A Moment for Mission
“Joshua, Nun’s son, was filled with wisdom because Moses had placed his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to Joshua, and they did exactly what the Lord commanded Moses.” —Deuteronomy 34:9, CEB
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Today, Protestant congregations around the world celebrate Reformation Sunday. This observance honors Martin Luther’s bold action on October 31, 1517. He posted his statement of faith—known as the Ninety-five Theses—on the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany, resulting in vast social and political changes.
Thanks to United Methodist support of the General Commission on Archives and History through the World Service Fund, we learn about our church’s rich history, including leaders who have shaped Methodism. People like Lucy Rider Meyer (1849-1922), the “Archbishop of Deaconesses.”
Oberlin graduate Lucy Jane Rider became a physician when most medical schools barred their doors to women. She learned about the ancient female diaconate and its revival in Germany (1836) and England (1861). Based upon biblical precedent, the office of deaconess was fully developed by the fourth century. Deaconesses cared for the poor and the sick, were present at interviews of women with clergy, instructed women preparing for baptism and assisted at their baptisms. Then the office disappeared for centuries.
Mrs. Meyer, seeing the possibility of reviving it in America, started a ministry during the summer of 1887 that concentrated on visitation in Chicago’s tenement communities. A few of the students moved into a house, soon called a deaconess home, and began to do all they could to alleviate the plight of recent immigrants to rapidly industrializing American health care, instruction in child care and homemaking skills, and Christian education.
Learn more about Lucy Rider Meyer and other notable leaders in the Methodist movement.
Children’s Message
Repeat today’s memory verse from Deuteronomy 34:9:
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“Joshua, Nun’s son, was filled with wisdom because Moses had placed his hands on him.”
Joshua was chosen to be a leader after Moses. He led the Israelites and told them what God wanted them to do. Generations after Joshua, there are still special people in history who stand up for what they believe in and help make the church stronger. We call them reformers.
One reformer is Martin Luther. He was a monk from Germany. He saw some things in the church that he thought were not right, so he started something called the Protestant Reformation. Today is recognized as Reformation Sunday because it was a time when big changes happened in how people lived out their faith journey.
Years later, another reformer came along named John Wesley. He was a minister who started the Methodist movement. He taught people about personal faith in Jesus and how to live a life that pleases God. His teachings helped many people understand God’s love in new ways.
These reformers had some special qualities. They were faithful, courageous and wise. Can you say those words with me? “Faithful, courageous, wise.”
Each one of you has the power to make a difference too. By following God’s guidance and standing up for what is right, you have a positive impact in your families, schools and communities.
PRAYER FOR REFORMATION SUNDAY
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/pressing-on/reformation-sunday-year-a-lectionary-planning-notes/reformation-sunday-year-a-liturgical-resources
Here we stand, Lord, The people you have redeemed. Here we stand, Lord, giving thanks to you for you are good. We give thanks that your love lasts forever. We thank you that you free those who are oppressed.
Here we stand knowing that it is you We all can cry out to for help in times of trouble. We know that you will not only deliver us but That you will lead our way to where we need to go.
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Here we stand by the living water That you set flowing for all. We drink freely from your waters That gratifies everyone who is thirsty. And we thank you that you also Give plenty to eat for those who are hungry.
Here we stand with those who reformed the church so long ago And with those who still are reforming the church today. Here we stand witnesses to your good news for all. Here we stand your servants, your followers, your children.
By Rev. Abi, http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2011/10/prayer-for-reformation-sunday.html
Offertory Prayer (Discipleship Ministries)
God of unimaginable love, you have given us so much and asked so little. In the words of Jesus, we have been commanded to love you with our whole being, love our neighbors and love ourselves. For that simple price, you have given us everything and promised to love us and not desert us. It is a covenant more generous than anyone could imagine, and yet how often we fail to keep the bargain. We love you when it is convenient and will not embarrass us before others. We pick and choose which neighbors we love, as we pick and choose when we will love ourselves. As we dedicate our gifts this morning to bringing acts of love, may we also resolve to better keep our side of your covenant of love. In Christ, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 22:34-46)
Newsletter Nugget
“Joshua, Nun’s son, was filled with wisdom because Moses had placed his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to Joshua, and they did exactly what the Lord commanded Moses.” —Deuteronomy 34:9
Today, Protestant congregations around the world celebrate Reformation Sunday. This observance honors Martin Luther’s bold action on October 31, 1517. He posted his statement of faith—known as the Ninety-five Theses—on the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany, resulting in vast social and political changes.
Thanks to United Methodist support of the General Commission on Archives and History through the World Service Fund, we learn about our church’s rich history including leaders who have shaped Methodism. People like Harry Hosier, Lucy Rider Meyer, John Mott and Phoebe Palmer.
Learn more about historical figures in Methodism with a curriculum at the UM History Hub: https://umhistoryhub.teachable.com/p/short-biographies-of-prominent-methodists.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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