July 14, 2013 "GOSPEL FRUIT"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, O wondrous bestower of Grace, we relish the opportunity to worship together this morning assured that, in some way, our souls will be fed and our spirits lifted. Maybe singing a favorite hymn will restore us or hearing the voice of one who is truly in adoration mode. Maybe the smile on our face is a reflection of the smiles on the faces of our children. Reflecting on the scripture may well fill our hearts with hope or give us the challenge we have been waiting for. We confess that in these hot summer months, if we haven’t migrated to cooler climbs, we can tend to hibernate in our air-conditioned homes. Inspire us, Lord, with visions of what we can accomplish in the name of the Christ today, and all the days of summer. In his name we pray; Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Every year when I go to Guatemala new folks volunteer. Becky brought about 6 people from her church and Carol and Don brought 2 people from theirs. Their congregations raise funds to help church members have the “Guatemala Mission Experience” because it is eye opening and life changing. Today I am making the first contribution to a Guatemala Mission Experience Fund. I will make contributions to this fund regularly over the next year, above and beyond my regular tithe so that church members eager for this experience can go with me to Guatemala. Let’s find a way to send several people from our church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Pour out your glorious Spirit of Blessing upon these our offerings most loving and gracious Lord. May every ministry they support, every program they nurture, every comfort they provide glorify your name. We are indebted to you for our every breath and blessing, however we give not because of our indebtedness, but because of our gratefulness. We offer these tokens of thanks in the name of the Christ. Amen.