Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—June 29, 2008

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

For stories about what’s happening in the Asia Mission Field, read the June Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Asia Mission Field—Be a Living Sacrifice

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, Be a Living Sacrifice, takes us to the Asia Mission Field. Fifteen church leaders from India, China, and Fiji recently finished the MEADS (Ministerial Education and Discipleship Studies) program and received their completion certificates. This important milestone means a great deal for the congregations these devoted brothers and sisters serve; it means a lot for the church in general. Since 2004, more than forty church leaders from all over Asia have met in two-week long intensive class sessions in India. Most participants leave spouses and young children at home. Many of them travel for two or three days from their home places to the class site. Some of them take leave without pay from their jobs.

MEADS would not be possible without the generosity of members and friends of the Community of Christ. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes pay for instructors, student materials, and the costs of transport to and from MEADS for the participants, as well as room and board on-site. But, consider the return on your offerings. Church leaders who attend MEADS gain a greater understanding of the scriptures, of priesthood, and of the church. They take their learning home with them. One MEADS participant in the Asia Field impacts dozens, if not hundreds, of other leaders, members, and friends of the church. “YOUR” Generous Response, often given sacrificially, multiplies in value many times over through leadership education and training programs like MEADS. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Steven L. Shields, field appointee, Asia 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 Doctrine and Covenants 163:6a, we read: Priesthood is a sacred covenant involving the highest form of stewardship of body, mind, spirit, and relationships. The priesthood shall be composed of people of humility and integrity who are willing to extend themselves in service for others and for the well-being of the faith community.

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries allows others to share the witness of Jesus Christ. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.