30-Aug-26 (Matthew 16:21-28)

Jesus intentionally gives us a paradox in his words, "those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." What does Jesus mean in saving your life or losing it. I don't think it's just laying down your life in one act. Looking at how he lived his own life, there are any number of times where he gave of himself for the sake of others. In that case, saving your life can mean hoarding what you have, who you are, and what you can do, while losing your life can mean giving of all of those things in the service of Jesus' continued work here on Earth.
We have many ways to do that and one of them is coming up right now. Our offerings go toward making sure that Jesus' work continues, through teaching, worship, and through the many ways we help people in need, those who are suffering, those who might otherwise be forgotten.
Please consider giving generously as the deacons come to collect today's offering.

Prayer:

Please join me in an attitude of prayer.
God who has been gracious in so many ways to us, we pray that you would bless us with kind and generous hearts to continue your work in the world.
Bless these offerings as well, that what they are used for would be pleasing to you and continue the work that you began in Jesus our Christ..
We pray in Jesus' name, AMEN