A Moment for Mission
“And whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” —Matthew 10:38-39, NRSV
One of 13 United Methodist agencies supported by the World Service Fund, the General Commission on Archives and History does much more than preserve the history of the denomination. For example, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded earlier this year, the Rev. Alfred T. Day III, general secretary, issued a statement of information and reassurance.
“Together with my colleagues on the General Secretaries Table,” he said, “I am writing to remind you the 13 United Methodist general boards, agencies and the Connectional Table stand ready to serve you with resources and assistance as the COVID-19 pandemic imposes a new reality on our lives and ministries.
“While the virus and the prescription of social distancing must reduce our physical proximity, the mission of our connectional faith communities is more vital than ever. So, as we all move to virtual models for our mission and ministry, the General Commission on Archives and History and its partner agencies are here to help you.”
The letter explained how to connect online to each agency. Day invited United Methodists to visit the General Commission on Archives and History website regularly for updated information.
“Remember,” Day said, “social distancing does not mean social isolation. God help us to discover new meaning and opportunities for what it means to be a connectional church.”
Because United Methodist congregations support the World Service Fund, GCAH stands ready to assist individuals and local churches in every season of life. Thank you!
—Adapted from General Commission on Archives and History Statement, the Rev. Alfred T. Day III, March 23, 2020. Used by permission.
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, even in times of trial and great uncertainty, you call us to take up our cross and follow you. Remind us daily of that call. Guide us to follow you. In your name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Third Sunday after Pentecost — Wondrous God of the universe who finds time to whisper your love to us: we come to your altar with grateful hearts. When you speak your love into our quiet moments, it is the most precious gift of all. It is not a gift for us to hold and hide, but to proclaim from the housetops! May the gifts we offer to you this morning proclaim your love loudly to a world that often feels forgotten. We pray this in the name of your son, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. (Matthew 10:24-39)
Newsletter Nugget
Don’t know much about history? Don’t despair!
If you are curious about United Methodist history, help is just a web search away. Go to the General Commission on Archives and History website (www.gcah.org) to learn about Methodists and the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia (1793–98), women’s United Methodist history, General Conference legislation and more. Click on “Research,” “UMC history” or “Resources” for specific help.
The General Commission on Archives and History promotes and cares for the historical interests of The United Methodist Church at every level. It gathers, preserves and holds title to library and archival materials and shares interpretive materials on the history of the denomination and its predecessors. It also engages with other Wesleyan, Methodist or Evangelical United Brethren-related denominations in lifting up our joint heritage.
Because of generous local church support of the World Service Fund, GCAH provides a wealth of services to individuals and congregations. Thank you!
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