A Moment for Mission
"Jesus said to him, 'Go; your faith has made you well.' Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way." –Mark 10:52, NRSV
"I want to be sure that my child is ready for school and for life," says Angel emphatically.
Kelly Winter, who visits with Angel and her 3-year-old daughter, Maria, at The Baby Fold in Normal, Illinois, cannot say enough positive things about this young family.
"This sweet mother is so motivated to make a safe and loving home for her precious Maria." Kelly says. "Angel is a shy person, but also fearless and strong. She works full-time, six days a week, and always lets me know her day off so I can schedule a visit. She's never missed an appointment."
Recently, Kelly helped Angel create a "vision board" to help her set goals and a vision for her future. With Maria at the center, this colorful board helps Angel stay focused on the big picture – a safe and happy home for her family. Even young Maria joined in, creating her own vision board.
Kelly is a Healthy Start worker at The Baby Fold, one of 10 ministries supported by the annual Golden Cross Sunday offering in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Because of generous gifts on this special Sunday, more than 6,500 people experience love and compassion through children's and family ministries, older adult outreach and hospital and pastoral care.
Golden Cross Sunday is observed annually on a date determined by each annual conference. An offering may be received for health and welfare ministries in the conference.
Thank you!
—Adapted from The Baby Fold website
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, you are with us through all the ages and stages of life. Help us to be with our sisters and brothers who struggle. Grant us faith that all will be well. Amen.
From Discipleship Resources: Twenty Eighth Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide – Extravagantly Generous God, there is nothing we have, there is nothing we require, there is nothing we long for that does not pale when placed beside the relationship you've offered to us. As we bring our gifts to you, remind us of the covenant you put before Israel: "If they will be my people I will be their God." Receive what we give in gratitude for your invitation, and help us be your people, reflected in our love for you and for all your children. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Christ, who gave all there was to give for us. Amen. Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Newsletter Nugget
Acts 4 envisions a community where no one is in need because the needs of all people are met. Today, people throughout many of our communities, both urban and rural, struggle with poverty and creating stability for their families. Many seek resources, support, connection and a sense of hope for their future.
In Wisconsin, the need is great. Seventy-six percent of families who lack an affordable place to live cannot access it due to a lack of supply of quality housing. Fifteen percent of children survive below the poverty line. Eleven percent of families struggle with food insecurity.
In Wisconsin Annual Conference, 13 health and welfare ministries serve as Jesus' hands and feet to some of the state's most vulnerable people. Through food, clothing, shelter, child care, health care, community development, employment and more, United Methodists touch the lives of those in need.
Beyond Wisconsin, across the United Methodist connection, Golden Cross Sunday gifts help individuals and families access important and needed resources.
—Adapted from Wisconsin Annual Conference website