Dear Friends of World Accord,
With the Annual General Meeting now complete, we are onto the business of updating our strategic plan to continue our mission of cultivating communities that thrive. Now is the time we want to hear from you! We, the Board of Directors have worked on a survey to help guide us with that plan. We look to you, our donors, supporters and long time friends to help us continue our vision of world accord. Please complete this survey by August 22. Click the button below to answer the survey. Thank you for your support! On behalf of your Board of Directors James Bennett Through Crises Toward Transformation: Systemic Solutions —Consumerism! Sunday, September 19, 5-6:30 pm EDT Follow-up Conversation – Sunday, September 26, 5-6:30 pm EDT Note: As a part of this discussion, we will explore the possibility of establishing networking groups for climate action, Bring your ideas and your calendar! We live in a culture dominated by consumerism. The media, the economists, the corporate world – all pressure us to buy, buy, buy! As a society, we are addicted to shopping and consumerism. And most of the industrial complex that makes and distributes consumer goods rely on fossil fuels, petroleum products and plastics that continually add to the carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Last June, we explored the possibility of a circular economy, where “Take, Make, and Discard” is replaced with “Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, and Repair.” But that’s only a portion of the solution. Wise consumer practices for the individual and for manufacturers are other transformations required to help solve this systemic problem. Come join us in the Climate Webinar on September 19 as we explore lifestyle changes and corporate changes necessary to help mitigate climate change. Invite your friends to join as well. All sessions are free. Participation in previous webinars and conversations is not necessary to join in this opportunity. To connect to “Systemic Solutions: Consumerism!” Please register by clicking the button below. If you registered for a past webinar or conversation, you do not need to register again. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link a few days before each webinar, panel and conversation. This is an online ministry sponsored by the Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center for Community of Christ. The North American Climate Justice Team are the planners, with members from GPNWMC, Canada East, Canada West, IWMC, SPMC, and SPIMC. Be sure to register for CEM Virtual Conference including Virtual Global Village, Business Meeting, Campfire, Spirit-filled worship and more. See all the details by clicking the button below.
I so want to recognize each of those who dedicated their time to plan, recruit, create, facilitate, communicate and ensure technical expertise throughout our summer e-camping program over the last 15 weeks with dozens of meaningful and relational offerings. From each campground across the Mission Centre, the reconnections within our respective reunions was not just kept alive, but blessed richly by shared interactions. Innovative programs linked all who attended or viewed the recordings. For those who may have missed any gathering, you can still experience the campfires, tours, conversations, worship and classes by clicking the link below to view the recordings. Be part of the memories, insights and sharing moments that were created just for you. Thank you again to those whose gifts, skills and presence made such a difference. Kerry Richards CEM President Friends, I’m deeply appreciative of all those who have shared concern for Haiti. I’ve logged hundreds of public messages on Facebook as well as many private messages from church leaders around the world and from world church leaders. I have been sharing about this with our leaders in Haiti and with those in the most impacted areas. It really makes a difference. I also know that many have asked how to give for the needs in Haiti. I have a high degree of confidence that one of the most effective ways to get help to the people that need it in the days to come will be through our network of church leaders. They are people of high integrity and they operate at the grassroots level as they connect with congregations through pastors and congregation financial officers. We are blessed to be able to offer this sort of oblation support, funded by our world mission tithes. The best way to ensure that we have capacity to respond to the needs in Haiti right now is to give to World Mission Tithes. Increased giving at this time will allow us to respond to increased need. Thank you to everyone around the world. Together we can do this. Sincerely, Apostle Art Smith Cheques may be sent to: Community of Christ 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 129 Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 Etransfers may be sent to [email protected] Apostle Art Smith reports: Prayers and concern for the people of Haiti who experienced a strong 7.2 magnitude earthquake this morning. The epicentre of the quake was in the western part of the country near a place called Trou de Nippes. I’ve been communicating with our staff and key leaders. Staff in the Port au Prince area, Hinche and Cap Haitien are ok. Our former mission centre president, in Chardonnieres, in the extreme west, reports that he is ok, but that it appears they have experienced many collapsed buildings and at least one death. No word yet from other members, including a retired church employee who lives much closer to the epicentre. Thanks for all of your prayers and concern. For those of you who’ve followed the news from Haiti over the last number of years, this earthquake was centred in the southern claw, west of the Port au Prince area quake that devastated Haiti a decade ago. This zone was severely impacted by Hurricane Matthew in October of 2016. Community of Christ has many members in this area and we are anxious to hear from them and to hear the overall damage report. And a further update:... Thank goodness! There is some good news. I finally just heard from our retired full-time minister, Brother Narcisse Pierre. Thankfully, he and his family were early risers today. They are all safe and unhurt. Had the quake come earlier, things would have been different because the walls of their home have fallen down on their beds. There is still much we don’t know. Thank you for all your prayers. Here is former mission centre president and current pastor of the Chardonnieres, Haiti congregation, Renand Hillaire, getting ready to spend the night on the mountain, up away from their homes and buildings (that are either fallen down or might still fall down). They retreated to the mountain from their coastal village, in the wake of the quake, to avoid possible tsunamis. They slept out here under the trees last night, waiting for the aftershocks to settle down.
