MISSION
" To Send Out the Light of God's Love to the World"
Matthew 5.14-16
John 3.16
1Corinthians 12.12-31

MINISTRY
" To Make Disciples"
1Peter 2.9
Matthew 28.19-20
Ephesians 4.1-16

AS DISCIPLES
" Share Our Faith for the Salvation of All People"
Luke 4.16-21
Romans 1.16

Motto, Mission, Ministry
A HISTORY OF 3MS

1. What does the symbol 3MS mean?
The three M's are: MOTTO: "Saved by Grace, Called by God"; MISSION: "To Send Out the Light of God's Love to the World"; MINISTRY: "To Make Disciples" and as Disciples to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ through us. The 3MS Project had its beginning in the 1997-1998 Vision Team Task Force Report. Copies are available at the Welcome Center.

2. Why the 3MS Project?
Epiphany is ripe for Spiritual Renewal at least, and at best Transformation. The 3MS has nine central scriptures and a wonderful graphic visual that is easily remembered; the salvation message of the Holy Bible and our mission is clearly presented. 3MS is an Educational Tool that encourages the Articulation of Faith, increased Camaraderie within our membership, a sense of Cohesiveness and a Road Map for the future. With 3MS the possibilities are endless.

3. When did the 3MS project happen?
The 3MS program happened in February of 2003. The Church Council asked that all activities - Church Council, committees, small groups, circles, task forces, not meet in February of 2003, allowing for a complete and singular focus on 3MS.

4. How many sessions were there?
There were four individual sessions - one a week for each of the four weeks of February 2003. Session 1: WHO WE ARE; Session 2: WHY WE EXIST; Session 3: WHAT WE DO; Session 4: AS DISCIPLES.

5. Did the congregation have several choices of a weekly session to attend?
Yes, in each of the four weeks, there were 13 opportunities on the same session. Sunday - 3; Monday - 2; Tuesday - 2; Wednesday - 2; Thursday - 3; Friday - 1. The schedule was adaptable.

6. Who were the 3MS trainers?
Linda Barry, Paul Fransen, Joyce Gornall, Renita Hillis, Jeff Mitchell, Judy Montanaro, John Pysarchuk, Polly Renner, Jay Stanley, Don Wachtman, Karla Whitlow, Steve Wolfarth, Ray Wolf, Matt Blahnfleth.

7. How long was each session?
Each weekly session was one hour in length - one beneficial hour out of the week. NO child care or refreshments were provided.

8. Were members asked to participate?
Yes. The creators and developers of the 3MS (The Church Councils and Pastoral Staff) asked everyone to commit one hour a week for the four weeks. All high schoolers and adults were expected to participate. 382 adults sign-up with over 80% attending regularly.

9. What materials were provided?
Truly awesome materials were provided. Epiphany created its own. All members received a notebook per person or per family as the case may be that includes the goals, the graphic, and helpful Biblical materials on each of the four sessions. The 3MS notebooks were placed in the Gathering Space on Sunday, January 26, and February 2. The remaining notebooks were delivered by participants in 3MS.

10. How did the congregation sign-up for 3MS?
January was sign-up month. There was sign-up bulletin boards in the Gathering Space. Mailings were sent reminding members of the sign-up. The sign-up in the Gathering Space was for the first week only, and it was hoped that sign-up for one week indicated a commitment for the entire four-sessions as well. Members were free to choose a different time each week that met their schedule. Because all four sessions are essentially linked to each other, every week attendance, was heartily stressed.

11. What was the Epiphany 600?
During the month of February 2003, members were encouraged to commit themselves to every Sunday worship on February 2, 9, 16, and 23. The sermon prepared the congregation for the week's 3MS session. If all committed themselves to every Sunday worship, 600 or more would be in worship each week. The average attendance for the weeks of February was 607.