Designated Ministry: World Hunger Emphasis—March 1, 2009

To view entire suggested worship service for this day, click here.
Click here for a PowerPoint presentation to support the story.

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Mary Jacks Dynes’ Canada/North Central USA Mission Field, read the March Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Community of Christ—Hunger for the Good News

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, Hunger for the Good News, takes us throughout the world. President Emeritus Smith tells us: The heartfelt response of the Community of Christ to recent disasters was truly remarkable. Several commented that when the good people of the church become aware of a need, especially one with which they can identify strongly, they always respond most generously to that need.

Paradoxically, however, this is both good news and bad news. It is obviously good news, indeed, and a great blessing, that dedicated and caring members and friends of the church are moved to respond so graciously in times of special need. The bad news is that most of the time poverty and hunger, with their attendant disease and death, do not come in sudden, devastating waves. Rather, day by day they slowly and unspectacularly sow their debilitating destruction. And because there is no sudden alarm, we tend to forget that the reality of the need is ongoing and relentless. The message for today is that, as wonderful and uplifting as our response to the sudden horror of a tsunami or other disaster may be, the disaster of world-wide hunger rises anew each day. Good brothers and sisters, the purpose of World Hunger Emphasis Day is to sound that alarm. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Wallace B. Smith, president emeritus, Community of Christ

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 Psalm 25: 4 – 6 (NRSV) we read: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. 

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.