CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Merciful God, it is indeed a joy to be in your company this morning, as we ponder the meaning of belonging to the body of Christ. In the moment of our first confession of faith we realized that we have always belonged to you, heart and soul; body and mind. Help us model our faith with a daring spirit, unencumbered by timidity or fear. Make our hands the hands of welcome that reach out to the stranger, and offer help to those who are just learning how to walk in the faith. Teach us the servant way, which endeavors always to look out for brother and sister, seeking to know them, to listen to their hopes and dreams, and help heal their hurts and sorrows. Let this work be our joy, O Lord, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
My mother took me into the FAO Schwartz 5th Avenue store when I was 13. I remember staring goggle-eyed at the huge Steiff stuffed animals. They are sought after collectibles and come in all types and sizes. I was curious to know how long they had been around. Margarete Steiff was born in 1847. She contracted polio in 1849, but was determined to live a normal life. She became a seamstress and made her first little elephant pin cushion in 1879. Her motto was: “Only the best is good enough for children.” Let us embrace her motto and help our church be the best for our children.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. We offer them with grateful, joyful hearts. We seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we offer in the name of the Christ glorify your mostly holy name. Breathe your renewing Spirit into us that we may be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. Amen.
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