Moment for Mission
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field. — Matthew 13:31, NRSV
At a time when we are concerned with bullying in our schools and communities, the need for children to come to a deeper understanding and experience of compassion is of great importance.
Children involved in volunteering in ways that serve others are able to experience compassion in profound ways. According to Barna Research Group, moral foundation is formed by the time a child is 9 years old. This makes childhood an ideal time to begin participating in acts of compassion and service.
One of the ways The United Methodist Church supports these types of experiences is through the work done by the United Methodist Children's Fund for Christian Mission, which allows children the opportunity to raise funds and contribute to specific mission projects that are directly helping children.
Children are affected on both the giving and receiving sides of these projects. Both experiences are important in gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be compassionate. The types of projects funded have included providing meals, clean water and access to education for children.
When children participate in this mission activity, they have an experience in using their resources to make an impact in the world. This action of giving to others as young children will plant seeds of compassion and service that will last a lifetime of walking in faith.
Offertory Prayer
God of love, give us courage to answer our call to love our neighbors near and far. Give us faith to believe that even in the small acts you can reap a big harvest. Give us a spirit of generosity and love as we act and teach about living with compassion and kindness. Amen.
From Disciple Ministries: Eighth Sunday After Pentecost – Majestic God, we are amazed that you count us among your children. You have adopted us as brothers and sisters of Christ your Son. Open our eyes to see every human being as your beloved child. Send your Spirit to guide us to live as citizens of your heavenly kingdom. Let our church embody a generous way of giving to others in this world, which will one day be conformed to your reign. We ask this for the sake of Jesus, our risen Savior. Amen. (Matthew 13)
Newsletter Nugget
Just as the tiny mustard seed produces an overwhelming harvest, so are the actions of kindness and compassion. They are small seeds that reap a harvest of eternal rewards. With the United Methodist Children's Fund for Christian Mission, we are inviting our tiniest members to plant seeds of compassion and love in the hearts of children around the globe, and in their own hearts.
The United Methodist Children's Fund for Christian Mission is an opportunity for children to participate in mission through education and giving. Children in Sunday school classes or vacation Bible schools are invited to contribute funds to specific mission projects. While they are collecting funds to contribute, they also are being educated about the needs of children around the world and their call to respond. Some of the types of projects supported by the United Methodist Children's Fund for Mission include reaching across the globe to help children at schools have clean water, educating children who have been orphaned, and providing free lunches to children in need over the summer.