The 2026 Annual Conference Miracle Offering supports life-long learning and discipleship in a variety of contexts. One way we offer that support is through the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories and resources as a way to help Dakotas United Methodists understand the difference their generosity is making in the Dakotas and around the world.  We'll also share the weekly reflections from the small group resources shared by the Council of Bishops. (The complete small group guide and worship resources can be found here.)

Below is a press release from the Council of Bishops sharing their commitment to this worldwide offering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bishop Patrick Streiff, The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines

News Releases Found At www.endowftecc.org/news

Historic commitment of $414,208 inspires churchwide generosity ahead of May 17, 2026

— United Methodists around the world are being called to join a powerful movement of faith, generosity, and leadership development through Miracle Sunday, to be observed on May 17, 2026. Already, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, representing every region of the worldwide church, including both residential and retired bishops, has led by example, collectively giving or committing $414,208 to support theological education.

This remarkable outpouring of sacrificial generosity underscores the church’s shared conviction: strong theological education is essential for a faithful, resilient, and flourishing United Methodist Church—especially in some of the most challenging contexts of ministry in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

“Miracle Sunday is about investing in the future of the church,” said Bishop Patrick Streiff, leading the Miracle Sunday Initiative and President of The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. “By strengthening theological education, we equip trusted pastors and leaders to serve with wisdom, courage, and deep spiritual grounding in places where the gospel is bearing new fruit amid challenging contexts.”

A Shared Commitment to Raise Up Leaders

The need is urgent. Across large parts of the connection, theological schools and training programs are facing limited resources while preparing pastors to lead congregations navigating poverty, conflict, migration, and rapid social change. Miracle Sunday offers United Methodists everywhere an opportunity to respond together, ensuring that future leaders receive the education they need to shepherd the church with faithfulness and hope.

The bishops’ collective gift sends a clear message: Miracle Sunday is not simply an offering, but a shared act of discipleship. When leaders give first, the whole church is invited into a deeper story of trust and mission.

One Church, One Sunday, One Purpose

Miracle Sunday is a time for all United Methodists, laity and clergy alike, to participate in raising up new generations of leaders. Gifts received will directly strengthen theological education for pastors serving in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, helping sustain the global witness of The United Methodist Church for years to come.

As May 17, 2026 approaches, congregations are encouraged to pray, teach, and give generously, joining the bishops and millions of United Methodists in a shared commitment to God’s work through the church.

Together, this can be a Miracle Sunday—one that transforms lives, strengthens the church, and shapes the future of United Methodist leadership worldwide.

For more information about Miracle Sunday and how to participate, contact your annual conference office or go to www.endowftecc.org.

WEEK 3 — Love Boldly

Introduction
Bold love is active, courageous, and visible. It goes beyond sentiment to shape the way we treat neighbors, strangers, and even those who differ from us. Jesus teaches that love is the defining mark of discipleship, and Scripture shows that love expresses itself through justice, compassion, and faithful relationships. As congregations support the Miracle Sunday Campaign, we celebrate the bold love that expands access to theological education and strengthens ministry across continents. Bold love calls us to see Christ in others, to break down barriers, and to live in ways that make God’s compassion unmistakable. This week’s Scriptures guide us into a love that is rooted in God’s character and lived out with courage.

Leviticus 19:9–18
John 13:34–35
Mark 12:28–34

Meditation and Prayers by Global Leaders

Contributor: The Rev. (Dr) Amb. Philip Micah Dopah, FIMA     Location: Nigeria
Bible Text: John 13:34–35

Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
People of the United Methodist Church around the world, loving boldly as Christ has loved, means putting others first. Jesus gives a new commandment: love one another as He has loved us. This love is pronounced, sacrificial, and unconditional. It does not depend on what others do for us but on what we have received from Christ. When we love in this way, we show the world what it means to follow Jesus.

Loving boldly with heart, strength, and mind means serving with gentleness, kindness, and humility. It means forgiving and doing good when it is hard. Love is not only a feeling; it is a daily choice to fulfill our Christian calling. Loving as Christ loved builds a community that reflects the Kingdom of God and reveals the heart of God to the world.
What does loving boldly look like in practice? It is loving family when love feels hard. It is serving those who cannot repay. It is choosing kindness, hospitality, and doing good over being right. Let us ask whether we are loving as Christ loves, putting others first, serving with compassion and humility, and showing the heart of God to those around us.

Prayer: As we observe Miracle Sunday, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with the joy and unconditional love of Christ, so that we give joyfully, willingly, freely, and sacrificially. Amen.
 

Contributor: Rev. Tracy Mbalo‑Tshungwana     Location: South Africa
Bible Text: Mark 12:28–34

Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
A scribe asks Jesus for the first commandment. Jesus distills all Scripture into a single center: love for God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and inseparable love for neighbor. The Shema defines the covenant relationship; love is total commitment, not a fleeting emotion. Jesus binds this love to Leviticus 19:18: love your neighbor as yourself. The vertical relationship with God becomes visible in horizontal relationships.

The scribe understands that this love matters more than sacrifices. Jesus tells him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Miracle Sunday invites offerings for theological education. The Church cannot love what it does not know, and it cannot serve what it does not understand. To love God with the mind means taking the formation of leaders seriously. Theological education is a labor of love for God and neighbor. In South Africa, loving neighbor means seeing the image of God in every person and choosing solidarity, not only charity. It means asking what love requires in the face of unemployment, gender‑based violence, xenophobia, and ecological harm.

Prayer: Dear God, this passage is not a gentle suggestion but the core of our discipleship. Open our eyes to see the face of Christ in every person. Where there is inequality or exclusion, let our love dismantle injustice. Where there is hurt or division, let our love bring healing and reconciliation. Help us to love in deed and in truth. Unite us in this sacred calling. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who loved us completely and teaches us the way. Amen.

Video Testimony
Today, we hear another testimony from Rares (pronounced Rare – sh) from Romania, whose ministry is also shaping the lives of refugees who have fled war-torn Ukraine.