Home Worship Planning Preaching Resources Offertory Prayers and Invitation for November 2014

Offertory Prayers and Invitation for November 2014

ebola message

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 love and reconciliation. Through our connectional giving, we are playing a key role in the fight against Ebola in West Africa on many fronts. United Methodist Communications formed its Information and Communications Technologies for Development team (ICT4D), whose work includes bringing technology solutions to the fight against poverty. When Ebola was first reported in Liberia this past summer, many residents dismissed it as political propaganda or superstition. The historic text message shown here from Liberian Bishop John Innis, the most effective means of mass communication in this situation, made real the threat. 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 the work of United Methodist Communications at: www.umcom.org/global-communications.

November 2, 2014 -- Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide
God of steadfast love, we praise you, for you abundantly provide for every living thing! Thank you for listening when we call to you in times of need. You guide us in your good path where we will find all you give us. You alone do wonders: you bring transformation, creating new life out of death. Enable us by your Spirit to live as people of gratitude who help others to experience your love and grace. We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen. (Psalm 107)

November 9, 2014 -- Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide
Holy God, we are in awe of you. In marvelous ways, you have brought us out of trouble into safety, out of bondage into freedom. With our whole heart, we want to serve you faithfully, following Christ your Son. When we stumble and stray from your way, you call us back and forgive us. Help us to set all our hope on you, for your love never fails! It is by your generosity that we present these gifts and offerings. Use them to help others in our community and across the world to know your great love. We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (Joshua 24)

November 16, 2014 -- Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide
Great God, you are enthroned in the heavens! You are full of majesty, yet you have reached out to us in kindness. We look to you in expectation, knowing that you provide for our needs. How could we recount each time when you have helped us? You sustain our life. Give us eyes of faith to see your Holy Spirit at work in our midst. Help us to see where you are calling us to reach out in your name. Use this offering to bless people through the ministry and mission of our church. May our neighbors come to recognize your love in tangible ways. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Psalm 123)

November 23, 2014 -- Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday
O Lord our God, you are the good shepherd. You continually reach out to help us. When we are distracted and scattered, you draw us near with your loving voice. You welcome us as sheep of your flock and give us refreshing food and drink. Thank you for green pastures of rest and spiritual renewal. We dedicate our offerings to further your work in the world: to bring back the strayed, bind up the injured, strengthen the weak, rescue those in danger, and feed them with justice. We pray through Christ your Son, the great shepherd of the sheep. Amen. (Ezekiel 34)

November 30, 2014 -- First Sunday of Advent
Our Heavenly Father, we worship you. You are the God who does awesome deeds that we did not expect! You have come down from on high, sending your precious Son Jesus to make your presence tangible. You work wonders for those who wait for you. Thank you for sending your Spirit to work in our life. Give us patience as we wait for the revealing of your glorious kingdom. May the gifts and offerings we present today serve your purposes as we await your coming in glory. Come soon, Lord Jesus! Amen. (Isaiah 64)


November Offertory Prayers were written by the Rev. Rosanna Anderson, Associate Director of Stewardship Ministries at Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church.

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