A Moment for Mission
“I was ready to respond to those who didn’t ask. I was ready to be found by those who didn’t look for me. I said, ‘I’m here, I’m here,’ to a nation that didn’t call on my name.”— Isaiah 65:1, CEB
God’s words in Isaiah 65 are filled with yearning—an image of a loving Creator calling out to a people who haven’t yet turned to listen. “I’m here,” God says. Not once, but twice. This repetition is not desperation, but divine persistence: God always moves toward us first.
This is also the spirit behind the work of United Methodist Communications (UMCom)—to make the presence of God and the witness of the Church known to a world that may not be listening yet. Through global news services, websites like UMC.org, social media, public relations, and marketing, UMCom becomes the voice crying out in today’s wilderness of digital noise: “God is here. The Church is here.”
Whether it’s sharing a story of mission work across the globe or creating accessible online resources for seekers who stumble upon the Gospel in a search bar, UMCom acts as a bridge between the Church and the world. Like the prophet Isaiah, they communicate the relentless love of a God who reaches out before we even think to ask.
When we give to the World Service Fund, we support this vital ministry. We help sustain the presence of the Church in the public square, ensuring that hope, truth, and grace are not just whispered in sanctuaries, but broadcast to the world.
Isaiah 65 reminds us that God’s message is for all people. UMCom’s ministry is one of modern-day prophetic witness—telling stories of God at work, sharing that message to the curious, the hurting, the hopeful, and even the skeptical. Through their work, the Church doesn’t just wait to be found—it goes out, boldly saying, “We’re here. God is here.”
Children’s Message
Title: God Says, ‘I’m Here!
Materials: A walkie-talkie or a phone
Good morning, friends! Have you ever tried to talk to someone on a walkie-talkie or a phone and they didn’t answer right away? What did you say?” (Possible answers: Hello? Are you there? Can you hear me?)
That’s kind of what God is doing in today’s Bible verse. God says, “I’m here! I’m here!” Even when people weren’t calling Him, God still wanted them to know He was close. Isn’t that amazing?
Today, we also say “God is here!” in many different ways—through music, stories, and even computers! There’s a group in our church called United Methodist Communications (UMCom) that helps people all over the world hear about God. They share good news on the internet, on the radio, and through videos—kind of like sending out a big message: “God loves you!”
So, when we give our offering, we’re helping send that message too! Every time we pray, sing, or smile kindly, we help others hear God say, “I’m here.”
So, here’s my question: Who can you share the message that God loves you this week? Maybe a friend, a family member, or someone who needs to hasn’t heard the message that God is Here for them? Let’s make sure we don’t keep this message to ourselves but pass it on!
Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, Thank You for always being near us, even when we forget to listen. Help us share Your message of love so everyone can know You’re here. Use our gifts and our voices to say, “God loves you!” Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, Thank You for always reaching out first—for calling to us when we’re not even looking. Help us join in that holy call, making Your love known through every means available. Bless the work of United Methodist Communications and all who tell the story of Your grace. May our giving to the World Service Fund be an offering of connection, clarity, and compassion, so that the world may hear You say, “I’m here.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries:
Gracious and transforming God, you clothe us in grace and love. Receive these gifts as signs of our desire to live into Christ’s vision of your beloved community. Baptized into your peace and justice, may we shed old divisions and embrace the unity you intend for all people. Use these offerings to build bridges, mend hearts, and proclaim that in Christ, all are one—equal, cherished, and free. May our giving reflect the boundless love you pour into us. We pray this in the name of the one who makes us whole. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
In Isaiah 65:1, God speaks with open arms: “I was ready to respond to those who didn’t ask… I said, ‘I’m here, I’m here.’” It’s a beautiful reminder that God reaches for us even when we aren’t reaching back—always ready to meet us with love.
United Methodist Communications (UMCom) carries that same spirit, helping the Church say to the world, “We’re here. God is here.” Through websites, news, social media, and storytelling, UMCom helps seekers, skeptics, and disciples alike discover the love of Christ—sometimes when they least expect it.
When we give to the World Service Fund, we’re not just supporting technology—we’re investing in connection, compassion, and a Church that speaks clearly and lovingly to the world.
Join us in worship this Sunday as we celebrate a God who always makes the first move—and a Church committed to echoing that message of grace far and wide.