A Moment for Mission
“Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith. By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible.” Hebrews 11:1-3, CEB
Faith is not wishful thinking. According to Hebrews 11, it’s the “reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.” That’s a powerful reminder in a world where so much of our attention is drawn to what’s visible—results, headlines, numbers, recognition. But the Christian life invites us to trust that God is moving behind the scenes, often in ways we’ll never fully see.
This scripture opens a long list of the faithful—men and women who trusted God and acted, even without knowing how things would turn out. They believed in promises they couldn’t yet touch. They obeyed a voice others couldn’t hear. And they lived as part of a story bigger than themselves.
That same kind of faith shapes how we live today, not just as individuals but as a global church. And one small but mighty way we live this out in The United Methodist Church is through something called the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, or ICF.
Though it may not be well known, this fund allows us to join hands with Christians from other denominations and countries—working together through groups like the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, and other global partnerships. Together, we speak out for peace, advocate for justice, respond to global needs, and represent the body of Christ in places where one voice alone wouldn’t be enough.
The ICF doesn’t grab headlines. It doesn’t fund flashy programs. But it plants seeds of unity, understanding, and shared faith around the world. It reminds us that we’re not the only ones trying to follow Jesus—and that by working with others, we can do more than we ever could alone.
This is faith at work. Faith that the Spirit moves through dialogue. Faith that shared presence makes a difference. Faith that even when we don’t see the outcome, God is using our connection to heal, unite, and witness to Christ’s love.
So, the next time you give to your church—or hear the word “apportionment”—remember this: you are participating in a faith that is global. A faith that reaches beyond what you can see. A faith that trusts God is using your gift in ways you may never witness, but that still matter deeply. A faith that unites us in making a difference across the world.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life is God calling you to trust more deeply—even when you can’t yet see the results?
Children’s Message
Title: Trusting What We Can’t See
Materials: A portable fan or even a large fan that can be plugged in to experience the wind
Good morning, friends!
Have you ever seen the wind? (Pause.)
I brought something today that blows wind—a fan! Let’s see if we can see the wind it makes. (Plug in the fan and let it blow on the children or use a portable fan to blow gently on their faces.)
Can you see the wind? (Let them answer.)
No? Then how do you know the wind is there? (Pause again and guide them to say, “We can feel it!”)
That’s just like what the Bible says about faith.
Faith means believing in something even when we can’t see it—like trusting that God loves us, or that God is helping people, even when we don’t see exactly how.
It’s kind of like the fan. You felt the wind when it blew on you, right? But you couldn’t see the wind. You just knew it was there.
Sometimes, the work we do in our church is like that too. We help people in ways we may not see—like when adults in our church talk, pray, and work with churches all around the world. We might not see it happening, but people feel the love and kindness we send. And we believe it makes a big difference!
That’s faith—believing that God is working, even when we can’t see everything God is doing. So, next time you feel the wind or do something kind, remember: even if you don’t see what happens, God is always working!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping us believe and trust you, even when we can’t see everything you’re doing. Help us share your love with the whole world. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God of all people and places,
Thank you for calling us into a faith that looks beyond what we can see. Through our connection in the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, we join hands with other Christians around the world to speak peace, stand for justice, and share your love. Bless these gifts so that they may build unity where there is division and hope where there is doubt. Let our giving reflect the faith we hold—a faith that trusts you are at work, even across borders and beyond our view.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Faithful and Gracious God, you have called us to be a people of hope, to trust in what we cannot see. As we bring these gifts before you, we offer not only our resources but also our faith -- faith that you are at work in our giving, building a future of justice, mercy, and love. Bless these offerings, that they may be signs of our longing for your kingdom and our trust in your promises. May our generosity inspire others to live with courage and conviction, seeking that better country you have prepared for us. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith. By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible.” Hebrews 11:1-3, CEB
Faith is believing in things we can’t always see—trusting that God is at work in ways beyond our sight. Hebrews 11 reminds us that this kind of faith has always shaped God’s people. It’s also the faith we live out together through connectional giving in The United Methodist Church.
One way we express this shared faith is through the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund. This apportionment supports our global Christian witness by helping United Methodists be present in ecumenical and interfaith conversations around the world. It’s how we stand together—across traditions, languages, and denominations—to act in faith and make a global difference.
We may not see the full impact of this ministry, but we trust that God works through our connection to build bridges, seek peace, and witness to Christ’s love.
Join us in worship this Sunday as we celebrate our shared faith and explore how we give beyond what we see.