A Moment for Mission
“Watch out, you shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, declares the Lord. This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, proclaims about the shepherds who “tend to” my people: You are the ones who have scattered my flock and driven them away. You haven’t attended to their needs, so I will take revenge on you for the terrible things you have done to them, declares the Lord. I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. I will place over them shepherds who care for them. Then they will no longer be afraid or dread harm, nor will any be missing, declares the Lord. The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendant[a] from David’s line, and he will rule as a wise king. He will do what is just and right in the land.” —Jeremiah 23:1-5, CEB
Jeremiah 23:1–6 contains a promise of hope: God will raise up a “righteous Branch” who will shepherd God’s people with justice and faithfulness. This prophecy speaks of a future rooted in God’s care and vision — a future where leadership reflects God’s own character.
Africa University is living out this promise. As the only United Methodist-related university in Africa, it trains leaders for the church and society — equipping them to be shepherds who guide with wisdom, compassion, and faith. This is the work of God’s kingdom: raising up leaders who care for their communities and point people toward Christ.
The Africa University Fund makes this possible. Connectional giving — where the global church gives together — is how we answer Jeremiah’s call to shepherd God’s people. Gifts support scholarships, faculty development, and programs that transform lives and strengthen communities across Africa.
Jeremiah’s vision is not only about leaders but about a future shaped by justice and restoration. Each gift to Africa University is an investment in that future. It is a tangible way of saying, “We trust God’s promise. We believe in raising leaders who will shepherd faithfully.”
For those unfamiliar with the United Methodist Church, connectional giving is how we live our faith together. Through shared gifts, we join in God’s mission — raising up leaders who will serve with righteousness and love.
This week, as we reflect on Jeremiah’s promise, let us consider how we can be part of that vision.
Reflection Question:
How is God calling you to invest in the future of leadership and justice through Africa University? How can your life, your giving, and your witness help raise up shepherd leaders for God’s future?
Children’s Message
Title: God’s Shepherd Leaders
Materials: A picture of a shepherd with sheep and cut out paper sheep
Good morning, friends!
In the Bible, God says, “Watch out, you shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture” (Jeremiah 23:1). That might sound a little scary, but God isn’t trying to scare us. He’s just saying that leaders are very important to Him. Leaders are people who help take care of others, make good choices, and help people grow—just like a shepherd takes care of their sheep. God wants leaders to be kind and caring, because He cares about everyone.
Did you know we can help God keep this promise by helping teach good leaders? “Teach” means showing someone how to do something. Have you ever shown a friend how to do something? (Let the children answer.) That’s teaching!
Our church, along with many other United Methodist churches, gives money to Africa University, a school far away in a country called Zimbabwe, in Africa. This school helps young people learn to be good leaders in their communities. When we give, we help build the school, pay for students’ dorm rooms, and support their teachers.
When we give to the Africa University Fund, we are helping God’s promise—that one day there will be leaders who do what is right and bring peace to others.
Last week, I gave you paper hearts. Today, I have paper sheep for you. Take one and use it this week the same way you used your paper heart last week. Every time you see it, remember that God wants us to be good leaders who care for others, just like a shepherd cares for their sheep. And remember to think of ways you can show God’s love and care to other people too.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving us shepherd leaders to care for your people. Help us share your love and support leaders who guide others with kindness and truth. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of shepherds and leaders,
We thank you for your promise of a righteous Branch who will guide with wisdom, courage, and care (Jeremiah 23:5). We give thanks for Africa University, where young leaders are nurtured to serve with compassion, justice, and faithfulness in their communities.
Bless these offerings, that they may strengthen this ministry and help form shepherds for the future—leaders who will care for others, guide with integrity, and bring hope to those in need. May our giving to the Africa University Fund be an expression of our trust in your promise, and a reflection of our desire to see communities flourish under your guidance.
Use our gifts, our hearts, and our hands to help prepare a new generation of leaders who shine your light in the world. In Christ’s name, Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Compassionate Shepherd, You do not abandon your flock, even when we wander or divide. You gather us in Christ, our righteousness, and teach us to live in unity, mercy, and peace. As we bring these gifts, may they be signs of our desire to follow your way—offering compassion where there has been hurt, justice where there has been harm, and hope where there has been despair. Strengthen us to live as people waiting not in fear, but in faith—serving the reign of Christ not just with words, but with lives shaped by generosity and love. In the name of the One who gathers and leads us always. Amen
Newsletter Nugget
“The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendant from David’s line, and he will rule as a wise king. He will do what is just and right in the land.” Jeremiah 23:5, CEB
“The time is coming… I will raise up a righteous descendant from David’s line, and he will rule as a wise king. He will do what is just and right in the land.” Jeremiah 23:5. In Africa, that promise is coming to life through Africa University — a place where leaders are trained to shepherd communities with wisdom and faith. The Africa University Fund helps provide scholarships, expand programs, and equip the next generation of leaders. As United Methodists, we are called to give together, strengthening God’s work across the globe.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate the gift of leadership and invest in God’s future.