Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President "We are pilgrims on a journey - CCS # 550
World Conference 2023 starts on Saturday, April 22! I know some people are already on the journey to conference. I will be flying on April 20th and I look forward to seeing Independence again! I choose the hymn above before I went on the website and saw the hymn list. The hymnal is 10 years old this year!!! I love to just read the hymns as poetry. The hymns that are on the website for conference are available in multiple languages. I read through the legislation on the Community of Christ website again today. Whether you are making an actual journey to conference or you are staying home, check out the conference website. Wherever you are, you are part of Community of Christ. Join together in prayer, study, discernment, financial and courageous support. As CCS 550 sings "we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load... I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through. Joshua 1:9 I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’
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Written by Vickie MacArthur “It feels like I am slowly dissolving the me I think I am, to become the love beyond the boundaries of Buddha and Christ, and you and me.”
--- A Lotus on Fire As I stand at the podium at Analog Books, looking out over the sea of expectant faces, I feel a tinge of nervousness. Surrounded by walls of books on every side, I wonder what passage I could possibly read from my newly born book, that hasn’t already been written in some form? As I take a deep breath, and take time to truly look into the faces of beloved family, friends, and students, I see a spark of love shining through. It reminds me of another time of looking into the eyes of Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh. It was that moment that sparked the idea for the book I now hold in my hands, A Lotus on Fire: How a Buddhist Monk Ignited My Heart. I met Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) at a large retreat out in Vancouver in 2011, just after my mother passed away from cancer in 2011. I arrived with a raw and open heart, hoping for a quiet space to be with the sadness and loss I felt. At one point towards the end of the retreat, I had the opportunity to sit very close to this gentle and revered monk. Our eyes met, and a feeling of love such that I had never known welled up in me. It felt like I was looking into the eyes of the Buddha, or Christ. When I got home, I felt like I needed a way to process and reflect on this life-changing glimpse of “enlightenment” I’d received. I got out my journal and started to write. I wrote in the format of Letters to my Teacher (Dear Thay), describing my feelings, and asking the deep questions of my heart. Each question led to some insight and answers, but always uncovered deeper questions. Over time, these letters began to connect some of the dots for my life experience, revealing some overall patterns and themes. I wondered if these heartfelt letters in my journal could somehow become a book? So began the long process of writing, and re-writing, in between teaching yoga, raising our teenage boys, leading church, and all the other activities of life. I finished the first draft in 2019, and started looking for an editor. Several months later, I was invited to be part of the online leadership team for Awakening Spirituality, an online outreach group for our church, dedicated to being a safe and welcoming place for all different kinds of spiritual seekers. On the leadership team, I met Susan L. Scott, a long time church member whose own roots run deep in the RLDS tradition. Susan is also an author and editor passionate about inspiring and helping people like you and I to write and share our own stories. She calls this “Spiritual Life Writing”, stories at the intersection of spirituality and everyday life. She became my mentor and editor for the rest of my book journey. I shared my excitement with my dear friend Lana Cullis, and she too became a mentor and companion for me. In early 2021, we finally had a fully edited manuscript. Initially, like a lot of new writers, I hoped to find a traditional publisher to publish my book. This is no easy task, as most large publishers won’t even look at you without an agent, and smaller publishers don’t want to take a chance on you unless you already have a huge following, and a large social media platform. The submission process alone was like writing an entire book all over again. So I spent the next 6 months sending out book proposals, and either getting a polite “thanks, but no thanks,” or no answer at all. It felt like my manuscript disappeared into a big black hole! In September 2021, my life changed drastically. I was hit by a car while crossing in a crosswalk, and sustained serious injuries to my left shoulder and left knee, requiring two surgeries, two weeks in hospital, and three months in bed (and lots of prayer!) My life literally flashed before my eyes, and I spent most of the next year recovering. When I finally felt well again, I knew I needed to find a way of getting my book out into the world right away. My story mattered, as do all our stories! I decided to