Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—December 21, 2008

To view entire suggested worship service for this day, click here.
Click here for a PowerPoint presentation to support the story.

For stories about what’s happening in happening in Apostle Dale Luffman’s West Central USA Mission Field, read the December Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Cedar Rapids, Iowa—The Blessings of Community

Each Sunday we are invited to “share equally” with Mission Tithes for local and world ministries. These stories are provided to keep us in touch with how your contributions to Mission Tithes are spreading the peace of Jesus Christ. Visit www.CofChrist.org and click on “Living Our Mission” to hear the full story of the Saints’ generosity in helping victims of the 2008 Cedar Rapids floods.

This story, The Blessings of Community, takes us to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the Cedar Valley - Nauvoo USA Mission Center. Where were you June 11 – 13, 2008? The citizens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing. They remember the rain that fell without stopping, the catastrophic damage and the cleanup and rebuilding that promises to take years after the historic flooding that put much of the city under water. The smell of mold stills fills the air, and rotted dolls, priceless family photographs, and water – logged furniture litter lawns. But something that didn’t drown was the overwhelming generosity of the Saints in this time of tragedy.

David Loy, a full – time World Church minister, relates, “Our congregation has long practiced joyful generosity with time, talent, and resources. We received and witnessed the generosity of others as never before. We saw people in the community come together to help no matter their faith tradition, and we felt Community of Christ sisters and brothers from all over, reaching out to us with prayers and tangible aid. The Oblation Fund provided $15,000 to help our community.” In addition, your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide for full – time field ministers such as David Loy. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.
—Kendra Friend and Sandra Ferguson
 

B. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: Local

What is happening to you or in your congregation as a result of giving to local ministries through Mission Tithes? Share those experiences as part of your congregation’s Disciples’ Generous Response.

•

•

•

C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Luke 1:26 – 28 (NRSV) we read: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries changes our lives and those who receive the blessings from it. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.