Designated Ministry: New Congregations—May 24, 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 Linda Booth’s Southern USA Mission Field, read the May Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Clarksville, Tennessee—Testify of Love

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, Testify of Love, takes us to Clarksville, Tennessee, in the Mid–South USA Mission Center. Linda Booth relates: In Clarksville, Tennessee, relationship–building with folks separated from the church because of distance and geography has resulted in an emerging congregation. Terry and Paula Williams moved to the Clarksville area in 2007 as part of Terry’s assignment as Mid–South Mission Center president.

On a mission to testify of Christ’s love, Paula and Terry searched membership records, found, and contacted thirty–two people within a thirty–mile radius of their home. Through visiting, phone calls, contacts, and prayer, twenty to twenty–five members now form the emerging Gateway congregation. Members regularly invite friends to worship and fellowship. Invitation continues to build relationships, and in January members and friends of Gateway traveled to the Chattanooga, Tennessee, congregation to offer ministry at a women’s retreat. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide the tools and personnel to establish new congregations. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Linda Booth, apostle, Southern USA Mission Field

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 Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 we read: Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation?

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries change lives around the world. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.