NETWORKING FOR GOD’S MISSION
Report from the GEMN Board, October 2020
Greetings from the Board of the Global Episcopal Mission Network! As you find ways to stay engaged with mission companions during the pandemic period, we encourage you to stay connected with this network of mission activists. Here are highlights of what’s been happening and what’s coming:
Earthkeeping: Creation Care in Global Mission will be the theme of the 2021 Global Mission Conference, which will be held around Earth Day (April 22) in 2020. The 2020 Conference on this theme was postponed due to the pandemic. GEMN received a grant from the Creation Care Task Force to help with the gathering. Details will be announced this fall.
Mission Formation Program moved online to Zoom in April because of the pandemic and drew several dozen attendees from several countries. It went so well that an online interactive version will be standard even when in-person formation becomes possible again. The program is designed for both beginners and seasoned advocates.
Global Mission Toolkit of webinars, videos and print resources for catalyzing global mission is being developed by GEMN, the Standing Commission on World Mission, and the Office of Global Partnerships, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Constable Fund. You will hear more in late 2020 and early 2021.
‘Questing: The Way of Love in Global Mission’ was recently published by GEMN through Amazon on the Kindle platform (with a print version coming soon). The 7-session study series for individuals and congregations applies the Way of Love to global mission with story-telling, Bible studies, theological reflection and suggestions for prayer and action. Check it out!
Pandemic Mission Thursdays with GEMN in September gathered mission activists online to network and hear from speakers who are adapting global mission to pandemic conditions. The series will soon continue on a monthly basis. If you have a story to share about how your mission outreach has adapted, please let us know.
Episcopal Global Mission Community, a GEMN-sponsored Facebook group invites you to share perspectives and pose questions on your mind. The regular GEMN Facebook page and GEMN website also bring you news. Check them out regularly!
‘Sharing Jesus: Evangelism in Global Mission’ drew a record 120 people to the 2019 Global Mission Conference in the Dominican Republic. Let’s keep integrating that aspect of God’s call into our global work.
GEMN’s Board is active with a diverse group of global mission activists and an executive director who support global mission throughout the church through well-functioning teams. You can see who we are on the GEMN website.
Your memberships and gifts enable GEMN to “Proclaim, Inspire, and Ignite the Joy of God’s Mission.” Join as an individual, congregation, or organization or seminary, or donate today.
Be well. Keep reaching out in mission. And stay in touch.
– GEMN Board of Directors