MISSION LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

El Salvador (16 – 25 June 2007) with Bishop Shaw

Facilitators: The Rev. Ted Gaiser & Mark McKone Sweet

Tanzania (18 – 31 August 2007) with Bishop Cederholm

Facilitators: The Rev. Maggie Geller & The Rev. Ted Gaiser

In support of the Diocesan Mission Strategy goal of every church being in partnership with another church or organization in the Anglican Communion, the Diocese is offering opportunities for clergy and lay leaders to participate in one of two mission trips to El Salvador or Tanzania.

Participants will

• have the experience of participating in a mission service trip
• develop a vision for engaging in global mission
• develop skills for the expansion of mission leadership throughout the Diocese
• learn how to lead a mission service trip
• conducting fundraising
• working with youth and adults
• dealing with cultural differences
• spiritual preparation
• practical tips (packing, immunizations, etc.)

Those interested in applying to participate in one of the service trips are requested to submit a letter of application stating which country they’d like to go to and describing

• why they want to participate
• what they bring to the experience
• what they hope to gain from this opportunity
• what they intend to do with their experience upon their return
• whether or not, and in what ways, their parish/vestry supports their participation
• whether or not they have experience traveling internationally, specifically in the developing world, and/or whether or not they’ve been on a mission trip before
• how they will make time to participate in the required monthly meetings

Upon acceptance, participants will be required to sign a letter of commitment to attend all preparation sessions, to raise the necessary funds, and to participate fully in the process, along with a commitment to lead and/or facilitate global mission activities upon their return. Anticipated expense for the service trip to El Salvador is $1350 and to Tanzania is $3600. All participants will receive a scholarship from the Diocese covering one third of their anticipated costs ($450 and $1,200 respectively). Applicants will be expected to submit an initial deposit upon acceptance along with a signed letter of commitment ($225 for El Salvador and $600 for Tanzania).

Questions about the Mission Leadership Program can be directed to the Rev. Ted Gaiser at tgaiser@diomass.org or 617-782-1577. Application material is due in the Diocesan offices on Friday, October 6, and should be mailed to:

The Rev. Maggie Geller

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

138 Tremont St.

Boston, MA 02111