On Monday, the world’s leading authority on climate change, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, told the world the climate is dangerously close to a tipping point that would lead to climate chaos and that human activities – primarily burning fossil fuels and deforestation – are to blame. With deadly and record-breaking forest fires, heat waves, floods and droughts occurring around the world and here at home, too many of us are already experiencing the devastating effects of increasingly extreme weather. This report’s “code red for humanity” is reaching an already weary audience. Fortunately, the report also shows that changing course is still within our power. The severity of climate change impacts is not a matter of chance. They will be determined by the choices we make now – all of us, every community, every country, every sector. Leading up to the next major UN climate conference (COP26 in Glasgow in November), world leaders are facing intense pressure to increase their climate action ambition. Canada’s current commitment is to reduce carbon emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. While this is an improvement, Canada’s targets are still critically insufficient and among the least ambitious compared to other developed countries. We need stronger targets, backed by stringent laws and regulations that quickly eliminate fossil fuel use and shift us to safer and cleaner energy sources. Being ambitious on climate also means prioritizing solutions that are inclusive and justice-focused. Canada has committed to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and this climate crisis will test what that commitment really means. So, how should we as individuals respond to this “code red for humanity?”
Here are some ideas: Feel the grief and fear — Allowing yourself to feel, grieve and contemplate everything we’re going through is important. Remember our actions matter — Realizing our actions at home and collectively can really make a difference, can feel empowering and inspire others to join. Talk to friends and family, find support and be supportive — Have (sometimes difficult) climate conversations. Talk about your vision for a just and sustainable future. You are not alone. Support one another. Find and cultivate a support network. Find hope and inspiration — It abounds if you look for it. There so many inspiring stories of people who are leading the transition to renewable energy in their communities and reasons to be hopeful. Hope is a key ingredient these days. Demand bold and ambitious climate action — We need to get Canada to act on climate change with the ambition and urgency this crisis demands. Action is an important antidote to despair. Sign this action — you’ll see. Prepare for a paradigm shift — Extreme capitalism, colonialism and a lack of respect for nature got us into this mess. We're going to need insights and solutions from Indigenous Peoples, diverse human creativity and a refocus on equity and well-being to get us out of it. There is so much work ahead, and as always, we must take it on together. Thank you for joining us in calling for climate justice for all. In solidarity, Jodi Stark Climate Solutions Public Engagement Specialist David Suzuki Foundation This Sunday, Lily Maiau will preach live from Tahiti on the theme “Choose Wisdom.” Retired Apostle Len Young will teach the Peace Lesson from Independence, Missouri. Associate Pastor Roger Dodson of Whitby, Ontario, will teach the Lesson of the Living Church. Alexandra Cozart of Innisfil, Ontario, will offer her testimony. Our Invocation will be given by Ron Raynes of Eugene, Oregon. Our Call to Worship will be read by Tiona Horning of Independence, Missouri, and our Lectionary will be read by Cragar Minor of Frederick, Maryland. The Beyond the Walls Choir will premiere hymn CCS 624 “God of Grace and God of Glory,” and will also sing hymn CCS 16 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Our global congregation meets every Sunday at 12:00 pm. All are welcome to this inclusive church service. Ottawa Congregation - 10:30 Worship. Contact [email protected] for Zoom details.
