Designated Ministry: New Congregations—April 12, 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 Rick Maupin’s Caribbean, Mexico and South Central USA Mission Field, read the April Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Centro de Houston, Texas—Rejoice This Day!

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, Rejoice This Day!, takes us to the Centro de Houston congregation in the Coastal Bend Mission Center. Ron Saur relates: You wouldn’t know it by visiting the Centro de Houston Community of Christ today, but there was a time when their vision of transforming lives seemed to fade like a distant memory. Located near downtown Houston, Texas, it is one of the few Spanish-speaking Community of Christ congregations in the United States. Eager to expand their vision, they decided to relocate and sold their building. Construction began, but halted due to significant problems with the contractor. What were they to do? Creative thinking by the mission center leadership provided the opportunity to buy property consisting of three buildings. World Ministry Mission Tithes and funds from the mission center made it possible to convert one of the buildings into a spacious sanctuary, scheduled to open later in 2009. The renovation of another of the buildings will provide space for a social service ministry designed to serve the surrounding community.

Not only are buildings being transformed, but lives are being changed at Centro de Houston. A sister who recently began attending testifies of how she rejoices at new–found hope in life and Christ’s peace because of the ministry in this congregation. If not for World Ministries Mission Tithes, Centro de Houston’s dream would have died. They are excited and look forward to the ministries they will provide throughout the community.—Ron Saur, financial officer, Coastal Bend Mission Center

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 118:1 (NRSV) we read: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

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.