CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and loving God, when we think of you creating the world, some of us imagine your hand as a paintbrush, the colors flowing from your fingertips, textures spreading across the canvas of space. Some of us see the sculptor’s hand moving, molding, smoothing, carving the clay forming the planets, the stars and creatures of all sizes and shapes. Still other’s of us see you as moving spirit, dancing, blowing, spinning, breathing the whole universe into being. In all of this creating we imagine yours is a labor of love. Therefore, sing to us your melody of peace. When we are struck down, frustrated with our crying, spent from illness, lead us to your sanctuary to hear your voice of comfort and mercy. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
What does the verb to give mean? It’s pretty straightforward, isn’t it? You give of yourself, or what you have to someone or something usually because you want to. But we use the word in conjunction with a bunch of other words, giving the word, give, different meanings. For example: give-in; give-up; give-over; give-all; give-out, give away and giveaway. The meaning changes too, when you put a prefix or another word in front of give, as in, re-give, out-give, and maybe even, un-give. Of course, the most familiar combo would be forgive. Each form has a meaning all it’s own, but only one offers us the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. We offer them with a spirit of hopefulness knowing that with your blessing, they have the power to advance the message of the gospel, breathe new life into the work and ministries of your church, and, in turn, help those in need. Empower your church, to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. Amen.
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