Windsor Congregation - 10:30 Worship. Contact Jeff Moor for Zoom info. SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 1:45 p.m. A service of the sacrament of baptism and confirmation and the affirmation of the Unity in Diversity that begins Pride Week in Chatham Kent. Contact Don Robb for Zoom details. Port Elgin Congregation - 9 a.m. class. Coffee & Conversation 9:40. Worship 10 a.m. Marilyn Graham presiding. Speaker Wendell Martin. Contact Larry Buchanan for Zoom details. La Salle Road Congregation - Social time from 10:15-10:30. Worship 10:30 a.m. Contact Pastor Vonda den Boer for Zoom details. Reaching Out - Generally meets twice a month. Please sign up for email notices by clicking here. Kitchener Congregation - Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Contact John & Ruth Black for details. Cambridge Congregation - No service during July and August. First People Community of Christ (FPCC) - Reaching out to Native People across North America and the World! Online Prayer and Testimonies Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Worship Sundays at 7 p.m. Contact Larry Buchanan for ZOOM details. Other Online Ministries are available from many varied places for you to connect with. Mildred (Millie) Eileen Moore, age 93, passed away peacefully at the St. Marys Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, Ontario. She is survived by her devoted husband of 72 and a half years, Roy Moore and their three children, Ron (Raymonde) Moore, Gary (Marilyn) Moore, and Joan (Paul) Fitzgeorge. She is missed and loved deeply by her grandchildren, Lyndsay (Scott), Jason (Michelle), Jonathan (Desiree), Craig (Sarah), Stephanie (Maxwell); as well as her nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Tanya. Millie was born to Emma (Rode) and Edwin Feltz. Her brother Roy (Shirley) and in-laws Beryl, Glen, Ruby, and Floyd remember her fondly. She was a cherished sister/sister-in-law to predeceased Eldon, Mervin (Marion), Gordon, Evelyn, Ivan, Donna (Russell), Gladys, Wilma. She is remembered affectionately by her large extended family and many friends. Mom was an active member of the Community of Christ. She was also a member of several antique and hobby associations, the Old Time Band, and an avid skater, camper, and snowmobiler. Mom was constantly ready for Dad’s adventures; she taught us to appreciate life being a journey. Our mom was strong, loyal, and loving. She forged her path, quietly leading her family with wisdom and love, demonstrating her willpower and grace. She volunteered her time to those in need and was a role model of acceptance and compassion. We will remember her patience and unconditional love. Mom met her life and every person with the brightest of smiles. A private graveside service will be held in Avondale Cemetery. Thank you to the staff at St. Marys Memorial Hospital for the care provided to our mom in her last months and to Dr. Langford for her many years of care. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Community of Christ or a charity of one’s choice through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com Delegates, Members, Friends, Save the dates of October 23 & 24 for our annual CEM Conference. This will be an on-line event again this year due to unknown health liability concerning Covid. We invite you to join our Conference from the safety of your home amongst your family. All are welcome to share together “Encircled in Joyful Celebration”, our Conference theme. For simplification, once again this will be designated a "special conference" to allow a smooth flow of proceedings in a timely manner to facilitate the business of Mission Centre operations. Our agenda will include inspirational, relational and informative interactions in Zoom breakout rooms. More information will follow about our Global Village interactive sessions to discuss topics of great interest. Link to our CEM webpage cemconference.ca to see the complete schedule and links to familiarize you with your Conference experience. Saturday Conference activities will commence at 10 am with our Global Village break-out groups followed by lunch and health breaks. The simplified afternoon Conference will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. Saturday evening will include an on-line campfire experience starting at 7 p.m. On Sunday, our CEM worship service will partner with Beyond the Walls beginning at 12 noon. President of Seventy John Glaser will be our guest minister for this CEM service. Our theme for the Conference weekend is "Encircled in Joyful Celebration." Joy transcends Covid! Joy radiates as an inner expression visibly shared. Joy is contagious. Joy is kindred. Joy is memorable. Joy is a spiritual practice. This fulness of Joy encircles those gathered. Be expectant. Practice your Joy and come to share Joy!! Register for the Conference by clicking the button below. Pastors will receive their congregational packages for delegate selection