Designated Ministry: Oblation, August 3, 2008

Suggested worship service for this day.
PowerPoint presentation to support the story.

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Susan Skoor’s Pacific Mission Field,
read the August Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Portland, Oregon—Bless, Break, and Share

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, Bless, Break, and Share, takes us to Portland, Oregon, in the Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say it’s not my child, not my community, not my problem. Then there are those who see the need and respond.” This quote from Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, sums up the relationship between the Portland, Oregon Community of Christ and FolkTime, an organization that presents opportunities to feel a sense of belonging and self-worth for people facing the challenge of mental illness. Most FolkTime members exist on fixed incomes and low-income housing, with no access to programs that offer social activities and supports.

In its 21-year existence, FolkTime has created a “safe haven” with friends who care. With the support of the Portland Community of Christ, FolkTime members beat the odds and have created a stable, long-term community in a warm and welcoming place, where the environment permits them to talk about their daily challenges and find the practical advice they need. In a monthly community meeting, members decide their activities and the hot lunches they will prepare together. After gathering to bless, break bread, share, and enjoy their “homemade” lunch, they enjoy a wide variety of activities led or created by one of their peers. When you look into their eyes after a FolkTime meeting, you realize that it is our world, our community, our problem, our need, and our responsibility to respond. Because of your contributions to the Oblation Fund, FolkTime continues its progress through a Tangible Love grant. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.
—Sandra Ferguson, specialist, Funding for Mission, with Michelle Booth, administrator, Tangible Love

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 14: 19 – 20, adapted, (NRSV) we read: "Taking the five loaves and the two fish, [Jesus] looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full."

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.