A Moment for Mission
“...Then he (Jesus) interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. 29 But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So, he went in to stay with them. 30 After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” ...”— Luke 24:13-35, CEB
On the day of the resurrection, two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus. Their hearts were heavy with confusion and grief. They had heard the news that Jesus was alive, yet they struggled to understand what it meant.
As they walked, a stranger joined them on the road. It was Jesus, though they did not recognize him.
Instead of immediately revealing himself, Jesus listened. He walked beside them, heard their story, and opened the scriptures to help them understand what God had been doing all along. Later, when they sat down to eat, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him (Luke 24:31).
The scripture reminds us that Christ often meets us along the road—in conversation, in shared stories, and in community.
In The United Methodist Church, ministries often grow in that same spirit of relationship and shared journey. Native American Ministries Sunday is one way the church recognizes and supports the leadership, witness, and ministry of Native American congregations and communities throughout the connection.
This Special Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays in The United Methodist Church. The offering helps nurture Native American leadership development, strengthen ministries within Native congregations, and support the work of Native American pastors and communities across the connection.
Like the disciples on the road, the church is called to walk together. No congregation walks alone. Through connectional giving, we share resources so that ministry can grow in many places at once.
This is part of the covenant that shapes The United Methodist Church. We trust that when we work together, the church can extend Christ’s love more faithfully than any one community could alone.
The Emmaus story also reminds us that recognition often happens through shared experience. The disciples’ eyes were opened when Jesus broke the bread and shared it with them.
In a similar way, people often come to see Christ through the acts of faith and generosity that shape the life of the church.
Every ministry carries a story. A congregation strengthened through leadership development becomes a story of hope. A pastor equipped to serve becomes a story of faith. A community encouraged in ministry becomes a story of discipleship.
And often, those stories begin with something simple: a gift given in faith.
Through Native American Ministries Sunday, the people of The United Methodist Church participate in this shared work of ministry. Our giving helps nurture leaders, strengthen communities, and support ministries that reflect the love of Christ.
Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving.
Just as Jesus walked beside the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Christ continues to walk beside the church today—guiding us, teaching us, and opening our eyes along the way.
Reflection Question:
Where might Christ be inviting you to walk alongside others and participate in the story God is unfolding?
Children’s Message
Title: Better Together
Materials: A small basket and a few small puzzle pieces or building blocks and some coins
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today
Prayer: Dear God, Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of purpose and promise,
Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Astounding God of the road and the table, you walk with us even when we don’t recognize you. You speak, and our hearts burn within us. You break the bread, and our eyes are opened. Today, we bring these offerings as signs of our gratitude and hope. May our giving reflect the joy of being found, the wonder of Resurrection, and the call to share good news. Use these gifts to kindle faith, feed the hungry, and proclaim your presence in every Emmaus moment. We give because we’ve seen you—alive, loving, and leading us still. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
In Luke 24:13–35, the risen Christ walked beside two disciples on the road to Emmaus, listening to their story and opening the scriptures to them. Native American Ministries Sunday celebrates how Christ continues to walk with communities throughout The United Methodist Church. This Special Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays that support ministry across the connection, helping nurture Native American leadership, strengthen congregations, and encourage ministry in Native communities. Through connectional giving, our shared gifts support the work of the church and help new stories of faith begin.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday and participate in this shared ministry through prayer, learning, and giving.