LEARNING ABOUT MISSION

February 22, 2009

World Mission Sunday 2009 encourages “Building Up the Body of Christ” through support of the missionaries of the Episcopal Church

“Building Up the Body of Christ” and support of the missionaries of the Episcopal Church will be the theme of World Mission Sunday 2009, to be observed February 22. With over 70 missionaries in more than 30 countries, our missionaries serve our companions throughout the world as teachers, medical professionals, clergy, and in other important capacities. They exemplify Ephesians 4:11-12: “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

World Mission Sunday 2009 gives Episcopalians the opportunity to learn more about our missionaries and how their work can be supported through prayer, communication, and money.

Lectionary (RCL) for the Last Sunday after Epiphany
February 22, 2009

2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9

Lectionary (BCP)

1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 27 or 27:5-11
2 Peter 1:16-19 (20-21)
Mark 9:2-9

Collect for the Last Sunday after Epiphany

O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Sermon for World Mission Sunday

Collects for the Mission of the Church

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and for ever. Amen.

O God of all the nations of the earth: Remember the multitudes who have been created in your image but have not known the redeeming work of our Savior Jesus Christ; and grant that, by the prayers and labors of your holy Church, they may be brought to know and worship you as you have been revealed in your Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, who didst stretch out thine arms of love upon the hard wood of the Cross, that all men everywhere might come within the reach of thy saving embrace: So clothe us with thy Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know thee to the knowledge and love of thee; for the honor of thy Name. Amen.
- Written by Charles Henry Brent, Missionary Bishop of the Philippines, 1901-1918

World Mission Sunday Resources
	8 ½” x 11” World Mission Sunday Poster (English)
	8 ½” x 11” World Mission Sunday Poster (Spanish)
	Current Missionaries of The Episcopal Church (DFMS)
	Mission Weblogs