your will today. Empower us to tell our neighbors about you. May these offerings support the ways our church exhibits your steadfast love for all generations. Amen. (Romans 16)

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day (Nativity of the Lord)
Glorious God, we sing with the angels to celebrate the tremendous gift of your Son Jesus! We rejoice with gladness. You give us wonderful joy and peace in our Savior. May we exult in your goodness with the exhilaration of children opening presents. As we bring our offerings, we ask that our lives would reflect your joy and generosity. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Luke 2)

December 28, 2014 -- First Sunday after Christmas
O Lord, the light of your peace shines like the dawn! Give us eyes of faith so we will see that Christ is present in our midst. You have covered your people in the finest clothes, the garments of salvation! Receive these gifts as a sign of our gratitude and commitment to live into our new reality in Jesus Christ. We ask this as a people clothed in your Son’s grace. Amen. (Isaiah 61)

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