MISSION MOMENT
“They traveled from Rephidim, came into the Sinai desert, and set up camp there. Israel camped there in front of the mountain while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him from the mountain, “This is what you should say to Jacob’s household and declare to the Israelites: You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I lifted you up on eagles’ wings and brought you to me. So now, if you faithfully obey me and stay true to my covenant, you will be my most precious possession out of all the peoples, since the whole earth belongs to me. You will be a kingdom of priests for me and a holy nation. These are the words you should say to the Israelites.” So, Moses came down, called together the people’s elders, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 The people all responded with one voice: “Everything that the Lord has said we will do.” Moses reported to the Lord what the people said.”— Exodus 19:2–8a (CEB)
In Exodus 19:2–8a (CEB), the people of Israel arrive at Mount Sinai. God reminds them, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I lifted you up on eagles’ wings and brought you to me.” Then God invites them into a covenant: “If you listen carefully to me and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured possession… a holy nation.”
And the people respond together, “Everything that the Lord has said we will do.”
This moment is powerful not only because of what God says, but because of how the people respond—together. The covenant is not individual. It is shared, heard, and lived out in community.
For the people to respond as one, they first had to hear the same message clearly. The covenant depended on it being spoken, shared, and understood among them.
This is part of the foundation of The United Methodist Church. We are connected so that no congregation carries ministry alone. Like the people at Sinai, we listen, we respond, and we live out God’s call—together.
That is why communication matters in the life of the Church.
Through connectional giving, including gifts shared through The World Service Fund, we support the ministry of United Methodist Communications. This ministry helps The United Methodist Church share the message of Jesus Christ clearly and faithfully through media, digital resources, and tools that equip congregations and reach new people.
Through websites, storytelling, and resources for local churches, United Methodist Communications helps ensure that people can hear the good news, understand it, and respond. It strengthens how we invite others into discipleship and how we stay connected as one body.
When we give, our gifts are joined with others across the connection. Together, we make it possible for the message of Christ’s love to reach beyond what any one congregation could do alone, serving people we may never meet, but whom God deeply loves.
During Effective Communications Month, we are reminded that sharing the message is not separate from the covenant—it is part of it. The people at Sinai heard God’s voice and answered together. We continue that pattern today as we share the story of Jesus Christ and invite others to respond.
Through our giving, through our words, and through our shared ministry, we help ensure that God’s call is heard—and that we can answer it together.
Reflection Question:
Where might God be inviting you not only to respond to the covenant, but to help others hear it clearly?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: Listening and Saying Yes Together
Materials: A simple message written on paper: “God loves you!”
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today!
In our Bible story today, God’s people were all together at a mountain. While they were there, God gave them an important message. He said, “If you listen to me and follow me, you will be my people.”
The people listened carefully. And do you know what they said? (Pause and let them answer)
They said, “We will do everything God says!”
And guess what? They didn’t say it one at a time. They said it together. Let’s try that!
When I say, “We will,” you say, “follow God!” Ready?
We will… follow God! (Repeat a few times.) Great job!
First, the people had to hear God’s message. Then they could say yes.
I have a message here. (Hold up paper.) It says: “God loves you!”
But if I only share this with you and not the rest of the people here then they won’t know about it will they? And if I don’t use this microphone, can everyone in the back hear me? (Pause for answers) That’s right, no they can’t.
In The United Methodist Church, there are people who help share God’s message so others can hear I just like this microphone helps me. They are called United Methodist Communications. And just like this microphone helps my voice be loud for those in the back, this place helps people around the world hear the message of Jesus Christ.
They help churches share messages about God’s love using videos, computers, and other tools so more people can hear about Jesus.
So just like the people in our Bible story listened and said yes together, we can help others hear about God and say yes, too. This week, you can share God’s love. You can tell someone: “God loves you!”
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for speaking to us. Help us listen to you and help us share your love with others. Thank you for making groups that can help us share your message in more places. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of covenant, you called your people to listen and to respond together. As we offer these gifts, we do so as part of that shared calling. Through our connectional giving, including support for United Methodist Communications through The World Service Fund, our offerings help your Church share the good news of Jesus Christ clearly and faithfully. Use these gifts to strengthen our witness, connect us more deeply, and help others hear your call and respond. Join our gifts together in ministry, as you join us together as your people. In Christ’s name, Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Joyful Giver of Miracles, we come to you with hearts open to the unexpected, for you are the God who surprises us with joy, even in seasons of waiting and even through our disbelief. You meet us in the ordinariness of welcome, and you plant seeds of laughter that bloom into life. As Abraham and Sarah offered their hospitality and received the promise of new life, so we offer our gifts in trust and gratitude. Bless these gifts, O God, that they may bear witness to your goodness and extend joy, hope, and welcome to the world you so love. May our giving be a reflection of our faith, and may our faith be full of laughter. In the name of the one who brings life out of impossibility, Amen
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
In Exodus 19:2–8a, God calls the people into covenant, and they respond together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” For that shared response to happen, the message had to be heard clearly. In The United Methodist Church, we continue that pattern through connectional ministry. Through giving to United Methodist Communications, funded by The World Service Fund, we help share the message of Jesus Christ through media, digital tools, and resources that equip congregations and reach new people. During Effective Communications Month, we are reminded that how we share matters.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we listen for God’s call and consider how we can help others hear and respond—together.