MISSION MOMENT
“…I’m no longer in the world, but they are in the world, even as I’m coming to you. Holy Father, watch over them in your name, the name you gave me, that they will be one just as we are one.”— John 17:1-11 (CEB)
In John 17:1–11, Jesus pauses to pray before continuing the journey toward the cross. In this moment, often called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus lifts his disciples before God. He speaks of the work he has completed, the people who have come to believe, and the mission that will continue through them. One line stands out clearly: “Holy Father, watch over them in your name, the name you gave me, that they will be one just as we are one.” (John 17:11).
Jesus prays for unity among his followers. He knows that the work ahead will require them to walk together in faith, trust, and love. The mission of sharing God’s grace would not belong to one person alone. It would be carried forward by a community.
That prayer continues to shape the life of The United Methodist Church today. At the heart of the church is a covenant to walk together so that no congregation carries ministry alone. Through shared leadership, prayer, and connectional giving, congregations strengthen one another and support ministries that extend beyond any single community.
One example of this shared ministry is the Asian American Ministry Plan. This ministry supports Asian American congregations and leaders within The United Methodist Church, encouraging leadership development, strengthening ministries, and helping communities of faith flourish. Through this work, the church lives out Christ’s prayer by ensuring Asian American communities are supported, encouraged, and connected within the life of the church.
During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the church celebrates the gifts, cultures, and leadership of Asian and Pacific Islander members. Their stories, traditions, and faith deepen the witness of the church and reflect the many ways God’s grace is lived out across the connection.
Many people may not know how The United Methodist Church functions, but its strength comes from this shared covenant. Congregations join together so that ministries can grow, leaders can be nurtured, and communities can be strengthened in faith.
When we give through ministries like the Asian American Ministry Plan, our gifts are joined with those from others across the connection. Together, these gifts help support congregations, encourage leadership, and create opportunities for ministry to flourish.
Every gift tells a story. Sometimes that story begins with a congregation choosing to participate in connectional giving. Sometimes it begins with a leader who receives encouragement or a ministry that grows because the church chose to walk together in faith.
In John 17, Jesus prays that his followers will remain united in God’s love. When the church nurtures communities, celebrates diverse gifts, and strengthens ministries together, it lives into that prayer.
Reflection Question:
How might your prayers, encouragement, and generosity help strengthen the unity Christ prayed for within the church?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: Many Colors, One Picture
Materials: A full box of crayons
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today.
I brought something with me that I think many of you have used before. (Hold up the crayon box.) Does anyone know what these are? That’s right—crayons!
Let’s open the box and look at them. Wow! There are so many different colors. Can you name some of the colors you see? (Let them answer.)
Now let me ask you something. What if we only had one crayon in the box? Would our pictures be very colorful? (Pause.) Probably not! One crayon could draw something, but when we use many colors together, our pictures become bright and beautiful.
Our Bible story today tells us about a time when Jesus prayed for his friends. Jesus asked God to take care of them and help them stay together in love. Jesus knew that when people work together, they can share God’s love in wonderful ways.
The church is a little like this box of crayons. People in the church come from many different places and cultures. Everyone is different, just like the colors in this box.
In The United Methodist Church, there is a ministry called the Asian American Ministry Plan. This ministry helps support Asian American churches and leaders so they can share God’s love in their communities.
This month is also Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, when we celebrate the many gifts, cultures, and traditions that Asian and Pacific Islander people bring to the church.
When we all work together—just like the crayons in this box—we can create something beautiful and share God’s love with the world.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the many people in your church family. Thank you for the different gifts and cultures that make the church beautiful. Help us love one another and share your love with others. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Loving God, in John 17 Jesus prays that his followers may be one, united in your love. As we offer our gifts today, remind us that the church is strengthened when we walk together in faith. Through the Asian American Ministry Plan, our connectional giving supports ministries, leadership, and communities within The United Methodist Church. Bless these offerings so they may nurture congregations, encourage leaders, and strengthen the witness of Asian American ministries. May our generosity reflect Christ’s prayer for unity and help the church continue its shared mission. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Unifying God of Grace, you have entrusted us with the joy of community and the calling of witness. As Jesus prayed that we might be one, we bring these gifts as a sign of our shared commitment to your mission in the world. Let our giving reflect our love, our unity declare your glory, and our generosity embody Christ’s presence among us. Use these offerings to strengthen the church, to bless our neighbors, and to glorify your name. In Christ, we belong to you. In Christ, you are glorified in us. Amen.
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
In John 17:1–11, Jesus prays that his followers will remain united in God’s love. This prayer continues to guide the shared ministry of The United Methodist Church today. The Asian American Ministry Plan supports Asian American congregations and leaders, helping ministries grow and communities flourish across the church. During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the gifts, cultures, and leadership of Asian and Pacific Islander members whose faith enriches the life of the church.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and support ministries that strengthen the church’s shared witness.