ENS Weekly bulletin inserts for Feb. 14 mark World Mission Sunday
Episcopal News Service. February 1, 2010 [020110-01]
From the Office of World Mission, The Episcopal Church
The church's work around the world is as important as its work around the corner. To increase awareness of – and participation in – the wider global mission of the church, the last Sunday in Epiphany is designated as World Mission Sunday. Episcopal News Service Weekly bulletin inserts for that day – Feb. 14 – outline the day's theme, World Mission and the Environment, and includes information about companion diocese relationships, one of the most important avenues for mission in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
The full text of the insert is below. Additional resources for World Mission Sunday, including posters in English and Spanish, are available here.
Bulletin inserts may be downloaded here.
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World Mission Sunday
February 14, 2010
The church's work around the world is as important as our work around the corner. We pray together with partner dioceses in the Philippines, we offer relief in Sudan, and our missionaries serve our brothers and sisters around the globe.
To increase awareness of – and participation in – the wider global mission of the church, the last Sunday in Epiphany is designated as World Mission Sunday.
Spend this day learning about our companion diocese relationships, parish-to-parish links, and mission networks and societies. Share stories of Episcopal missionaries, past and present, and brainstorm ways you can get involved in our worldwide mission efforts.
World Mission and the Environment
As we are all one body in Christ, global environmental issues such as sustainability, climate change, and access to water impact our relationships and mission efforts throughout the world, calling us to work with our mission partners to honor the earth as we find safe, sustainable ways to share in its gifts.
Companion Diocese Relationships
The Companion Relationship Program offers dioceses in the Episcopal Church opportunities to engage in mission activity with dioceses beyond the United States, as part of the process of developing the cross-cultural nature of the Anglican Communion. Companion diocese relationships exist to strengthen each participant in ministry and mission. Ideally, the relationship reveals the increased awareness of the single mission to which all are called.
Companion diocese relationships are formally recognized by the national Executive Council at the request of the Episcopal Church dioceses involved, on the basis of the decision by both partners to enter such a partnership. The initial period can be as long as five years, with mutually agreed upon periods of extension. More than 75 such relationships have been established.
To learn more about world mission and the Episcopal Church, visit the website.