A Moment for Mission
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” — Psalm 1 NRSV
Psalm 1 paints a simple yet powerful picture of the life of faith: those who delight in God’s law are like “trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither” (v. 3). To be rooted in God’s Word is to be nourished, sustained, and fruitful. In contrast, those who ignore God’s way are like chaff—dry, unstable, and blown away by the wind.
At its heart, this psalm invites us to consider: where are we rooted? What shapes and sustains our lives?
For Christians, the answer begins with Scripture and the community of faith. We learn and grow when we read the Bible, pray, and share life together. None of us was meant to figure out the life of faith alone. This is why the Church has always lifted up the importance of teaching and learning together—helping each generation grow in the knowledge and love of God.
In The United Methodist Church, Christian Education Sunday is a moment set apart to give thanks for those who answer the call to teach. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, youth ministers, confirmation mentors, and countless others give their time and energy to help us delight in God’s Word. Like gardeners tending soil and water, they help nurture faith so that our lives may be fruitful.
But Christian Education Sunday is not only about local teachers. Through connectional giving, United Methodists everywhere support the training, resources, and ministries that equip leaders across the Church. When we give, we make possible curriculum for churches, leadership development for pastors and lay leaders, and global initiatives that share the gospel. In this way, every congregation is connected, ensuring that Christian education ministries are strong not only here, but also across the world.
Psalm 1’s image of a tree planted by water is especially fitting. A single tree is beautiful, but a grove of trees together makes a forest—a place of shade, life, and renewal. In the same way, the Church grows strong when we are connected together, learning from one another and rooting ourselves in Christ.
Christian education is not just about gaining knowledge. It is about being shaped into disciples who live with wisdom, justice, and compassion. Teachers don’t just hand down information—they help us discover how God is speaking into our lives today. Their ministry, supported by the whole church, ensures that faith is passed on, that questions are welcomed, and that lives are continually formed by God’s Word.
This week, as we reflect on Psalm 1, give thanks for the teachers and leaders who have helped you grow in faith. Think about the ways their ministry has shaped your life. Remember also that through your giving, you support the work of teaching and Christian education across the United Methodist connection. Together, we are rooted in Christ, growing in grace, and bearing fruit for the world.
Reflection Question: Who are the teachers of faith who have helped shape your life, and how might you pass on that gift to others?
Children’s Message
Title: Growing Strong in God’s Word
Materials: A small potted plant or tree branch
(Show the plant.)
Look at this plant! Do you know what helps it grow? (Let kids answer: water, sun, soil.)
Yes! Plants need water, sunlight, and soil. If I put this plant in a dark closet and never watered it, what would happen?
(Let them answer: it would die, shrivel, not grow.) That’s right—it would not grow strong. But if I keep it by the window, water it, and give it good soil, it will grow tall and healthy.
The Bible says something very important in Psalm 1. It says people who love God’s Word are like trees planted by streams of water. Have you ever seen a tree by a river? The tree grows strong and green because the roots can drink up all that water. That’s what happens when we read the Bible and learn about God—we get strong on the inside, in our hearts and in our faith.
Now, today is called Christian Education Sunday. That’s a big name, isn’t it? Do you know what it means? It means we are celebrating all the people who help us learn about God—like Sunday school teachers, pastors, youth leaders, and even family members who read the Bible with us. They are kind of like gardeners. Just like a gardener helps a plant grow by giving it water and sunlight, our teachers help us grow by telling us stories about Jesus, praying with us, and showing us how to live with love. Just like this plant, we can keep growing strong when we listen to God’s Word and learn from those who teach us.
Here’s the best part: one day, you can help someone else grow in faith too. Just like this plant might grow big enough to give shade or fruit, you can share God’s love with others—by being kind, helping, praying, and telling people about Jesus. So remember, when we listen to God’s Word and learn from our teachers, we are like trees planted by the water—growing strong, full of life, and ready to share God’s love with the world.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your Word that makes us strong. Thank you for our teachers who help us learn. Help us grow in your love every day. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, your Word is the stream of living water that nourishes our lives. On this Christian Education Sunday, we give thanks for those who teach, guide, and inspire us to grow in faith. Bless these gifts and our giving, that they may support Christian education ministries across The United Methodist Church. Through connectional giving, may your people be equipped to delight in your Word and bear fruit for your kingdom. Root us deeply in your love so that all we do brings glory to your name. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Tender and knowing God, you have searched us and known us—every thought, every fear, every hope that stirs within. You wove us together with care, claiming us before we could speak your name. Receive these gifts, offered not from perfection but from hearts seeking you. Use them to shape a world more reflective of your love and shape us, too, into a people more open, more generous, more faithful. May our giving become a response to your knowing and our generosity a reflection of your grace. In the name of the one who knows us still. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish..” Psalm 1 NRSV
Psalm 1 reminds us that those who delight in God’s Word are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season. On Christian Education Sunday, we celebrate the teachers, leaders, and mentors who help us grow in faith, rooted in God’s wisdom. Through connectional giving in The United Methodist Church, Christian education resources, leadership development, and ministries of learning are made possible across the globe. Their work strengthens discipleship in every congregation.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we honor those who nurture faith through teaching and celebrate God’s call to grow in grace together.