A Moment for Mission
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.” — Psalm 107:8-9, NRSV
One of the best things about learning something new is sharing the knowledge. That is the groundwork behind the “Did you know? ” awareness campaign—to increase understanding about the United Methodist connectional giving system.
After research showed that many of the denomination’s 12 million members were unaware of giving programs and how their gifts were distributed, United Methodist Communications ’ Connectional Giving Team partnered with an independent marketing firm. Together, they created the “Did you know?” digital campaign to raise awareness of the connectional giving system and its associated resources among both clergy and laity.
Social media, websites and e-newsletters feature the campaign theme, along with questions about specific United Methodist funds. Answers appear on corresponding landing pages. Resources include bulletin inserts in French, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish, as well as emails, posters and videos.
Through “Did you know?” the Connectional Giving Team is confident that website visitors will learn something new about the denomination’s rich history of generosity. The team hopes to inspire excitement as United Methodists discover the life-changing work they accomplish together through connectional giving.
Through the Connectional Giving system, donations are distributed to United Methodist ministries, six churchwide Special Sundays and The Advance, a designated-giving program.
Thanks to each congregation’s support of the World Service Fund , United Methodist Communications and other general church agencies ensure that the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ reaches God’s children around the world.
Children’s Message
Prop: baby board book, especially one with first words
Do you know what the word “communication” means?
“Communication” happens when we share our ideas with others. We communicate every day in different ways. Sometimes we use words to tell others what we are thinking. We might use pictures or body movements to communicate.
We learn so much by observing the world around us. Babies and toddlers communicate by babbling or pointing to show what they want. Picture books like this help them learn the names of favorite things or places. Remember, not everyone communicates with words, but may use pictures or gestures to speak.
When we communicate, we share ideas and learn how to listen. Communication helps us learn from one another. When you share your ideas, you might even make a new friend!
Let’s pray together: Dear God, thank you for giving us ears to hear and a voice to speak. Help us to use kind words and listening ears. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, you satisfy the hungry and the thirsty. Thank you for the opportunity to quench the hunger and thirst of those who long for knowledge and understanding. We love you. Amen.
From Disciple Ministries: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost — Holy God, loving parent; your patience with your children is beyond our comprehension! How many times have we sung praises to you “from whom all blessings flow” and yet in our lives, in our practice and in our giving, we’ve acted like most of those blessings are from our own—to do with as we wish? Often, we have been deaf to your teaching and blind to your leading. May the gifts we give today be a token to our goal to live generous lives that honor you and express gratitude for your goodness to us. In the name of Jesus, our savior, we pray. Amen. (Hosea 11:1-11)
Newsletter Nugget
United Methodist Communications (the General Commission on Communication) leads the church in communication ministries and activities. It meets the communication, public relations and marketing needs of the entire denomination, reflecting the cultural and racial diversity within The United Methodist Church.
Since 2015, Dan Krause has led the global communications agency in telling the story of God’s love via research, technology and strategic communication. Through marketing, advertising, media and public relations, web and social media, news, production and more, United Methodist Communications works around the world, equipping local churches for communications ministry, raising awareness of the mission and ministries of the church and developing technology infrastructure in underserved areas.
Congregations, large and small, as well as districts, annual conferences and jurisdictions, benefit from United Methodist Communications resources and services. Through the World Service Fund , this vital agency is equipped to share expertise, resources and assistance, along with a big helping of God’s love, on a global scale. Thank you!