The Five Marks of Mission was a tool developed by the wider Anglican communion to describe the various aspects of our part in God’s Mission. They have been used by congregations and dioceses around the communion as one measure of effectiveness or one set of guidelines to shape our ministry in the world. The purpose of this webpage is to give you something with which to engage your congregations, so that you may continue the conversations begun today around the Five Marks of Mission.

How is this Mark of Mission currently being reflected in the life and work of your congregation?

What are some other ways your congregation could more fully live into these Marks of Mission?

Mark 1: To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. (Luke 5:1-11)
Mark 2: To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers. (Acts 8:26-40)
Mark 3: To respond to human need by loving service. (Luke 5:17-20)
Mark 4: To seek to transform unjust structures of society. (Luke 3:3-6)
Mark 5: To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. (Luke 20:9-19)

Additional resources—for further study

Bishop Hahn has written a series of reflections on the Five Marks of Mission which have been featured in the DioLex Link weekly email newsletter. (If you’re not subscribed, go to http://diolex.org to sign up!) These reflections are also published on the Bishop’s Blog. During 2013, the Link will be featuring stories of how our congregations are living out the Five Marks of Mission.

Discussion of the Five Marks of Mission on the Anglican Communion’s website
Anglican Diocese of Montreal’s Five Marks of Mission Bible Study
A Five Marks of Mission poster
Reflections on the Five Marks of Mission, from The Rev. Amy Real Coultas, Diocese of Kentucky
Diolex Five Marks of Mission Slideshows

R-1 – passed
R-2 – passed as amended
Courtesy Resolutions (R-3 through R-16) – passed

R-1
A Resolution to Change the Status of St. James Episcopal Church from a Parish in the Diocese of Lexington to a Mission Congregation

Whereas, St. James, Prestonsburg became a Parish of the Diocese of Lexington in 1984 when it joined with St. David’s Church, Pikeville and has remained one since the closing of St. David’s; and

Whereas, St. James Church has for more than the past three years been unable to fulfill their financial obligations to the other congregations of the Diocese of Lexington from their own resources; and

Whereas, there is no realist way in which they will be able to do so within the next few years;

Be it Resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington return St. James Episcopal Church, Prestonsburg to Mission status until such time as they again are able to meet their financial obligations to the other congregations and the requirements of Canons 16 and 17 of the Diocese of Lexington.

Be it further Resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington commend the Vestry and people of St. James Church for their persistence in the face of hardship and the many actions they have and are taking toward financial stability and growth.

Respectfully Submitted,
The Venerable Bryant C. Kibler, Sr. Bishop’s Deputy for Administration and
Director of the Small Church Ministry Consortium

R-2
Resolution Calling for Review and Revision of the Current Structure of Congregational Assessments

Whereas, Canon 28 of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Lexington governs the amount that each congregation will be assessed by the Diocese on an annual basis, and said assessment is determined by using a fixed percentage of the congregation’s Total Operating Revenue, may have at one time been a useful and just form of assessment; and,

Whereas, the Diocese of Lexington through Mission House and its staff, supports the mission and ministry of congregations, offers opportunities for individual congregations to participate in ministry on diocesan, national, and world-wide levels, and allows congregations to invest in the financial support for such work and ministry; and,

Whereas, the impact of said assessment of Canon 28 has, in several congregations, placed an undue burden on local congregations, their mission, and their ministry; and,

Whereas, the economic landscape of the faith communities of the Diocese of Lexington, the Episcopal Church, and the country has significantly changed, and the budgetary process and assessment structures for the Diocese of Lexington have not been sensitive to these changing financial circumstances; and,

Whereas, we as a church are called to be faithful stewards with the resources entrusted to us and to allocate these resources to the fullest use of mission and ministry for the proclamation of the Gospel by word and example; and,

Whereas, in accordance with Canon 28.01, “The procedures for reporting, pledging and paying to the Diocese shall be as determined from time to time by the Convention or Executive Council.”

Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the 117th Diocesan Convention directs such committee as appointed by the Bishop, in conjunction with the study of the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Lexington to study the current structure of the fair share assessment policy of the Diocese as stated in Canon 28.02 and all other documents and policies of the Diocese of Lexington; to determine how that structure has impacted the mission and ministry of the congregations of the Diocese, Mission House, and all Diocesan ministries and institutions with particular concerns for the staffs, programs, and financial health of each congregation and institution; and to make recommendations to the Bishop and Diocese regarding any revisions, concerns, and changes to the 118th Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Lexington.

