A Moment for Mission
“…But I said, “I have wearied myself in vain. I have used up my strength for nothing.” Nevertheless, the Lord will grant me justice; my reward is with my God. And now the Lord has decided— the one who formed me from the womb as his servant—to restore Jacob to God, so that Israel might return to him. Moreover, I’m honored in the Lord’s eyes; my God has become my strength. He said: It is not enough, since you are my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the survivors of Israel. Hence, I will also appoint you as light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” — Isaiah 49:1-7, CEB
In Isaiah 49:1–7 (CEB), the servant of God speaks of being called and named by God long before their work was visible or understood. Even in moments of discouragement—“I have wearied myself in vain” (v. 4)—God affirms that the servant’s purpose is greater than they imagined. God promises, “I will also appoint you as a light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (v. 6).
This passage reminds us that God’s work is never meant to be small, isolated, or limited to one person or place. God’s work reaches outward—restoring dignity, building relationships, and bringing hope where it has been diminished. That vision stands at the heart of Human Relations Day in The United Methodist Church.
Human Relations Day is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community—a community rooted in dignity, equity, love, and justice for all. This Special Sunday invites us to move beyond words and into faithful action, strengthening communities and relationships that reflect God’s inclusive love.
The United Methodist Church is a connectional church. That means local congregations do not act alone. Through a shared covenant, churches pool resources and support ministries together so the gospel can be lived out in tangible ways—especially in communities facing poverty, injustice, and exclusion. Human Relations Day supports this work by funding ministries that invest in leadership development, community engagement, and advocacy.
Isaiah acknowledges the reality of struggle and uncertainty, yet God’s response is one of assurance and expansion. Human Relations Day reflects that same hope. Through connectional giving, faithful acts—seen and unseen—become part of God’s larger work of restoration. Every gift tells a story: a story of communities strengthened, leaders equipped, and lives affirmed. And every story begins with the impact we can make together through our shared giving.
Giving on Human Relations Day is not simply about charity; it is about covenant. It is about trusting that God is at work through our connection, turning generosity into light for the nations and shared commitment into lasting impact. Learn more about this Special Sunday at UMC.org/HRD.
Reflection Question:
How might God be inviting you to help build the beloved community through your shared generosity and witness this week?
Children’s Message
Title: Shining God’s Light Together
Materials: A flashlight, paper hearts or stars and a basket
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad you’re here today.
I brought something with me. (Hold up the flashlight.) What is this? Yes—a light! What happens when I turn it on? (Turn it on.) It shines! Light helps us see. Light helps us feel safe. Light helps us know where to go.
Today’s scripture us something wonderful today. God tells God’s people, “I will make you a light.” That means God wants us to shine God’s love so everyone can see it. God loves all people—everywhere.
Sometimes people feel sad or left out. Sometimes people feel lonely or forgotten. But God says, “You matter. You are loved.” And God asks us to help share that love.
In our church today, we are celebrating a special Sunday we call Human Relations Day. On this day, we remember that God wants us to be kind, fair, and loving—especially to people who need help. And you know what? We don’t do this alone. In The United Methodist Church, we work with other churches to help people.
Let’s think about light again. Is one small light helpful? (Pause.) Yes! But what happens when we have a lot of lights together? (Gesture big.) It gets very bright!
(Place a heart or star in the basket.) Each heart reminds us of a person God loves. Each heart is important. When we put them together, God’s love shines even brighter.
When we share—our smiles, our kindness, our helping hands, or even our gifts—God uses them to help others. That’s how we shine God’s light together. This week I want you to think about how you can shine God’s light.
Prayer: Dear God,
Thank you for loving us. Help us shine your light and be kind to everyone. Thank you for our church and for helping us work together. We love you. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of hope and restoration,
You call your people to be a light and promise that our faithful work is never in vain. On Human Relations Day, bless these gifts given through our connection in The United Methodist Church. Use them to strengthen communities, build relationships rooted in dignity and love, and bring hope where it is needed most. May every gift tell a story of your grace, and may our shared generosity create greater impact in ministry—together. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Ever-Present and Calling God, knowing us from the beginning, naming us as your own, you have entrusted us with the holy work of bearing your light to the world. Though we often feel unworthy or uncertain, you remind us that your grace goes before us, and your strength works through us. Receive these gifts, offered with gratitude and hope. Use them—and us—to proclaim your justice, to shine your love to the ends of the earth, and to glorify your name. In the name of Christ, your Servant and our Savior, we pray. Amen
Newsletter Nugget
Isaiah 49:1–7 (CEB) reminds us that God calls us to be a light and promises that our work in God’s name has purpose. Human Relations Day, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community, invites The United Methodist Church to build relationships rooted in dignity, equity, and love. Through our shared connection, every gift tells a story of hope and restoration. Together, our connectional giving supports ministries that strengthen communities and reflect Christ’s love.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate Human Relations Day and our call to shine God’s light together.