Designated Ministry: Field Ministry—May 25, 2008

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

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Linda Booth’s Southern USA Mission Field, read the May Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Bayou LaBatre, Alabama—Who Do You Serve?

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, Who Do You Serve?, takes us to the Bayou LaBatre, Alabama Community of Christ in the Gulf USA Mission Center, part of Apostle Linda Booth’s Southern USA Mission Field. Linda relates: In 2005 Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed this small congregation’s building and greatly disrupted the lives of its members. As they began to put their congregation and their lives back together, thanks to the church’s generous response and support from Risk Management at International Headquarters, beautiful children began to come to their congregation – children whose parents worked the shrimp boats and came from Laos and Cambodia. A small nucleus of adults reached out to the children, built relationships with them, and began to teach them about God’s love through their actions and words. The question, “Who do you serve?” is clear to Bayou LatBatre. They serve Christ!

The church building is restored and the congregation resurrected. Their mission is clear as they attract seekers, grown disciples, and send missionaries. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide the support that makes and implements decisions that minimize the adverse effects of accidental losses on the Community of Christ and our affiliates. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Linda Booth, apostle, Southern 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 6:25, 33 (NRSV) we read: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?...strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

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