Mission Moment
Begin today's reflection by reading the Scripture passage at the link below Romans 14: 1-12 (CEB)
In Romans 14, Paul encourages believers to welcome one another, even when they have different opinions, practices, or backgrounds. He reminds the church that each person belongs to God: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Romans 14:12, CEB). The focus is not on judging one another, but on living faithfully together as people united by Christ.
The church in Rome was diverse. People came from different cultures, traditions, and experiences. Yet Paul called them to something greater than their differences: a shared life centered on Jesus Christ. That same calling remains at the heart of The United Methodist Church today.
One way we live into that calling is through the World Service Fund. Through our connectional giving, congregations join together to support ministries that no single church could accomplish alone. The World Service Fund strengthens the mission and ministry of the church by supporting programs that cultivate leaders, nurture disciples, and extend the love of Christ in communities around the world.
The El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry is one example of this shared ministry. As one of The United Methodist Church’s six ethnic ministry plans, El Plan has served since 1992 as the denomination’s strategy for Hispanic/Latine ministry. For more than 30 years, El Plan has partnered with annual conferences, equipped clergy and laity, and advocated for the diverse and growing Hispanic/Latine community throughout our connection.
Imagine a congregation seeking new ways to welcome Hispanic/Latine families in its neighborhood. Through resources, leadership development, and support made possible by ministries like El Plan, church leaders gain tools to build relationships, share the gospel, and create spaces where people can grow in faith. A family that may have felt unseen discovers a church community where they are welcomed, valued, and encouraged to follow Christ. These moments do not happen in isolation. They are made possible because United Methodists choose to walk together.
At its heart, connectional giving is a covenant. We are connected to one another so that no congregation carries ministry alone. When we support the World Service Fund, we participate in ministries that strengthen the whole church. Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving. As churches join together, lives are touched, leaders are equipped, and communities experience the love of Christ.
Paul reminds us that we belong to the Lord. Because we belong to Christ, we also belong to one another. Through shared ministry, shared mission, and shared giving, we reflect the welcoming love of God to a diverse world.
Reflection Question:
How might God be inviting you to support ministries that help all people experience Christ’s welcome and love?
Children’s Message
Title: The Welcome Mat
Materials: A welcome mat (or a picture of one)
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today!
Today I brought something with me. (Show the welcome mat.) Does anyone know what this is?
That's right! It's a welcome mat. Where do people usually put a welcome mat? (Pause for answers) Yes, by the door of a house.
Why do people put welcome mats outside? (Pause for answers.) That's right! They want people to know they are welcome.
But do you know what welcome really means? Welcome means letting someone know you're happy they're here. It means helping people feel loved, included, and like they belong. In the Bible, welcoming someone means showing them the same love, kindness, and acceptance that Jesus shows us. When we welcome others, we're sharing God's love and helping people know they are important to Him.
Now, a welcome mat can tell us something important about church. When people come to a church, we want them to know they are welcome, too. We want them to know that they matter, that they belong, and that God loves them.
That's what Paul was talking about in today's Bible scripture. The people in the church did not always think the same. They came from different places, had different traditions, and did things in different ways. Sometimes those differences caused problems.
So, Paul reminded them of something very important. He told them to welcome one another because they all belonged to Jesus. In other words, Paul was saying, "Don't focus on what makes you different. Remember that God's love makes you one family."
And that's still true today. God's family has room for lots of different people. Some people speak English. Some people speak Spanish. Some people live in big cities. Some people live in small towns. Some families look different from ours, and some do things differently than we do.
But God welcomes them all. And God asks us to welcome them, too.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for welcoming us into your family. Help us welcome others with kindness, love, and joy. Bless the ministries we work on together and all the people it serves. Help us work together so more people can know they belong to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, in Romans 14, you remind us that we belong to you and are called to live together in faith. As we offer these gifts, use them through the World Service Fund to strengthen ministries like El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry. Expand our connectional giving so that churches, leaders, families, and communities may experience Christ’s welcome and love. Unite us in our shared covenant to walk together in mission, trusting that every gift can help tell the story of your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Offertory Prayer from Discipleship Ministries
Merciful Deliverer, you part the waters when we feel trapped and forgive debts too great to repay. In the face of fear and brokenness, you lead us with compassion and grace. May the gifts we bring today reflect our deep gratitude for your mercy. Let them support ministries of reconciliation and acts of healing, justice, and welcome. Teach us to lead not with judgment, but with generosity, recognizing that what we have, we hold by your mercy. Bless these offerings and bless us as stewards of your kin-dom, always seeking to build a world where grace is not rare but abundant. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Romans 14:1-12 reminds us that we belong to the Lord and are called to welcome one another as members of Christ’s family. Through the World Service Fund, United Methodists live out that calling together by supporting ministries such as El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry. For more than 30 years, El Plan has equipped leaders, strengthened congregations, and advocated for the diverse Hispanic/Latine community throughout our connection. Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate how our shared giving strengthens ministry, builds connections, and helps more people experience the love of Christ.