Designated Ministry: Oblation—August 2, 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 Susan Skoor's Pacific Mission Field, read the August Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center—Partake of the Bread of Life

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, Partake of the Bread of Life, takes us to the Sierra Pacific Mission Center. Carla Long relates: You can’t miss her. Her bright smile captures you the minute you meet her. Katrina is passionate about partaking of the bread of life, because she is full of life. Recently, she came to me and announced that she wanted to tell the story of how her family experienced God’s love in a way she had never seen. As we sat together, Katrina reflected: During the April my health took a downward turn. I ended in the emergency room. Because of my illness I couldn’t work for some time. When I did return to work, my paycheck was $3.21. When I asked why the amount was so low, my supervisor replied, “The state is supposed to compensate you for your time off.”

The same day on my way home, my car broke down. I didn’t think things could get any worse until my cell phone quit working before I could let my son know exactly where I was. Well, to make a long story short, friends from the Community of Christ showed up offering help and a car to drive. Carla, you were there, too, and offered the church’s help. I thought it was just a polite offer. It turned out to be a great blessing. Oblation helped with my rent, car repairs, and food for my family. Because of the help that my family and I received from Oblation, I kept a good attendance record at work. For this and so much more, I thank the Lord and everyone who helps others when issues such as mine arise. Your contributions to the Oblation Fund provide stability to children and families in times of need. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Carla Long, financial officer, Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center

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.

1.

2.

3.

C. Blessing on Our Offering

From John 6:32–33 (NRSV) we read: Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries is part of sharing the peace of Jesus Christ. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.