Offertory Prayers and Invitation for September 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 our General Board of Global Ministries, which your offering supports, last month 45 young adult missionaries were commissioned to take the good news of Jesus Christ to places close to home and far way. 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.

Learn more about young adult missionaries »

September 4, 2016 – Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

God, our Creator, you are the potter who shaped and formed each of us. Through your word and spirit, you continue to mold us over the course of our lives. Help us to listen to your voice so that our actions, in work and in leisure, will be pleasing to you. We present our tithes and offerings from the fruit of our labors. May our gifts support the ministries of this church, bringing renewal to people made in your image. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Jeremiah 18:1-11)



September 11, 2016 – Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

O Lord, our refuge, you alone bring deliverance. Your great faithfulness extends to the heavens! Thank you for redeeming us with new life and strength. When we are afraid, your spirit helps us to trust in you. Give us faith and diligence as we seek to do your will. Use our offerings and gifts for the work of your kingdom, even as we await the return of your Son Jesus Christ in glory. We pray in his name. Amen. (Psalm 14)



September 18, 2016 – Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Generous God, you are the king of the universe! Everything belongs to you, yet you graciously provide for our smallest needs. You sent your Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to redeem us. We are grateful for your blessings, for we have enough to share. Help us to be faithful in our use of the resources you give us. We return a portion of your bounty for the work of the church. May people in our community rejoice in your goodness, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Luke 16:1-13)



September 25, 2016 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

God, our helper, every good gift comes from your open hand. You sent your Son Jesus to become human, understanding our temptations and weaknesses. In our life of discipleship, help us to stand resolute in our commitment to follow Christ rather than the lures of our culture. Send your spirit to bring peace and contentment to our hearts. Let our congregation become a haven of those rich in good works and eager to share your message of hope. In gratitude, we dedicate our offerings through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
(1 Timothy 6:6-19)