28-April-24 (John 15:1-8)

If you've ever had vines, either intentionally or unintentionally, you know that the branches grow and they climb and soon, they're covering anywhere they can reach.
The Church is like that, but in a good way. Because of our connection with the vine, the Church can reach out into our world and bring the Good News of God's love for all people. We can share the words and teachings of Jesus and we can also share God's love in helping those in need, comforting those who are in pain, and standing with those who are oppressed.
We can give of ourselves, from our time and abilities, and we can give from our financial resources.
Let's consider how we can reach out into our world as branches of the vine as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in prayer.
God, who is the source of all good in this world, help us to reach out in your love to the world around us. Bless these gifts that we have returned to you that your work in the world can go forward. Strengthen us and help us remain connected to you so that we can be a blessing in word and deed to those we meet and those we touch through the work of the Church.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.