River City Faith Network Mission Offering: Connecting our Light
June 2025
RRCB Offering Collection Goal: $5,000
As the RCFN commits to working together to transform Richmond, they want to spend intentional effort in reconnecting their churches with one another to collaborate and to imagine a collective effort of the RCFN based on Isaiah 58:9-12.
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls; Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Isaiah 58:9-12
The RCFN Missions Offering this year will be used to develop connection events for engaging their churches in addressing the needs for housing, food security, mental health, generational needs, and welcoming the stranger among us. Pray for the RCFN and the communities they service. Designated envelopes for RCFN Missions Offering are available in the pew racks—please write “RCFN Offering” in the memo/note of your check.
Prayer for the Hungry
God, who blesses the food that we eat, and bodies that are fed, we give you thanks and ask that you hold close all of those in the Richmond area who experience food insecurity. We pray for mothers who open the doors to empty pantries. Be with fathers who hold their breath every time they use a debit card to pay for groceries. Hold tight children who go to school hungry. Look out for those whose homes do not have walls much less kitchen tables.
May we be an answer to this prayer. Show us ways to share our resources with our neighbors. Give us the creativity and courage to find ways to provide daily bread, and solutions for the long run. May we always be willing to set another chair at our table, so that we will be fed body and soul.
It is in the name of Jesus, who sat at many tables with many people that we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Mental Health
God,
We live in a harried world, heavy with human needs. Remind us that you are greater than these. When we feel alone, remind us that you walk with us. When we feel worried, remind us that you bring perfect peace. When we are overwhelmed, may we cast our burdens to you and accept your comfort. When we feel broken and in despair, may we know that we belong with you, and with each other.
God, help us to ask for support when it is needed. May we trust not only in you, but in those you have gifted to support, heal, and hold space with us. Remind us that we all walk this road together, seeking comfort, wholeness, and health. Amen.
Prayer for Welcoming the Stranger
Lord,
Teach us to see people as if we are looking through your eyes. We need your love so we can reach others. Teach us to love all those who may be different from us, but not any different to you. We need your compassion. Lead us in ways to reach those who may speak differently than us. Show us ways to love as you do. Create in us a heart like yours for the strangers, the migrants, and those uncared for all around us. We need your help in reaching all people who are in need. In seeing their struggles, we will know how we can be present to them. In the precious name of Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Generational Needs
Lord, God,
“We give you thanks for this opportunity to pray for generational needs for those who are older than the Baby Boomers, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, and the next generation. The list of needs for each generation is so overwhelming that we cannot call them out one by one. However, we do pray for those things that are essential to each such as their safety, provision, protection, patience, guidance in making wise choices, and the ability to adapt to the constant changes that life brings. Even in praying for these, the most crucial of all our needs is that they may come to know Jesus and the power of his Resurrection. May each one accept him as Lord and Savior of their life and learn to stand on the words that Paul wrote to the Philippians, “And my God shall supply all your need according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Amen.
On June 12, the WMU Connectors served breakfast at the Oregon Hill Baptist Center for 91 unhoused individuals.
Prayer for the Unhoused
Gracious God,
We lift up the city of Richmond and all who struggle to find safe, affordable housing. You are a God of justice and compassion – move our hearts to care deeply for our neighbors in need. We pray for more housing, better housing, and homes filled with dignity and hope. Stir leaders, builders, and communities to act boldly. Raise up volunteers and advocates who will serve with love and persistence. Inspire churches, nonprofits, and individuals to unite in purpose. Give wisdom to planners and strength to workers. Let us all be part of Your work in bringing shelter, security, and peace to every family. May Richmond become a place where all can find a home. Amen.