In many families, gathering around the table for a meal means that each person sits in the same seat at every meal. Often, even when adult children return home, they tend to sit at “their” place at the table. If you are a frequent guest in someone’s home, you may have your own seat at the table. Having a place at the table means that you belong. You are a part of the group of people gathered around that table.

This year, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Mission theme is A Place At the Table for Everyone, based on the passage from Luke 14:12-14 where Jesus tells his followers to include those who may often be overlooked. CBF Field Personnel (missionaries) engage in this kind of work every day, inviting people to the table and making space for everyone.

CBF has introduced some new resources to help us pray for and support Global Missions. Also, in our increasingly connected world, the divide between “domestic” and “international” missions is not as clear as it once was.

FBC Pendleton partners with a number of mission organizations which offer us opportunities to be involved in the work of inviting, welcoming, and sharing. One of the ways we participate in missions is through giving to special mission offerings. Traditionally, we have emphasized U.S. Missions in April, State Missions in September, and International Missions in December. If you receive a box set of offering envelopes, you will notice special envelopes corresponding to these themes.

However, this year, CBF has introduced some new resources to help us pray for and support Global Missions. Also, in our increasingly connected world, the divide between “domestic” and “international” missions is not as clear as it once was. For example, since 2020, FBCP has been an Encourager Church for Rick and Ellen Burnette, who serve in Florida (only two states away from us) but with people from various countries, who speak different languages, and (relevant to their work of gardening), who are accustomed to eating different types of fruits and vegetables. Our partnership with the Burnettes is truly an opportunity to engage in global missions.

In response to some of these new opportunities, we are emphasizing our special mission offerings a bit differently at FBCP this year.

September – Partnership with Rick Burnette

During September, we collected a special offering for the ministry of Rick and Ellen Burnette. Thanks to your extravagant generosity, we were able to send a contribution of $1260 to help with their end of year operating expenses, in addition to our regular quarterly contributions from our budget. We also sent an additional $1000 from our budget to aid in disaster response following Hurricane Ian.

October – CBF Global Missions Education and Prayer

During October, we are using CBF Global Missions resources such as A Place at the Table for Everyone Bible Study on Wednesday nights, coloring sheets for children, and the Week of Prayer for Global Missions (Oct 16-21).

November – CBFSC State Missions

During November, we will participate in the Beverly Greer Offering for State Missions of CBF South Carolina. CBFSC Coordinator Elizabeth Nance Coker will be our guest preacher on Sunday, November 6.

December – Offering for Global Missions

During December, we will be reminded of the opportunities to give to the Offering for Global Missions. Through learning, giving, serving, listening, and praying, there is indeed a place at the table for all of us to be a part of the work God is doing in the world.

— Pastor Jennifer Rygg
10/17/22