17-Aug-25 (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

Looking at the passage from Hebrews for today, we get a reminder of all the ways our spiritual ancestors walked in faith before us. The powerful things they were able to do were because they believed in God and believed in what the Realm of God would bring.
I'm sure we can think of a number of other people, much closer to us in history, that have also walked in faith and done powerful things. It's because of some of them that we have this space to worship in. It's because of some of them that we ourselves have heard to stories of Jesus and God's love for us all. It's because of some of them that the work of the Church has continued to this point.
And it will be because of us that that work goes on.
We have our abilities and our resources which can be put to use to bring God's Realm more fully into being. Through our gifts, the poor, the homeless, the forgotten will receive help. Through our gifts the work of God in this community, in our nation, and in the world will continue.
Please consider what you are able to give to see this happen as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in a spirit of prayer.
God, who has been with people of faith all throughout humanity's existence on this earth, we pray that you would bless us with generous hearts, ready to give of what we have and what we are to be a part of your presence here.
We pray for these gifts as well. Put them to good use. Let your work continue.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord, Amen.