Mission Moment
Begin today's reflection by reading the Scripture passage at the link below Philippians 1:21–30 (CEB)
Paul writes to the Philippians from a place of uncertainty, yet his message is remarkably clear: “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27, CEB). For Paul, faith is not simply something we believe. It is something we live. It shapes how we treat one another, how we serve our neighbors, and how we work together for God's purposes.
As we observe Environmental Awareness Month, we are reminded that caring for God's creation is one way we can live out our faith. From the air we breathe to the communities we call home, the world around us is a gift from God. Stewardship of that gift is not separate from our discipleship; it is one expression of it.
This commitment is reflected in the Net Zero Commitment of The United Methodist Church. Established in 2021, the interagency commitment to just and equitable net-zero emissions is the most systematic and comprehensive emission reduction effort in the history of The United Methodist Church. The commitment seeks to ensure that the ministries of the present support the flourishing of God's creation for the future.
Paul encourages believers to stand "side by side with one spirit and one soul to struggle together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27, CEB). His words remind us that following Christ is not an individual endeavor. We are called to live, serve, and witness together.
That spirit of working together is at the heart of The United Methodist Church. Many people may not realize that our denomination is built on a covenant relationship among congregations. Through connectional giving, churches combine their resources to support ministries that no single congregation could accomplish alone. At its heart, connectional giving is a covenant to walk together in faith and mission.
Consider a local church that replaces aging lighting with energy-efficient alternatives, reduces waste, or adopts practices that better steward resources. One congregation's efforts may seem small. Yet when churches throughout the connection make similar commitments, their collective witness grows. Together, they demonstrate a commitment to caring for God's creation while strengthening resources that support ministry and mission.
The Net Zero Commitment reflects this shared covenant. Through our connection, we support efforts that help The United Methodist Church care for creation in ways that are thoughtful, equitable, and faithful. We do this not because caring for creation is fashionable, but because following Christ calls us to faithful stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted to us.
Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving. Through connectional giving, we participate in ministries and commitments that extend beyond our local churches and into communities throughout the connection. Together, we bear witness to God's love, care for creation, and live out the gospel in practical ways.
As Paul reminds us, our calling is to live lives worthy of the gospel. When we join together in faith, stewardship, and service, we reflect Christ's love not only in what we say, but also in how we live.
Reflection Question:
How is God calling you to join with others in faithful stewardship of creation as part of living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ?
Children’s Message
Title: Sharing and Caring
Materials: a shirt or jacket that was handed down or a toy that has been shared with a younger sibling, cousin or friend
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today! Today I brought something to show you. (Hold up the shirt or jacket.)
Has anyone ever worn clothes that used to belong to an older brother, sister, cousin, or friend? (Pause for answers.) What about a toy? Has anyone ever played with a toy that someone else used before? (Pause for answers.)
Sometimes we call those things hand-me-downs. That means someone used them, took good care of them, and then shared them with someone else. Now, let me ask you a question. If this shirt still fits someone and is still in good shape, is it better to share it with another child or throw it away? (Pause for answers.) That's right! We can share it.
And if a toy still works, is it better to let another child enjoy it or throw it in the trash? (Pause for answers.) That's right! We can share it.
When we do that, we're taking good care of the things we've been given.
In today's Bible scripture, Paul tells the church to "live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27, CEB).
That's a big sentence, but here's one thing it means: when we follow Jesus, we try to make choices that show God's love.
One way we can show God's love is by taking care of the things God has given us. God made our world. God gave us trees, water, animals, and all the things we need to live. When we reuse things, repair things, or share things, we are helping take care of God's creation.
That's something The United Methodist Church is working on through the Net Zero Commitment. That's a big name, but it means churches are looking for ways to care for God's world today and in the future. Maybe a church saves energy. Maybe it uses resources more carefully. Maybe it finds ways to waste less. Those choices help us care for what God has made.
Now, can one person care for the whole world? No! Can one church do everything by itself? No!
But Paul says we can stand side by side and work together. That's what happens in The United Methodist Church. Churches work together, pray together, and share gifts together. When lots of churches make good choices, they can make a big difference.
It's a little like passing along a favorite jacket. One person uses it and then they share it. Then someone else enjoys it. Because people work together, something good lasts longer and helps more people.
Every gift tells a story. Sometimes that story begins when we share what we have. Sometimes it begins when we take good care of God's creation. Sometimes it begins when churches work together to show God's love. And all those things help us live the way Paul tells us to live—worthy of the good news of Jesus.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for all the good things you have given us. Help us take care of your world. Help us share with others, use what we have wisely, and work together as your church. Bless the Net Zero Commitment and all the people helping care for your creation. Teach us to live in ways that show your love every day. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, Paul calls us to live lives worthy of the gospel and to stand side by side in faith. As we offer these gifts, use them to strengthen the ministries of The United Methodist Church, including the Net Zero Commitment. Through our connectional giving, help us care for your creation, serve our neighbors, and bear witness to Christ together. May these offerings expand our shared impact and reflect our covenant to walk faithfully in ministry. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Offertory Prayer from Discipleship Ministries
Steadfast God, for us to live is Christ. In every season, you hold us, and in every struggle, you knit us together as one body. Receive these gifts as signs that we choose to stand firm, striving side by side, living as citizens of your kin-dom. Use what we offer to encourage the weary, strengthen your church, and bear witness that love is stronger than fear. Shape our common life to be worthy of the gospel, until our unity itself proclaims your grace. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
In Philippians 1:27, Paul encourages believers to live “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” and to stand together in faith. The Net Zero Commitment of The United Methodist Church reflects that calling by helping the church care for God’s creation through a just and equitable commitment to net-zero emissions. As a connected church, we share resources, ministries, and mission so that no congregation serves alone. Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving and our shared witness.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we explore how living worthy of the gospel calls us to care for creation, strengthen our connection, and serve Christ together.