The United Methodist Church is making a difference. The impact of 12.5 million United Methodists in 136 countries is being felt around the world. While extending help and serving abroad for the sake of the Great Commission is a real and important thing, so is loving our neighbor at home. We are called to both.
In the 1800’s there was a British missionary named Charles T. Studd. C.T. Studd spoke these words: “The light that shines farthest shines brightest nearest home.”
Human Relations Day is a powerful avenue to extend help and service to our local communities. It is about getting out of our comfortable social circles and offering love and care to those who need help in our neighborhoods and cities. It’s about walking with those who feel like everything in life is stacked against them.
Think about how Jesus walked with those in the margins. In Luke: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
This is the spirit of Human Relations Day; helping those on the margins and offering a message of hope.
Let’s continue the ministry of Jesus with a united front through the Human Relations Day Special Sunday. Together as a church, we participate in helping our communities and being a bright light at home.
To give to this special offering, please use the envelopes provided on January 19th, or mark your gift “Human Relations” and include it with your regular giving or through EasyTithe.