Offertory Prayers and Invitation for June 2016

Each month’s Offertory Prayers include an “Invitation to the Offering” along with a digital image for those who 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

Will Penner at Cedar Crest Camp in Lyles, TN. UMNS photo by Ronnie Perry

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 probably supported the work of the Camp and Retreat Ministries within the boundaries of your own annual conference. Children, youth, and young adults from diverse backgrounds join together to experience God’s love and grace in the midst of the beauty of creation. Your generosity also provides for support, encouragement, and consultations across the denomination to help our camps and their leaders provide the most meaningful ministry in the safest environment for young people. 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 offering.

To learn more about the work of Discipleship Ministries’ Office of Camp & Retreat Ministries, visit the website at http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources/camp-retreat-ministries.

June 5, 2016 – Third Sunday After Pentecost

Living God, you are the source of life and renewal. Thank you for the powerful, even miraculous, ways that you provide for our needs! As we consider our circumstances, send your Spirit to help us recognize all that you freely give. Let gratitude overflow in our hearts, so that we will joyfully share with others. May these tithes and offerings bring life and health to adults and children who are hungry in our community and around the world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (1 Kings 17:8-24)

June 12, 2016 – Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

O Lord, our God, your steadfast love surrounds those who trust in you. We are grateful for your faithfulness, even when we struggle to commit ourselves and our loved ones to your care. In times of trouble, your Spirit lifts us and carries us through. We rejoice that you call us to be part of this congregation where your love in Christ is made manifest. We dedicate our gifts and offerings to bless our neighbors through the caring ministries of this church, in the name of our risen Savior. Amen. (Psalm 32)

June 19, 2016 – Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Holy God, we are grateful for the wonderful healing that you bring through Christ your Son. He teaches us to view ourselves and others with hope, knowing that you are able to restore even those who seem lost. Empower us by your Spirit to tell others how much you have done for us, so that they too will discover your grace. Use these offerings to support the ministries of our congregation to renew the sick in body, mind, and spirit. We ask this is Jesus’ name. Amen. (Luke 8:26-39)

June 26, 2016 – Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

Gracious God, in great wisdom, you have devised plans for each of us. Thank you for giving us gifts, abilities, and resources to contribute to the flourishing of the church of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, so that we will be more like your servant Elisha. When you call us to a new mission or ministry, help us to respond with joy and perseverance. As we dedicate our monetary gifts to your service, we recommit ourselves to the work you call us to do for the sake of Christ, our Lord. Amen. (1 Kings 19:15-21)