A Moment for Mission
“Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.” —John 3:21, CEB
UMCOR Sunday is March 10. Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday strengthen the church’s global humanitarian response by underwriting UMCOR’s administrative costs. This allows UMCOR to use 100% of additional funds for specific programs like U.S. disaster response, international disaster response and global migration.
At a time when it may feel like we have lost so much, embracing God’s love for us can shift our perspective to recognize and share abundant grace. United Methodist Special Sunday offerings celebrate vibrant ministries while investing in servant leadership, community building and ministries of peace with justice. Concentrating our resources to support these important ministries equips us to work together, empowered by God’s love.
When you give generously to support UMCOR Sunday, you embody compassion and you shine God’s light into the shadows as a beacon of hope.
Children’s Message
Today’s memory verse is John 3:19 (CEB). Jesus said:
“The light came into the world.”
Today is UMCOR Sunday. Have you ever had your lights go out during a storm? Sometimes we say that things feel very bleak or dark when people are going through a hard situation. UMCOR is like a flashlight of God’s love to help those in need during difficult times, like when there are disasters. I wonder if you can think of ways to shine God’s light by helping others on this UMCOR Sunday.
Jesus encourages us to shine brightly, which can mean doing good things, helping others and being kind. Just like the people who serve with UMCOR do.
This flashlight shines in the dark. And you can shine God’s love by being kind, helpful and supporting UMCOR Sunday. Together we embody compassion and can shine with God’s light to brighten the world together!
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, on this UMCOR Sunday, we gather with open hearts and grateful spirits. Thank you for the opportunity to embody compassion and to be your light for those who are caught in the shadows of despair. Transform our offering into support for UMCOR’s vital work, sharing your grace with those who need it most. Bless our gifts and empower us to serve others. Amen.
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
God of unwavering love, you have held nothing back in your love for us, not even your Son. How we marvel at that kind of love, and how we long to reflect a portion of that devotion back to you. As we dedicate our offerings to you, lead us away from our tendency to hold back and worry that there will not be enough. Help us to live as the people of love and abundance you have called us to be. In Christ, we pray. Amen. (John 3:14-21)
Newsletter Nugget
“Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.” —John 3:21, CEB
UMCOR Sunday is March 10. We are partnering with other UMC congregations in a special offering to support The United Methodist Committee on Relief, an organization that acts on our behalf when there is a crisis in the world.
Last February a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkiye. UMCOR worked with a trusted partner in Turkiye to respond. Because many displaced people still live in tents where open flames of candles or kerosene lanterns are dangerous, solar lanterns were distributed, thanks in part to gifts from United Methodists. UMCOR was able to respond quickly because they have a trusted partner in the region. United Methodist support through offerings like UMCOR Sunday was transformed into tangible immediate help for survivors.
Please embody compassion and be God’s light by giving generously to support UMCOR Sunday.