A Moment for Mission
"You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance." —Psalm 32:7, NRSV
There are moments in life when the storms feel too strong, the burdens too heavy, and the road ahead too uncertain. In those times, where do we turn? Who will be our refuge?
Psalm 32:7 offers us a beautiful promise: “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.” These words remind us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles—He is near. He is our protector, our safe place, and our deliverer when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart.
But sometimes, God’s refuge comes through the hands and feet of His people. That’s exactly what UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) does every day. When hurricanes destroy homes, when wildfires consume entire communities, when earthquakes turn cities into rubble—UMCOR is there, offering shelter, food, clean water, and hope. They are God’s tangible presence for those crying out for help.
Yet, for UMCOR to be ready at a moment’s notice, they need a strong foundation. That’s why UMCOR Sunday is so important. Unlike other mission offerings, today’s gifts cover UMCOR’s operational costs, ensuring that 100% of other donations go directly to disaster relief efforts. Without this special offering, UMCOR wouldn’t be able to respond as swiftly when disaster strikes.
Imagine being in a place where everything you’ve known—your home, your community, your sense of security—is suddenly gone. Imagine the desperation of searching for food, clean water, or shelter. Now, imagine what it would feel like to see someone arrive with exactly what you need—someone extending the love of Christ when you need it most.
That’s what giving today makes possible. Your generosity means that when disaster strikes, UMCOR is already there. Your offering is part of someone’s answered prayer.
So today, as we reflect on God’s promise to be our refuge, let’s ask ourselves: How can we be part of God’s deliverance for others? Through our prayers, our giving, and our willingness to serve, we become instruments of His grace.
Let us give joyfully, knowing that through our support, God’s shelter and love will reach those who need it most.
Children’s message
Where do you go when you feel scared or need comfort? (Pause for answers—some might say their bed, a parent’s hug, or even under a blanket.)
That’s great! We all need a safe place sometimes. Did you know that the Bible says God is like a hiding place for us? That means He keeps us safe, comforts us, and helps us when we are in trouble.
But sometimes, people lose their homes because of storms, floods, or earthquakes. They need food, water, and a safe place to stay. That’s where UMCOR comes in! UMCOR is a group of helpers from our church who go to places where disasters happen and take care of people who need help.
Today is UMCOR Sunday, and we are collecting a special offering to help UMCOR do their work. Our gifts make sure UMCOR is always ready to help people who are in trouble. By giving today, we can be part of God’s helping hands!
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for being our safe place. Help us to be kind and help others when they are in need. Bless UMCOR and the people they help. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Loving and Merciful God,
You are our refuge, our protector, and our deliverer. Today, as we celebrate UMCOR Sunday, we give with grateful hearts, knowing that our gifts help sustain the ministry that brings hope to those in need.
Bless this offering, Lord, so that UMCOR can continue to be a source of shelter and relief for those facing disaster and hardship. May our generosity ensure that when trouble comes, Your people are ready to respond with love, aid, and compassion.
We thank You for the privilege of being part of Your mission in the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Gracious God, our refuge and restorer, we bring these gifts as a sign of our return to you. Like the prodigal, we long to feel your embrace and live in the light of your grace. As we observe this holy time of Lent, may our offerings reflect hearts that are turning back to you. Clear the clogs in our lives that separate us from you and one another and help us see the rainbow of your promise even in our struggles. Bless these gifts and our lives so that we may share your steadfast love with the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)
Newsletter Nugget
Today is UMCOR Sunday! This special offering supports the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), ensuring they can continue to respond swiftly to disasters around the world.
When people lose their homes due to floods, hurricanes, or wildfires, UMCOR is there. When communities are devastated by war or famine, UMCOR provides food, water, and medical care. But UMCOR can only respond because of the generosity of churches like ours.
Unlike other mission offerings, UMCOR Sunday covers the operational expenses of this life-changing ministry. This means that 100% of other donations go directly to disaster relief efforts. Without today’s offering, UMCOR would not have the foundation it needs to provide immediate aid.
Let’s give generously today, knowing that our gifts will help UMCOR continue being the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope, relief, and restoration to those in need.