Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—December 28, 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

Eudora, Kansas—Seeds of Faith

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.

This story, Seeds of Faith, takes us to Eudora, Kansas, in the Midlands USA Mission Center. Seventy Don McLaughlin relates: One day, as Seventy Gay Spalding was driving through the small town of Eudora, Kansas, she felt led by the Spirit to plant a Community of Christ congregation there. As the testimony of the church grew, local members and schoolteachers Renee Murphy and Krista Beckley also heard the call to mission. After much hard work and many answered prayers, the story began to unfold just like things do when we follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

Five teenagers began attending the worship services, looking for love and friendship. They found it with the Saints in Eudora. Emmett, Johnny, Jessa, Patty, and Megan all live in a trailer park nearby. The relationships continue to grow and a wonderful ministry is beginning to bear fruit. Seeds of faith are a big part of the Holy Spirit blossoming and growing in this small town. The beautiful mark on the world that these five seeds will become is yet before us. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide the seeds for ministry such as the church plant in Eudora. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Don McLaughlin, field specialist, Midlands USA Mission Center
 

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.

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Galatians 4:6 (NRSV) we read: And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.

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.