A Moment for Mission
“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:16-21, CEB
In 2 Peter 1:16–21, the church is reminded that faith is not built on “cleverly devised myths,” but on truth that has been seen, heard, and faithfully shared. Peter speaks as a witness: “We were eyewitnesses of his majestic glory”
— (v.16, CEB).
He goes on to explain in verse 19 that this eyewitness testimony is confirmed by the prophetic message handed down through Scripture—words that shine like a light in a dark place, guiding God’s people until Christ is fully revealed.
Peter wants us to understand that this truth does not originate in human interpretation or imagination. “No prophecy of scripture came about by a prophet’s own interpretation,” he writes, but through people who were moved by the Holy Spirit (v.21). This gives us confidence that Scripture comes from God, not from human ideas, and can be trusted to guide the whole body of Christ. Our calling, then, is to testify boldly that Jesus Christ is Lord, sharing the Word faithfully and living it out together in community.
This understanding helps us see how The United Methodist Church lives into that calling through a shared covenant. We agree to walk together, support one another, and respond faithfully to God’s Word in the world around us. One way this happens is through The World Service Fund, which supports vital ministries like The General Board of Church and Society, helping the church bear faithful witness to Christ through shared discernment and action.
The General Board of Church and Society helps the church reflect deeply on how our faith speaks to issues of justice, peace, and human dignity—always grounded in Scripture and the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. This work is not about politics or trends; it is about faithful witness. Like Peter, the church is called to speak truthfully, guided by God’s Word and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
For those unfamiliar with how The United Methodist Church functions, connectional giving through The World Service Fund makes this ministry possible. Local churches contribute together so that shared witness and discernment can take shape beyond any single congregation. Every gift tells a story—a story of Scripture trusted, faith lived out, and Christ proclaimed through collective action.
As Peter urges the church to hold fast to the prophetic word, we are reminded that our giving is one way we participate in that witness. Through connection, we help the church shine Christ’s light with clarity and faithfulness.
Reflection Question:
How is God inviting you to bear faithful witness to Christ—through your words, your actions, or your generosity this week?
Children’s Message
Title: A Story We Share
Materials: A children’s Bible and a storybook
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you here today. I brought two books with me.
Do you know what this book is? (Hold up the Bible.) Yes! This is the Bible. The Bible is full of true stories about Jesus—who he is and how much God loves us.
Now, what about this book? (Hold up a storybook.) That’s right—it’s a storybook. It tells a pretend story. It can be fun, but it isn’t real like the Bible stories, is it?
In today’s Scripture, we learn that the stories about Jesus in the Bible are true stories. The people who shared them didn’t make them up. They saw Jesus, heard Jesus, and knew Jesus was real. They told others about him because they loved him and wanted everyone to know God’s love.
In The United Methodist Church, we are a little like those first followers of Jesus. We help each other share Jesus’ true story—not just with words, but with how we care for others.
One way we do that is through something called The World Service Fund. That’s a big name, but it simply means churches sharing and giving together to help people. When we give together, we can do more good than we could alone.
One of the ministries this supports is called The General Board of Church and Society. This ministry helps the church remember how Jesus wants us to love our neighbors, be kind, and do what is fair.
So we don’t keep Jesus’ story to ourselves.
We share it.
We live it.
And we show God’s love together.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the true story of Jesus. Help us share your love and work together as your church. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Faithful and Truthful God,
You have given us a sure and trustworthy word through Jesus Christ. As we give today, bless these gifts so they may support the work of The General Board of Church and Society through The World Service Fund. Through our shared giving, help us bear faithful witness to your truth, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Use our generosity to strengthen the church’s voice and reflect Christ’s love in all we do. Amen.
Offertory Prayer From Discipleship Ministries
Radiant God, you meet us in moments of mystery and transformation, calling us to listen, to follow, and to give ourselves in love. As we offer these gifts, we confess our impatience with waiting and our longing for clarity, even when you speak from the cloud. Let these offerings be more than habit; let them reflect the light of Christ we have glimpsed on the mountaintop and the hope we carry into the valleys below. Use them—and us—to shine your love where shadows linger, until all your beloved children know they are seen, named, and cherished. In the name of your Beloved Son, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Grounded in Scripture and guided by the Spirit, The General Board of Church and Society helps The United Methodist Church bear faithful witness to Christ’s call for justice, peace, and compassion. Supported through The World Service Fund, this ministry reflects our covenant to work together and respond to God’s Word in meaningful ways. Through connectional giving, every gift tells a story of shared faith and purpose.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we reflect on God’s trustworthy Word and celebrate how our connection strengthens our witness together.