World Ministries Mission Tithes Contribution Update—June 14, 2009

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The following is an update on World Ministries Mission Tithes contributions. For more information and updates on how your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes are spreading the peace of Jesus Christ, read the June Herald “Sharing Our Witness and Resources” section.

A. World Ministries Mission Tithes Update

Contributions remain below the goal for fiscal year 2009. During April the slight increase in giving to World Ministries Mission Tithes that began in March continued. However, reduced contributions earlier in the year will leave us well below the $10.5 million budget. If the positive trend in giving is sustained, we will receive about $9.9 million in World Ministries Mission Tithes.

The $4 million dollar reduction to the World Ministries budget for fiscal year 2010 is beginning to take effect. Between June 15 and June 30, a significant number of World Church staff around the world will be notified that their positions were eliminated from the budget. Budget and staff reductions will also require a decrease in World Church-funded ministries and support services.

Sustainable giving is needed. As disciples we receive God’s generous grace. “Discipleship includes responding to God’s gift in Christ by giving consistently and generously, according to our full and—we hope—growing capacity to support Local and World Ministries,” said President Steve Veazey in his April 5 address to the church. Making this spiritual response will make it possible to pursue the church’s divinely mandated mission to herald God’s peaceable kingdom on earth. Thank you for your faithful giving.

B. Congregational Ministries Mission Tithes Update: Local

The congregational financial officer should give an update about the congregation’s budget at this time. Highlight positive things that have happened in addition to items that need attention.

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 we read: Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of the hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation?

Sharing our offerings equally between local and world ministries changes lives around the world. Let us share in the prayer of blessing on our offering.