A MOMENT FOR MISSION
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." – 2 Corinthians 5:18, NRSV
Today United Methodists have an opportunity to turn our attention toward one cause. On One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday, we focus on carrying out Christ's work of reconciliation in the broken places in our world. Our special offering supports the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR works domestically and internationally on projects that offer humanitarian relief and disaster response in ways that sustain communities. This work includes sanitation, clean water, sustainable agriculture, global refugee and migration response and much more.
Autumn 2015 brought to light just how broken and dangerous it is for some families around the world when men, women, and children began pouring out of Syria by the thousands. They were escaping incredible violence from a four-year civil war. UMCOR has had an active role in providing relief for those fleeing for safety in Syria and many other places around the world.
It can be overwhelming to know how to respond – how to act as Christ's hands and feet in the wake of any sort of crisis, whether it is a natural disaster or a great humanitarian need due to violence and persecution. Through our gifts, we serve as partners with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, assist ongoing mission and ministry and become closer to living as reconciled people around the world.
Please give thanks and give generously today and every day.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God, be with those who walk alongside our brothers and sisters living in unsafe places, without access to clean water and on the long journey to rebuild their lives. Open our hearts to share with those in need. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Fourth Sunday in Lent - Forgiving God, we are grateful that you receive us as beloved children. Like the father in Jesus' parable of the lost son, you rejoice when we repent and return to you. Thank you for not holding our sins against us. Help us to welcome each person as someone you love. Use our offerings to support ministries that encourage people as they live into new life in Christ. We pray in his precious name. Amen. (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
This week we celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing. On this churchwide Special Sunday, United Methodists focus on the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR responds to natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the globe.
Recently UMCOR responded to the situation in Flint, Michigan, where residents – including thousands of children – have been exposed to lead in their drinking water since April 2014. UMCOR provided a grant to support local United Methodist churches and other agencies to address the problem. This community, somewhat reluctant to trust government agencies, has welcomed The United Methodist Church.
On One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday, we share the goodness of life with people who hurt. Our designated gifts to UMCOR through The Advance and special appeals go directly toward relief efforts. Our One Great Hour of Sharing offering pays administrative expenses for UMCOR and supports ministries of food, shelter, health and peace. When we assist UMCOR with our offering, we are part of the important work that happens in places like Flint, Michigan.