from the CEM office. Delegates are required to register and have their own individual device to vote (cell phone, computer or tablet). In advance of the Conference, training sessions will take place to familiarize delegates with our voting platform, Poll Everywhere. We will as is customary host pre-legislative discussions prior to the Conference to review information, motions, and budgets. We look forward to your participation; to seeing your joyful faces, hearing your voices, and engaging together as we are encircled with Spirit in our experience of joy in sacred community. Kerry Richards CEM Mission President Saturday, Aug 7th @ 2:00 PM VIRTUAL TOUR OF LIBERTY HALL | Stephen Smith Liberty Hall was built in 1881 and until 1905 was home to Joseph Smith III, president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1860-1914. The church was headquartered in Lamoni, Iowa and Liberty Hall was the centre of social and religious life for the community. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, Aug 8th @ 10:30 AM OPENING WORSHIP Hosted by Ottawa Congregation and New Liskeard Congregation “I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold I freely give the living water! Thirsty one, stoop down and drink and live.” I came to Jesus and I drank of that life giving stream; my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.” -Hymn 31, Community of Christ Sings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, Aug 8th @ 3:00 PM NORONTO WANTS TO KNOW | Lachlan Mackay Noronto Reunion's own talk show with David Donoghue, featuring an interview with Lachlan Mackay. Lach is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, assigned to the Northeast USA Mission. He also serves as Historic Sites Director and Church History & Sacred Story Ministries Team Lead. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, Aug 9th @ 10:00AM ALL VOICES CANADA | John Hamer John will facilitate a class that will share some of what we’ve learned so far from the many, diverse voices that have been heard. NOTE: Preceded at 9:45 AM by a PEACE OPENING with Dawn Dawson from the Peace Poles of Manitoulin Island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, Aug 9th @ 3:00 PM UNDER THE PINE TREE | Joy Green & Carol Shepherdson “Literally Creating Peace”: One card, one prayer shawl, one special gift at a time. Giving people the peace that they matter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, Aug 9th @ 7:00 PM CATCHING UP AT THE CANTEEN | Pat Stoakley Bring your own snacks!!! A Fundraiser for Camp Noronto Campground DONATION INFORMATION: Send cheques made payable to “Camp Noronto” to: Camp Noronto, 7 Thorndyke Crescent, Brooklin, ON L1M 1G5 (Ensure your name & address are included/printed on your cheque) Send Interac e-Transfer payments to: NAME: Camp Noronto EMAIL: [email protected] Text Your Name, Address & Answer to Security Question to 289-314-3158 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, Aug 10th @ 10:00 AM THE ART OF PRAYER | Clair Shepherdson Prayer is a natural conversation with God. It can happen in many forms, at any time, place, or in any circumstance. Let’s take time to consider the Art of Prayer. NOTE: Preceded at 9:45 AM by a PEACE OPENING with Dawn Dawson from the Peace Poles of Manitoulin Island. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, Aug 10th @ 1:00 PM NORONTO SLIDE SHOW A Photo Gallery of Our Hearts: A slide show of Camp Noronto. Relax and soak in the spirit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, Aug 10th @ 3:00 PM UNDER THE PINE TREE | John Hamer Online Ministry & Beyond the WallsJohn will share behind the scenes details about Toronto congregation’s “Beyond the Walls” ministry. He’ll reflect on the transformation of online ministry during the pandemic and the opportunities and challenges as in-person meetings resume. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, Aug 10th @ 7:00 PM VIRTUAL CHOIR DIRECTOR | Leandro Palacios PART 4 Have you ever wondered how the Beyond the Walls virtual choir happens? Leandro pulls back the curtain and reveals how this is all done in 4 ground-breaking sessions. Observe as participants actively learn how to become Virtual Choir Directors. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, Aug 11th @ 10:00 AM DISCERNMENT WORKSHOP | Daniel Harmon Personal Discernment: Awakening the Soul through Deep Listening and Spiritual Practice Daniel is leading the emergence of a new Spirituality and Community Centre at the Temple in Independence, MO. He is especially passionate about discernment practices for leadership groups, music as prayer, and exploring new forms of spiritual community. NOTE: Preceded at 9:45 AM by a PEACE OPENING with Dawn Dawson from the Peace Poles of Manitoulin Island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, Aug 11th @ 3:00 PM UNDER THE PINE TREE | Adam Wade LIVE FROM AUSTRALIA! (It's 5 AM there!) Where are you headed? Take a look at your life.
