Webmaster's Note: Bishop Mathes has given permission to print his notes to the clergy of his diocese. The Bishop writes regularly to his clergy in order to inform, to teach, to share his joys and sorrows, and to encourage the clergy to likewise share with him. We are grateful to Bishop Mathes for allowing us to share these notes with you.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In various ways, each of us remembered the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during this past week. In so many ways, Dr. King gave us a vision of prophetic ministry. His clarion call for the church to be a force for social justice is a continuing call for us to be a missional church that is ceaseless in acting as Jesus would have us act.

We are also aware that Dr. King's dream remains unfulfilled both in this country and around the world. As we approach World Mission Sunday on February 18th, we have an opportunity to be more mission minded, particularly in relationship to our global responsibilities. In each congregation, the focus may be different. However, I would encourage you to connect your celebration of World Mission Sunday to the Millennium Development Goals. You also may wish to connect to the theme of World Mission Sunday, "Proclaim God's Wondrous Deeds."

I encourage you to explore these two Internet sites as you consider your commemoration
of World Mission Sunday:
LEARNING ABOUT MISSION
THE CAMPAIGN TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY

As you will see, these materials suggest ways to connect our mission work with our youth work.

Faithfully,


The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop