Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—October 26, 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 Apostle Jim Slauter's ministerial area, read the February Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Independence, Missouri—Commanded to Love

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, Commanded to Love, takes us to Independence, Missouri, in the Central USA Mission Center. Ashley Campbell writes: This summer I was blessed with the opportunity to experience WorldService Corps from a different perspective than others. I chose to stay in Independence and share my time with those less fortunate in a place familiar to me. Although I did not get to see distant places and meet individuals from around the world, I believe I was equally as blessed and just as fortunate.

The relationships I formed with local children were unlike anything I had ever experienced. I had never worked with Young Peacemaker’s Club and the soup kitchen. Timid at first, I did not know what to expect. These people had what some would call nothing, but all they wanted was love. To have the attention and a sense of caring was all they longed for. One boy in particular showed me this. A child who was only seen as ornery and troublesome blossomed when I showed him the love and attention he needed. I feel I was able to give this to him in a way he had never experienced. WorldService Corps impacts lives in the places where you live and around the globe. Your generous contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes make possible this ministry without borders. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Ashley Campbell, WorldService Corps volunteer

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 Matthew 22:36 - 40 (NRSV) we read: Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

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.