self-publish and become an “Indie-Author” as we’re called. It’s still a lot of hard work, but it gave me more control over the creative design of the book, including title, front and back cover design, and inside formatting, and complete copyright and ownership. I found an experienced graphic artist up in Calgary, who designed the stunning cover for A Lotus on Fire, and also did all the formatting inside the book, so I could upload easily to Amazon to publish both the paperback and E-Book versions. An official book launch was planned for March 22 at Analog Books here in Lethbridge. As I now stand at this podium, holding A Lotus on Fire in my hands, I can feel the faith of many generations converging in this moment. I sense the courageous faith of my parents and many generations of RLDS, now Community of Christ. I feel the teachings and meditation practices of Thich Nhat Hanh, and his Vietnamese Buddhist lineage traced right back to the Buddha himself. I feel the great love of the Living Buddha, and the Living Christ flowing through me, to be a tiny spark of love wherever I am. A Lotus on Fire is available in both paperback and E-Book on Amazon. To find out more about Vickie and A Lotus on Fire, please see Vickie’s website: www.vickiemacarthur.ca Written by Kat Goheen Canada West Mission Centre Co-President This is Holy Week. We breathe in this space when Jesus was closer to his disciples than ever before, yet so far away as they clung to him and would keep him from following his call. Holy Week is a space for learning how to stay awake and watch, and how to act. We find ourselves right now in the liminal space between the extraverted, frenetic joy of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the deep, upwelling, inner joy of encountering resurrection past the grave.
Both of those kinds of joy were evident in our CWM staff retreat last weekend. As Gwyn, Shannon, Debra, Sandra, and I got to know each other in one another’s full presence for the first time, we were able to share our hopes for this work as well as the struggles we encounter. Our joy came from being accepted as we are and our felt freedom to be fully heard, to be encouraged, to experience beautiful hospitality. Like the disciples, we came together and ate. We walked together. We prayed together, for us all. None of us can see the future of our beloved Mission Centre. All of us care so deeply about the well-being of this particular expression of Christ’s love on earth! In your journey through Holy Week, we encourage you to find community, break bread together, listen deeply to one another, and remember the new life that Jesus has shown us. May we all travel well in darkness so that we may be embraced in resurrection light! Written by Kat Goheen, Shannon McAdam & Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre President Team Just a few weeks ago all three of us got to attend the Nurturing Spirit retreat put on by Creating Connection in BC. While perhaps the most immediately memorable moment was waking up Sunday morning to a foot of snow, the impact of the stories and wisdom shared there will linger in our hearts for a long time. In connecting about the very human topic of caring for ourselves, we got to listen to the vulnerabilities and struggles of those gathered. As folks shared of challenging times they’ve experienced in marriages, in parent-child relationships, and in workplaces, what stood out were the imperfections of life that connect us. There was a certain beauty in the vulnerable and gracious sharing that took place.
What a relief to be reminded that no one is perfect! It was a joy to sit with one another in truth instead of behind the armour we sometimes wear to protect ourselves and appear perfect. How beautiful to see our scarred and wrinkled fleshy faces, made in God’s image, rather than the smooth masks we often hide behind. Experiences like these can remind us that we offer kind and genuine ministry when we lead from our truths and scars, rather than in spite of our truths and scars. As we draw closer to world conference many issues facing the church rest heavy on our hearts, not because of the legislation but because behind that legislation there are individuals who are impacted by the results of the decisions that are made. Could our policies reflect a pastoral and generous acknowledgement of our humanity and imperfection? When we consider decisions let us remember that imperfect humans like ourselves can feel more or less included in our church family as a result of those decisions. Remembering that none of us are perfect, like Jesus reminded the crowd when they were about to cast stones, can help us be more compassionate to one another, and, more importantly perhaps, to ourselves. Hiding our struggles and our truths perpetuates shame and fear. Sharing our true selves brings in light, communal support, and reminds us all that we are not alone. Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President We have been told that our president Steve Veazey is retiring. At World Conference in 2025, we will elect a new prophet/president. We have been asked to move forward in discerning who that will be. It has been suggested that we follow a month of prayer then a month to share.
