Offertory Prayers and Invitation for December 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 make possible the work of our General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, whose work involves helping people discern a call to all kinds of ministry and service, including our military chaplains. Through their endorsement, connection and ongoing support, these chaplains provide spiritual strength not only to the women and men who serve, but to their families as well. 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 GBHEM and the United Methodist Endorsing Agency at www.gbhem.org.

---

December 3, 2017 — First Sunday of Advent

Magnificent God, you created the universe, and your wisdom shines through the laws of nature that we discern. In the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, you worked a miracle to bring salvation. Through your awesome deeds, you light an inextinguishable hope in our hearts. Help our congregation to work together in new ways to tell others your amazing good news. May our tithes and offerings support your work through our outreach ministries. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Isaiah 64:1-9)

December 10, 2017 — Second Sunday of Advent

Loving God, you are trustworthy and kind to all who seek you. Thank you for comforting us when we are afraid about what the future may bring. Send us patience through your Spirit so that we will cheerfully bear with one another as a community of faith. Help us to grow in wisdom as we wait for your purposes to be fulfilled in the world. Accept our offerings in Jesus’ name. Amen. (2 Peter 3:8-15a)

December 17, 2017 — Third Sunday of Advent

Bountiful God, we rejoice in your goodness! You have done wonderful things for your people through the ages. We are grateful for your precious gift of being forgiven through Jesus Christ. You brought us out of sadness and into joy, as you tenderly wiped away our tears and gave us laughter. Let our gratitude overflow in love and kindness for people who are near and far away. Use our gifts and offerings to bring hope and happiness to our neighbors through the mission of this church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Psalm 126)

December 24, 2017 — Fourth Sunday of Advent

O Lord, our God, we praise you for your generosity. You provided tents, safety, and sustenance for your people Israel when they followed your pillar of fire in the desert. You called them to trust and worship you alone. Today, you give us what we need to live, work, and rest in peace. Help us never to take for granted your provisions for us: shelter, food, and Christian fellowship. We give these offerings for the ministries of our church to bless people in need of your help and love. May they come to know Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will last forever. Amen. (2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16)

December 24, 2017 — Christmas Eve

Most gracious God, thank you for sending Jesus to be the Savior of the world. You fulfilled your promises in astounding ways! He is your greatest gift to humankind. People around the world see Christmas decorations and wonder about the significance of Jesus. Let our congregation serve as faithful witnesses of your love through our words and actions. Use our gifts and offerings to bring the light of Christ to people who long for your grace. We pray in the beautiful name of Jesus. Amen. (Isaiah 62:6-12)

December 25, 2017 — Christmas Day

Dear God and Father of Jesus Christ, we praise you with joyful songs! We are glad to celebrate the birth of your only Son, Jesus. His life is the light of all people. Thank you for opening our eyes to recognize him as our Savior. May our lives and ministries embody Christ’s grace and truth so that our neighbors will find new life in relationship with you. We return a portion of your goodness to us in these tithes and offerings, through Christ our Lord. Amen. (John 1:1-14)

December 31, 2017 — First Sunday After Christmas Day

Holy God, we marvel at your love and faithfulness! At the right time, your Son Jesus lived among us and invited us to call you our heavenly Father. Because of his obedience, you have adopted us into your beloved family. We are grateful that you have brought us through challenging times in the past. As we look forward to the new year, send your Spirit to help us trust that you will continue to guide us. Let our gifts and offerings be pleasing in your sight, for this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Galatians 4:4-7)

December 31, 2017 — Watch Night

Living God, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You rule the universe with all wisdom and tremendous compassion. We are awed that you have invited us to be counted among your children. Our times and our lives are in your loving hands. We want to follow Christ, your Son, as true disciples in our daily lives. Empower us by your Spirit to speak words of grace to our loved ones and to extend your hospitality to strangers. May we give generously from all that we have received from you. We dedicate ourselves and our offerings to your service in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. (Matthew 25:31-46)