World Ministries Mission Tithes Contribution Update—May 10, 2009

To view entire suggested worship service for this day, click here.

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

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.

Contributions remain below the goal for fiscal year 2009. Although the $900,000 given to World Ministries Mission Tithes in March 2009 shows an increase in giving, contributions remain below the $10.5 million budget. If the positive trend in giving is sustained, we will receive about $9.8 million in World Ministries Mission Tithes.

As President Veazey conveyed in his April 5 address to the church, “A Defining Moment,” the shortfall in contributions and projected income from church investments caused World Church officers to reduce our World Ministries budget for next year by four million dollars. This will require a reduction in World Church-funded ministries, support services, and staffing throughout the world and at International Headquarters.

President Veazey also made a special point of thanking those who are consistent contributors through Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes, especially those on limited incomes. “Your steady support, especially during difficult times, encourages us,” he said. “Discipleship includes responding to God’s gift in Christ by giving consistently and generously, according to our full and—we hope—growing capacity to support Local and World Ministries. Such support is one of the most evident ways we express our spiritual commitment to the vision of Christ. Local and World Ministries giving are equally important for the church to fulfill its divinely mandated mission.”

B. Congregational Ministries Mission Tithes Update: Local

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Doctrine and Covenants 162:8c we read: Continue your journey, O people of the Restoration. You have been blessed thus far but there is so much yet to see, so much yet to do. Go forth with confidence and live prophetically as a people who have been loved, and who now courageously choose to love others in the name of the One you serve.

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.