Sponsors:

The Rev. William J. Neat, Rector, Church of the Ascension, Frankfort
The Rev. Laurie M. Brock, Rector, St. Michael the Archangel, Lexington
The Rev. Brian Cole, Rector, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington

R-3
Resolution of Appreciation for the Leadership of The Rev. Phillip Haug, Chair, The Communications Commission of the Diocese of Lexington 2001-2012

Whereas, The Rev. Phillip Haug was appointed Chair of the Communications Commission by Interim Assisting Bishop The Rt. Rev.Rogers Harris, and annually thereafter by The Rt.Rev. Stacy F.Sauls, 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington and Interim Assisting Bishop The Rt. Rev.Chilton R.Knudsen,

And Whereas, he has served faithfully and fully in this position for these years

• Giving beyond the call of duty of his own professional skills and training in the areas of electronic and digital communications to model and teach effective use of technology for the good of the Diocese of Lexington;
• Utilizing his personal skills and equipment for the creation and sharing of special video documentaries and infomercials;
• Generously and graciously arranging for ever-increasing use of electronic and digital media to inform the Diocese;
• Personally and tirelessly traveling to other dioceses to research the most effective resources in communications systems to serve this Diocese;
• Meeting regularly with Bishop, Communications Officer and Commission;
• Guiding the shifting functional, emotional, spiritual and financial aspects of communications in the transition from a print-focused ministry to a digitally focused ministry;
• Leading the work of transition communications as a member of the nominating committees for both the Sixth and Seventh Bishops of Lexington
• Serving as resource to parishes and people of the Diocese of Lexington,

Be it Resolved that the 117th Convention of the Diocese of Lexington extend its heartfelt thanks to The Rev. Phillip Haug as he retires from this position;

And be it further Resolved that it be entered into the records of this convention and the official story of the Diocese of Lexington that we hereby recognize and honor the significant role of Phillip Haug in a crucial paradigm shift, well navigated under his faithful leadership, providing the resources, experience and inspiration for the continuation of a ministry of communications congruent with this period of history with its ever-changing demands.

And be it further Resolved that this 117th Convention rise to show its appreciation for Phillip Haug and his ministry.

Presented by:
Kay Collier McLaughlin
Deputy for Leadership Development, Transitions and Communications

Monica Turk Burden
Webmaster

R-4

Be it resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington gives thanks to our sisters and brothers at the parish of St. Thomas in Columbus GA, for graciously sending Bishop Doug and Kaye to join us, and wishes the blessing of God on their future ministries.

R-5

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington, in recognition of the life we share through the resurrected Christ, extends its greetings to our sisters and brothers in the Diocese of Haiti.

R-6

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington extends its greetings to the Right Reverend Don A. Wimberly and Wendy Wimberley, to the Right Reverend Stacy F Sauls and Ginger Sauls, and to the Right Reverend Chilton Knudsen and Michael Knudsen, in thanksgiving for the calling of God who brought us together for a time before sending us in new directions.

R-7

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington extends its greetings to the Most Reverend and Right Honorable Justin Welby, its congratulations to him for his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury, and its blessings on his ministry within the whole Anglican Communion.

R-8

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington extends its thanks to the staff of the Diocese of Lexington: Archdeacon Bryant Kibler, Holli Powell, Kay Collier McLaughlin, Canon Andy Sigmon, Susan McDonald, Ellen Darnall, Cindy Sigmon, and the Allison Asay Duvall for their efforts in preparing for, and running this Convention, and for their faithfulness and work throughout the year to promote Christ’s mission in our diocese.

R-9

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington gives thanks for the lives and ministries of Bob Horine; Mary Lou Summers, wife of the Very Rev’d Dr Ronald Summers; Nancy F Barton; Lewis O Tanno; Terry Parsons; Jane Catron; and Ginny Root, praying with the whole church that their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may rest in peace.

Be it further resolved that this Convention extends its condolences to their families, hoping that their grief may be eased and healed by the love of God.

R-10

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington extends its thanks to the exhibitors and vendors at this Convention.

R-11

Be it resolved that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington extends its thanks to all who have participated in the silent auction to benefit the Diocesan Youth Commission.

R-12

Be it resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington offers its thanks to the Rev. Elise Johnstone and John Linker, Dean Wade, lay readers, musicians, vergers and all that participated in the Worship throughout the Convention.

R-13

Be it resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington expresses its gratitude to Owen J Sammons for the composition of the tune Lexington and the hymn “We’ve come to acknowledge the freedom of God”, which works of art were composed in honor of this gathering.

R-14

Be it resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington gives thanks to the Hilton Lexington/Downtown and its excellent staff for their hospitality and outstanding service provided to this Convention.

R-15

Be it resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington gives thanks to Michael Cruse, Jackson Stevens, and Charles Little for their rousing entertainment at the Convention.

R-16

Be it resolved, that this 117th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington gives thanks to the Pages to Convention: Anna Stahlman, Connor Evans, Evan Morschhauser, Billy Bennett, Kathy Bennett, Katie Berner.

Executive Council

Joe O’Brochta (lay), Trinity, Covington; Bruce Cory (lay), St. John’s, Corbin; Tom Pope (lay), Christ Church, Harlan; The Rev. Carol Ruthven (clergy), St. Andrews, Lexington; and The Rev. Deacon Paula Ott (clergy), Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington

Standing Committee

Billie Stockton, St. Raphael’s, Lexington (lay), and The Rev. Margaret Shanks, St. John’s, Corbin (clergy)

Appointed to Camp & Conferences Board

The Rev. Linda Young, Trinity, Covington; and Jane Brantley, Trinity, Danville. Also appointed: The Rev. Peter Doddema, St. Philip’s, Harrodsburg; Eric Morchauser, Holy Trinity, Georgetown.