Designated Ministry: Oblation—June 7, 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 the Asia Mission Field, read the June Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Orissa, India—Touch Us, Lord

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, Touch Us, Lord, takes us to Orissa, India in the Asia Mission Field. Through Steve Shields, a Community of Christ member relates: We’ve had trouble recently in my home village in Orissa, India. There is a large movement of Hindu fundamentalists who are persecuting Christians in our area.

Last summer, mobs attacked my village. They vandalized our church meeting hall, and destroyed our musical instruments. They beat me senseless and stripped off all my clothes. My attackers tried to burn me, but one of my relatives rescued me. I remember being dazed and in horrible pain. You, my Community of Christ brothers and sisters, whom I have never met, provided help. I am so grateful for Oblation help in paying my costly medical bills. Oblation offerings are an important part of the Disciple’s Generous Response. You don’t need to stretch your imagination to state, “mission tithes save lives.” Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Steven L. Shields, field appointee, Asia 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 1 John 3:16 (NRSV) we read: For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
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.

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.