Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—July 27, 2008

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

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Ron Harmon’s East Central USA Mission Field, read the July Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Jackson, Ohio—Nothing Separates Us from God’s 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, Nothing Separates Us from God’s Love, takes us to Jackson, Ohio, in the Bountiful USA Mission Center. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God,” “Give thanks unto the Lord,” “Praise God our Savior.” These scriptures, stitched into handmade quilts that decorate the walls of the Jackson, Ohio Community of Christ, express the joy, love and hope that fill this congregation. What was once a small gathering on Sundays is now a bountiful fellowship. Youth, teens and young adults have a place where their gifts and talents come alive – within the congregation and the community. One young adult Young Peacemaker Club leader stated, “I finally feel like a part of the church.”

Jackson has a thriving weekly Young Peacemakers’ Club with fifty participants. From this connection, six children and two adults were baptized last year, several children and families attend camps, and the youth volunteers to help others in the community. Because of local economic conditions, this would not have been possible without support from World Ministries Mission Tithes and the Bountiful USA Mission Center. Give thanks unto the Lord for he is good! Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Brenda Strickland, field specialist, Bountiful USA Mission Center, Brenda Dillon and Cheryl Browning, Young Peacemaker’s Club leaders, Jackson, Ohio

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 Romans 8:28 (NRSV, adapted) we read: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries is part of sharing the peace of Jesus Christ. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.