A Moment for Mission
“Hear this, you who trample on the needy and destroy the poor of the land, saying "When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale, make the ephah smaller, enlarge the shekel and deceive with false balances, in order to buy the needy for silver and the helpless for sandals, and sell garbage as grain? The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget what they have done. “— Amos 8:4-7, CEB
Amos delivers a powerful message to God’s people: they are exploiting the poor and seeking gain at the expense of justice. “Hear this, you who trample the needy and destroy the poor of the land,” Amos cries, warning that God sees and holds us accountable. These words, written thousands of years ago, still speak today: God calls us to live faithfully, caring for those who are marginalized and vulnerable.
The challenge Amos gives us is clear: living in God’s way means more than personal faith—it requires action for justice in the wider world. The General Board of Church and Society (Church and Society) embodies this calling in the life of The United Methodist Church. Through advocacy, education, peacemaking, and grants, the GBCS helps congregations, leaders, and individuals translate faith into action. They equip United Methodists to pray, study, and engage with social issues in ways that reflect God’s concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the planet.
Operating from its unique headquarters on Capitol Hill, Church and Society interacts with policymakers, fostering opportunities for United Methodists to influence decisions that affect communities locally and globally. They provide resources, seminars, forums, and internships to help members learn how to live out justice in tangible ways. Without their work, much of the church’s advocacy, peacemaking, and justice support would be fragmented or impossible.
Supporting Church and Society through the World Service Fund is a tangible way to live connectionally. Your giving strengthens the Church’s capacity to act together, rather than as isolated congregations, making a powerful impact in the world. When we contribute to this fund, we participate in God’s mission of justice, joining hands with United Methodists across the globe to ensure that the vulnerable are protected and that communities are strengthened.
Amos reminds us that God is attentive to injustice. As people of faith, we are called to hear that word and respond—not in fear, but with courage and hope. Our resources, time, and prayers, when pooled together through the World Service Fund, enable the Church to act boldly and faithfully. The cross and the call to justice are inseparable: we witness God’s love by how we care for others and how we speak out for the marginalized.
This week, reflect on Amos’ call in your own life. Consider how your gifts, presence, and prayers contribute to God’s work through the Church. How might you, with your congregation, partner in advocacy, peacemaking, or justice ministries to bear God’s love in the world?
Reflection Question: Where do you see God calling you to stand up for justice, and how can your church family help you answer that call?
Children’s Message
Title: Helping Others Is God’s Way
Materials: Small coins or toys
Good morning, friends!
(Show the coins or toys)
Do you know what these are? (Let kids answer.)
That’s right—coins (or small toys). Sometimes, people want to keep all the coins for themselves and forget to help others. That would be like you not sharing your toys with your friends and that isn’t nice is it?
A long time ago, God sent a prophet named Amos to remind people to care for the poor and be fair. Amos said it’s not right to hurt people or take advantage of them. God wants us to help others, share, and be fair. That means we need to share what we have with those who don’t have anything.
Our church helps us do this, not just for people who live close to us, but all around the world. All United Methodist churches share what we have so God’s work can be seen everywhere. One way we do this is by giving to the World Service Fund. This fund helps a group called the General Board of Church and Society do amazing work all over the world.
They teach people how to care for others, talk with leaders to make fair and kind decisions, and help us show God’s love through peace. They also give grants—which means they offer money—to ministries that serve people who need it most. It’s like sharing our toys with everyone, so all people can enjoy them.
When we give, pray, and help together, we are following God’s way. Every little bit we do can make a big difference in someone’s life. So, remember, God wants us to help others, be fair, and share love. When we work together, God can do amazing things through us!
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for helping us see when people need help. Thank you for our church. Help us to share love and be fair every day. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, your Word calls us to care for the poor and act justly. We thank you for the ministry of the General Board of Church and Society, which inspires, equips, and empowers United Methodists to speak and act for justice, peace, and mercy. Bless these gifts, which support advocacy with leaders, peacemaking efforts, and grants for ministries seeking fairness and equality. Through our connectional giving, may we be partners in your work of transforming the world. Strengthen us to act faithfully, guided by your love, and to shine your light in every place of need. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Unshakable and merciful God, you meet us in the ruins just as surely as in times of rejoicing. When all feels lost, you are not. When we stumble for answers, you remain our refuge. Receive these gifts, given not from abundance alone but from hearts that still dare to trust. Let them be signs of your presence in broken places, tools of healing, hope, and grace in a hurting world. Help us live our praise, even in lament, as your people who believe in your goodness—still. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“Hear this, you who trample on the needy and destroy the poor of the land, saying "When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale, make the ephah smaller, enlarge the shekel and deceive with false balances, in order to buy the needy for silver and the helpless for sandals, and sell garbage as grain? The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget what they have done.” Amos 8:4-7, CEB
Amos warns against taking advantage of the poor and ignoring justice, reminding us that God calls us to care for all people. In the United Methodist Church, the General Board of Church and Society embodies this same call by equipping members to advocate for justice, engage with policymakers, support peacemaking efforts, and provide grants for local and global ministries. These important efforts are made possible through the World Service Fund, which strengthens our connectional witness and impact.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we reflect on God’s call to justice and learn how we can share God’s love through faithful action in our communities and around the world.