I call on all Episcopalians in Alaska and all Episcopal communities and congregations in the Diocese of Alaska to renewal and growth in discipleship through the Five Marks of Mission. Specifically, I call us to:
Tell: I call on all Episcopalians in Alaska to pray and reflect on their individual relationship with Jesus and to prepare a simple, from the heart, answer to the question: “Why is my hope/faith/love with Jesus Christ?” As you are comfortable, share your statement with someone else.
Teach/Learn: I call on all Episcopalians in Alaska to commit at least 15 minutes each day to reading and praying on the Gospel lesson assigned for Morning or Evening Prayer. How does the passage relate to your life, your situation? How is the Gospel part of your story? As you are comfortable, share your story with others.
Tend: I call on all Episcopalians in Alaska to engage in serving any one need in your community (neighborhood or deanery). Serving can be direct support or by contributing resources; however, service must include getting to know more about the need. Service can be a partnership with others: ecumenical partners, your deanery (funds to support that work). There are plenty of human needs in our communities. We don’t have the energy or resources to tend to them all. Pick one that the Holy Spirit is calling you to do. You don’t need to form a committee or establish an eternal ministry, just serve the need.
Transform: I call on all Episcopalians in Alaska to participate in the work of peace, justice, and reconciliation. Where do you see Jesus and his love being wounded? Where can you, working with others, be a bridge to reconciliation? Disciples make peace.
Treasure: I call on all Episcopalians in Alaska to commit to a discipline of stewardship and creation care, consciously reducing to some degree our energy consumption, and giving to support your local congregation and the common good of your community. How does your stewardship reflect what you treasure? How does it witness to what Jesus treasures?
This “Call” is not intended to be rigid. Jesus said his burden is easy and his yoke is light. Instead, I make this call as an invitation to begin where you are, with the energy, effort, and resources you have available. Start with one of the Marks of Mission and see where it takes you as you grow in discipleship. Join with others as you are able. Invite someone to join or share with you.
