MISSION MOMENT
“So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but it isn’t an obligation to ourselves to live our lives on the basis of selfishness. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him. I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.”—Romans 8:12-25 (CEB)
In Romans 8:12–25 (CEB), Paul reminds us that we are not alone, and we are not without direction: “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.” We are claimed, guided, and held together as God’s family—called not just to believe, but to live in a way that reflects that belonging.
Paul speaks of creation itself groaning, waiting, hoping for what is not yet fully seen. It is a powerful image of a world longing for order, for justice, and for things to be made right. And in that waiting, we are not passive, we are led by the Spirit, living as people shaped by hope and responsibility.
In The United Methodist Church, our shared life is shaped by a covenant to live faithfully, orderly, and justly together. We are not a collection of independent churches, but one connected body seeking to reflect Christ in how we lead, decide, and serve.
That commitment is lived out through the work of the Judicial Council, supported by the General Administration Fund. The Judicial Council interprets church law, ensures constitutional integrity, and helps resolve matters that affect the whole Church. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it is essential—providing clarity, accountability, and a steady foundation for our shared ministry.
Through connectional giving, we sustain this work together, strengthening the Church’s ability to move forward with faithfulness, fairness, and purpose.
On July 25, International Day for Judicial Well-being reminds us that those entrusted with discernment and judgment need wisdom, care, and support. In the life of the Church, the Judicial Council reflects that same need—seeking to interpret, guide, and hold the Church accountable in love.
Every gift tells a story. And every story can begin with the impact we make through our giving. Some stories are visible in hands-on mission. Others are found in the quiet, steady work of discernment and structure—ensuring that the Church remains rooted in its calling and connected in its mission.
Paul reminds us that we wait in hope—not for what we already see, but for what is still unfolding. Through our shared covenant, and through the ways we support one another, we participate in that unfolding story.
We are God’s children. We are led by the Spirit. And together, we are shaping a Church that reflects God’s justice, order, and love.
Reflection Question:
How might your giving help strengthen the unseen but essential work that keeps the Church faithful, connected, and grounded in hope?
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Title: Playing Fair Together
Materials: A simple game item (like a ball or small toy) and a whistle
Good morning, friends! I’m so glad to see you today! I brought something fun today! (Hold up ball or toy.) What could we do with this? Maybe play a game?
Now, when we play a game, do we just make up rules as we go? (Pause) Sometimes we might try—but what happens if everyone makes different rules?
It gets confusing, right? People might argue, and the game wouldn’t feel fair. So, what do we need? (Pause for answers and lead them towards the word rules) We need rules—and someone to help make sure everyone is playing fair.
In the Bible, Paul tells us that we are part of God’s family. That means we belong to God, and we belong to each other. And God’s Spirit helps guide us so we can live in loving and fair ways.
In our church, we are part of a big family too—The United Methodist Church. And because we are such a big family, we have people who help make sure we are being fair, loving, and doing the right things together.
That group is called the Judicial Council. They help the church understand the rules, make good decisions, and make sure we are treating each other the right way.
Now, how do we help with that? We give. When we give, we help support the people who are helping the whole church stay fair, kind, and strong together. It might not seem like a big thing—but it is! Because when things are fair and clear, everyone can work together better.
And when we work together, we can share God’s love in bigger ways.
Every gift helps us share our story. Your gift helps the church be a place where people are cared for, and where things are done in the right way. And that helps everyone.
So remember: God’s Spirit helps guide us, and we help each other live and work together in love.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for making us part of your family. Help us to be kind, fair, and loving. Thank you for people who help guide your church. Help us to share and care for others. We love you. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of hope, you call us your children and lead us by your Spirit. As we give today, we remember that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Through our connectional giving, we support the work of the Judicial Council through the General Administration Fund, helping The United Methodist Church remain faithful, just, and connected. Join our gifts with others across the Church, strengthening the ministries that guide and sustain our shared life. May every gift tell a story of your love, order, and hope at work among us. In Christ’s name, Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER from Discipleship Ministries
Compassionate Creator, you formed us from the dust of the earth and breathed into us life and purpose. In these gifts we return, we offer more than resources; we offer our hope. Let these gifts, given in trust, be signs of our partnership in the renewal of all creation. Awaken in us a holy longing, as deep as the groaning of the earth itself, for justice, healing, and new life. May our giving participate in your redemption, until the world rejoices in freedom and glory as your children. We offer this with joy, in the name of Christ our Redeemer. Amen
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
Romans 8:12–25 (CEB) reminds us that we are God’s children, led by the Spirit, and called to live together in hope. In The United Methodist Church, that shared life is supported through connectional giving. The Judicial Council, funded through the General Administration Fund, helps interpret church law, ensure fairness, and keep the Church grounded in its mission. Though often unseen, this work strengthens our shared covenant.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we reflect on how our giving supports the life and unity of the Church.