CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Sovereign God, Creator of the Universe, today in our tiny corner of the world, we open our eyes to the realization that we are connected with the whole body of Christ beyond borders, seas and oceans, beyond longitudes and latitudes, time zones, and languages. No matter how we celebrate the Lord’s Supper; no matter the way in which we partake of the elements, all who claim the name of the Christ, partake together as one body in the world, always looking forward to the coming of the Christ. One day we will feast at your heavenly banquet, but today we remain one in Christ, one with each other and one in ministry to all the world. Bless our whole communion; we ask in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The earliest followers of Jesus in Acts 2:44-47 “were all who believed and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds, to all as any had need. They spent much time together in the temple, and broke bread at home, and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and have the goodwill of all the people. And day by day The Lord added to their number…” You see, because they believed, because they shared and because they were generous people of glad hearts, God kept adding to their number. That’s God’s formula for church growth.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God accept our tithes and offerings not only for the care and support of Christ’s church, but the care and support of your creation. Let faith and trust abide in our hearts as we seek to live in response to your never ending and abundant grace. Empower us, further, O Lord, to be your people of glad and generous hearts as we continue our ministries of care, reaching out to those in need in our community and around the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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