A Moment for Mission
“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14, NRSV
Life can sometimes feel uncertain, filled with moments of waiting and wondering what’s next. In Psalm 27:13-14, the psalmist expresses deep faith, proclaiming, “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Even when faced with difficulties, they hold onto the promise that God's goodness is not just for heaven, but for here and now.
Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it requires trust, patience, and courage. In seasons of uncertainty, God calls us to be strong and take heart. Perhaps you are waiting for answers, healing, or a breakthrough. This scripture reminds us that God’s goodness is already at work—we may not always see it immediately, but we can trust that it will come.
One way we see God’s goodness is by recognizing and fully appreciating all of God’s children. As United Methodists, we observe Disabilities Awareness Sunday as a time to celebrate the gifts and contributions of all people. This special Sunday reminds us that every person is created in God’s image and that the church should be a place of welcome, inclusion, and accessibility. Through this ministry, we help create opportunities for people of all abilities to fully participate in worship, leadership, and service.
As we wait and trust in God, we are also called to act. How can you share God’s goodness today? Will you take a step toward greater inclusion in your church? Will you advocate for accessibility in your community? God calls us to be strong, take courage, and reflect His goodness to all.
Children’s Message
Have you ever had to wait for something exciting? Like your birthday, Christmas, or a special trip? (Pause for responses.)
Waiting can be really hard! Sometimes, we get impatient because we want something right now. But today’s Bible verse reminds us that even while we wait, we can trust that God’s goodness is coming.
Imagine planting a tiny seed. You water it, give it sunlight, and wait. You don’t see anything at first, but after some time—pop! —a little green sprout appears. You had to wait, but the plant was growing all along!
God’s goodness is like that. Even when we don’t see it right away, God is working. He brings good things to us and to others when we trust Him. One way we see God’s goodness is through Annual Conference Disabilities Awareness Sunday. This special Sunday reminds us that every person—no matter what they can or cannot do physically—is important to God. We can help by making sure everyone feels welcome in church, just like Jesus welcomed all people!
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your goodness, even when we have to wait for it. Help us be patient and trust You. Show us ways we can share Your goodness with others, especially by making everyone feel welcome in our church. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Faithful God,
We believe in Your goodness and trust in Your perfect timing. As we bring our offerings today, we do so with courage and faith, knowing that You are at work in our lives and in the world.
Today, we especially pray for you to help us open our hearts and churches to people of all abilities. Use these gifts to make our worship spaces more welcoming, to provide resources for inclusion, and to ensure that everyone can fully participate in the life of the church.
May our giving be an act of love that reflects Your goodness in the land of the living. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
From 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.
Newsletter Nugget
Waiting isn’t always easy, but Psalm 27:13-14 reminds us to trust in God’s goodness: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Even in uncertain times, we can take heart, knowing that God’s goodness is not just a distant promise—it is here, now, and unfolding in our lives. One way we see this goodness is through by making our church open for people of all abilities. As United Methodists, we observe Disabilities Awareness Sunday as a time to celebrate the gifts and contributions of all people. This special Sunday reminds us that every person is created in God’s image and that the church should be a place of welcome, inclusion, and accessibility. Through this ministry, we help create opportunities for people of all abilities to fully participate in worship, leadership, and service.
As we wait for God’s answers in our own lives, let’s also be part of His goodness in the world. How can you help make our church more welcoming and accessible? Let’s take courage and act, so that all may fully experience the love of Christ!