A Moment for Mission
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." – Luke 12:34
Only one in eight American men attend church on a weekly basis, yet those men who attend church experience a higher level of satisfaction in life. Twenty-five percent of married American women attend church without their husbands, even though a man's church involvement can be correlated with both marital stability and family happiness. Not only that, teens whose fathers attend church with them are more likely to report they treasure spending time with their fathers.
Those congregations with thriving men's ministries are more likely to be healthy overall. In The United Methodist Church, our giving toward World Service Fund apportionments supports the mission and action of the General Commission on the United Methodist Men. The men's ministry agency is engaged in local congregations in partnership with the senior pastor in a variety of ways, encouraging men in every congregation to use their gifts to invite and initiate spiritual growth for all men in the church. This could include Bible studies, small groups, retreats, mentoring, leading and participating in all areas of church life.
A study done by Hartford Seminary found that when men are actively involved in the life of the church, there is growth, health and harmony. The United Methodist Men are committed to help men grow in Christ, that others may know Christ. When we support this ministry of the church, we support the whole church.
Offertory Prayer
God, we thank you for those men who so generously share their gifts and their faith. May they continue to courageously invite and initiate others deeper into knowing more of you and being the men that you have created them to be. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost - Living God, you are the architect of our lives and the builder of the church of Jesus Christ. When you speak, you bring into being that which fulfills your will. By your Word and Spirit, you teach us to be wise about matters we cannot imagine. Thank you for the privilege of contributing to the life and mission of this congregation. Use our tithes and gifts to inspire deeper faith, hope, and love among people in our community. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. (Hebrews 11:1-16)
Newsletter Nugget
Actor Robert Urich is credited with saying that "a healthy outside starts from the inside." This is not only true for one's physical health, but spiritual health as well. The United Methodist Men believe that with spiritual growth comes a spiritual maturity that bears fruit that can be seen in all areas of life. As men participate in ministries that encourage them to grow in Christ, they become more effective as spiritual leaders in their homes and congregations, working as partners with their spouses and congregational leaders — both lay and clergy. Not only is the presence of men involved in the local church vital for health and growth, it is also a catalyst for men to be more engaged husbands and fathers at home.
Our generous giving toward the World Service Fund with our apportionments supports the General Commission on United Methodist Men and its mission to equip local congregations to grow thriving ministry with men, that others may know Christ.