A Moment for Mission
“This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design.” — Ephesians 1:10-11, CEB
In Ephesians 1:10–11 (CEB), Paul speaks of God’s great plan: “to bring all things together in Christ.” This is not a small or individual vision. It is expansive, hopeful, and rooted in community. God does not work only through individuals acting alone, but through people brought together for a shared purpose.
This scripture speaks directly to the heart of the United in Impact campaign of The United Methodist Church. United in Impact is not simply a call to give more—it is an invitation to live into our covenant as a connection. In The United Methodist Church, congregations do not operate independently. Instead, we are bound together through prayer, mission, service, and shared resources so that ministry can reach farther and serve more fully.
For those unfamiliar with how The UMC functions, this connection means that your local church’s generosity supports ministries you may never personally see—seminaries forming future pastors, disaster response teams arriving in moments of crisis, missional partners offering hope, and communities finding healing and justice. Alone, no congregation could sustain all of this. Together, we can.
Paul reminds us that we are “appointed according to God’s purpose, who works everything according to God’s design” (Ephesians 1:11, CEB). United in Impact reflects that truth. Every gift tells a story—of a life touched, a prayer answered, a ministry sustained. And every story begins with people who choose to trust God and one another through shared generosity.
Connectional giving is not transactional; it is relational. It reflects our belief that God’s work is bigger than any one church, and that when we fund ministry together, God multiplies the impact. United in Impact invites us to see giving not as an obligation, but as participation in God’s unfolding story.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live for the praise of God’s glory—not alone, but together. Through United in Impact, The United Methodist Church continues to live into that calling, trusting that God will gather our gifts, our faith, and our stories into something greater than we can imagine.
Reflection Question:
How might God be inviting you to see your giving as part of a larger story God is telling through our shared connection?
Children’s Message
Title: Better Together
Materials: A few small puzzle pieces or building blocks and some coins
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today. I brought something special with me. (Hold up one block or puzzle piece.) What can I make with just one piece? (Pause.) Not much, right?
But what happens if I add another piece? (Add a second block.) And another one? (Keep adding.) Now we’re building something together! When we put our pieces together, we can make something bigger and better.
The Bible tells us something really important that works just like these puzzle pieces (or building blocks) fit together. God loves bringing things to make them work and fit together. God brings people together. God brings churches together. God even brings our gifts together! When God puts things together, something wonderful happens.
In The United Methodist Church, lots of churches work together again just like these pieces work together. Even though we are in different places, we work together fitting all of our pieces to help each other. When we share a little—like kindness, prayers, or even money—God uses all of it to help many people.
You may hear some of us adults say, “we are united in impact!” That just means that when we do God’s together, we work fit better and we can make big things together. One gift by itself is small, but when we share together, God makes it BIG.
(Place coins or hearts into the basket.) Every gift matters. God loves using what we share to show love to others. Can you think of one way you can share this week?
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for loving us and bringing us together. Thank you for our church and our friends. Help us share what we have and help others. Thank you for making us better together. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of purpose and promise,
You remind us in Ephesians that all things are gathered together in Christ, and that we are chosen to be part of your plan. Bless these gifts we bring today. May our connectional giving through The United Methodist Church reflect our covenant to work together in love, faith, and hope. Use what we offer to strengthen ministry, extend compassion, and tell stories of grace far beyond ourselves. Help us remember that when we give together, your impact grows through us—united in Christ and united in purpose. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Radiant God, the light of your wisdom and love shines for all who seek you, guiding us not with force, but with grace. Like the magi, we come bearing gifts, not to earn your favor, but in response to the gift of Christ you’ve given us. Use these offerings to reflect your light into dark places, so that others might be drawn to your love, your justice, and your joy. Keep us faithful in our seeking, generous in our sharing, and willing to be led wherever your star shines next. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
In Ephesians 1:10–11 (CEB), we are reminded that God is bringing everything together in Christ and invites us to be part of that purpose. Through the United in Impact campaign, The United Methodist Church lives into this calling by working together as one connection—sharing gifts, stories, and ministry beyond what any congregation could do alone. Our giving is not just about dollars; it is a covenant that allows us to support ministry and create greater impact together. Every gift tells a story, and every story begins with faithful generosity.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate how God brings us together for greater impact.