March 6 – First Sunday in Lent/World Service Fund (General Board of Church and Society)
A Moment for Mission
“Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; … I will rescue them and honor them.” Psalm 91:14-15, NRSV
The corner lot upon which the Methodist Building would be erected was originally nothing more than a muddy bank with billboards on top. The Rev. Clarence True Wilson, top executive of the Board of Temperance, Prohibition and Public Morals, spotted the corner property and had a vision for a welcoming place where Methodists could influence societies and government.
Wilson showed the land to Bishop William McDowell, board president, noting the location’s proximity to the Capitol, the Library of Congress and the Senate Office Building. Eventually, another neighbor would join them: the U.S. Supreme Court Building.
Thanks to the generous donations of many United Methodists, particularly Methodist women, the Methodist Building was dedicated in January 1924.
At the dedication service, Wilson declared that the building was presented to enhance the church’s efforts “to create a Christian public sentiment which will relate the principles of the gospel of Christ” to economic, political, industrial and social relations. The board’s vision included upholding public morality and curbing addiction.
Nearly a century later, the General Board of Church and Society continues to enable United Methodists and our ecumenical and interfaith partners to stand on Capitol Hill for justice and shalom. Public officials and decision-makers pass the building every day, and its events and messages call society to a higher law of love and justice for all.
Through the World Service Fund, United Methodists support the wide-ranging ministries of the General Board of Church and Society.
Children’s Message
What does it mean to be a blessing? God has given us so much – shelter, food, clothing and love. Being a blessing means showing generosity and sharing our possessions to better another person’s life.
One way to do this is to make “blessing bags” to keep in the family car and give to homeless people. Blessing bags are fun and easy to make. Just take a gallon-sized zippered bag or canvas tote bag and fill it with items such as applesauce, bar of soap, deodorant, drink mix, first-aid kit, granola bars, lip balm, quarters, razors, sanitizer, sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, water bottle and wet wipes.
Include a cheerful note with a smiley face. You’ll have a better day – and so will the person you bless!
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, you deliver us and call us by name. Show us the way to reconciliation through peace, health and wholeness, justice and human rights. In your name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: First Sunday in Lent — Mighty God, as we remember the strength of Jesus facing the temptation offered by the devil, we remember too clearly how the temptations of food, of authority, and power have overcome us. We’ve been tricked to believe our wants were needs and more is always better. May we offer our gifts to you this day with generosity and gratitude; strengthen us to resist temptation that would present security or power in anyone but you. In Christ, we pray. Amen. (Luke 4:1-13)
Newsletter Nugget
For many years, members of The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have stood for peace, health and wholeness, economic justice, creation justice, and civil and human rights. One way we accomplish this is through the General Board of Church and Society in Washington, D.C.
The agency’s mission and mandate are to seek the implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements of the General Conference on Christian social concerns. Church and Society challenges United Methodists to work through their local churches, ecumenical channels and society toward personal, social and civic righteousness.
Today, Church and Society connects United Methodists with the ever more urgent work of engaging in public life in solidarity with the poor and the marginalized. As we United Methodists and our partners speak out for peace and justice, we practice social holiness and enact works of mercy in the world.
Thank you for supporting the ministries of the General Board of Church and Society through the World Service Fund.