Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—July 26, 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 Ron Harmon's East Central USA Mission Field, read the July Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Metropolis, Illinois—For This Reason

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, For This Reason, takes us to Metropolis, Illinois, in the East Central USA Mission Field. Ron Harmon relates: For six years, youth from Metropolis have been gathering in a safe place. It is a place where the peace of Jesus Christ is tangible and not abstract. The program is simple: class, food, and play. But the time spent on Wednesday nights is more than those standard elements. It is seeing people who love and care for youth each week. It is having people set boundaries that help youth build character. It is the love of God expressed to everyone who walks through the door every Wednesday night.

One girl, Aleecia, has been with the ministry since the week it started. She was six years old when she arrived a few years ago and now absolutely can’t wait for Wednesday nights! She loves the people who listen to her and pay attention to her. Aleecia is now baptized and an integral part of the Wednesday night ministry and the congregation. About 20–30 youth share Aleecia’s experience every Wednesday night in Metropolis. Their lives are being changed because people respond to God’s love by passing it on to them. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes make ministry like the Metropolis Wednesday night service possible. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Ron Harmon, apostle, East Central 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 Ephesians 3:14 – 17 (NRSV) we read: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

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