World Ministries Mission Tithes Contribution Update—March 8, 2009

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The following is an update on World Ministries Mission Tithes contributions.  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. World Ministries Mission Tithes Update

The church received an estimated $635,000 in World Ministries Mission Tithes in January 2009, $60,000 less than we needed to balance the budget. Seven months through the fiscal year, we are 9 percent behind the goal of $10.5 million for the year. If present giving trends continue, we will receive about $9.6 million.

In light of continuing global financial concerns, we have responded by reducing church expenses to insure that your tithing contributions are directed to essential functions and ministries. We very much appreciate your continued generosity, and take joy in highlighting the following ministries made possible by your sharing equally with your local congregation and the worldwide mission of the church.

• Youth ministry and missionary outreach at the Tri-City, Kentucky Peace Club.
• Serving our neighbours at the community kitchen in Calgary, Alberta.
• “Ministry without Borders” in the WorldService Corps.

Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.

B. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: Local

The congregational financial officer should give an update about the congregation’s budget at this time. Highlight positive things that have happened in addition to items that need attention.

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Mark 1:35 – 38 (NRSV, adapted) we read: In the morning, while it was still very dark, [Jesus] got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go to on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.”

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.