MISSION MOMENT
“Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. You know the way to the place I’m going…”— John 14:1–14 (CEB)
In this passage Jesus speaks words of comfort and direction to his disciples: “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.” The disciples were facing uncertainty. They did not fully understand what the future would hold, but Jesus reminded them that their path forward would be guided by trust in God.
Students today often find themselves in a similar place. Questions about education, calling, and the future can feel overwhelming. What should I study? Where will I go? How will I serve? These questions are not new. Followers of Christ have long trusted God to lead them through seasons of learning and discernment.
United Methodist Student Day, one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church, reminds us that the church walks alongside students during these important moments. Through scholarships supported by this offering, students preparing for leadership and service can pursue higher education with the encouragement of the church behind them.
The ministries of The United Methodist Church are built on a shared commitment to serve Christ together. Through our connection, congregations support one another so that the work of ministry is never carried alone. When we participate in United Methodist Student Day, our gifts join with those from other churches, helping provide opportunities for students to learn, grow, and prepare to serve people we may never meet, but whom God deeply loves.
Jesus also speaks about prayer in this passage: “Whatever you ask for in my name, I will do it, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13, CEB). As students seek direction for their lives, prayer becomes an essential part of that journey. The National Day of Prayer on May 7 offers an opportunity for the church to lift up students, educators, and leaders as they seek God’s wisdom for the future.
Through prayer, encouragement, and generosity, the church helps create pathways for students to grow in knowledge, faith, and service.
Every gift tells a story. Sometimes the story begins with a student who senses God’s call but needs support to continue their education. Sometimes it begins with a congregation choosing to participate in connectional giving. When those gifts come together, they become part of a larger story of faith, opportunity, and discipleship.
In John 14, Jesus reminds his followers that they do not walk alone. Christ prepares the way and invites his followers to trust, pray, and continue the work he began.
When we give, pray, and encourage students, we help nurture the next generation of leaders who will carry Christ’s ministry forward.
Reflection Question:
How might your prayers and your generosity help guide a student seeking God’s direction for their future?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: Jesus Shows Us the Way
Materials: A simple paper map and a phone that shows a mapping system
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today.
I brought something with me that some of you might not see very often. Does anyone know what this is? (Hold up the map and pause for answers.)
Yes! It’s a map. What do we use a map for? (Let them answer.)
A map helps us know where to go so we don’t get lost. Some people use maps on their phones now, but a paper map can help us find the right path too.
In our Bible story today, Jesus said something important to his friends. He said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.” Jesus wanted his friends to know that even when they didn’t know what would happen next, they could trust him to guide them.
That’s a little like using a map. Jesus helps show us the way.
As people grow, they keep learning new things. Kids go to school, and when they get older, some people go to college so they can learn how to help others.
In The United Methodist Church, we have a special Sunday called United Methodist Student Day. On this day, people in many United Methodist churches give gifts to help students go to school and learn how to serve God and help others.
When we give, we are helping students follow the path God has for them.
And there’s another way we can help too—we can pray. Every year there is a National Day of Prayer, when people all over the country pray for others. We can pray for students, teachers, and people who are learning how to serve God.
Even small gifts and small prayers can help someone follow the path God has for them.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for helping us learn and grow. Help students who are studying and learning how to serve you. Thank you for the ways we can give and pray to help others. Guide us as we follow Jesus each day. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, Jesus reminds us in John 14 to trust in you and seek your guidance through prayer. As we bring our gifts today, we remember students who are discerning their future and seeking the path you have prepared for them. Through United Methodist Student Day, one of the Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church, our connectional giving joins with others to support scholarships that strengthen students preparing to lead and serve. Bless these gifts so they may help open doors of opportunity, encourage learning, and nurture faith. May our generosity reflect our covenant to walk together in Christ’s ministry. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Way-Making God, your offer to us is not just to believe in heaven, but to live the kingdom life here and now. Through Jesus, you show us the way, the truth, and the life—calling us to deeper trust, wider welcome, and greater works of grace. As we bring our gifts, we step into that life, choosing generosity over fear and hope over judgment. Use these offerings, and use us, to make your dwelling places visible in our community, in our compassion, in our courage. We give, because we’ve heard your voice. In Christ’s name. Amen.
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
In John 14:1–14, Jesus reassures his followers, saying, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.” These words speak to students who are discerning their future and seeking God’s direction. United Methodist Student Day, one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church, invites congregations to support scholarships for students preparing to lead and serve. Through connectional giving, our gifts are joined with others across the church, strengthening opportunities for education and ministry. As the National Day of Prayer on May 7 approaches, we also lift students in prayer.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate United Methodist Student Day and support students preparing for faithful service.