Mission
26/02/06
In 1997, The General Convention of The Episcopal Church resolved that the last Sunday after the Epiphany of each year be designated "World Mission Sunday" to increase awareness of, and participation in, world mission.
You see, every member of our Episcopal Church is a member of a missionary society, "The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America" (the full formal name of our Episcopal Church). Whether we understand the imperative of "mission" from the perspective of that great commission, or from the Great Commandment, or some combination of both, we're all united in the one call to God's mission in this world: As God sent Jesus into the world, we too, are sent into the world.
That great commandment? Jesus was asked "What's the most important thing we should do?" Jesus' reply was that the most important thing we must do (note that He said "must") has two parts; the first is you must love God with all your heart and the second is you must love your neighbor as yourself. That, simply, is your mission; in the church, in your life.
Well, how do we actively mission? Take a quick look about you. First and foremost, we begin simply by example: By how we act and respond, dress and groom, speak and listen; how we treat and show our respect for one another and toward God. Show me, by your example, how to be better... Lift me up.
Then, challenge yourself to learn about, and become more fully engaged in, the church's global mission.
Let us hold up and celebrate our shared commitment to God's Gospel call.
You see, every member of our Episcopal Church is a member of a missionary society, "The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America" (the full formal name of our Episcopal Church). Whether we understand the imperative of "mission" from the perspective of that great commission, or from the Great Commandment, or some combination of both, we're all united in the one call to God's mission in this world: As God sent Jesus into the world, we too, are sent into the world.
That great commandment? Jesus was asked "What's the most important thing we should do?" Jesus' reply was that the most important thing we must do (note that He said "must") has two parts; the first is you must love God with all your heart and the second is you must love your neighbor as yourself. That, simply, is your mission; in the church, in your life.
Well, how do we actively mission? Take a quick look about you. First and foremost, we begin simply by example: By how we act and respond, dress and groom, speak and listen; how we treat and show our respect for one another and toward God. Show me, by your example, how to be better... Lift me up.
Then, challenge yourself to learn about, and become more fully engaged in, the church's global mission.
Let us hold up and celebrate our shared commitment to God's Gospel call.