Gathering at God's Table

Katharine Jefferts Schori is the presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. Prior to being elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada in 2000 and her ordination to the priesthood in 1994, she was a visiting assistant professor in Oregon State University's department of religious studies, a visiting scientist at Oregon State's College of Oceanography and an oceanographer with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Seattle. She became the Anglican Communion's first female primate in 2006. She is the author of The Heartbeat of God: Finding the Sacred in the Middle of Everything (SkyLight Paths); A Wing and a Prayer: A Message of Faith and Hope; and The Gospel in the Global Village: Seeking God's Dream of Shalom.

"Teems with the particulars of human care, human contact and human compassion.... Readers will be able to 'take heart' and 'lift up our hearts' at Katharine's compelling testimony."—Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary"A gift to our worldwide Communion, indeed to the whole church. These gems sparkle with insight and challenge…. A classic for renewal in the church’s commitment as servant to God’s mission."—Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate, the Anglican Church of Canada"A love story between the churched soul and the all-consuming work of God on earth. This compilation of stories and commentary, confession and hymning joy, will move even the most recalcitrant of us to greater humility and more gratitude."—Phyllis Tickle, author, Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, Why It Matters“Invites us to gain strength from the stories of courageous mission leaders, listen for God’s call into new and sometimes risky places and to become transformative leaders for the church today."—The Rev. Margaret R. Rose, Ecumenical and Interreligious Deputy, The Episcopal Church“Wide-ranging, biblical and creative … weaves a tapestry of spirituality for the Five Marks of Mission that inspires a discipleship of solidarity and illuminates what the church’s faithfulness in God’s mission means in the twenty-first century.”—The Rev. Canon Dr. Titus Presler, principal, Edwardes College, Peshawar; author,Going Global with God: Reconciling Mission in a World of Difference

• Acknowledgments xiIntroduction xiiiPart IThe First Mark of Mission: To Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom Fear Not 3Proclaiming the Good News Relentlessly 7Seeing the Face of Jesus 12From the Upper Room to the Ends of the Earth 15Archaeology of Hope 20Blessing and Hope 25Leaving Home 29Tweeting the Gospel 33One Spirit, Many Gifts 38The Meaning of Martyrdom 42Looking for Life 47Living Abundantly 51Nourished by the Word 55Part IIThe Second Mark of Mission: To Teach, Baptize, and Nurture New Believers Jesus: Our GPS 61Nurturing New Believers 65Learning to Be Light 72Teaching and Learning the Presence of God 75On the Road 78The Freedom to Serve 82Leading into New Waters 87Part IIIThe Third Mark of Mission: To Respond to Human Need with Loving Service Salt of the Earth 97Face to Face 101Healing and Wholeness 106City on a Hill 116Many Gifts, One Mission 120The Meaning of Mercy 124Spring Training 128Part IVThe Fourth Mark of Mission: To Seek to Transform Unjust Structures of Society The Quest for Justice 135Turning the Tables 139Building Justice 143Border Crossings 148Minding the Gap 153Living the Dream 157Enough for Everyone 160Created for Life 163Tending the Vine 168Casting Out Demons 172Traveling Light 176Sharing the Wealth 180Living in Joyful Hope 186Part VThe Fifth Mark of Mission: To Strive to Safeguard the Integrity of Creation, and Sustain and Renew the Life of the Earth One Body 193In the Garden 197Healing the Body of God 202Transforming the Planet 206Networks for the Future 210Notes 215Suggestions for Further Reading 219