Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—November 23, 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 the North Atlantic (Europe/USA) Mission Field, read the November Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia—Recognize Jesus among Us

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, Recognize Jesus among Us, takes us to Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia, in the Europe Mission Center. Leonard Young relates: It takes one look at a world map to see the enormity of Russia’s landmass. Travel takes expert planning and patience. But patience is always rewarded when people flock to Community of Christ services throughout Russia. They share a hunger for the hope of the gospel that is as enormous as Russia’s landmass. Seventy Sergei Bogolepov travels the country, sharing the peace of Jesus Christ to whoever will listen. When he leaves an area, the Saints in Russia don’t just go home and wait for him to return, they act on their faith. The congregation in Novosibirsk, Siberia, is one example. They saw need right in their hometown, and decided to work with a local orphanage. It is a state agency, but the money provided by the government is not nearly enough to meet the needs of the children. The children always lack the normal items that are necessary for everyday living like shoes, clothes, toys, books and so on. Community of Christ members offer their time and limited resources to help these kids.

The support of church members all over the world allows these kinds of ministries to flourish throughout Russia. Your World Ministries Missions Tithes support Seventy Sergei Bogolepov in his ministry to bring the peace of Jesus Christ to the people of Siberia. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Leonard Young, North Atlantic (Europe/USA) Mission Field
 

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 25:40 (NRSV) we read: Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.

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.