Offertory Prayers and Invitation for May 2016

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 empower the whole church to reach out to those who need to hear the good news of love and redemption. You’ve supported the work of missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). Missionaries like Wesley and Jerusha Neal have answered God’s call to go “from everywhere to everywhere” in service to Christ. Rev. and Dr. Neal and their two young children have gone to Fiji, where hundreds of thousands of people are Methodist. The Neals teach at the Davuilevu Theological College of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma. Through their work, men and women are further equipped to serve the church as lay leaders, teachers, preachers, and pastors. Their work also includes providing trauma healing classes to those who are rebuilding their lives after Cyclone Winston hit Fiji in March. This ministry happens thanks to the generous support of United Methodists like you. I invite you to give generously as we worship God through sharing our gifts, tithes, and offerings. (GBGM photo provided by the Neal family.)

Learn more about the work of the General Board of Global Ministries at
http://umcmission.org

May 1, 2016 – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Loving God, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to bring the peace of Christ. We are grateful that you continually teach us through your Spirit. Help our hearts to be so filled with your peace that our congregation will show forth your goodness to the world around us. Let your loving presence be known through our church’s ministries. Accept these offerings as a sign of our trust in you, for we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (John 14: 23-29)

May 8, 2016 – Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday

Everlasting God, we join with the angels to praise you and your Son Jesus. He has ascended to your heavenly throne where the light of Christ, the bright morning star, shines with your glory. We are grateful for your light that revives our spirits. Help us to tell our neighbors that salvation is a gift! Use our offerings to support the mission of this church to extend your light to reach people in need. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Revelation 22:12-21)

May 15, 2016 – Day of Pentecost

Faithful God, you graciously fulfill your promises in life-giving ways. Your Holy Spirit provides hope to young people who envision a future of peace. You grant older adults the gift of wisdom to contribute to the joy of the world. Empower people of all ages to share their faith and tangible gifts so that more people will know salvation. We dedicate ourselves anew to the life of discipleship you give us in the name of our risen Lord. Amen. (Acts 2:1-21, Joel 2:28-32)

May 22, 2016 – First Sunday after Pentecost / in Kingdomtide — Trinity Sunday

Sovereign God, your splendor shines throughout the universe! Your glory is higher than the heavens and fills the world you created in great beauty and variety. We rejoice that you do not stay far away in heaven, but became one of us in your Son, our Savior. Even he had no place to rest his head. Let our offerings extend your love through the church’s ministries to people who are homeless or refugees. We ask this for Jesus’ sake. Amen. (Psalm 8)

May 29, 2016 – Second Sunday after Pentecost / in Kingdomtide

Living God, we praise you for the miraculous ways you answer prayer. You alone are the Lord! Throughout history, you have provided faithful leaders and sent your Spirit to renew all who follow you. Enable us to be more dedicated disciples, readily sharing our time and abilities through the ministries of this church. May your love in Jesus Christ be felt by people near and far whose lives are touched by our mission. We pray in your holy name. Amen. (1 Kings 18:20-39)