A Moment for Mission
“He was transformed in front of them.” —Mark 9:2, CEB
The Black College Fund is one of seven apportionments in The United Methodist Church. Funds received go toward continuing the legacy of the 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities.
That legacy includes making education available to people like Julia Tippen, who was not previously afforded such an opportunity. “I can say with certainty that I would not have been able to afford to attend Dillard University without the generous support of GBHEM and their donors,” Julia said.
While colleges and universities have been integrated for decades, these historically black colleges continue to be important today by offering an educational experience that transforms students and builds leaders who pave the way for a better future.
Giving to the Black College Fund helps to ensure that the legacy of these colleges and universities continues. United Methodist gifts equip universities to be strong in their facilities, faculties and academic programs so that students have access to high-quality education.
Children’s Message
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration Sunday is a day when we remember a moment when Jesus’ appearance changed, and he started shining bright with God’s glory. And just like that dazzling moment, we can also shine bright with love and support for others.
A shining star in The United Methodist Church is our support of the Black College Fund. This fund helps students attend historically black colleges and universities. These colleges are special places where students learn, grow, and shimmer with their unique gifts and talents.
The United Methodist Church supports 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities—HBCUs for short—and a medical school. And while most of the students are African American, they welcome people from all backgrounds.
Many students at United Methodist HBCUs receive scholarships. Some are the first in their families to go to college.
Prayer
Black History Month Benediction:
Today is all we have.
We will rejoice,
we will be renewed
and we will learn from the past,
cherish today, and
welcome the future
because you have given us a powerful and sacred history.
We will teach and learn,
speak and listen,
and grow strong every day of every month. Amen.
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
God of Transformation, we come together as those who have met you on the mountaintop. We have each had our holy encounters with you; and in those moments, we have wanted to stay on the mountain and retreat from the world. We know that is our longing, not yours. So as we offer our gifts this morning in response to your blessings in our life, remind us that our mission begins as we leave this place, and help us hold our memories of those mountaintop encounters with you in our hearts. We pray boldly in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Mark 9:2-9)
Newsletter Nugget
“He was transformed in front of them” —Mark 9:2
Julia Tippen graduated from Dillard University in May with a bachelor of arts degree in mass communication.
“I can say with certainty that I would not have been able to afford to attend Dillard University without the generous support of GBHEM and their donors,” Julia said.
Aside from financial considerations, the decision to attend New Orleans’ Dillard University, one of the 11 United Methodist Black College Fund schools, was an easy choice for Julia. A lifelong United Methodist, Julia only really considered United Methodist-affiliated institutions in her college search, primarily Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Julia says, “This was a life-changing experience, and I am very thankful.”
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities.
Adapted from “Scholarships key for Dillard grad”