Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—August 24, 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

Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center—Liberating Justice

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, Liberating Justice, takes us to Novato, California, in the Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center, where Carla Long is the full-time financial officer. Her joy, good humor, and passion for ministry enable her to blaze new trails for outreach and generosity in congregations such as the Novato, California Community of Christ. Carla recognizes that liberating justice happens when congregations heed the call to help make their local communities become better places. She relates Novato’s example:

When the Novato English language class began on Thursday nights, parents who attended the sessions worried about what their children would be doing while they were in class. Members of BAYA (Bay Area Young Adults) responded to the call to start a Homework Club during that time.  Homework Club starts with a “check-in” with the children, asking them about their highs and lows for the week. Most of the children receive individual help with their homework, and the evening almost always ends with fun and games. Because of the sacrifice of a few, both the English class and Homework Club have become places of peace for many in a world where peace is hard to find. Making the connection of justice, Christ’s peace, and loving generosity—your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes are blazing new trails of field ministry. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.
—Susan Skoor, apostle, Pacific Mission Field, with Carla Long, financial officer, Sierra Pacific 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.

1.

2.

3.

C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Psalm 124:8 (NRSV) we read: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

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.