You might have heard someone at St. Philip's using the phrase "Marks of Mission," and you might have wondered exactly what that means, and what it has to do with our parish.

From 1984-1990, the Anglican Communion (all of the Anglican churches throughout the world) defined five Marks of Mission. These are "an important statement on mission which expresses the Anglican Communion's common commitment to, and understanding of, God's holistic/integral mission." The Marks of Mission are:

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom (Worship)
• To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers (Formation and Fellowship)
• To respond to human need by loving service (Outreach)
• To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation (Social Justice)
• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth. (Creation care-environment)

During the Strategic Planning process in our parish several years ago, there was an understanding that the 50-plus ministries and missions of the parish needed to be organized in some way that would improve communication and collaboration among them, and allow leaders of the ministries an opportunity to think about whether their ministry should expand or whether it had met its purpose and might need to contract or end. Each of the ministries was assigned to the mark that it seemed fit best. Since then, each Mark of Mission group has met twice a year to update the others in their group on the things that were going well and the things that were a struggle in their ministry. Those ministries that have parish funds allotted to them are reminded of the budget process and how to prepare their budget request for the next calendar year. They also discuss what the plan is for leadership development and transition. Our practice is (in most ministries) for a leader to serve in that role no longer than three years. Those leaders who are finishing their third year need to begin planning early for identifying someone to take their place. (Of course, the leader can continue to participate in the ministry).

On the Sundays in May during the Adult Forum, the clergy will lead a conversation about the Marks of Mission and how they guide our mission and ministry as a parish. Join us to learn more!