A Moment for Mission
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38, NRSV
This Scriptural passage reminds me of the folk song “Magic Penny” by Malvina Reynolds. The more love you share, the lyrics say, the more you receive. And the more you share your riches, the more they will multiply. That lesson brings to mind another Bible verse, Acts 20:35, in which the apostle Paul quotes Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today’s youngest Christ-followers learn the wisdom of those words when they participate in the United Methodist Children’s Fund for Christian Mission. It’s an opportunity for children to learn about and contribute to a select group of mission projects chosen for their value in helping children understand what it means to “be in mission.”
Projects change each year, providing children with a variety of learning experiences and a diverse understanding of children in other states and countries. To qualify, applicants must describe a need affecting the community, demonstrate a need for financial support and tell how the project will help to address the need.
This is a joint program of the General Board of Discipleship and the General Board of Global Ministries. The Children’s Fund educates children about mission and offers a way for children to give to mission beyond their local church.
Through the Children’s Fund for Christian Mission, children learn that the more they give, the more they receive.
Children’s Message
Have you heard of the Children’s Fund for Christian Mission? It’s a special opportunity just for kids to learn about and help other kids around the world.
You and your church friends can brainstorm and find fun ways to earn money for the Children’s Fund. Invite adults and children to empty their pockets and purses and share the coins they find in a “noisy offering.” Bring out the artist in you and sell your creations. Clean your room and sell books and toys you’ve outgrown. Or have a talent show and charge admission.
Give all the money you earn to the Children’s Fund for Christian Mission. The results probably will amaze you.
The goal is to have fun – and to help others in the process!
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, you call us to serve you. No matter our age, we can share your love and reach out to others. Help us to find new ways to honor you. In your name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany — Holy God of light and life that overcomes darkness and death: as we offer our tithes and offerings to you this morning, we pray that we may give the confidence and assurance of those fully convinced in our promise of Resurrection! Help us to experience our generosity as those who have no need to hold back or hedge our bets. May we live our days giving freely with love and grace, not as those who have the hope of salvation, but the promise! In Christ, we pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50)
Newsletter Nugget
Through the Children’s Fund for Christian Mission, children learn about ministries for and with young people around the world, are nurtured in stewardship and mission giving, and raise financial support for various projects.
Children of all ages can raise money for the Children’s Fund for Christian Mission. Here are a few ideas:
- Have a “noisy offering.” Invite children to take a special offering of pocket change. For the collection, give them specially decorated metal containers such as recycled soft drink cans. Encourage them to shake the cans as money accumulates and make plenty of noise.
- Make greeting cards to sell. Gather blank cards and envelopes and lots of art supplies. Let the young artists unleash their creativity.
- Sell gently used toys and children’s books. This gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to share much-loved books and toys as the treasures find new homes.
Showcase talents. Children love to perform, and selling tickets for others to see and hear their gifts is a great fundraiser.
Have fun!