Wednesday, Aug 11th @ 7:00 PM YA CHILLS! | Regan Ross & Joyce Baker For ages 19-35 Are you young? Are you an adult? Not too sure where you fit in in with adulthood? Join your fellow YA for an evening of catching up, games and connection. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, Aug 12th @ 10:00 AM DISCERNMENT WORKSHOP | Daniel Harmon Discernment in Community & Leadership: Joining God in Practice, Prayer, and Action Daniel is leading the emergence of a new Spirituality and Community Centre at the Temple in Independence, MO. He is especially passionate about discernment practices for leadership groups, music as prayer, and exploring new forms of spiritual community. NOTE: Preceded at 9:45 AM by a PEACE OPENING with Dawn Dawson from the Peace Poles of Manitoulin Island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, Aug 12th @ 1:00 PM VIRTUAL TEMPLE TOUR | Joey Williams A virtual tour of the Community of Christ temple in Independence, Missouri with tour guide Joey Williams. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, Aug 12th @ 3:00 PM ENCOUNTER WORLD RELIGIONS | Brian Carwana Topic: RastafariStereotypes abound about Rastas. Come and learn about these devout people, a fascinating history, and how this Christian religion was born from Biblical messianism, Black power, and an African king. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, Aug 12th @ 7:00 PM WORSHIP SERVICE | Tony Chvala-Smith Hosted by Scarborough Congregation, this session includes a “Noronto Wants to Know” interview by David Donoghue with special guest Anthony Chvala-Smith. Tony serves Community of Christ Seminary and Graceland University as the Paul E. Morden Seminary Chair of Religion and Associate Professor of Religion. Tony also serves at the church’s international headquarters as a scripture and theology consultant and chairs the church’s Theology Formation Team. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, Aug 13th @ 10:00 AM CREATION IS SACRED | Joan Thompson Through Spiritual Formation, utilizing prayer and Lectio Divina, explore the Sacredness of Creation and God’s call for a prophetic community to emerge to bring peace on and for the earth. NOTE: Preceded at 9:45 AM by a PEACE OPENING with Dawn Dawson from the Peace Poles of Manitoulin Island. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, Aug 13th @ 3:00 PM NORONTO WANTS TO KNOW | Brittany Mangelson Noronto Reunion's own talk show with your host David Donoghue, featuring an interview with Brittany Mangelson. Brittany is an average gal from Utah who dove head first into a faith transition in 2013. She and her husband Josh joined Community of Christ in 2015 and she recently graduated from Community of Christ’s Seminary. She is a full time minister in the church, and is a mother of three children. She believes in grace, the worth of all persons, and is grateful to call Community of Christ her faith home. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, Aug 13th @ 7:00 PM FAMILY CAMPFIRE FOR ALL AGES | John Morgan This is the final event for Noronto Reunion 2021. “May the God of hope go with us every day, filling all our lives with love and joy and peace. May the God of justice speed us on our way, bringing light and hope to every land and race. Praying, let us work for peace, singing, share our joy with all, working for a world that’s new faithful when we hear Christ’s call.” -Hymn 652 Community of Christ Sings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Peace Opening - Weekdays @ 9:45 AMJoin Dawn Dawson from the Peace Poles of Manitoulin Island every weekday morning at 9:45 AM. These sessions will flow straight into the morning discussions each day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Children's Program (Ages 3-11): Mon, Wed, Fri @ 1:00 PM With | Amy Unruh ALL kids are welcome to attend ALL programs and specific events have been planned especially for children. For our kids' safety, participants must be pre-registered. NOTE: You can still register your children/grandchildren here if you have not done so yet. HOW TO CONNECT! Click the link below...go.ecamping.ca and then click the JOIN SESSION button NOTE: No passcodes are required this year for most events. Each session will open 10 minutes before it's scheduled start time to be sure your connection, audio and video are working properly. Sessions will vary from 1 to 1 ½ hours. During presentations, your microphone will be muted in order to eliminate background noise. If you wish to make a comment or have a question, you’ll be instructed to use the chat function or invited to unmute and speak openly. Test Your Connection BeforehandIf you're uncomfortable or unfamiliar with ZOOM, fear not. Practice sessions can be scheduled with a tech support. Please send a message if you would like to arrange a time. NOTE: If you need audio dial-in by telephone for any session, please send a message with plenty of advance notice so access numbers can be provided in time to connect. TroubleshootingIf you have any trouble logging into any sessions, please call Troy Roach at 519.404.3357 for assistance. VIDEO REPLAYS Many sessions are available to watch on video replay here Session Recordings Please note, some sessions may record the featured presenter during their lecture or class so it can be used as an educational resource. No other individuals or personal discussion sessions will be recorded in order to protect your confidentiality. How To Use ZOOM When you click the ZOOM meeting link, you may be prompted to download the program to your device. Make sure your device is set up for audio and video. Please complete this process at least 30 minutes before the session to ensure you are able to access the call. How To Change Your Name On ZOOM
ZOOM Best Practices (Etiquette)
Have Some Fun!Hopefully this provides you with everything you need to know, but should you have any questions, concerns or issues, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] Have a question? Email CEM eCamping at [email protected]
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community of christ
355 Elmira Road North, Unit 129
Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 Canada Canada West Mission: 877-411-2632 Canada East Mission: 888-411-7537 |
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