A Moment for Mission
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven. Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them. I say to you very seriously that as long as heaven and earth exist, neither the smallest letter nor even the smallest stroke of a pen will be erased from the Law until everything there becomes a reality. Therefore, whoever ignores one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the lowest in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps these commands and teaches people to keep them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. I say to you that unless your righteousness is greater than the righteousness of the legal experts and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:13–20, CEB
During Black History Month, we remember stories of faith that were shaped not only by individual courage, but by communities bound together by hope, resilience, and trust in God. In Matthew 5, Jesus speaks to such a community when he tells his followers, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (CEB). These words are not spoken to one person alone, but to a people called to live their faith together for the sake of the world.
Salt preserves and brings out goodness. Light shows what might otherwise be hidden. Jesus does not say his followers might become salt and light—he says they already are. The question is whether we will live into that calling.
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century is one way The United Methodist Church lives out this call. This ministry honors the historic witness of Black congregations while investing in leadership development, community transformation, and discipleship for today and tomorrow. It recognizes that the gospel has been proclaimed, lived, and embodied powerfully through Black churches—and that strengthening this witness strengthens the whole body of Christ.
For those unfamiliar with how The United Methodist Church works, our ministry is rooted in connection. We are not independent congregations acting alone, but a covenant community that shares resources, responsibility, and mission. Through connectional giving, local churches pool their gifts so that ministry can reach farther than any one congregation could on its own. This shared commitment allows us to support ministries like Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century—not as charity, but as faithful partnership.
Jesus goes on to say that he did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. He calls his followers to a righteousness that goes deeper than appearances and is revealed in how we live, give, and love. Every gift offered in faith tells a story. And every story can begin with the impact we make when we choose to support God’s work beyond ourselves.
Our giving does not replace faith—but it reflects it. It becomes salt that preserves hope and light that points to Christ at work in the world.
Reflection Question:
Where is Christ inviting you this week to be salt and light—not alone, but as part of the shared witness of The United Methodist Church?
Children’s Message
Title: Shining God’s Light Together
Materials: A small flashlight and a pinch of salt or saltshaker
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today. I brought something to show you.
(Show the salt.)
Does anyone know what this is? Yes! It’s salt. Salt makes food taste better—it adds flavor. But did you know salt can also help keep food fresh?
In today’s scripture, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” That means God uses us to make the world better. Just like salt makes food better, we can help make the world kinder and more loving. When we follow Jesus, our words and actions can help others stay on the right path and feel God’s love.
(Show the flashlight.)
Can anyone tell me what this is? That’s right—it’s a flashlight. What happens when I turn it on in the dark? (Pause for answers.) Yes! The light helps us see where we’re going.
Jesus also tells us in today’s scripture, “You are the light of the world.” That means God’s love shines through us. When we are kind, helpful, and loving, we help others see God’s love too.
Now here’s something really important—Jesus wasn’t talking to just one person. He was talking to lots of people. That means everyone can be God’s light—not just one or two people. ALL of us can shine God’s light, and when we shine together, our light is even brighter.
Jesus tells us we are salt and light. That means God uses us to help make the world better and brighter.
Sometimes we do that by being kind on our own. But sometimes we shine God’s light by working together. In The United Methodist Church, churches help other churches so more people can know Jesus.
One way we do this is through a special ministry called Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. That’s a big name! This ministry helps churches grow strong so they can share God’s love, care for their neighbors, and help God’s light shine in their communities.
When we give our offerings, even small ones, we are helping God’s light shine in more places. We are being salt and light together.
This week let’s remember we shine brightest when we love, share, and follow Jesus—together.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us be salt and light every day. Help us share your love and work together to help others. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of light and truth,
You call us salt of the earth and light for the world. Receive these gifts as signs of our faith and our shared covenant. Through our connectional giving, strengthen the witness of Black churches and the ministry of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. May what we offer together reveal your justice, hope, and love at work in the world. Use these gifts to draw hearts closer to Christ. Amen.
Offertory Prayer From Discipleship Ministries
Liberating God, You call us to a fast not of silence, but of service; not of hiding, but of healing. You ask that our worship be more than words, that our offerings be more than ritual. Receive these gifts as signs of our willingness to share bread with the hungry, to break chains of injustice, to repair what is broken. May our generosity reflect your mercy and our living mirror your love. Use us and these gifts, so that light might rise in the darkness and hope take root where despair has reigned. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
During Black History Month, we reflect on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (CEB). Through Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, The United Methodist Church lives out this calling by supporting leadership, discipleship, and community transformation in Black congregations. This ministry is possible because we are a connectional church—sharing our gifts so God’s light shines farther than any one congregation could alone.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate our shared witness, reflect on Christ’s call, and commit ourselves to being salt and light together.