World Ministries Mission Tithes Contribution Update—February 10, 2008

Suggested worship service for this day.

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Bunda Chibwe's Africa and Haiti Mission Field, read the February Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. World Ministries Mission Tithes Update

The church received an estimated $780,000 in World Ministries Mission Tithes in November 2007, $116,000 less than our goal for the month. Five months into the fiscal year, we are 8 percent behind the goal of $10.9 million for the year. If contributions continue at the present pace, at the end of the year we will have received approximately $10 million.

As you may recall, we were encouraged by contributions of $10.55 million last year to set a higher goal for this year of $10.9 million. Meeting this goal will enable us to realize several of the ministries President Veazey presented in his “New Opportunities” list at the 2007 World Conference.

Here is the list of new ministry opportunities as it was presented in the October Herald:

• Expanded and improved translation services
• Increased capacity for missionary opportunities where the church is growing
• Scholarships for young adults for the Community of Christ Seminary and other leadership development opportunities
• Expansion of the Co-Missioned Pastor’s Initiative to make high quality training, support, and resources accessible to all pastors and congregational leaders
• A new Community of Christ hymnal that incorporates music, in multiple languages, from throughout the church that speaks to our mission, message, and identity today

Please consider sharing equally, at your true capacity, to support the ministries of both your congregation and the worldwide church. We deeply appreciate all that you do in answer to the call to “generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ.” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b) Thank you!

B. Congregational Ministries Mission Tithes Update: Local

The congregational financial officer should give an update about the congregation’s budget at this time. Highlight positive things that have happened in addition to items that need attention.

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Doctrine and Covenants 161:4b, we read:

Embrace the blessing of your many differences. Be tender and caring. Be reminded once again that the gifts of all are necessary in order that divine purposes may be accomplished.

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.