Today we had our annual Easter Egg Hunt on the playground with a dozen other families in the building. In the morning we made the bags with the kids. Due to the terrible weather the hunt was off, then it was on, then if was off and finally it was on. Click here for a report from Tess. With eggs laid the kids poured onto the playground and sure enough, the heavens poured onto them in buckets. Afterwards shivering kids rationalised, "But why do I need a hot bath when I just got washed in the rain?" Twelve hours later it is Easter Sunday and I have been asked to give the Offertory Prayer for the 11 AM service and here it is:
Good morning, while preparing for this morning’s offertory prayer I happened upon a cute story. The story is about a man who drove to a very run-down section of town for a business meeting. The man left his new car parked at the side of the road. After the man’s meeting he approached his car to find a small boy gazing at the car with wonder in his eyes. The man asked, “Do you like my car?”
The boy replied, “Mister, I think is it the most beautiful car I have ever seen.”
The two stood in a few moments of silence, and then the man said, “My brother gave me that car.”
“Wow,” said the young boy and then he asked, “Do you know what I wish mister?”
The man thought he knew, but waited and then politely asked, “What do you wish?”
After a few moments the boy replied, “I wish I could be a brother like that.”
The point is, that each day as brothers and sisters in Christ we have the opportunity to be generous both in spirit and pocketbook to those around us who are in need. Let us pray the Offertory Prayer…
Loving and gracious God, we thank You for being such an extravagant giver, You have blessed us beyond our wildest imagination with what we need and so much more. We come to You in thanksgiving, knowing that all we are and all we have is a gift from you. In faith and love, help us to do Your will. We are listening, Lord God. Speak Your words into the depths of our souls, that we may hear You clearly. We offer to You this East Sunday all the facets of our lives, whether it be at home, at work, or at school – to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy. Give us the wisdom and insight to understand Your will for us and the fervour and courage to carry out our good intentions. We offer our gifts of time, talent and possessions to You as a true act of faith, to reflect our love for You and as brothers and sisters in Christ to our neighbour. Help us to reach out to others as You our God have reached out to us. In Your name Christ Jesus we pray and ask you to receive today’s offering, Amen.
Above, Tess with some of our Union Church friends.
