October 13, 2013 "NOW SAY "THANK YOU'"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, you have filled this earth with so much wonder that, indeed, there are days when the creativity and beauty of your art takes our breath away. We are awed by the majesty of the snow covered mountains that surround us and smile gently at the view we have of them through swaying palm fronds. Bless us Lord of the Universe, with indefatigable spirits that can envision your kingdom coming upon the earth. Let us be ever confident that you have our backs as we endeavor to witness to your love, grace and mercy; as we seek to edify your church, care for each other and respect your creation. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
When we tip waiters and waitresses in a restaurant we know that there are certain rules that one must follow. I made an error once in figuring the tip on a bill and the waitress got really mad and almost ran me out of the restaurant before I realized my mistake. I mean most of us wouldn’t dream of walking out of a restaurant without paying or without leaving a gratuity for the server. If we couldn’t afford it, we wouldn’t go in the first place. I would hate for us to think that we can’t afford the church. God would never snub us or chase us out of church for not putting anything in the offering plate. The truth be told none of us can afford to give thanks to equal the service our God has rendered unto us.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord we are bold to praise your name and say that money blessed is a friend to the children of light. It is an excellent gift and answers the noblest ends. In our hands most gracious One, let it be food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked. May it give to the traveler and the stranger a place to lay their heads. Cause us to understand that by this we may supply the place of a husband to a widow, and a father to the fatherless. By these gifts we may be a defense for the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, a means of ease to those in pain. These gifts may be as eyes to the blind, as feet to the lame; even a lifter up from the gates of death! Bless these excellent gifts, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.** Adapted from John Wesley’s Sermon #50 on “The Use Of Money”