Carolyn Marcus was commissioned as a US-2 in 2008. Here she clutches her treasured anchor cross, the symbol of the missionary. Image by: Mary Beth Coudal Source: GBGM Administration Commissionings vary in numbers; the groups tend to be a diverse blend of genders and ethnic groups with varied talents and skills and often include married couples. Image by: Cassandra Zampini Source: GBGM Administration

The General Board of Global Ministries cordially and joyfully invites all members of The United Methodist Church to take part in the commissioning of new missionaries, deaconesses, and home missionaries on the evening of October 13, 2009.

Participation is possible through a live internet broadcast from Stamford, Connecticut, where directors of the mission agency are gathering in their annual meeting.

A total of 40 persons will be commissioned for service in nine countries or areas around the world. These include 31 missionaries in several service categories, seven deaconesses, and two home missioners. To "commission" means to set apart and bless for special roles in Christian witness and service. It is an ancient practice that continues to enliven the church in the 21st century.

The service of commissioning will be broadcast at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on the worldwide web at ummissionaries.org. Officers and members of Global Ministries will take part in the traditional "laying on of hands" and the presenting of the Anchor Cross, given to all missionaries, deaconesses, and home missioners.

Deaconesses and home missioners, who are men, make lifetime commitments to ministry and are members of annual conferences. They obtain their own employment.

The missionaries to be commissioned include eight international missionaries; 10 Church and Community Workers (who engage in ministries with the poor in the US); six mission interns, who serve three-year terms, half in an international placement and half in the US; five young adult US-2 missionaries; and two missionaries through the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries in the US.

General Board of Global Ministries The United Methodist Church 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10115 Contact: Elliott Wright Tel: 212-870-3921 Email: ewright@gbgm-umc.org

Persons to be commissioned come from 23 annual (regional) conferences in the US and one partner church in the Caribbean. The conferences include:

A full report and photographs from the commissioning will be posted on the website of the General Board of Global Ministries. The transcript of the live broadcast will be archived on the website.

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	See Also... Topic: GBGM events |  Missionaries |  Youth |  Focus on Leadership Development |  Source: GBGM Mission News
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Date posted: Oct 12, 2009