MISSION MOMENT
“In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will. We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified. So, what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them. Who is going to convict them? It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us. Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, We are being put to death all day long for your sake. We are treated like sheep for slaughter. But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.”— Romans 8:26-39 (CEB)
In Romans 8:12–25 (CEB) Paul offers a promise that speaks directly to how we live together: “The Spirit helps our weakness… the Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” Even when we do not know what to do or how to move forward, God is already at work—holding us, guiding us, and drawing us together.
Paul goes on to say, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.” This is not a promise of ease, but of connection—that God is actively working through people, through relationships, and through shared effort to bring about something greater than we could accomplish alone.
This is the heart of The United Methodist Church and the ministry of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund. At first glance, the structure of the church may feel unfamiliar. Yet at its core is something deeply simple: giving is a covenant to walk together. Through connectional giving, we are joined not only with one another, but with other Christian communities—building partnerships rooted in Christ’s love.
The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund supports this work by fostering relationships and shared ministry across denominations. It is a reminder that the Body of Christ is wider than any one tradition, and that our calling is not to serve alone, but alongside others who share the same hope.
On July 30, World Day of Friendship invites us to reflect on the power of relationships that cross boundaries. In many ways, this is what the Church is called to embody—not just friendship, but faithful partnership grounded in Christ. Paul’s words remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God—not hardship, not uncertainty, not even the differences that can sometimes divide us. That same love is what draws us together, enabling us to listen, to cooperate, and to serve side by side.
When we give through our apportionments to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, our gifts are joined with others across the connection. Together, we strengthen ministries that serve people we may never meet, but whom God deeply loves. No congregation carries this work alone.
Every gift tells a story. And every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving. A partnership is formed. A shared ministry is strengthened. A witness to Christ that is broader, deeper, and more united.
In a world that often pulls people apart, the Church is called to live differently—connected, collaborative, and grounded in love. And through it all, Paul reminds us: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection Question:
Where might God be inviting you to trust more deeply in the power of working together, rather than alone?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: We Can Help Together
Materials: A large blanket or bedsheet and several lightweight stuffed animals or soft balls
Good morning, friends! I’m glad to see you here today. I need a few helpers today! (Invite 2–4 children to help hold the edges of the blanket.)
Look at this blanket. If I put something in the middle—like this stuffed animal—what happens when everyone helps hold the blanket together? (Place stuffed animal in center.) It stays up!
Now let’s imagine if only one person tried to hold the whole blanket by themselves. Would that be harder? (Pause) Yes! It would be really hard. But when everyone helps together, it works much better.
In today’s Bible story, Paul reminds us that God helps us when we are weak or unsure. He says God’s Spirit is with us and helps us when we don’t even know what to say or do. That’s really good news, isn’t it? Because sometimes things feel hard. Sometimes people need help, encouragement, or hope. And God doesn’t want us to do everything alone. That’s why God gives us each other.
Now let’s try something together. (Gently bounce stuffed animal on blanket.) Wow! Look what happens when everyone works together!
In our church, we do something like this too.
In The United Methodist Church, churches work together to help people. And one way we do that is through something called the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund. That’s a really big name, but it means something simple: churches helping other churches work together.
Sometimes different churches join together to help people after storms.
Sometimes they share food.
Sometimes they help families or teach children about Jesus.
When churches work together, they can do even more good things!
It’s kind of like holding this blanket together. Everyone has a part to play.
And when we give, we help support that work.
Every gift tells a story.
One gift might help people get food.
Another gift might help churches work together peacefully.
Another gift might help someone learn about God’s love for the very first time.
And here’s the best part: Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Nothing.
Not fear.
Not hard days.
Not even when we feel small or unsure.
God stays with us, and God helps us care for one another.
So, this week, remember: You don’t have to do everything by yourself. God made us to help each other, work together, and share God’s love together.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for loving us and helping us. Thank you for giving us friends, families, and churches to work together. Help us to care for others and share your love. Use our gifts to help people everywhere. Thank you for always staying with us. We love you. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of love, you remind us in Romans that your Spirit helps us and that nothing can separate us from your love. As we give today, we do so as part of a shared covenant. Through our connectional giving, and through the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, our gifts are joined with others to build partnerships and strengthen shared ministry. Use what we offer to bring people together in your name, extending hope and love beyond what we could do alone. May every gift tell a story of your love at work through us. In Christ’s name, Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Steadfast God, you search our hearts and know our needs even when we struggle to find the words. In your mercy, you strengthen us in our weakness and bind us together in love that cannot be broken. As we bring these gifts today, may they bear witness to your enduring promise: that nothing—not hardship, nor fear, nor even death itself—can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus. Bless these offerings, that they may bring hope to the weary, peace to the troubled, and joy to the hearts of your people. Through Christ, our Redeemer and Companion, we pray. Amen.
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
Romans 8:26–39 (CEB) reminds us that we are not alone—the Spirit helps us, and nothing can separate us from God’s love. In The United Methodist Church, this promise is lived out through connectional giving. The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund supports partnerships with other Christian communities, strengthening shared ministry and witness. Together, we do more than we could alone.
Every gift tells a story—of connection, cooperation, and Christ’s love at work.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate how working together strengthens our shared mission and witness.