World Ministries Mission Tithes Contribution Update—April 19, 2009

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The following is an update on World Ministries Mission Tithes contributions. For more information and updates on how your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes are spreading the peace of Jesus Christ, read the April Herald “Sharing Our Witness and Resources” section. For generosity stories from Apostle Rick Maupin’s Caribbean, Mexico and South Central USA Mission Field, read the April Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. World Ministries Mission Tithes Update

The church received an estimated $690,000 in World Ministries Mission Tithes in February 2009—$40,000 less than we needed to balance the budget. Eight months through the fiscal year, contributions remain well below 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 mission tithes contributions are directed to essential functions and ministries. We very much appreciate your continued generosity, and we want to highlight the following ministries made possible by your sharing equally with your local congregation and the worldwide mission of the church:

• Lives are being changed at the Centro de Houston congregation in Houston, Texas through a social service ministry designed to serve the surrounding community.
• Full-time field ministers in Lamoni Heartland USA Mission Center provide ministry for those who are homeless and struggling to reenter society.
• In a newly constructed building built with Missionary Development Funds, the Jaquimelles Community of Christ, in the Dominican Republic, experiences the love and witness of Jesus Christ through worship and family-strengthening classes offered to parents and children.

Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.

B. Congregational Ministries Mission Tithes Update: 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 John 20:19 (NRSV)we read: When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

Sharing our offerings equally between local and world ministries changes lives around the world. Let us share in the prayer of blessing on our offering.