March is Prayer, April is Share…. There is an excellent video from Steve Veazey about the process that he is hoping we will all participate in. It is available to you on the church website here. So… March is prayer, the start of the process. You are being asked to join with others and you can write and submit your prayer. When Kat, Shannon and I shared about Steve, Shannon said how he has shifted focus to us being a prophetic people instead of a people with a prophet. I am hoping to let the spirit take me on a journey to get to know those who might be able to lead this church. I hope to discern my future and the future of this church. Here is my prayer for discernment, what will your prayer be? Dear God, Give me the patience to slow down, breathe in and feel your spirit. I pray for inspiration and wisdom. I pray that if and when I share, I will give value to the conversation about our future. Amen Written by Kat Goheen Canada West Mission Centre Co-President I began studying Discernment Facilitation with Katie Harmon-McLaughlin earlier this year, and it’s been such an enriching experience. Someone recently asked to hear more about this course experience, so this seemed a good way to begin! Below is a short summary of my learning from the course so far (under 9 minutes): In Vancouver, we’ve been involved in a visioning process for 9 months, so it has been interesting to take this class and read these books now – like learning how to operate a car half-way through a drive in the Rockies! So much of this work is more about who we are than what we do. In spiritual discernment we’re called to lay aside our figuring out minds and turn our hearts to God – really listening for an answer on our future direction.
Sounds more like spiritual direction or prayer than most business meetings! On that note, how can our business meetings feel more like spiritual practice than corporate governance? Asking good questions is central to this work of spiritual discernment facilitation, and one good question often leads to another, with the eventual truth that all discernment leads to action. I hope that you will ask yourself how much you can allow God into your most private deliberations, for yourself and for your community. I am practicing it myself, and while I experience moments of fear and loss of the illusion of control, it feels close to my core when I get there. Blessings to you in your discernments! Written by Debra Donohue Creating Connection Director Creating Connection’s ‘Nurturing Spirit Retreat: Connecting through Self Care’ was held last weekend at Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre at Cultus Lake in BC.
A few people had to cancel due to weather … it snowed over a foot at the campground on Saturday, but we ended up with a lovely group of 24 over the course of the weekend and 25% were first timers! This retreat focused on recognizing the signs of burn out and creating action plans to take care of ourselves so that we live happy lives, and so we have the capacity to care for others. Alexis Beer, our guest speaker, who has a long list of qualifications and training, did a great job leading us through the topic. Everyone agreed her sessions were interesting, thought provoking, and stimulated lots of conversation. And let me tell you about the music. It was amazing! Edith Wallace led us in two meditations of sound, a concert Saturday night, and sent us off with a song which we all danced to on Sunday morning. I think Saturday night may have been my favourite Edith Wallace concert to date. Check her out on Spotify. Kat Goheen brought her harp and gently strummed us into another mediation and Shannon McAdam taught us how to use needlepoint as a way to focus our thoughts and be mindful. We spent time playing Pictionary and our theme was, of course, self care activities. Gwyn Beer brought a 1000-piece puzzle (which we didn’t quite finish) and there was free time to walk in nature and explore the grounds. Although Stillwood is not Samish Island, which is so near and dear to many of us, there were several benefits to using this campground. First, it’s in BC so most of us didn’t have to cross the border, make sure we had up to date passports and purchase travel insurance. Although 3 people came from the US and they crossed the border to be with us. Second, it’s a large and busy campground so they have staff to do all the cleanup in the buildings and after meals (woo hoo!) And Third, we didn’t have to pay the US exchange rate which is around 30% right now. We’re looking at going back next year, but maybe we’ll try to go in March. The weather is a little more predictable then, or at least one can hope. I’ve included a group photo, a walking group photo, a photo of the Edith Wallace concert, doing needlepoint, and my car Sunday morning covered in snow. If you weren’t there, we missed you and hope you can join us next time. Watch for details on our next Creating Connection Retreat "Creating Community: Where Spirit, Nature and Justice Meet" June 1-4 at Samish Island. This retreat will be a mindful and exciting combination of Nurturing Spirit and Nurturing Justice. Written by Kat Goheen Canada West Mission Centre Co-President We have just entered the season of Lent. My journey through Lent has had many stages. As a child I didn’t know anything about this season of the year, so when I was a young adult and discovered it, I made up for lost time! My most obstinate personal habit of the time went on the chopping block for the 40 days, substituted for a practice meant to draw me toward God. There were a couple of years in a row where I abstained from Diet Coke, which required great willpower at that time!
