Designated Ministry: Field Ministry/Ministers—October 18, 2009
Suggested
worship service for this day.
PowerPoint presentation to support the story.
For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Jim Slauter’s ministerial area,
read the October Herald “Sharing in the Field” section or visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories.
A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World
India—Become a Servant
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, Become a Servant, takes us to India, in the South Central
Asia Mission Center. World Service Corps volunteer Kory Rillos relates: World
Service Corps gave me the opportunity to experience generosity in a new country,
in a new culture, and in new ways that affected me so deeply I am still trying
to understand. I experienced two different kinds of culture during my time in
India. I experienced life in big cities and I experienced the affect the
Community of Christ has on people’s lives. When I walked around in the cities, I
noticed the complete lack of caring people had for one another, themselves, and
nature. Life in the villages, however, allowed me to experience generosity in
ways that I never knew existed—to become a servant to my hosts in India. The
people offered us everything they had. They have so little, yet they give with
their whole hearts. I watched them come to church and put their entire week’s
wages into the offertory, without a thought of return for themselves.
Living in India made me realize that I am not generous with my money or time.
Yes, I volunteered my summer to take part in World Service Corps, but my reasons
were selfish. As my six weeks in India passed, something changed. I was no
longer there just to see a new place and travel to a new country. I realized I
was there to learn. I learned the difference between a want and a need. I
learned how to love completely. I learned how to share from the depths of my
soul. I learned how to be generous in ways that I never knew existed. It is easy
to think that putting money in the offering means we are being generous, which
it does. However, the generosity I experienced in India was not always about
money—it was people giving with their full hearts. I know things about my life
are impacted greatly and I will forever be changed. And I would not have it any
other way. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide
ministry without borders through World Service Corps. Thank you for responding
faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Kory Rillos, volunteer, 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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3.
C. Blessing on Our Offering
From Mark 10:42 – 45 (NRSV) we read: "So Jesus called them and said to them,
“You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord
it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among
you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant. And
whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man
came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."
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.
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