Convocation of American Churches in Europe

Our 2004 Convention in Wiesbaden was a wonderful celebration of the mission and ministry of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe. Our first Convocation mission consultation, Mission 2000, provided us with a dynamic vision for new work in Europe. Since then, the Convocation has grown significantly with the establishment of new missions and ministries, now serving a diverse group of Christians at worship in six languages.

Launching the new bilingual edition of the Prayer Book in German reminded your Convention that our vision for expanding God’s dream in Europe was born out of an intentional process, which included producing our four bilingual Books. Convention delegates acclaimed the successful implementation of the whole Mission 2000 framework and, while considering the structure question, called for a second consultation on mission. The consultation is to be convened, on June 17-19, 2004, for the purpose of crafting a new mission plan for the Convocation–to launch Mission 2006.

Each parish and mission is being asked to send three representatives to the Mission 2006 Consultation: a clergy representative or lay Pastoral Leader, a trusted lay leader, and a youth delegate. I am sure you have been giving some thought to your community’s representation. The Steering Committee has made much progress in the logistics for the consultation. The Rev. Clair Ullmann has secured a fine location for the event at the Bildunghaus St. Berhard near Baden-Baden, Germany. The housing space is reserved, but we need to determine as soon as possible the breakdown of men and women who plan to attend. Please return the attached registration form no later than January 15, so that the accommodations at the Bildunghaus can be confirmed. Additional details about the event, including a translated version of the Bildunghaus brochure, will be forthcoming in January.

The Mission of the Convocation is “to share the good news of Jesus Christ by worship, word, and example to all nationalities and denominations.” The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in Europe! There is much excitement around Mission 2006 as we seek to maintain momentum, and carry forward our mission work into the next decade.

I am grateful to each of you for your commitment to the work of mission, and for sharing your time, your talents, and vision for advancing God’s dream in Europe. You make me proud to be your Bishop-in-Charge.

Your Bishop and friend,

+Pierre

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