A Moment for Mission
“So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.”— Colossians 2:6-7, CEB
Colossians 2:6–7 encourages us to continue in Christ, “rooted and built up in him,” overflowing with gratitude. It’s a beautiful image of faith—not as a quick fix, but as something planted deeply, nurtured over time, and grown through connection.
That kind of faith doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s formed through people, stories, and experiences that shape who we are as disciples. That’s why memory matters in the life of the Church—not just our personal memories, but our collective memory, too.
The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) helps The United Methodist Church live out this truth. While the name might sound like a department full of dusty books and boxes (and yes, there are some old books!), GCAH is actually one of the most vital ways our Church stays grounded. It serves as the official historical keeper of our denomination’s journey—storing the records of general agencies, bishops, and major connectional offices.
But the Commission’s work is not just about preservation—it’s about purpose. Through GCAH, United Methodists learn how our past speaks into the present. Whether it’s tracing the roots of a rural congregation, recovering the voice of a missionary, or rediscovering the impact of a justice movement within Methodism, GCAH connects our current ministries to a much larger story.
Why does this matter?
Because in a world that’s constantly changing, we need deep roots. Our story helps us remember who we are and who we’re called to be. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness—and of the faithfulness of those who came before us. When we face uncertainty or disagreement, history gives us perspective. When we feel disconnected, it reminds us that we are part of something bigger—something connectional and global.
Through connectional giving, every United Methodist helps support GCAH and ministries like it. That means every gift you give contributes not just to today’s work, but to the remembering, learning, and storytelling that will shape the Church for generations.
Reflection Question:
What stories from your faith journey—or from someone else’s—have helped you grow stronger in your walk with Christ?
Children’s Message
Title: Planted Like a Tree
Materials: A seed, a plant or a picture of a tree
Good morning, friends! n the Bible, it says that when we follow Jesus, it’s kind of like being a tree with big, strong roots. The more we learn about Jesus, the stronger we grow—just like a tree that gets taller and healthier!
Have you ever planted a seed before? What happens when we give it water and sunshine? (Let children respond)
Yes—it grows! But not right away. It takes time. That’s just like when we learn about Jesus—we grow little by little.
Now here’s something really neat: There are people in our Church who help us remember stories about how other people followed Jesus a long time ago. They work in a special place where they keep old pictures, letters, and books—kind of like a big memory box for the Church! This special place is called General Commission on Archives and History. That’s a really big name, isn’t it? It just means there are people who help take care of the Church’s stories, so we don’t forget them.
These stories help us remember how people showed Jesus’ love—way before we were even born! And when we hear those stories and follow Jesus too, it’s like we’re all part of the same big tree—growing together in God’s love.
Can you think of someone—maybe a parent, a teacher, or a friend—who helps you learn about Jesus? (Let children respond)
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for helping us grow in your love. Thank you for the people who tell us stories about Jesus. Help us be part of your big tree and share your love with others. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Faithful God,
As we give today, we remember the saints and stories that brought us here. Root us deeply in Christ, and help us grow in gratitude and generosity. May these gifts support ministries like the General Commission on Archives and History, which preserve the wisdom of our past to guide the mission of our future. Use our giving to help your Church stay grounded, growing, and faithful—for generations still to come. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries:
Living and redeeming God, in Christ, you have made us fully alive, setting us free from all that would hold us captive. As we bring these gifts, we do so in gratitude, abounding in thanksgiving for your grace. May these offerings be signs of our rootedness in you, bearing fruit for your kingdom. Let them be used to bring hope, healing, and new life to those in need. Keep us steadfast in Christ, walking in faith and filled with the joy of your transforming love. In the name of the one who makes us whole, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us to live in Christ—rooted, built up, and overflowing with gratitude. As United Methodists, we are part of a larger story, shaped by those who walked in faith before us.
The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) helps preserve that story. From handwritten journals and old photographs to early Methodist preaching circuits, GCAH keeps our Church’s memory alive—so we can grow forward with wisdom and purpose.
Join us in worship this Sunday as we celebrate the God who holds our past and guides our future.
This week, take a moment to reflect: Who helped shape your faith? And how is your story becoming part of God’s ongoing work in the world?