wMu Offers Helps For Planning New Year

By Vashti Jones

August 2008

“Without a vision the people perish,” according to Proverbs 29:18. This is true in today’s world too. It’s one of the many reasons that WMU promotes a theme for us to use. We all can use some motivation to be missional. This year is no different.

As we get ready for the new church year, let’s look at the theme and other helps that are available to us. The 2008-2009 theme is “Called to Love” based on Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV). The emphasis book is “Compelled by Love” by Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation. According to Wanda Lee, “Compelled by Love will challenge you to fully consider the love of God and recognize the missional responsibility and privilege we have of sharing His love.”

A good place to start preparing is to order the emphasis book as well as the WMU Yearbook. While you are at it, why not order the emphasis book for your pastor. Pastors are always looking for ways to encourage their church to be missional.

With the questions at the end of each chapter, this would be a great book for a church-wide study.

Start your preparation time with prayer, asking God to show you the direction He wants to go in your church this year. Then start reading the emphasis book and yearbook, and making those yearlong plans right now. Give yourself time to “mull over” what is available, how it might be used in your church (or group). Take the time to customize it to your situation.

While looking at all the improvements and new ideas in the yearbook, don’t forget to check out the WMU catalog in the back of the yearbook. No matter the missions topic or the age level, you will be able to find great resources to help you fulfill the vision that God has called you to do.

To order the Yearbook and Emphasis book, just call WMU at (800) 968-7301 or go online at http://wmustore.com/

So are you ready? Have you prayed for God’s leadership? Have you ordered the emphasis book and yearbook? Did you read them? What did God tell you to do? Now that you’ve got the vision, go for it. Trust God to show you the way.

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