A Moment for Mission
“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? ...” — Psalm 27:1, 4, 13, CEB
Psalm 27 begins with confidence rooted not in circumstance, but in God’s presence. The psalmist longs to live in God’s house, to seek God’s face, and to trust that even in uncertainty, God does not hide or abandon. This longing—for light, safety, and belonging—echoes deeply in the ministry supported through the Africa University Fund.
In The United Methodist Church, our connection allows congregations across the world to work together for ministries no single church could support alone. One powerful example is Africa University, a United Methodist–related institution in Zimbabwe that educates students from across Africa to become ethical leaders, teachers, pastors, doctors, and community builders.
Education is more than gaining knowledge—it is about forming lives of purpose and service. We recognize that learning opens doors to justice, opportunity, and hope. Africa University reflects this belief by providing access to education rooted in faith, excellence, and service to others.
Psalm 27:4 speaks of seeking God’s dwelling place—not just a building, but a way of living shaped by God’s presence. Africa University becomes such a place for students: a space where faith and learning meet, where students are formed to shine God’s light in their communities. In a world where fear and uncertainty often dominate, education grounded in faith becomes a testimony that God’s light still leads.
Every gift to the Africa University Fund tells a story. It is the story of a student who receives an education they might not otherwise access. It is the story of communities strengthened by leaders shaped through learning and faith. And it is the story of a church living out its covenant to work together for the sake of God’s mission.
Connectional giving allows The United Methodist Church to say, together, that every student matters, that justice and opportunity belong to all, and that God’s light reaches farther when we act as one body. When we give, we join a shared commitment to help students not only thrive, but serve others in God’s name.
As the psalmist declares, “I believe I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13, CEB). Through education, faith, and connection, we glimpse that goodness—made real through lives changed and futures shaped.
Reflection Question:
Where is God inviting you to trust that your shared gifts can help bring light and opportunity to others?
Children’s Message
Title: Safe in God’s House
Materials: A small toy house or a photo of a house, a soft blanket, paper hearts and a basket
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad you’re here today.
I brought a few things to help explain the bible story today. (Hold up the toy house or picture.) What do you think this is? Yes—a house! What does a house do for me and you? (Pause to let them answer). Yes, a house is where we feel safe. It’s where we rest. It’s where we are loved.
In today’s Bible verse, the writer tells God something very important. He says he wants to be in God’s house. That’s because God’s house is a place of love, care, and safety.
Here is the second thing I brought today to share with you. What is this? (Hold up the blanket) Yes a blanket! Let’s pretend this blanket is God’s big, loving care. (Gently place it around yourself or a volunteer.) When we are with God, it’s like being wrapped in a warm hug. God keeps us safe and close.
God’s house isn’t just one building. God’s house is anywhere God’s love is shared. And in The United Methodist Church, we work together to make God’s house bigger—so more people can feel safe, learn, and grow.
One special way we do this is by helping students in a place all the way on the other side of the world in a place called Africa. Did you know that our church helped build a school in Africa? It is called Africa University. It’s a school where students learn how to help others, take care of their communities, and share God’s love. They are invited to go to that school to learn new things and to learn about God’s love. It is a place where they can feel safe, live, learn, and grow. When churches help together, we make safe and loving places for learning—just like being in God’s house.
(Place paper hearts into the basket.) Each heart reminds us of someone God loves. When we give and share together, we help make God’s house a place where everyone belongs.
God wants us to live in love, learn together, and help one another—because in God’s presence, we are safe.
This week I want you to think about where you feel safe with God.
Prayer: Dear God,
Thank you for being with us. Thank you for your house of love. Help us share and help others. Help everyone feel safe with you. We love you. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of light and hope,
You are our shelter and our guide. As we give today, we remember students whose lives are shaped through education made possible by our shared gifts. Bless Africa University and the Apportionment Fund that supports it. Use our connectional giving to open doors, form leaders, and shine your light through lives of service. May our offerings reflect our trust in you and our commitment to justice, opportunity, and love—together, as one church. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Steadfast Light of our salvation, in a world that trembles with uncertainty and teaches us to fear, you shine with unwavering hope. You call us to seek your face and trust in your presence more than in our own strength. Receive these gifts, given not out of fear but in joyful confidence that your love casts out fear and your grace makes us bold. Use our offerings to build a world where your light leads, your justice reigns, and your people—unafraid—become living testimonies of your goodness. In the name of Christ, our rock and redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” (Psalm 27:1, CEB)
Through the Africa University Fund, The United Methodist Church supports students across Africa who are called to learn, lead, and serve. This ministry reflects our shared commitment to justice, opportunity, and faith-filled education. As we observe International Day of Education on January 24, we celebrate how connectional giving opens doors and transforms lives. Every gift tells a story of hope and possibility.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate God’s light and the impact we make together through education and connection.