A Moment for Mission
“He trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.” —John 15:2, CEB
No matter where you fall on the subject of the news media, there seems to be more bad news than good flooding our screens these days. The church is to be about the business of the Good News, for all people. The Good News, as in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Good News for the transformation of the world. As The United Methodist Church, we can bring this Good News by what we can do together.
There are opportunities beyond our apportionments that allow us to further our reach. Some of these opportunities are in giving to World Service Special Gift projects.
Current World Service Special Gifts projects include:
Africa University Endowment Fund,
Leonard Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students,
Methodist Global Education Fund,
National Anti-Gambling Project, and
Lay Missionary Planting Network.
A World Service Special Gift is a designated financial contribution made by an individual, local church, organization, district or annual conference to a project authorized as such by the Connectional Table. All general boards and commissions, except units of general agencies authorized to receive gifts through The Advance, can recommend projects specifically related to one or more of the agency’s Disciplinary functions.
Children’s Message
John 15:2 says, “He trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.”
Imagine a tree in a garden. When the tree grows big and strong, it starts to produce fruit like apples or oranges. But sometimes, to help the tree produce even more fruit, a gardener might trim away some of the branches that aren’t as healthy. This helps the tree focus its energy on growing more fruit.
In the same way, God wants us to grow and become even better at helping others. The United Methodist Church has a fund called the “World Service Special Gifts.” It’s a special way for us to help others and make the world a better place. Just like a gardener helps a tree grow more fruit, we can give to these special projects to help people all around the world.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the opportunity to give and help others through World Service Special Gifts. Help us to be generous and to grow in our love for you and others. Amen.
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
Gracious God, as we offer our gifts today, we reflect on the wisdom in the words from John’s Gospel. In this imagery, we recognize our role as branches, connected to you, the source of our strength and vitality. Help us stay rooted in your love, producing fruit that brings glory to your name. May these gifts signify our commitment to abide in your teachings and work joyfully in response to your love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (John 15:1-8)
Newsletter Nugget
“He trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.” —John 15:2, CEB
There are opportunities beyond our apportionments that allow us to further our reach. Some of these opportunities are in giving to World Service Special Gift projects.
Anyone can give to these projects and the impact of giving to these projects is exponential. Those who receive assistance from World Service Special Gift projects in the form of education and training are not the only ones benefiting. Those who benefit from recipients’ use of education as they develop as leaders are affected as well.
The World Service Special Gift projects do not receive funding from The Advance. World Service Special Gifts are designated gifts made directly from individuals or churches. The Africa University Endowment Fund, Leonard Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students, the Methodist Global Education Fund, the National Anti-Gambling Project and the Lay Missionary Planting Network are projects approved by the connectional board.
Further the reach of your generosity today by learning more about the World Service Special Gift projects!