A Moment for Mission
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary… ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary,’ the angel said. ‘God has found favor with you… You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus… nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:26–38, CEB
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, she was given a calling she did not seek and could not fully understand. She asked honest questions, listened carefully, and ultimately trusted God’s promise. Her response— “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said”—became the beginning of a story that changed the world. God worked through Mary’s willingness to say “yes,” even before she knew how the story would unfold.
This moment in Scripture helps us understand how God continues to work through The United Methodist Church today. One way the Church lives out this calling is through Discipleship Ministries, one of the general agencies of The United Methodist Church. General agencies serve the whole Church by carrying out specific areas of ministry on behalf of all United Methodists. Discipleship Ministries focuses on helping people grow in faith, learn how to follow Jesus, and serve God in their daily lives.
Discipleship Ministries is supported through The World Service Fund, one of the seven apportionment funds. Through this shared covenant of giving, churches of all sizes participate in the work of Discipleship Ministries to help equip leaders, develop worship resources, nurture spiritual formation, and support ministries that help people say “yes” to God’s call—just as Mary did. Many people may never see this work directly, but it shapes worship, discipleship, and ministry in local churches every day.
As we prepare for Palm Sunday, we are reminded that God’s story unfolds through ordinary people who step forward in faith. The crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem did so together, each person adding their voice to the larger story of God’s redeeming work. In the same way, the connectional ministry of The United Methodist Church allows each congregation and each member to participate in something far greater than they could accomplish on their own.
Every gift given through The World Service Fund tells a story. Every story begins with the impact we choose to make through our giving. When we support Discipleship Ministries, we help nurture faith, prepare leaders, and create pathways for people to encounter Christ. Our generosity, joined with others across the Church, helps ensure that individuals and communities are equipped to respond when God calls.
Mary’s story reminds us that God invites each of us into God’s work. Through Discipleship Ministries and the shared support of The World Service Fund, The United Methodist Church continues to say “yes,” trusting God to use our faithfulness to bring hope and new life into the world.
Reflection Question:
Where might God be inviting you to say “yes” this week, even before you know how the story will unfold?
Children’s Message
Title: Saying Yes to God’s Plan
Materials: a palm branch
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad you are here today. Let me ask you a question. Have you ever done something for the very first time that felt a little scary? Maybe you jumped into the deep end of the pool, or rode your bike without training wheels.
I bet someone was there to say, “Don’t be afraid.” And you did it anyway, didn’t you?
In our Bible story today, we hear about a young woman named Mary—the mother of Jesus. God had a very special plan for her, and God sent an angel named Gabriel to talk to her. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God has chosen you to be part of something very important.” Mary could have said, “No way!” or “I’m too scared!” But instead, Mary said, “Yes, I will trust God.”
That’s what it means to say “yes” to God. Just like learning to ride a bike or jumping into the pool, saying “yes” can feel a little scary—but it can also be exciting. When we say “yes,” we learn, grow, and discover that God is with us.
Today we waved palm branches to celebrate Palm Sunday. (Wave the palm branch one of the kids used to enter worship) Was it scary to wave them in front of all these people? Maybe just a little—but it was easier because we did it together with our friends. Saying “yes” is often easier when we help each other.
Our church helps people say “yes” to God too. One way we do that is through a ministry called Discipleship Ministries. It is a place that writes things like books and prayers to help people learn about Jesus, grow in faith, and share God’s love. Our church supports this work through something called The World Service Fund. When we pray, give, and help, we are saying “yes” to God—and helping others say “yes” too. So, remember, when God asks you to help, share, or love, you can say “yes,” because God is always with you.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for Mary, who said “yes” to your plan. Thank you for helping us say “yes” too, by learning about you, helping others, and sharing your love. Bless our church and Discipleship Ministries so we can help more people follow you. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, You call us to say “yes” and follow you. Through The World Service Fund, we support Discipleship Ministries, equipping people to grow in faith, serve others, and share your love. May our prayers, gifts, and care join with others across The United Methodist Church to strengthen leaders, nurture disciples, and help communities respond to your call. Every gift tells a story, and every story begins with the impact we make together. Use our giving to shine your light, deepen faith, and make your love visible in the world. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Humble Savior, you ride into our lives not with force, but with invitation—calling us to follow, to risk, and to trust. As we bring these gifts, we confess we don’t always understand where the road leads. But like those who laid down cloaks and waved palms, we offer what we have with hope in our hearts and praise on our lips. Use these offerings to proclaim your kingdom—where love confronts fear, and peace dares to speak in the shadow of power. Save us, Lord. Use us. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Mary said “yes” to God’s plan, and her faith brought hope to the world. This Palm Sunday, we celebrate how Discipleship Ministries, supported through The World Service Fund, equips people across The United Methodist Church to say “yes” to God too. By providing resources, training, and guidance, Discipleship Ministries helps children, families, and leaders grow in faith, serve others, and share Christ’s love. Every gift, prayer, and act of support joins with others across the connection, creating stories of impact that transform lives.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate Palm Sunday and the ministry of Discipleship Ministries.