A Moment for Mission
Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” —Matthew 14:27, CEB
UMCOR USDR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief U.S. Disaster Response, is dedicated to alleviating suffering caused by storms and disasters in the United States and its territories. Their ministry reflects the account in Matthew 14:22-33 when Jesus walks on water to reassure the disciples caught in a storm.
When Jesus met the disciples in the boat, he said, “Be encouraged. It’s me. Do not be afraid.” Peter is inspired by Jesus’s power and believed he could walk on water if Jesus commanded it. This same power is available to us through Jesus Christ. Nothing is impossible with him!
UMCOR’s response to disasters mirrors Peter’s boldness. UMCOR steps out in faith, providing immediate relief and long-term recovery. Following a philosophy of “communities own their recoveries,” UMCOR partners with local efforts and disaster response ministries throughout the entire disaster cycle. With your support, they extend a helping hand, bringing hope, restoration, and God’s love to those in distress.
During times of disaster, we may feel helpless and uncertain. UMCOR is committed to serving others in the midst of chaos and bringing hope to those who are feeling most vulnerable.
Children’s Message
Material: A small toy boat and a life preserver or Life Savers® type candy with a string tied to it.
Hold up the boat. Tell the story of Jesus and the disciples in the storm from Matthew 14:22-33. Highlight the disciples’ fear, Jesus walking on water, Peter stepping out in faith, and Jesus rescuing Peter when he started to sink.
Hold up the life preserver. Explain that UMCOR is a special organization that is part of The United Methodist Church. When there is a storm or other disaster, people from UMCOR help those who are feeling scared. Just like the disciples in the boat, people face difficult times when disasters happen.
UMCOR provides help and support to people who are in need, just like Jesus helped the disciples in their time of trouble. And UMCOR partners with local churches to journey alongside affected communities, just like Jesus was there with Peter when he walked on the water.
UMCOR is like a life preserver, extending a helping hand to those in distress, bringing hope, healing, and God’s love to those who are hurting. UMCOR steps out to help others and show God’s love during difficult times.
Offertory Prayer (From Discipleship Ministries)
Forgiving God, the first offering you ask for is the giving of ourselves, loving you and others boldly, refusing to let our fear of the storms around us keep us from taking risks. Forgive us for times when you have called us to leave our places of comfort, and we’ve ignored the call. Forgive us when our giving has not grown beyond our safety zone, but you blessed our gifts and us anyway. For those times when we dared to put our foot outside the boat and then sank up to our knees, thank you for not taking your hand away. For all this, we give thanks in the holy name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen (Matt 14:22-33).
Newsletter Nugget
The United Methodist Committee on Relief U.S. Disaster Response (UMCOR USDR) seeks to alleviate suffering caused by disasters that strike within the United States and its territories.
With a “communities own their recoveries” philosophy, UMCOR supports local efforts to accomplish immediate relief and long-term recovery while providing for volunteers to offer compassionate ministry in the aftermath of disasters.
In partnership with disaster response ministries and coordinators in U.S. annual conferences, UMCOR journeys with affected communities throughout a disaster’s cycle, including disaster preparedness, relief, response, recovery and mitigation.
UMCOR and its partners are responding to disasters across the globe every day. Please join us in prayer for the affected areas and consider giving to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response to support these efforts.