7-June-26 (Genesis 12:1-9)

Throughout the history of Israel, prophets would remind them that Abraham was a stranger and wanderer to remind them of their responsibility to extend hospitality to others who were strangers and wanderers among them, not simply to tolerate people who lived among them, but to welcome and embrace them, giving them the care and concern they would want extended to them.
Part of the work of the church is to extend care and concern to people who might otherwise be forgotten or relegated to the outskirts of society. There are a number of ways that people do this individually and some of the offering we take today will also go toward extending that care and concern.
Please consider giving generously, so that those who might otherwise be forgotten will know the love of God in our actions.

Prayer:

Please join me in a spirit of prayer.
God whose love extends to the farthest points on the Earth, thank you for extending your care and concern to us. Help us also to extend that care and concern to others, especially those who might not otherwise receive any.
Bless this offering, that it be put to good use in demonstrating your love for all people.
We pray in Jesus' name, AMEN.