A Moment for Mission
Your faithful love lasts forever, Lord! Don’t let go of what your hands have made. —Psalm 138:8, CEB
United Methodist Men is the only agency in the denomination specifically charged with the responsibility to provide resources for men engaged in restorative justice and prison ministries. The commission was an early supporter of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries, a North Carolina–based organization that was bringing Disciple Bible Study to state prisons.
Bishop Richard Wilke, principal author of the Bible study, told UM Men magazine about an experience he had with a Kansas prisoner. “Why are you here?” he asked. “Taken aback, I couldn’t speak,” said the bishop. “Then a bit softer, he said, ‘Couldn’t you be home, sitting by the fire, watching TV with your wife? Why are you here?’” “I’m here because I love Jesus and I love you guys,” Wilke responded.
“The big man sat down, looked at me, and said, ‘No one in my whole life ever said they loved me.’”
Children’s Message
Today, I want to tell you about a special group in our United Methodist Church called the General Commission on United Methodist Men, or UMM for short. Just like we have special groups for different things, like sports teams or clubs, UMM is a group of men in the church who come together to serve God and help others in big ways!
UMM is like a team of superheroes, but instead of capes and masks, they wear their faith and kindness as their superpowers. They do all sorts of amazing things to make the world a better place and to show God’s love to everyone around them.
UMM is like a big family of brothers who work together to serve God and others with all their strength and heart.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the General Commission on United Methodist Men and for all the ways they serve you by helping others. Bless them and guide them as they continue their important work. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Your faithful love lasts forever, Lord! Don’t let go of what your hands have made. —Psalm 138:8, CEB
The General Commission on United Methodist Men (UMMen) is a general agency of The United Methodist Church that provides resources and support for men’s and scouting ministries around the world.
Mission: Our mission is to support spiritual growth among men, helping men to mature as disciples as they encourage spiritual formation in others.
Goal: Our goal is to empower the ministry of Jesus Christ through men within the congregations of The UMC.
Pathway: Our pathway is a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth to maturity as Christ followers. Our spiritual formation is marked by spiritual reproduction, as our faith passes on in others.
UM Men involves men in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church and provides resources and support for programs of evangelism, stewardship and the needs of men. United Methodist Men leads the church’s scouting ministry, encourages participation in several programs serving at-risk youth and advocates for and supports men seeking to prevent domestic violence.