World Mission Network Convocation: Conversations on the Mission Partnerships We Build Together

From Joanna Shreve:

Saturday, March 14, 9:00-4:00 pm.

The World Mission Network of El Camino Real offers a tangible and practical way in which we connect with the Global Church and the needs of the world. As a congregation involved in world mission partnerships and seeking mission connections, we are being encouraged to send representatives to this “con-vocation” = speaking together.

Three conversations will be woven into the day:

• Mission Partnerships as Renewal of Congregations (Jesus Reyes),
• Cross-Cultural Discoveries and Sensitivities (Amy and Vince Zuniga-Denney) and
• Reshaping Our Theology of Mission for the 21st Century (Rev. Jerry Drino).

Come, be refreshed, renewed, connected and empowered for mission and help be a part of evolving this vital network in our diocese.

Church of the Good Shepherd
301 Corral de Tierra Rd, Salinas (off Route 62).

Cost: $5 per person.

Registration 8:30 am. PLEASE BRING YOUR SACK LUNCH. Contact Susan Altig to register: susan@edecr.org 831-394-4465. Contact Joanna Shreve with questions: jrshreve@aol.com.

Discussion Topic - 3 Way Diocesan Companion Relationship

What do you think about the possibility of a 3-way Diocesan Relationship, as proposed by the Bishop? How do you think this relationship will impact our diocese?


Background:
At a meeting of the World Mission Network, Bishop Mary proposed a Triad Companion Diocese Relationship with a diocese from the Church of England (Gloucester) and a diocese from the Anglican Church of Tanzania (Western Tanganyika). Bishop Mary met Bishop Michael (Gloucester) and Bishop Gerard (Western Tanganyika) at Lambeth. All three of them are interested in perusing a relationship together, engaging in conversation about the issues facing our churches and the communion (i.e. women's ordination to the episcopate, human sexuality, poverty, etc.) and in working side by side on mission projects.

We are gathering comments from people around the diocese. Please post your thoughts here!

What would this look like?
-The bishops would visit each other for conventions and other participatory events.
-The bishops would continue in conversation and come up with a "rule of life" that they can share.
-Groups from each diocese would be engaged together in conversation, visits, and mission projects.

See the discussion points from our meeting's minutes:
Minutes 9-6-08 Meeting

Also, see the Presentation given by Bishop Mary on Lambeth and this relationship: Presentation

Discussion Topic -- MDGs

How do you see your current involvement or desire to be involved in furthering the work of the MDGs?
Can you vision this work in the context of partnerships?
Are partnerships important to you?

Background
There has been much talk about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) throughout the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. (See link below for more info on the MDGs)
* Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
* Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
* Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
* Goal 5: Improve maternal health
* Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
* Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
* Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

Of the 8 goals, the first 7 are directed to the "Two-Thirds World" (also called the developing world). The 8th goal is the goal which is directed to the Global North. The 8th goal is the goal upon which the other 7 hinge. Sustainable, healthy, long-term development can only occur when the vision of the local community is lifted up, and the people are empowered to work toward the completion of their own goals. Unfortunately, it is the 8th goal that has been most neglected. In our attempt to help, the Global North has often worked unilaterally, without the input of the Two-Thirds World.

How can we change the course, and make the 8th goal a reality?

More information on the Millennium Development Goals: http://www.undp.org/mdg/

Discussion Topic -- Anglican Communion

How do you see the importance of the Anglican Communion? What is it's value?

Background
Until the last 5 years, many Episcopalians did not know that we are part of a global body called the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion is a difficult thing to understand! We are connected around the world to a group of 44 independent churches (the Episcopal Church is one of these). In total, there are more than 80 million people in the Anglican Communion in 160 different countries. The Episcopal Church, with 2.6 million, makes up just over 3% of the population of the Anglican Communion). All 44 churches of the Communion have ties to the Church of England (either in historical roots, or current practice). The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the four "Instruments of Communion", in other words, one of the four bodies that unite the churches of the Communion. (you can read about the other instruments of communion at the link below). The Archbishop of Canturbury is not the head of the church, but rather the "first among equals". He can make no decisions for other churches, but acts as a spiritual leader, and a uniting force (as the one who invites all the members to a common table).

More information, profiles of Provinces around the world: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/