A Moment for Mission
“Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures.May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. That way you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ together with one voice. So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. I’m saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, in order to confirm the promises given to the ancestors,and so that the Gentiles could glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name. And again, it says, Rejoice, Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and all the people should sing his praises. And again, Isaiah says, There will be a root of Jesse, who will also rise to rule the Gentiles. The Gentiles will place their hope in him. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:4-13, CEB
Paul writes, “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (v. 4). Hope is central to the Christian life. It is not wishful thinking; it is confidence in God’s promises. This hope, Paul reminds us, is not for one group alone but for all people—Jews and Gentiles alike—united under the mercy of Christ.
Paul’s words rise to a beautiful buildup: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing… that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (v. 13). Hope that overflows. Hope that bridges difference. Hope that makes strangers into family.
This same spirit of unity and shared purpose is alive in the Pacific Islander Ministry Plan of the United Methodist Church. Across the United States, Pacific Islander congregations are growing in faith, preserving cultural heritage, and serving Christ with joy. Through this ministry plan, leaders are trained, new faith communities are nurtured, and language and cultural resources are developed so the gospel can flourish among Pacific Islander peoples.
For those unfamiliar with the United Methodist Church, this effort reflects something we call connectional ministry. Every congregation, no matter its size, belongs to a larger body—one that works together to carry out God’s mission in ways no single church could do alone. Through connectional giving, each gift given locally joins countless others to support ministries like the Pacific Islander Ministry Plan. It’s a living example of the hope Paul describes: many voices glorifying God “with one voice” (v. 6).
When Pacific Islander congregations flourish, the whole church rejoices. When a new pastor receives training or a congregation gathers in worship in their heart language, the entire connection develops fruit. In this unity, we find our witness to the world—because hope shared is hope multiplied.
Romans 15 shows us that the gospel is never just about me or you—it’s about us, together, praising God with one heart and one voice. This hope calls us to live generously, pray faithfully, and reach out beyond what we know.
So, as you consider your place in Christ’s mission, remember: your prayers and your giving connect you to brothers and sisters from the Pacific Islands to every corner of the world. Through Christ, our hope overflows—not just for ourselves, but for all creation.
Reflection Question:
How can you be a messenger of hope this week—through your prayers, your giving, or your actions—so that others may know they belong in Christ’s family?
Children’s Message
Title: Hope That Grows and Connects!
Materials: A small plant and a globe or small world map.
(Show the plant.)
Good morning, friends! What do you see here? [Let them answer: a plant!]
This plant started as a tiny seed. Someone planted it, gave it water and sunshine, and now look how it’s growing! In the Bible, Paul says that God gives us something that grows too—it’s called hope! Hope is what helps us trust that good things can happen because God is with us.
Paul says God fills us with joy and peace so that our hope grows strong—so strong that it can spread to other people!
(Show the globe or small world map)
There are people all over the world who love Jesus—people who look and talk differently than we do, but we’re all part of God’s big family. Our church, the United Methodist Church, helps people from the Pacific Islands—places like Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa—share God’s hope in their own communities. We even made a special plan called the Pacific Islander Ministry Plan to make sure we help others around the world. Can you help me find the islands on this map? (Let them find the islands on the map or globe). That seems really far away doesn’t it?
Do you know how we can help people all the way over there from our home? Through our prayers and most importantly through our connection. When your family gives to church, we are able to help our Pacific Islander friends plant seeds of hope too! Our money helps start churches, where they can sing songs, pray, worship and tell people that Jesus loves them. Just like this plant, hope grows when we take care of it and share it.
So this week, remember: when you show kindness or pray for someone, you’re helping God’s hope grow. And when we give together as a church, our hope spreads all around the world!
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for filling us with joy, peace, and hope. Help our hope grow strong like this plant, and help us share it with others. Bless our friends in the Pacific Islands and all who tell people about Jesus’ love. In His name we pray, Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of hope and unity,
You fill us with joy and peace through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for calling us together as one family across all nations and islands. Bless these gifts, that through the Pacific Islander Ministry Plan, Your Spirit would raise up leaders, strengthen congregations, and share Your hope with the world. Multiply our giving so that every offering joins others to proclaim Your love. May our generosity overflow with the same grace that fills our hearts through Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries — Persistent God of new paths, we have been called to prepare the way—not with platitudes, but with changed hearts and lives. In this season of turning and anticipation, we offer these gifts as signs that we long to live by your story. Use them and use us to bear fruit worthy of repentance: fruit of justice, compassion, hospitality, and peace. Let our generosity reflect the nearness of your kingdom and the urgency of your call. In the wilderness of fear and want, may this offering clear a path for hope to be seen, known, and shared. In the name of the one who is coming and is already among us—Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Romans 15:4–13 reminds us that the hope we have in Christ unites us across every nation and culture: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Through the Pacific Islander Ministry Plan, the United Methodist Church supports Pacific Islander congregations and leaders, helping them share this hope within their communities and throughout the world. Your support, through connectional giving, makes this ministry possible and strengthens the whole Church.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate the hope that unites us and pray for God’s work among Pacific Islander ministries.