9-August-26 (Matthew 14:22-33)

When the storms of life rage around us, there is nothing quite like the assurance that God is with us in the storm.
But even as I say that I know that most of us would like some concrete help as we deal with the crises at hand. When we're hungry, it's good to know that someone is looking for ways to help us get food. When we're without a home or a refugee in some terrible disaster, natural or human-made, it's good to know that someone is looking to help us find a safe place to stay.
A lot of the work of the Church is meeting real needs of people as our way of showing that God is present.
Our gifts, given in offerings go to reach out in God's love here in our congregation, our community, and throughout the world, wherever the storms of life assail.
Please consider giving generously as you're able.

Prayer

Please join me a in spirit of prayer.
God who calls out to us even as the storms rage, help us also be that calm voice in the midst of life's storms for others. Give us generous and caring hearts.
Bless these offering, that they would please you in the way that they are used, that through them, people would sense your presence with them as the face the storms in their lives.
We pray in Jesus name, AMEN