After finishing up our Bible Studies for the Journey, we are now ready to move forward to our vision, mission, and values statements. Before we can move forward in stabling our profile, we need to complete these important and foundational statements. These statements will also put the parish in a position of giving direction to our established ministries and where we wish to go to in the life of our faith community.
First, a quick word on the difference between a vision and mission statement.
To distinguish between vision and mission in our work, we need to go back to the plain English usage of these words. The simplest way I have found to show that difference in usage is to add the letters “ary” to the end of each word.
visionARY
missionARY
A visionary is someone who sees what is possible, who sees potential. A missionary is someone who carries out that work.
Jesus was a visionary. He saw the potential, the possibilities for making life better. His missionaries carry his work and words to the world, putting his vision into practice.
St. Martin-in-the-fields’ vision is all about what is possible, all about potential. The mission is what it takes to make that vision come true.
So…Our vision is a community where __________________. To bring that vision into reality, we do________________________.
You can participate in our vision statement development
If you were not able to attend the beginning of putting together the vision statement on Sunday, October 27, here is what you can do: send me your responses to the following exercise. I will then add this to what was done in our small groups. Here is your exercise:
In twenty-five words, then in ten words, and then in one word, answer the question, “What is the purpose of St. Martin-in-the-fields existence?”
This is a very important part of our journey of faith as a faith community called St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Keller, Texas.
In the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Proverbs 29:18 says: “Without a vision, the people perish…” I like the way The Message translates the passage from Proverbs: “If people can’t see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves…..”
Statements from our small groups
I commend to you the following visions from our children and adults. Please pray over them and bring your revelations with you this coming Sunday at 9:30.
Children 
- To teach the importance of giving
- A new way to learn
- To be honest
Adult Groups
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a community that seeks to understand Jesus’ teachings through the ministries of worship and service that includes all people working towards peace.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a community where we embody God’s love through worship, celebration of the sacraments, outreach, teaching and equipping our members for the spreading of God’s kingdom.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a community that is open and accepting of faith that acts out the fullness of God’s love.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a worshiping community which welcomes all, spreading God’s love into the world.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal church is a community where our kookie family practices love, compassion and fellowship. We are a welcoming beacon striving to act as Christ’s hands and feet.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a community where the love of Jesus abides and transforms through education, worship and fellowship.
Let us know your thoughts by emailing me or posting publicly in the comments below. Join this important activity!