A Moment for Mission
“Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” — Acts 2:2-4, CEB
In these powerful verses from Acts, we witness the birth of the Church. The Holy Spirit arrived like a rushing wind, igniting a flame on each one of them—not just to inspire them, but to send them. Filled with power and purpose, they began to speak in languages they had never learned, so that everyone—no matter their background or birthplace—could hear the story of Jesus in words that made sense to them (Acts 2:6–11). The Church was born, and from that day forward, it has been a Spirit-led, mission-driven community.
Today, that Spirit continues to move through the Church, guiding us in ministry, connection, and mission. One way we see this movement is through the leadership of our United Methodist Bishops, whose ministry is supported by The Episcopal Fund. This fund allows bishops to serve across conferences and around the globe—equipping churches, ordaining pastors, supporting congregations in crisis, and representing our connectional witness in a complex and divided world.
Much like the apostles in that upper room, bishops do not lead by their own power—they are led by the Spirit. Their work, funded through the generosity of churches across the denomination, is grounded in prayer, discernment, and a commitment to help us all hear the gospel “in our own languages” (Acts 2:6), speaking to our real lives and deepest needs.
The Episcopal Fund is more than a budget line—it is an investment in Spirit-filled leadership that keeps the flame of Pentecost burning in our generation. Every gift helps sustain the church’s prophetic voice, pastoral care, and worldwide witness.
Let us be reminded that the same Spirit who filled the room at Pentecost is still at work—through our prayers, our giving, and our shared calling to be the Church for the world.
Children’s Message
Title: God’s Wind, God’s Helpers
Materials: A pinwheel or a hand-held fan
Have you ever felt the wind blow on your face? Can you see the wind? (Let them respond.)
No—but we know the wind is there when it moves the trees or spins a pinwheel like this! (Demonstrate.)
In the Bible, there’s a special story when God sent something like a big wind. It was the day called Pentecost. The wind wasn’t cold or scary—it was the Holy Spirit, God’s way of filling people with love and courage to go tell everyone about Jesus. That day, God gave His helpers a special job: to tell others how much God loves them.
Today, God still sends helpers! In our church, we have special leaders called bishops. They help churches all over the world, making sure people learn about Jesus and are taken care of. The money we give to something called the Episcopal Fund helps these bishops do their job—kind of like giving them the tools they need to help others and share God’s love.
So, when we give and pray, we’re helping the bishops help even more people—just like God’s big wind on Pentecost that went everywhere! We can move like the wind at Pentecost too by using kind words that make people smile, inviting a friend to church or Sunday School, giving hugs or saying prayers that share God’s love everywhere!
Prayer: Dear God, Thank You for the Holy Spirit that came like the wind. Thank You for our bishops who help people learn about Jesus. Help us share, give, and love—just like they do. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious and Mighty God, You came to us on Pentecost with wind and flame, breathing life into the Church and empowering Your people for mission. Today, we give not out of obligation, but out of gratitude—for Your Spirit, Your Church, and the leaders You have called to guide us.
Bless these gifts we bring. Use them to strengthen the ministry of our bishops, supported through the Episcopal Fund, so that they may continue to equip the Church, speak truth, and lead with wisdom and grace.
May our offering be a sign of our trust in You and our desire to see Your love made known—in every language, every land, and every heart. Breathe again through our giving, and send us into the world with joy.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the One who sends and sustains us, Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Gracious God, breath of life and movement of all creation, we bring these gifts today as signs of our faith and our hope in your Spirit’s work among us. As you did on Pentecost, pour out your Spirit anew, leading us to speak words of welcome and love across every boundary. May these offerings support ministries that cross divides and embody the hospitality of Christ. Open our eyes to see your deeds of power and to follow where your Spirit sends. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house… They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 2:2–4, CEB
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit moved with power—filling the early believers, igniting their faith, and sending them into the world with boldness. Today, that same Spirit is still at work, equipping the Church to speak love, justice, and hope in every language and every land.
One way this Spirit-led work continues is through the ministry of our United Methodist Bishops, supported by The Episcopal Fund. This fund enables our bishops to lead with vision, guide congregations, respond to need, and connect the Church across communities and continents. Like the apostles at Pentecost, they help us speak Christ’s message in ways the world can hear.
Join us for worship this Sunday as we celebrate the movement of the Spirit in our church and through the ministry of our bishops. Come, be inspired, and participate in the ongoing story of Pentecost. God is still speaking—and still sending. Will you be part of it?