A helping hand

www.brethren.org/missionoffering

A theme interpretation for the 2024 Mission Offering by Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement Communications

“Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” ~Romans 14:19, NRSVUE

Our houses of worship are wonders to behold. Whether constructed recently or long ago, our congregations were built—brick by brick, panel by panel, glass pane by glass pane—with purpose and beauty.

Our church buildings may differ from one to another for the Church of the Brethren in the US, but greater differences are realized as we consider churches around the world. And while all of our churches are unique, the people who worship, serve, and are served within them are even more diverse. Even while differences and distinctions exist, we are all united in our mission to love and serve one another, making room for what God is building in us and around us.

In the book of Romans, we find a letter to the church from Paul in which he proclaimed that all followers of Jesus—whether Jew or Gentile, man or woman, having weak faith or strong—are equal members of the family of God. Rather than squabbling about earthly differences and preferences, Paul called them to live unto the Lord, to extend helping hands to one another, to work for the good of all.

We build up one another through love and service, and as we do so, we become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Through the work of Jesus, we offer a helping hand to one another and all people, pursuing peace and working to build up our neighbors near and far. We do this because Jesus did and because we believe this work is life-giving for each of us as we share love with one another.

The Mission Offering highlights the ministry of our sisters and brothers around the world. It is an opportunity for congregations and individuals to financially and prayerfully uplift the core mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren that provides support to pastors and leaders in the US but alsoour Global Mission staff in South Sudan (Athanasus Ungang), sister denominations that are members of the Global Church of the Brethren Communion, and partner organizations around the world.

Thank you for offering a helping hand to people in your community. Thank you for allowing the love of God to work through you to encourage others. Although each of our neighborhoods is unique, our efforts to pursue peace and offer mutual encouragement together make a difference wherever we are. May we celebrate what we have to give and receive, and marvel at the wonders that God is building in all the world.

Learn more and find worship resources for the Mission Offering (suggested date: September 15) at www.brethren.org/missionoffering. Give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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