Global Mission Church

This is posted to receive your editing and reaction. THANK YOU!
Date: October 4, 2010
To: The Bath Church Executive Council
From: The Bath Church Mission Board Chair

Re:A brief background on the proposed Disciples and UCC "Be a Global Mission Church" Covenant.

Allow me to introduce myself. I was ordained a minister of the Gospel 53 years ago in the oldest Protestant denomination with a continuous ministry in the United States of America. I have served as a missionary of that denomination for several decades in dozens of developing countries.

Having moved to Ohio for family reasons I purposely sought out a United Church of Christ church because I feel the UCC is most faithful to the Gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ locally and globally.

The Bath Church Mission Board has for some time sought to promote Mission Education as a major part of our mandate and responsibility. The “Be a Global Mission Church” is a natural foundation outline for our mission education effort as a UCC congregation.

As chair of the Bath Church Mission Board I purposely introduced and promoted the UCC “Be a Global Mission Church” because based on my career experience it best describes what world mission “is” and should and could be in the 21st century.

The 3 year plan of action is presented tonight as a response by the Mission Board to what we perceive was a request by the Executive Council to itemize and specify the 7 points in the Covenant statement.

The Mission board requests your review and seeks your approval.

Correction: Last month it was stated that the UCC has “only” 40 missionaries. Between the Disciples and UCC we have 150 persons (missionaries)serving in about 50 countries, plus 10 global mission interns, 10 or more long term volunteers, 20 short term, 60 overseas associates appointed and paid for by international partners. Etc. etc. Pages 10-11.