Everyone, Everywhere world mission conference an opportunity to learn, share, celebrate
Episcopal News Service. May 5, 2008 [050508-03]
Episcopalians active in global mission work will gather at the church-wide world mission conference, Everyone, Everywhere, June 5-8 at The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute near Baltimore, Maryland. Representing more than 60 dioceses of The Episcopal Church and six provinces of the Anglican Communion, attendees will have the opportunity to worship together, tell their mission stories, learn effective ways to build relationships throughout the world, and share mission interests and experiences.
"I look forward with eager anticipation to both attending and participating in the Everyone, Everywhere conference," says Episcopal missionary and author the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, one of the conference plenary speakers. "Perhaps never before has the Episcopal Church assembled such a broad-ranging and thorough forum on ministry to the world in which we serve. My hope is that it will inspire and encourage many throughout the church to discover natural and creative ways to be a part of 'God's Global Mosaic.'"
In addition to Chandler, who will address the topic of "The Church and Islam," other plenary speakers include South African theologian Dr. Steve de Gruchy, speaking on the topic of "Engaging in Effective Global Mission," and Anglican Observer at the United Nations Hellen Wangusa, on "Beyond the Millennium Development Goals."
More than 40 different workshops form the educational aspect of Everyone, Everywhere. Offerings range from regionally specific workshops concentrating on the Dominican Republic, Pakistan, Philippines and Sudan, among other areas, to panels, discussion groups, and classes on mission theology, Islam, sustainability, and the nuts-and-bolts of mission work.
The conference will also feature workshops presented by the Global Episcopal Mission Network's Certificate Program, a training ground for diocesan mission agents. To accommodate the needs of attendees, most workshops will be offered twice and can be scheduled online ahead of time. For a full listing, or to build a personal workshop schedule, visit http://www.everyone08.org/.
An exhibition hall spotlighting conference sponsors, Episcopal Books & Resources, and a global mission marketplace will be available for shopping, learning, and networking. Special evening events include a coffeehouse/book-signing and an international food and music festival.
Conference sponsors include Episcopal Relief and Development, Episcopal Partnership for Global Mission, Church Pension Fund, Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation, CM Almy, Cross International, Global Episcopal Mission Network, The Mission Centers of The Episcopal Church, and the dioceses of Milwaukee, North Carolina, Northern California, Vermont and Virginia.
"Whenever mission-minded people get together, there is a tremendous synergy that occurs," says Robin Denney, former Young Adult Service Corps volunteer in Liberia. "We share ideas, stories, and passions, and find ourselves re-invigorated for the work ahead. At this conference we will have the opportunity to obtain technical information, as well as brainstorm new ideas, and laugh together."
For more information about Everyone, Everywhere or to register for the conference, go to the website, or contact Mary Brennan, at 212-716-6223, mbrennan@episcopalchurch.org.