Focus on WMU

Focus on WMU Emphasis: February 11–17, 2013

Here’s your opportunity to share a valuable piece of the missions picture with members of your congregation! For additional ideas and details, be sure to check out the WMU Year Book 2012-2013 and the winter issue of Missions Leader magazine.

Suggested Theme: The Story Lives On

Emphasis Watchword for 2012–2013: "'As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard'" (Acts 4:20 NIV).

Interpretation of the Theme:
Today’s WMU still has the same purpose it had when it began in 1888. The story that lives on through WMU is the one Jesus commanded His followers to embrace in Matthew 28:19-20. The emphasis Scripture, Acts 4:12-20, gives us an example of followers of Christ who were so passionate about the story of Jesus living on, they could not stop talking about it.

During 2012–2013, we will celebrate all that God has done and continues to do through the work of WMU. We will connect our stories as we forge our future. We will commit to tell the gospel story and ignite a passion for the Great Commission in all generations.

Use Missions Music for Worship:

• “We’ve a Story to Tell”
• “I Love to Tell the Story”
• “O Zion Haste”
• “Shine, Jesus, Shine”
• “A Story to Tell” (Larnelle Harris)
• “To the Ends of the Earth” (Words and music by Joel Houston and Marty Sampson)

During the Focus on WMU Emphasis:

• Recognize those involved in WMU organizations.
• Recognize the pastor and give thanks.
• Distribute Bible or Scripture portions to those who need them as a way of making The Story Live On.
• Recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of WMU by having a celebration of WMU in your church.
• Plan a community mission action project that focuses on an issue of Project HELP: Human Exploitation (bullying, human trafficking, pornography, media’s exploitation of families and children, and ways we exploit natural resources that affect others).

Beyond the Focus on WMU Emphasis:

• Keep WMU and the good it does in your church, your community, our nation, and our world before individuals and groups in your church throughout the year.
• Recognize the emphasis on stewardship of money, time, and spiritual gifts that WMU contributes to God’s kingdom.
• Recognize the power of praying women to change an environment.
• Encourage your pastor to preach sermons on missions. Acts 4:12-20 is a good place to start. Encourage invitations for mission service.
• Look for opportunities to enlist and include the un-involved in an activity provided by WMU (families, prayer, mission action, witnessing, learning marathons, Children’s Ministry Day, Christmas in August).