1. Affirming Our Mission Living Our Vision Moving Forward in Hope
Good morning and welcome. I am so happy to be with you again. It has been my privilege to continue to be part of your conversations this past year. My role this morning is to review, explain and facilitate a look at mission, vision, values – the work you have undertaken this past 9 months. Thank you for your warm welcome.

2. The Journey of Re-Invention
12 Listening Sessions
3 Regional Meetings
Meetings with Standing Committee, Executive Board and Clergy of the Diocese
How did we get here? Building relationships through conversations about things that matter. The articulation of the mission, vision and values of this diocese has been a community undertaking. Everyone of you and those you represent back home were invited into this conversation. It has been extremely fruitful and undertaken with some very intense passion.

3. All Conversations About:
Why does this Diocese exist? What’s our purpose, our Mission? What is God calling us to do in this time and place?
What is our Vision? What is God’s dream for this Diocese?
What Values inform how we will do our ministries together and with others?
These are the questions that prompted animated and passionate conversation. As a result, the prior mission statement of this diocese has been updated. The vision completely re-articulated. And core values identified. It has been a lot of work; a lot of words; a lot of thoughtful input. But why? Why take the time to have these conversation? After all, aren’t they just words on paper. The resounding response has been: No! The very act of articulating mission, vision and values has created new bonds, common purpose, shared responsibility and accountability. These are the very things that this diocese asked for in the assessment last year.

4. What’s an organization without these guiding statements of being, of future and action?

5. “Without a Mission/Vision the people will perish
“Without a Mission/Vision the people will perish.” “In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.” “Where there is no mission, there is no hope.” “We are not merely here to pass time, but to live with greater vision to enrich the world.” “Outstanding people and organizations have on thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.”
Voices much more convincing than mine speak to the importance. From Winston Churchill, to the Dali Lama, to our Presiding Bishop. Throughout time, having a clear and compelling mission, vision and values has separated vital organizations from those that are not.

6. Believe it or not, this has been tremendous work – capturing as many voices around the Diocese as possible – with this, the foundation – where every strategy, goal and action are unified into one guiding purpose.
(Not to be taken lightly. This is more anomaly than standard practice around the Church)
Read the slide.
Then move into the video!

7. Mission Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
We exist to make the transforming love of Jesus Christ come alive in our time and known to all people, everyone!
Show this after the video. And then move to instructions about the conversation – as you are able move your chairs into a circle of 6-8 people. There are large post it notes on the chairs. I have a question for you to discuss with one another. Use the post it notes to capture the themes in (large handwriting) of your conversation and then post them on the walls so everyone can see them. You will have about 15 minutes. I will call you back to the large group then.

8. Our Mission
Conversation Question: In what ways are you and your ministry accountable to and tied into this common Mission for the Diocese?
Now we move to the new vision statement and core values.
Tyler is on for his performance. Introduce him.

9. Vision Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
Vision Expanding God’s Kingdom Growing Disciples Serving Boldly Revealing Hope
Here is your new vision. Read.

10. Core Values Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
C A R I T A S
Community
Accountability
Respect
Inclusion
Transparency
Authenticity
Service
Here are the core values you articulated. Surrendipitously, the first letters of these values spell the word: caritas: love and mercy
These values are here to remind you of what is to underpin your behaviors and your decision making.
Again, I ask you to go back to your circles – try to create different ones so you have the opp to talk with others. Same drill – discuss the following question and post your responses.

11. Our Vision and Values
Conversation Question: How does our common Vision and how do our Core Values inform the future of your ministry and the ways you will live together in ministry?

12. Affirmation
Do you affirm and accept this Mission and Vision, and these Values to guide the ministries of our Diocese? All: We will, with God’s help!
And now as the convention of this diocese, it is your role to affirm these statements as guides to your ministry and work – that you will hold one another accountable for being faithful witnesses to their intentions.
Ask people to stand as they are able: Read slide: And the people said:

13. Closing Song
Sung to Melody: Ode to Joy
1 Summoned by the God who made us rich in our diversity Gathered in the name of Jesus, richer still in unity. Let us bring the gifts that differ and, in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.  
As you are able, please stand to affirm who we are as the church of the present and the future….

14. 2 Radiant risen from the water, robed in holiness and light, male and female in God’s image, male and female, God’s delight. Let us bring the gifts that differ and, in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.

15. 3 Trust the goodness of creation; trust the Spirit strong within
3 Trust the goodness of creation; trust the Spirit strong within. Dare to dream the vision promised, sprung from seed of what has been. Let us bring the gifts that differ and, in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.

16. 4 Bring the hopes of every nation; bring the art of every race
4 Bring the hopes of every nation; bring the art of every race. Weave a song of peace and justice; let it sound through time and space. Let us bring the gifts that differ and, in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.

17. 5 Draw together at one table, all the human family; shape a circle ever wider and a people ever free Let us bring the gifts that differ and, in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.
Delores Dufner © Oregon Catholic Press - Reprinted by permission, LicenSing #621614