Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Report of Section 23

"Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday" is a special day throughout the United Methodist congregations in Zimbabwe. It is held the fourth (or perhaps last) Sunday in July.

Most congregations celebrate that Sunday. There are some who celebrate the occasion the first Sunday in August. It is a time for celebrating God's goodness and bringing "special offerings" of one kind or another.

One of the dynamics is that the report for "Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday" is done by sections. A section is a group of up to ten households that is part of the congregation. Each section routinely gathers weekly for a prayer meeting. Most of these meetings are on Wednesday, but a few are on Sunday.

Sections do not appear to be an optional choice. It is simply part of the way that you live out your life as a United Methodist believer in Zimbabwe.

After the conclusion of the regular service on July 26, it was time for the "Harvest Thanksgiving Service." Sections were called up one at a time. Typically, their report began with singing from the back of the church building, and the section members came forward. The entire service was emceed by a remarkably energetic young woman, who kept things going if they are seemed to lag.

There are currently twenty two sections in the Streamview congregation. They reported their accomplishments and their gifts one by one. There was also a section report from the United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Men, the United Methodist Youth, the Junior Church (Sunday School), and the Choir. Sometimes there is a "Visitor's Section" that is called on to report.

I decided to claim Section 23, by which I meant my own congregation in Hutchinson. When the time came for my report, there were those among the congregation who spontaneously arose and sang. That was a blessing, since it kept me from having to try to sing!

I was able to present a variety of gifts on behalf of Section 23, the U.S. section. They included:
  • An offering of $1,031 that I had brought with me in person,

  • A special additional offering of $500 that I had been given to bring with me,

  • A wooden "cross and flame" emblem for use on the church's altar table,

  • A clergy shirt and stole for Rev. Murauro,

  • A purse and necklace for Unity Murauro, the pastor's wife,

  • Special gifts for the lay leaders of the congregation,

  • 144 gift bags for the children of the congregation, and

  • A "Future with Hope" card signed by the members and friends of First United Methodist Church.

I am not sure when I will be able to report again in person on behalf of Section 23. But it was a joy and a privilege to be able to do so this year.

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