A Moment for Mission
“Peter said, “I really am learning that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another. Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him. This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!” — Acts 10:34–36, CEB
In this scripture, Peter speaks a truth that reshapes how the early church understands God’s work in the world: “God shows no favoritism… God sent the message to the Israelites, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all.” This moment makes clear that God’s grace is not limited by culture, language, or background. The good news of Jesus Christ is meant for all people.
This scripture helps us understand the heart of The United Methodist Church and the purpose of the Korean Ministry Plan. The UMC is not a collection of independent congregations; it is a connected church. We are bound together by a covenant to share resources, leadership, and mission so that the gospel can be lived and proclaimed in diverse communities. The Korean Ministry Plan is one way the church honors that covenant—supporting Korean and Korean American congregations, leaders, and ministries so they can thrive and faithfully share Christ’s peace.
For those who may be newer to how The UMC works, this connection means that churches support one another beyond their own walls. Through connectional giving, ministries like the Korean Ministry Plan are funded collectively, allowing leadership development, cultural ministries, and faith formation to grow across generations. Every gift tells a story—a story of welcome, belonging, and shared mission. And every story begins with people choosing to participate in God’s work together.
This shared commitment is especially meaningful as we recognize Korean American Day on January 13, a time to honor the contributions, faith, and resilience of Korean Americans. Korean United Methodists have long enriched the church through worship, discipleship, and service. The Korean Ministry Plan ensures that this witness continues, rooted in Christ and strengthened through connection.
Acts reminds us that the message God sends is one of peace through Jesus Christ. When we give together, we help carry that message into communities where language, culture, and faith meet. Connectional giving is not simply financial—it is a sign of trust that God is at work through us, together, for the sake of the world.
Reflection Question:
How might God be inviting you to participate in sharing Christ’s peace through our connection and support of Korean ministry?
Children’s Message
Title: God Loves Everyone
Materials: A small world map or globe, paper hearts and a basket
Good morning, friends! I’m so happy to see you today. I brought something special with me. (Hold up the globe or map.) Does anyone know what this is? Yes—it’s our world!
Our world has lots of people in it. Some people look different from us. Some people talk in different ways. Some people eat different foods. But the Bible tells us something very important—God loves everyone.
In our Bible story today, Peter says that God does not pick favorites. That means God loves you, and God loves me, and God loves children and grown-ups all over the world. God sends peace to everyone through Jesus.
In The United Methodist Church, churches don’t work alone. We work together. Some churches help Korean families and children learn about Jesus. Some churches worship in different languages. All of them are part of God’s big family.
When we share what we have—our kindness, our prayers, or even our money—God uses it to help many people. Today we use our money together to support the Korean Ministry Plan. It will help churches take care of each other and share God’s love no matter who they are or where they are from.
(Place different-colored hearts in the basket.) Every heart matters. Every gift matters. When we put them together, God uses them to tell a story of love. This week I want you to think about how you can show love to someone.
Prayer: Dear God,
Thank you for loving everyone. Thank you for Jesus and for our church. Help us share and help others together. We love you. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of all people,
In Acts you remind us that you show no favoritism and that peace comes through Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Bless the gifts we offer today. Use our connectional giving through The United Methodist Church to strengthen the Korean Ministry Plan and ministries of welcome, leadership, and faith. May every gift tell a story of love, belonging, and shared mission. Help us trust that when we give together, you create greater impact—sharing Christ’s peace with the world. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Faithful and Calling God, continue to draw us into community, into covenant, and into new life through waters of grace and acts of justice. Just as Jesus stepped into the river to stand with us and for us, we bring these gifts today to stand with others—to serve, to uplift, and to proclaim your kingdom. Use these offerings to fulfill your righteousness among us. Help us, your baptized people, to be instruments of healing, hope, and holy change in a world longing for good news. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
In Acts 10:34–36 (CEB), we are reminded that God shows no favoritism and brings peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. The Korean Ministry Plan reflects this truth by supporting Korean and Korean American ministries across The United Methodist Church through our shared connection. Through connectional giving, every gift tells a story—of faith nurtured, leaders equipped, and communities strengthened. As we near Korean American Day on January 13, we celebrate the rich witness of Korean United Methodists and the impact we make together.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we give thanks for God’s inclusive love and our shared ministry