14-Sep-25 (Luke 15:1-10)

We'll never be able to match the constancy and effort that God puts into seeking out the lost. We can, however, do our part to show others that God loves them. We can do this by what we say, as you've heard several times in this very service. We can also do this by what we do. People find it hard to conceive of a God who loves them if they can't see that echoed in the actions of people who say they follow God. So, it's not only that Jesus has said to us, that our actions toward the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the forgotten will show God and ourselves whether we're really following God, it will also show all those who are seeing us. If they catch a glimpse of God in our actions, we're on the right track.
But we can't be everywhere. That's where our offering comes in. By giving generously, the Church as a whole is able to do the work of demonstrating God's love to the whole world. Part of our offering goes to our representatives all over the world so people all over the world can see God's love in action by what we do.
The deacons will now come and take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in a spirit of prayer.
God, whose love for us is shown in so many ways throughout our world, we thank you for all the ways we see that love in action. Help us to be instruments of your love with the people we meet in our daily lives. Bless us with generous and loving hearts.
Bless these offerings as well, that they would be put to use in all the ways that demonstrate your love to people in our neighborhoods, our country, and our world.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord, Amen.