A Moment for Mission
“You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be used as an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love.” — Galatians 5:13, CEB
There’s a kind of freedom that only Christ can give—freedom from fear, shame, and the need to prove ourselves. But Paul reminds us that Christian freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want. It’s about loving and serving one another in the Spirit of Christ.
Paul writes to the Galatians not just about what to avoid, but about what to pursue. A Spirit-led life is full of fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t just private virtues. They are ways God’s people bless the world.
During this month, many congregations take time to recognize the men in their church and community, giving thanks for the ways they live out this Spirit-led life. Awareness Sundays provide United Methodist the opportunity to honor special ministries – like Men’s Ministry Sunday.
On Men’s Ministry Awareness Sunday, we pause to honor and recognize the ways men are called to live out Galatians 5—not as isolated individuals, but as Spirit-filled brothers, growing in faith and leading in love. Whether through United Methodist Men, Bible studies, Emmaus communities, work teams, or Scouting ministries, men across the Church are finding their strength not in control or status, but in humble service and spiritual growth.
Paul lays out the contrast clearly in Galatians: a life led by the flesh is marked by division and self-interest, but a life led by the Spirit bears the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not just personal virtues—they are communal gifts. And men’s ministry is one of the ways the Church nurtures and grows these gifts in the lives of men.
When men gather to pray, study, mentor, and serve, they are answering this high calling: not just to be in the Church, but to be the Church—leading with the Spirit, walking in step with Christ, and serving with love. How do you see yourself getting involved today?
Children’s Message
Title: Fruit of the Spirit and Helping Hands
Materials: A basket of real fruit or toy fruits that represent love, joy, peace, etc.
Good morning, friends! I brought something special with me today—look at this basket! What do you see inside? (Let kids respond: fruit!)
Now, let’s have some fun with our imaginations. Let’s pretend that each piece of fruit stands for something special we can grow in our hearts. Can you imagine that with me? Let’s see what each one means together!
The Bible tells us that when we follow Jesus and let the Holy Spirit lead us, our lives grow fruit too—not the kind you eat, but the kind you show with your heart. It’s called the fruit of the Spirit, and it includes things like: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. [label the fruit if you think this will help explain the fruits of the spirit for the children].
One way our church is showing our fruits of the spirit this month is by giving love and kindness to the men in our church for the wonderful things they do in our church. Can you stand up with me and saying thank you to the men in our church right now? Let’s thank them for things like praying with friends, building things, teaching the Bible, or just being kind.
Just like them, you can walk with the Spirit too—by sharing, helping, and loving others every day. Can you think of other ways that we show our fruits of the spirit this week?
Prayer: Dear God, Thank You for the men in our church who show us how to love and help like Jesus. Help us all grow the fruit of the Spirit in our hearts. Thank You for giving us freedom to serve others in love. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
Thank You for the gift of freedom in Christ. Teach us to use that freedom not for ourselves, but for others—to serve in love, to lead with humility, and to walk by Your Spirit.
We give thanks for the men who bless our families, churches, and communities. As we celebrate their presence this month, May we also encourage and uplift their ministry and discipleship. Help us bear good fruit together for the sake of Your Kingdom. Bless this ministry with the gifts we offer today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries:
Liberating God, who calls us to true freedom, we offer these gifts as signs of our commitment to live by the Spirit’s leading. May our generosity reflect your love that is joyful, peaceful, patient, and kind. Through your grace, may we sow seeds of compassion and justice, nurturing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and the world. Guide us to use our freedom not for ourselves but for service, so that we may build communities of faith and hope. With thankful hearts, we dedicate ourselves to your transforming work. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
This month, we take time to celebrate the men in our church and community—those who lead with faith, serve with compassion, and walk in step with the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:13, the apostle Paul offers a powerful reminder: while we are free in Christ, that freedom isn’t for self-interest—it’s for loving service. He writes, “Serve each other through love.”
Paul draws a sharp contrast between two ways of living: a life driven by selfish desires and a life led by the Spirit. When we walk with the Spirit, our lives bear fruit—not just for ourselves, but for the good of everyone around us. These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not just personal virtues; they are gifts we bring into our families, communities, and church.
This is the heart of men’s ministry. Whether through [insert your church’s groups, such as United Methodist Men, prayer breakfasts, small groups, Bible studies, work teams, or Emmaus communities], the men of our church witness to Christ—not with power or pride, but through humble service, faithful leadership, and spiritual growth.
As we honor men’s ministry this month, we invite you to join us in worship this Sunday. Let’s give thanks for the men who serve, encourage one another in faith, and continue to walk boldly with the Spirit.