Did you Know? (Sunday, August 1, 2021)

The meaning of words evolves over time. This is true of the word “mission.” Today, the word has several meanings. One such meaning is “a congregation that is dependent on the support of an established congregation.” The hope is that the “mission” will become self-sufficient, and so support its own witness to the good news about Jesus in the community in which it is located. Up until the 16th century, however, the word “mission” was used only when speaking about the Trinity. The Father sent the Son into the world, and at a later point, the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit to continue the work the Son had begun.