5-November-23 (Matthew 23:1-12)

When Jesus spoke about burdens that some of the Pharisees were putting upon others, part of that was the obligation give their tithes to the religious community. The prophets and Jesus both talked about the futility of doing that. Please do not feel obligated to give.
Instead, think about all the good things that the Church has done and is doing for you and for others. Instead, thing about all the ways that God has been gracious to you and others. If you give, let it be out of gratitude for what God has done and is doing.
Consider that as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me in prayer.
God, who has shown us the depths of your own generosity. You have richly blessed us. We return a portion of those blessings back to you that the work of the Church can continue.
Bless these gifts and use them to tell your story, to visit those in need and provide for them, to comfort those in distress and to make your presence known in our world.
Use us too, to do all of these things.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.