Bishop Stacy Sauls, Chief Operating Officer of The Episcopal Church, has announced the final group of recipients of the grants for Mission Enterprise Zones and for New Church Starts.

Eleven grants totaling $700,000 were awarded to 14 dioceses.

Mission Enterprise Zones and New Church Starts are Episcopal Church initiatives funded through the Five Marks of Mission triennial budget, approved by General Convention July 2012. In the budget, $2 million was allotted for the work of establishing Mission Enterprise Zones and for supporting New Church Starts for the First Mark of Mission, To proclaim the Good news of the Kingdom.

Matching grants were available for up to $20,000 for a Mission Enterprise Zone and up to $100,000 for New Church Starts. Applications were reviewed and considered by the Local Mission and Ministry Committee of Executive Council, serving as the review committee for the grant applications.

Grant recipients

The following are the grant recipients, the sponsoring diocese and the amount:

• "Bi-lingual rebirth", San Pedro y San Pablo, Diocese of Oregon, $60,000
• Be the Change: Alabama, Diocese of Alabama, $20,000
• Calling the Circle, Diocese of Arizona, $20,000
• Iglesia Episcopal San Pablo Apóstol, Diocese of El Camino Real, $100,000
• Indigenous Ministry Development through the Bishop's Native Collaborative, Dioceses of Alaska/Montana/Navajoland/North Dakota/South Dakota, $60,000
• PINE (Pacific Inland Northwest Exchange), Diocese of Spokane, $20,000
• St. Gabriel's, Diocese of Virginia, $100,000
• St. Joe's Unplugged, Diocese of Southeast Florida, $20,000
• The Abbey, Diocese of Alabama, $100,000
• The Abundant Table Farm Church, Diocese of Los Angeles, $100,000
• Worcester Urban Mission Strategy, Diocese of Western Massachusetts, $100,000

Continuing the work

As this is the last round of grants, no more funding is available for this program for this triennium. Nonetheless, the Rev. Thomas Brackett, Episcopal Church Missioner for New Church Starts and Missional Initiatives, will continue to partner with others in new church and enterprise efforts.

Brackett pointed out that a focus on the grant work doesn’t end with the awarding of the funds.  Rather, continues the resources through monthly web calls for mutual support, accountability, partnership, and ongoing learning together. 

“These round-table videoconferences are bringing together a wise community of practice," Brackett noted.  “This gathering of practitioners has so much to share with the church at large, as they learn to share their gifts in these emerging ministries."

Next steps also include the work of the Standing Commission on Mission And Evangelism, which will collect the experiences of those receiving the funding and will share best practices and accomplishments.

For more information contact Brackett.

In December 2013, 30 grants totaling $1.3 million were awarded. List is here

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