A Moment for Mission
“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.
This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”— John 13:31-35, CEB
In John 13, Jesus speaks these words to His disciples just after Judas leaves to betray Him. It’s a moment of deep significance—Jesus knows His time is short, yet He focuses not on Himself but on His followers, instructing them in the most fundamental command: love one another. This love isn’t just a warm feeling or occasional kindness; it’s the sacrificial, self-giving love Jesus demonstrated in washing their feet and, ultimately, in laying down His life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live out this love in practical ways, making it the defining mark of our discipleship. In our world today, one of the greatest opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love is by supporting and equipping the next generation—particularly students who are called to serve and lead in the church and community.
This month, we celebrate our scholars on United Methodist Student Day to recognize and support those who are striving for education and ministry. It’s more than just a special Sunday—it’s a response to Jesus’ command to love one another. By giving, praying, and encouraging students, we embody the love Jesus calls us to show. Scholarships and grants funded through this offering empower students to pursue God’s calling, whether in pastoral ministry, social justice work, education, or other fields of service.
Just as Jesus invested in His disciples, teaching and guiding them in love, we too are invited to invest in young disciples, equipping them to carry the Gospel into the world. When we give, we are not just supporting education; we are helping shape future leaders who will transform the world with Christ’s love.
How can you embody Christ’s love today? Maybe it’s through mentoring a young student, offering financial support for scholarships, or simply praying for those preparing for ministry and service. Whatever it looks like, let your actions reflect the love of Jesus, so that the world may know we are His disciples.
Children’s Message
Title: Sharing God's Love
Materials: Backpack or school supplies
Good morning! Have you ever packed your backpack for school and realized you forgot something important—like a pencil or your homework? (Let kids respond.) It’s tough to do your best when you don’t have the right supplies, isn’t it?
Did you know that just like you need school supplies to learn, some students need help to go to school and follow God’s calling? Today, our church is celebrating United Methodist Student Day, which is a time when we help students who want to serve God by learning and growing.
Jesus told us in the Bible, “Love one another as I have loved you.” One way we can show love is by helping others get the tools they need, just like making sure a friend has a pencil if they forgot one. When we give to help students, we’re showing Jesus’ love and helping them become leaders who will share God’s message.
So, next time you pack your backpack, remember that we can help others carry their load too! Let’s pray:
Dear God, Thank You for loving us and teaching us to love others. Help us to share what we have so that students can learn and grow to serve You. Bless all those who are studying and following Your call. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Loving God,
You have called us to love one another as You have loved us. Today, we bring these gifts as an offering of love, knowing that they will help equip and empower students to follow Your calling. May these resources provide education, encouragement, and opportunity for those preparing to serve in ministry and beyond. Bless both the gifts and the givers, that through our generosity, Your love may be made known in the world. May our giving today reflect our commitment to the next generation of disciples. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Giver of life,
You are the source of all good things.
We entrust to you our gifts,
That you would use them to make all know
That with you, they are beloved, whole, and restored. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
Jesus calls us to love one another, and one of the best ways we can do that is by investing in the next generation. United Methodist Student Day is a special time when we come together to support students who are preparing for ministry and service. Through our gifts, prayers, and encouragement, we provide scholarships and grants that help young disciples follow God’s calling.
Just as Jesus taught and equipped His disciples, we too have the opportunity to equip future leaders for the Church and the world. When we give, we aren’t just funding education—we are shaping the future of faith and service. Join us in making a difference by supporting students who will carry Christ’s love into the world.
Would you like to help? Consider giving, praying, or encouraging a student in your community. Let’s show the world that we are His disciples by the love we share!
Join us in worship as we celebrate the next generation of disciples and invest in the future of the Church!