17-Mar-24 (John 12:20-33)

"unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
Unless we give of ourselves, our time, our abilities, and yes, our financial resources -- unless we give them away -- they remain just what we have. If we do give them in God's work, they combine with all the gifts of others here and throughout the Church to become a great gift to the world.
Let's consider that as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in prayer.
God, who gave of all you had to bring us abundant life in you, help us to free ourselves from the burdens of having and reach toward the blessings of giving.
Take these offerings that we return to you and use them to teach your ways, to help the sick, the suffering, and those in other needs, and in all the other ways by which this congregation ministers.
Bless us too, that we will continue to give of ourselves in your ministries.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.