MISSION MOMENT
Begin today's reflection by reading the Scripture passage using the link below Philippians 3:4b-14 (CEB)
In Philippians 3:4b-14, Paul looks honestly at his life. He had plenty of reasons to feel proud of what he had accomplished, but he came to understand that none of those things compared with knowing Christ. Instead of holding tightly to what was behind him, Paul says he is reaching toward what lies ahead, pursuing the call of Christ.
That is a fitting word for World Communion Sunday.
On this Special Sunday, United Methodists join Christians around the world at the table of Holy Communion. We may speak different languages, worship in different ways, and come from different cultures and backgrounds, but the bread and cup remind us that we are one in Christ.
World Communion Sunday also reminds us that being one in Christ means more than gathering at the same table. It means learning to walk together.
The United Methodist Church is a connectional church. That means congregations are connected to one another so that no congregation has to carry the work of ministry alone. Through our connectional giving system, we share what we have so that ministries serving the whole Church can reach places and people a single congregation might never reach on its own.
World Communion Sunday gives us a tangible example. The offering helps provide scholarships and leadership training for students from underrepresented communities, helping remove barriers to education and prepare people to serve the Church. One recipient, Garikai Malunga, used his education in clinical biochemistry to serve at a United Methodist hospital in Zimbabwe, providing specialized laboratory services the hospital could not otherwise afford. A gift given through a United Methodist congregation helped become part of a ministry that reached far beyond that congregation.
That is the beauty of connection. One church gives. Another person receives an opportunity. A student gains an education. A leader is equipped. A community is served. And the story keeps moving forward.
Paul reminds us that following Christ is not about resting on what we have already accomplished. It is about pursuing Christ’s call and reaching toward what lies ahead.
Every gift tells a story, and every story can begin with the impact we make when we give. On World Communion Sunday, our gifts become one way we say, “We belong to one another, and we will walk this road together.”
Reflection Question:
Where might Christ be inviting you to reach beyond what you can do alone and become part of what God is doing through the connection of The United Methodist Church?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: One Table, One Family
Materials: A small piece of bread or a cracker, a cup and several pictures of people who look different from one another
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today! I brought something with me today. What do you think it is? (Hold up the bread and cup and pause for answers.) That's right, it's bread and a cup! What do these remind you of? (Pause.)
Yes, they remind us of Communion. Communion is a special time at church when we remember how much Jesus loves us.
A long time ago, Jesus shared a meal with His friends. During that meal, He used bread and a cup to help them remember Him. The bread and the cup are symbols.
Do you know what a symbol is? If I show you a picture of a heart, you know it means love, right? The heart is a symbol of love. In the same way, the bread and cup in Communion are symbols that help us remember Jesus and His love for us.
Jesus gave His friends bread and said, "When you eat this bread, remember me." Then He shared a cup and said, "When you drink from this cup, remember how much I love you and that I am always with you."
Sometimes during Communion you hear the pastor say, "This table doesn't belong to us." What do you think that means? It doesn't mean someone else owns the table. It means that everyone is welcome at Jesus' table.
Jesus wants everyone to know they are loved. People with different eye colors, different skin colors, people who speak different languages, people who are young or old, happy or sad, all are welcomed by Jesus.
Communion reminds us that we all belong to God's family. This table brings us together, and Jesus is the one who brings us together.
Today we are also celebrating something special called World Communion Sunday. Did you know that Christians all around the world are sharing Communion today, just like we are?
People in different countries may look different, speak different languages, sing different songs, and worship in different ways. But today we all remember the same Jesus and the same love He has for us. Isn't that amazing?
Today, as we share Communion, we remember that we are part of one big family in Christ. And it makes Jesus happy when we love, welcome, and care for one another.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us. Thank You for welcoming everyone to Your table. Help us remember that we are all part of Your family. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for calling us to know Christ and to reach toward the life you place before us. On this World Communion Sunday, remind us that we are one in Christ, connected across backgrounds, languages, and cultures. Bless these gifts as they join with gifts from United Methodists everywhere to provide scholarships, develop leaders, and strengthen ministry. Help us see our giving not simply as an offering, but as a covenant to walk together so that no congregation carries ministry alone. Use our gifts to expand our reach and deepen our impact in Christ’s name. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Faithful Shepherd, you call us beyond our resumes and our trophies, beyond what we have been toward who we are becoming in Christ. As we lay these gifts before you, free us from clinging to what we think gives us worth. Turn our eyes toward the future you are unfolding. Let our giving press us deeper into mercy, widen the circle of belonging, and shape us into people who embody your justice and grace. Keep us moving; keep us growing; keep us following. We press on toward your kingdom, trusting you to lead. Amen.
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
Philippians 3:4b-14 reminds us that following Christ means reaching toward what lies ahead. On World Communion Sunday, we remember that we do not walk alone. United Methodists join Christians around the world at the Communion table, celebrating that we are one in Christ across backgrounds, languages, and cultures. Our Special Sunday offering extends that connection by supporting scholarships and leadership training for students from underrepresented communities. Together, our gifts help equip people to serve Christ and strengthen the Church.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate our unity in Christ and consider how our giving can help us walk together in ministry.