Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—August 16, 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

World Service Corps—Make Melody to the 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, Make Melody to the Lord, takes us to Hawaii, in the Pacific Islands Mission Centre. Angela and Brittany, World Service Corps volunteers relate: The Community of Christ World Service Corps sends volunteers throughout the world to serve people of different cultures. When we signed up months ago, not knowing where we would be going or what we would be doing, we did not imagine the amazing things in store for us. Within our first few weeks in Hawaii, we realized our lives would never be the same. Teaching some of the most adorable four- and five-year-olds we have ever met, preparing the grounds for Reunion, taking part in dynamic worship services, organizing recreation times, and helping with other various parts of reunion allowed us to meet and come to love incredible people from all walks of life. Each person has affected us more than they will ever know, and we are eternally grateful.

The opportunity to see and experience the unique love, community, and culture of this place—captured in the spirit of "aloha"—broadened our perspectives. We will remember their grateful voices as they took time to make melody to the Lord. Your generous contributions provide World Service Corps’ “ministry without borders,” which changes lives through momentous experiences. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Angela Cook and Brittany Longsdorf, World Service Corps

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 5:19 –20 (NRSV) we read: …be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God…at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries allows others to share the witness of Jesus Christ. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.