14-July-24 (Mark 6:14-29)

Who is Jesus? That's what people in Jesus' day were asking. People are still asking that today. Oh, they know that Jesus was a teacher, who said some important things about loving other people, but they're still wondering what difference that makes.
I think it's not so much a question of describing Jesus as it is describing what he did and what the people who follow him are called to do in the world today.
It's about giving comfort to those who are hurting. It's about helping those who are in need. It's about working for justice and peace in this world. When people see that, they understand who Jesus is. When people see that, they understand what difference Jesus' teaching make.
We have an opportunity to be a part of demonstrating God's love through our actions, through offering of ourselves, our time, and our financial resources.
That's what this time of offering is all about.
Let's consider that as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

God who revealed your love to us in Jesus, help us to reveal your love to others, right here in our congregation, in our community, and in our world.
Bless this offering and use it to show the world that love. Bless us that we can continue to be messengers and actors of that love.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.