11-Aug-24 (John 6:35, 41-51)

When we hear Jesus say, "I am the bread of life." we understand it as a metaphor. We know that knowing and following Jesus bring substance and helps us find purpose in life. But there are people in this world, in our nation, in our cities, that need actual bread to eat. There are those who need shelter, not just for a night or two, but a home for their family. There are those who are suffering, those who are lonely and forgotten. The Church is not just about meeting spiritual needs, as real as those are. The Church is also about showing the love of God for all people by helping them to meet their physical needs as well.
The offering, which we're about to take up is one of those ways we all participate in that work.
Let's consider that, as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in prayer.
God, whose love is shown in word and deed. Bless these gifts, returned to you, for your work in this world. Use them to meet the needs of folk, both spiritual and physical. Multiply them so that that important work can be done.
We pray also that you would bless us, collectively and individually, with gifts and time that we can also put to work sharing your love with people right here around us and all over the world.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.