My practice continued through seminary, where I was surrounded with people from different churches with rich Lenten practices. I confess that my practice took a major hit with motherhood. The perpetual sleep deprivation prompted me to give myself a pass from further deprivation! More recently, COVID felt the same way. It was much more difficult to restrict myself given the external social restrictions already imposed! Part of our study for the Discernment Facilitator’s course through the Seminary this week is on the topic of consolation and desolation. Consolation is anything that leads to increased energy and a feeling of closeness to God, while desolation brings a sense of apathy and isolation from God and others. My current approach to Lent is to be very mindful of where I seek consolation and seek to turn my heart toward God. May this Lenten season bring an expanded sense of who we are in relation to creation and draw us to find consolation in community and in closeness with God. Written by Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith” Doctrine and Covenants 163:b
How each congregation achieves that is as unique as the individuals being discipled in that community. How do we bring hope where there is none? How do we address poverty and needless suffering? How do we confront prejudice and greed? How do we share Christ’s gospel of love and peace and justice? How do we find the kernels of wisdom in our common human heritage with one another? Recent services on World Religion Day in London and Barrie, brought together persons from differing faiths who agreed that we need to love and serve one another. It is not an “us” or “them” situation. That if we stop fighting our differences, but instead embrace our common goal, together we can work toward peace and justice. Let’s celebrate some initiatives that individuals within Community of Christ are doing toward that: Teresa Fryer of North Bay recently traveled to El Salvador to teach women how to sew. Her friend Dulcie Shepherdson is there teaching English. Pat MacGregor opened the Sarnia church for donations of clothing and personal care items for the 120 seniors who were abruptly evacuated from their home late one Friday evening in January due to a fire. The community responded abundantly. The St Thomas congregation held a $2 dinner reaching out to community groups with the greatest need. The Woodfield congregation reaches out to bring care packages to individuals who are reintegrating into society after incarceration. “God’s grace, revealed in Jesus Christ, freely moves throughout creation, often beyond human perception, to achieve divine purposes in people’s lives … As revealed in Christ Jesus, God, the creator of all, ultimately is concerned about behaviours and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people and that protect the most vulnerable. Such relationships are to be rooted in the principles of Christ-like love, mutual respect, responsibility, justice, covenant and faithfulness, against which there is no law (D&C 164:2b,6a) May we all seek to alleviate needless suffering and bring hope where there is none. May we all strive toward relationships that respect and uphold the worth of others. And may we embody peace and justice individually and collectively. Written by Shannon McAdam Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Every day at my workplace this month we’ve learned about a different Black Canadian who is outstanding in one way or another, and it has been an incredible way to celebrate Black History Month. There are so many amazing people who I’d never heard of before, and I wonder why I’ve never learned about them before. If we believe in the Worth of All Persons, why don’t we learn about all types of people?
Black History Month is a fitting time to reflect on what it is that makes White culture so dominant that we don’t learn about the contributions of those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour. White Supremacy Culture might sound like a problem from far away or long ago, but it is prevalent in all of our lives, and runs against our belief in the Worth of All Persons. I’ve found this website by Tema Okun to be really helpful in my own learning about what White Supremacy Culture is, how to recognize it (the “marks”), and ways to overcome it. The original article that Okun based the website around is a quick and easy read that I highly recommend. Click here to read the article. For me, one of the most insightful “marks” of White Supremacy Culture that Okun talks about is “One Right Way”. This is the idea that there is only one right way to do things, and can lead to some of the other marks: Perfectionism, Paternalism, and Either/Or Thinking. Okun’s antidotes to “One Right Way” are beautiful and life-giving. These include gratitude, being transparent, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes. These, I think, are also the kinds of things Jesus calls us to. Jesus sought to bring people together rather than dividing them. How will you recognize Black History month? Perhaps take a moment to read some of Tema Okun’s insightful writings and think about what you can change in your home, workplace, or congregation to help dismantle White Supremacy Culture and help bring about God’s Shalom. |
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