Like many churches, we have a special offering on the 4th sunday of every month to serve the mercy needs of congregation and community. It is a great way to highlight in the worship service the call to serve the poor, oppressed, downtrodden, and outcast in our midst. Here is a simple liturgy we use to introduce the offering. It is usually taken up during the last song which often focuses on similar themes.
God’s People Respond: Mercy in Word and Deed
Leader:
Generous God, you have given us life,
a place to live in, and people to live with.
People:
Open our eyes to each other
and to all our brothers and sisters,
especially the poor, the oppressed, the alienated.
Leader:
Make us humble enough to help and comfort them,
so that your love and justice and peace may come to them.
People:
We make bold to consecrate ourselves and our gifts
to you and to the service of others,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Offering Prayers #10, P242
Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook,
© 2004, CRC Publications
Song Suggestions: Out of the Depths(Psalm 130), Depths of Mercy, How Much I Owe (R.M.McCheyne), May the Mind of Christ, More Love O Christ, Peace Peace Peace, Amazing Grace
