A Moment for Mission
So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. — Galatians 6:10 NRSV
Education has always been a priority for The United Methodist Church, going back as far as John Wesley himself. Not only with the Christian education of children in the home and within the church setting, Wesley recognized the value of traditional education as well. Wesley's passion for education did not stop with children. Under his leadership, adults met in small groups to study scripture and spur one another on toward living out their faith together. It was in this same spirit that Methodist schools were eventually established. When we give to the World Service Fund with our apportionments, some of those gifts go toward the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which carries on this tradition of supporting and promoting quality education.
Access to education and higher education was always a priority for Wesley. Early on, he was able to recognize the power of education to equip followers to influence and transform the world for Christ. Through our generous giving, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry can play a vital role in supporting 119 United Methodist related schools — 13 of those schools of theology. These United Methodist schools are committed to providing quality education, nurturing faith communities and preparing students for living as servants that carry out their calling as the priesthood of all believers.
Offertory Prayer
O God, we pray that you open our hearts to hear your voice calling each of us to do your work in the world. Grant us a generous spirit that we may give to equip our brothers and sisters that you have called to serve us in your church. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Seventh Sunday After Pentecost - God our helper, we rely on your faithfulness. When we cry, you listen and answer. The light of your presence carries us from sadness into joy. Through the resurrection of Christ, you turn our mourning into dancing! Thank you for the privilege of sharing in your healing of our broken world through the mission of this congregation. Use our monetary support to draw people into closer relationship with you. We pray in the Spirit of Jesus of Savior. Amen. (Psalm 30)
Newsletter Nugget
While some are concerned for the number of young adults disconnected from churches, The United Methodist Church is making a strong push toward creating a culture of call among youth and young adults. Alongside a growing trend of retiring clergy, we need young adults in the church, now more than ever.
This generation has shifted away from being consumers to becoming producers. This shift spans from the way young adults utilize social media to the growing number of young entrepreneurs. When we encourage our young adults to listen for God's voice, discern what they hear, and support them as they respond faithfully, we are empowering them to move beyond attending church; we are empowering them to be the church.
This is exactly what the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is striving toward. One way they are doing this is the annual Exploration conference for 18- to 26-year-olds experiencing a call to ministry. Our gifts to the World Service Fund are ensuring this important work of encouraging young people to respond faithfully to their calling and helping them to discern that call.