A Moment for Mission
“But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language. Don’t lie to each other. Take off the old human nature with its practices and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it. In this image there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people.” Colossians 3:8-11, CEB
In Colossians 3:8–11, Paul challenges believers to let go of anger, lies, and harmful speech—habits of the “old self”—and instead embrace a new identity rooted in Christ. This new self doesn’t just transform our personal behavior; it reshapes how we relate to others. Paul writes, “Christ is all things and in all people.” That’s a bold statement—and a radically inclusive one.
What does it look like to truly believe that Christ dwells in all people?
One answer lies in how we care for others. When we see someone suffering—a sick child, a lonely older adult, a neighbor without access to medical care—we can respond with either indifference or compassion. The Christian life asks us to respond with love that restores.
That’s why Golden Cross Sunday matters. It’s more than a special offering. It’s a visible expression of our connection as United Methodists, and a response to Paul’s call in Colossians to live out a renewed identity.
Golden Cross ministries serve in quiet but powerful ways across every United Methodist Conference. They care for those who are often unseen: the elderly in long-term care, children who need a safe place to grow, families navigating illness or poverty. Hospital chaplains supported by Golden Cross offerings walk alongside patients in their most vulnerable moments.
You may never meet the people your offering helps. But that’s part of what makes this ministry sacred. You give out of faith, not recognition. You give because you see Christ in all people, even those whose names you’ll never know.
Our connectional giving—something distinctive about The United Methodist Church—is how we live this out. No single church could support the wide network of health and welfare ministries across our denomination. But when we give together, we become the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.
Reflection Question:
What old habits or perspectives do I need to set aside so I can better recognize Christ in others?
And how might I live out that recognition through generosity, compassion, and connection?
Children’s Message
Title: Putting on new clothes
Materials: A big old coat or sweater that looks too small or too big, and a new, brightly colored item like a jacket, scarf, or hat. You could also label them with words like “mean,” “angry,” “kind,” or “loving.”
Have you ever had clothes that didn’t fit anymore—maybe a shirt that was too tight, pants that were too short, or shoes that felt uncomfortable? How did they feel when you wore them? (Let them answer: “tight,” “itchy,” “too big,” etc.)
And have you ever gotten something new to wear—something that fit just, right? Maybe a warm coat or new sneakers? It probably felt great, didn’t it?
The Bible says that when we follow Jesus, it’s like taking off old clothes that don’t fit us anymore—things like being angry, yelling, or being mean—and putting on new clothes like kindness, love, helping others, and telling the truth.
(Hold up the “too small” or “too big” coat and say:)
This is like when we’re unkind or selfish—it just doesn’t fit who we are anymore. It might feel yucky or uncomfortable.
Now look at this! (Hold up or “put on” the new item.)
When we choose to be kind, helpful, and loving—it’s like putting on something new that fits just right. These are the kinds of clothes Jesus wants us to wear every day—not on the outside, but in the way we act and treat others.
And here’s something cool: our church helps people who are hurting or sick—people who may feel like nothing fits right in their life—through something called Golden Cross Sunday. When we give and help, it’s like we’re helping them find something new that fits, too—kindness, care, and love.
So, the next time you get dressed, think about what kind of “clothes” you want to wear in your heart. Do you want to wear anger or kindness? Meanness or love?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping us take off the things that don’t fit—like being mean or angry—and helping us put on kindness, love, and care. Help us wear our “new clothes” every day so others can see your love in us. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of healing and wholeness,
You call us to put aside what divides and instead clothe ourselves in love. Today, we give not only out of duty, but in hope—knowing our gifts help bring comfort to the sick, dignity to the aging, and care to those in crisis through Golden Cross ministries across our United Methodist connection.
Make these offerings part of your renewing work in the world. Through our shared giving, may your love be made visible in every hospital room, family home, and caregiving space. In Christ, who is all in all, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Holy and ever-present God, you call us to set our minds on things above, to let go of all that weighs us down, and to embrace the new life found in Christ. As we bring these gifts, shape our hearts in generosity, our hands in service, and our minds in faithfulness. May these offerings be used to transform lives, to build up your kingdom, and to reflect your love in this world. Keep us ever mindful that we give because you have first given so abundantly to us. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language. Don’t lie to each other. Take off the old human nature with its practices and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it. In this image there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people.” Colossians 3:8-11, CEB
As followers of Christ, we’re called to “put on the new nature”—one that reflects compassion, unity, and healing. That’s exactly what Golden Cross Sunday supports. In every United Methodist Conference, health and welfare ministries offer hope: to older adults, children, families, and those seeking spiritual care in hospitals. This is connectional ministry in action—local gifts making a difference far beyond our walls.
This week, pray about how your giving supports care and dignity for those most vulnerable. Let’s live into the new life Christ offers by lifting others through generosity.
Join us in worship this Sunday as we celebrate Golden Cross Sunday and give thanks for the ministries that bring healing, hope, and care to those who need it most.