A Moment for Mission
"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." — Matthew 6:33, NRSV
Between schoolwork, extra-curricular activities and the regular day-in, day-out demands of daily life and work, families are busy.
Over the past 20 years, the frequency of families eating meals together has declined by 33 percent, and the average time spent eating together has decreased from 90 minutes to 12.
Still, the family is the primary place for faith formation in children and youth. This limited time together can impact the spiritual development of our children and families. The United Methodist Church has recognized this and established the month of May as Christian Home Month.
During this month, we place an emphasis on supporting and praying for families. Discipleship Ministries also equips families — in May and throughout the rest of the year — with the resources they need to spend time together in worship within the congregation and at home.
The agency also provides worship and teaching resources for the church at the local, district and conference levels.
Our generous giving to our World Service Fund apportionments allows Discipleship Ministries to continue with the important work of equipping the saints to be disciples and equipping the church to make disciples.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of family. Guide us as we navigate family life in the midst of a world that steals our attention away from you. Keep us on the path of seeking to be your disciples as individuals, as families, as your church. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Eighth Sunday After the Epiphany/Transfiguration of the Lord - Majestic God, your glory is far greater than we can describe! We praise and worship you. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to reveal the light of your will. Please help us to listen closely to your Word and Spirit. Soften our hearts so that our church's witness may contribute to more people drawing near to you in faith. We commit ourselves anew to your service through our gifts and offerings. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. (Matthew 17:1-9)
Newsletter Nugget
There is a high amount of pressure on families today. Parents feel the pressure to create the perfect environment and provide all the right opportunities for their children. Kids are in multiple activities. These are good things, yet they are in competition for the time of the family.
With so much pressure, it is hard for families to find time for faith formation in the family setting, even while it is the primary place where faith is transmitted to children and youth.
In light of this, The United Methodist Church has designated May as Christian Home Month, a month dedicated to lifting up families in prayer and providing them with resources for spending time together in worship in the home and local church. Discipleship Ministries provides these resources and so many more to help us all to remember that in our journey toward creating a healthy family, when we put first God's Kingdom in the living of our family lives, the rest will follow.