Offertory Prayers and Invitation for October 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. Every day, through our connected United Methodist Church, lives are touched, hearts are stirred, and people answer God’s call in many different ways. Through the ministry of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), volunteers are trained to work effectively in areas where infrastructure is challenged by natural disasters, as in the recent flooding in Louisiana. Well meaning, but untrained volunteers can sometimes make the situation more challenging for those trying to facilitate recovery in stricken communities. These trained UMVIM volunteers, working in cooperation with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) coordinators, can advance the work of recovery for the families who have been devastated. Both of these groups are under the umbrella of our General Board of Global Ministries. This ministry happens thanks to the generous support of United Methodists like you. We invite you once again to give generously as we worship God through the sharing of our gifts, tithes, and offering

Learn more about the Volunteers in Mission program »

October 2, 2016 – Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost, World Communion Sunday

Gracious God, we praise you! You have entrusted to us a priceless treasure, the good news of Christ who conquered death. In him, we have the promise of new and everlasting life. Empower us by your Spirit to spend our days working for your purposes. As our church shares the gospel with friends and neighbors, may we all draw closer to you. We dedicate our lives and these offerings in Jesus’ name. Amen. (2 Timothy 1:1-14)

October 9, 2016 – Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost, Children's Sabbath

Merciful God, your steadfast love endures forever. We are grateful that when we are hungry in body or spirit, you give us food. Help our congregation to bring nourishment to those who are hungry for your good gifts. Strengthen and renew our ministries with children and those who are vulnerable. Use these tithes and offerings to reach people with your loving kindness. We pray through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Amen. (Psalm 111)

October 16, 2016 – Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost, Laity Sunday

Generous God, thank you for the gift of salvation through Christ your Son. You bring joy to our hearts! Help us to respond to your grace by sharing our faith, talents, and monetary blessings through the ministries of this church. May your loving Spirit shine through all that we say and do. Accept these gifts that we offer through Jesus, our risen Lord. Amen. (2 Timothy 3:14–4:5)

October 23, 2016 – Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

[Possible Stewardship Pledge Dedication]
Holy God, we rejoice in your goodness. There is no one like you! You have restored us to right relationship with you. You send your Spirit and abundant blessings in our lives. It is an honor to contribute to the wonders you are doing through the mission of this church. In gratitude, we return a portion of your bounty to us. May you uplift people in our community and the world through the presence of Christ your Son. Amen. (Joel 2:23-32)

October 30, 2016 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

God, our Savior, you know each person by name. At times, we may stray from your way and not realize we are lost. Yet you kindly welcome us back, as you welcomed Zacchaeus. Help our church’s outreach ministries to reflect your grace. Give us courage by your Spirit to persevere in our faith commitments. Receive these offerings as a joyful outpouring of our thanks for your redeeming love through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Luke 19:1-10)