19-Apr-26 (Luke 24:13-35)

They didn't recognize Jesus until he broke the bread with them. People will not see Jesus in us if we just say the words and even if we regularly attend worship. They'll see Jesus in us in the close-up, personal things that matter to them. They'll see him in the visits, especially when they're sick or when they're looking at the end of life. They'll see him in the help they receive when they need it. They'll see him in the actions that bring dignity to others and justice for people who've been forgotten.
We participate in those things by our own actions, of course, but we also send others to reach out in Jesus' name for us. These offerings, which we're about to receive go to make that possible.
The deacons will now come to take our offerings for today.

Prayer:

Please join me in a spirit of prayer.
God of all people, especially the ones most likely to be forgotten, give us generous hearts that we can give of ourselves and our resources to help people see you and recognize you. Bless these offerings, use them for your purposes.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our risen Lord.
AMEN.