MISSION MOMENT
“Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive me are receiving the one who sent me. Those who receive a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Those who receive a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. I assure you that everybody who gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones because they are my disciples will certainly be rewarded.”— Matthew 10:40–42 (CEB)
In Matthew 10:40–42 (CEB), Jesus says, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” He continues by reminding his followers that even offering a cup of cold water in his name matters. These words show us that small acts of care are never small in God’s kingdom. Every act of welcome, every moment of compassion, becomes part of something greater.
This is the heart of ministry in The United Methodist Church. Through the General Commission on United Methodist Men (UMMen), supported by the World Service Fund, the Church extends that welcome in tangible ways. UMMen leads scouting ministries like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire, creating spaces where young people are nurtured, guided, and encouraged. They also support programs for at-risk youth, and advocate for men working to prevent domestic violence—offering care, accountability, and hope.
These ministries may feel far removed from our daily lives, yet they are deeply connected to us. In The United Methodist Church, we are part of a connection—a covenant to walk together in faith. When we give through our apportionments, our gifts join with others across the connection, strengthening ministries that serve people we may never meet, but whom God deeply loves.
Jesus reminds us that welcoming others is the same as welcoming him. Through UMMen, that welcome is lived out in mentoring relationships, safe spaces, and acts of healing. Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving. What may seem like a simple act becomes part of a much larger witness of love and grace.
For many, understanding how The United Methodist Church works can feel complex. But at its heart, it is simple: we give so that we can serve together. No congregation carries ministry alone. Together, through connectional giving, we ensure that the Church is present wherever there is need—offering welcome, support, and hope.
As we reflect on Jesus’ words, we are reminded that even the smallest act, given in love, matters. And when we act together, those small acts become a powerful expression of Christ’s love in the world.
Reflection Question:
How might your giving become a way of welcoming others into the love of Christ this week?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: A cup of kindness
Materials: A cup (empty or with a little water)
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today! Look what I have. (Hold up cup.) What is this? Yes—a cup!
What do we use a cup for? (Pause for answers.) That’s right! We use it to hold something we want to drink—like water, milk, or juice.
Now let me ask you—if someone is really thirsty, and you give them a cup of water, is that a big thing or a small thing? It might seem small, right? ut in our Bible story today, Jesus says something amazing. He says that even giving a cup of water matters. It matters to God! That means even the smallest kind things we do make God very happy.
So, in a way, we are like this cup. A cup helps in a simple but important way—it makes it easier for someone to drink. And we can help in simple but important ways, too.
When we are kind, when we share, when we help someone—we are making things better for others. And here’s something really special: we don’t do this alone. Our church works together to help people. There are people called United Methodist Men—UMMen—who help others in big and small ways.
There are people called United Methodist Men—UMMen—who help others in big and small ways.
They help kids learn and grow in groups like Scouts.
They help people who need support and care.
They help make sure people feel safe and loved.
It all starts with something simple—just like giving a cup of water.
And when we all give what we can—our kindness, our help, even our gifts—we become part of something bigger.
So when you share your snack…
When you help a friend…
When you are kind…
You are giving your own “cup of water.”
And that makes Jesus very happy.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for loving us. Help us be kind and caring to others. Show us how to share what we have. Thank you for people who help others every day. Help us be part of your love in the world. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, You call us to welcome others as we would welcome Christ himself. As we give today, we remember that even the smallest gift can become part of your greater work. Through our connectional giving, we support ministries like the General Commission on United Methodist Men, strengthening efforts that nurture youth, support those in need, and bring healing and hope. Receive these gifts as signs of our covenant to walk together in faith. Use them to extend your love beyond what we can do alone. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Faithful Provider, we bring our gifts with trembling hands and trusting hearts. Like Abraham on the mountain, we don’t always understand the path ahead, but we believe in your promise: that you will provide. We offer these gifts, not as bargains or sacrifices to earn your love, but as signs of our trust in you. Use them, we pray, to bless others—to meet needs, to heal hurts, to build hope. And as you provide for the world through us, keep us faithful to your calling, even when the way is unclear. May our giving be our “Here I am,” ready and willing to serve. In Christ’s name, Amen.
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
In Matthew 10:40–42 (CEB), Jesus reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness matters. Through the General Commission on United Methodist Men (UMMen), supported by the World Service Fund, The United Methodist Church lives out that call—nurturing youth through scouting, supporting at-risk communities, and advocating for healing and hope. Through our connectional giving, our gifts are joined together to strengthen ministries that serve beyond our walls. Every gift tells a story of welcome, care, and Christ’s love.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate how our shared giving makes a difference—together.