One of the challenges of Community of Christ seminary is, not everyone who would like to take seminary qualifies, as it is a Masters Degree program. In response to the need for programs that do not require undergraduate degrees, Graceland University now offers other courses of interest to members, through the CIMM program. Recent CIMM sessions focused on Discerning, the Trinity and the Mission Prayer.
Upcoming Online Classes through CIMM: The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through the Graceland University/Community of Christ Seminary has opened the following classes for enrollment: Summer B Session (July 1 through August 25):
Most classes include non-degree continuing credits. The popular "CIMM Sessions", free ZOOM sessions, will resume after the summer break on Wednesday nights starting September 4.
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By Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It has been my joy and privilege to share in a few happenings over the last few days that have reinforced the idea that We Are One.
I took a van load of friends/neighbour ladies to a choir concert put on by the Provost Lutheran Choir. The choir however was made up of people from several different denominations from the communities of Provost, AB, and Macklin, SK. It was held in St. Norbert's Catholic Church - Rosenheim. The church is now an historic site hosting only a couple of special events throughout the year and the district of Rosenheim is just out in the lovely countryside between towns. Sunday- the Senlac Community of Christ congregation met with the Macklin/Provost United Church congregations at the United church in Macklin where I provided the service for that day. This has happened several times now and all of us are enjoying our worship together and getting to know each other better. Sandwiched in between these events, we were able to take in the wonderful celebration of life service for Linda Klughart, our beloved Seventy from SK, who passed away in January. This was accomplished through the wonderful collaboration of technology and ministry from across Canada and the USA. Thank you to all involved! It certainly reinforced to me the idea that not only are we 'One Canada', but with the inclusion of 'all voices'... we are 'creating connections' as one world in God's desire for us to come together in unity and love. By Debra Donohue Creating Connection Director Canada West This past weekend we held “What is Enough? Making Space for What Matters” at Samish Island Campground and Retreat Centre. This is the second time we’ve combined the Nurturing Spirit team and the Nurturing Justice team to create a space that can both acknowledge the tough stuff, like making changes and bringing awareness to challenging topics, while offering nurturing practices to help process these topics in a loving and healing way. At this retreat we offer both 2 and 3-night packages for those who can attend longer. And really, who doesn’t want to spend more time at Samish!
The Sessions We began the weekend really looking at what nurtures our spirit and questioning what is enough and what is too much for each of us individually. We discussed sustainable practices like composting, recycling, upcycling, and buying better quality product that will last longer so we’ll have less waste. The group shared tips on repairing furniture, appliances, darning socks and using the ‘visible mending’ technique to mend clothing creatively without discarding it. We explored the concept of What is Enough to retire on and what kind of lifestyle could be ‘enough’ for us. Isabelle Hachette from World Accord had just returned from a visit to Nepal, and she shared success stories in the RENEW program. Our discussions included how embracing a new idea often requires a profound change, which can be sparked by either beautiful or tragic experiences. We talked about the Climate Crisis and used the old stories of Stone Soup and Loaves and Fishes to explore sharing in community as a way to use less. Stories are a wonderful way to help us open up to both new ideas and old ones that can still work in for us in today’s world. We delved into systemic racism and acknowledged how one race can never fully understand another’s experience of racism. To balance these intense discussions, we engaged in playful and creative activities such as playing games, writing poetry, sculpting with playdough, and coloring. We ventured into the forest for Forest Bathing and practiced the deep relaxation technique of Yoga Nidra. We also tried simple practices like breathing, rocking, shaking, tapping and sounding to help our nervous system slow down, rest, and relax. Our goal was not to judge what is enough for anyone, but to help each of us explore what is enough for ourselves and recognize what might not be enough for others. My brother, David Donohue did a weekend of service at Samish. He painted, mowed the lawn, pressure washed, chopped wood, helped us with tech, and much more. To find out how you can do a weekend of service at Samish Island during one of our retreats, and at no charge, contact [email protected] Our next Nurturing Spirit retreat is the Nurturing Silence retreat at Samish Island, Washington. The theme is ‘Deepening into Silence’ Go to www.NurturingSpirit.CreatingConnection.ca to reserve your spot. More information will be coming soon. A Moment with your Mission Centre President by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President What a great weekend and rewarding experience to be at HOP work camp this past weekend- May 31-June 2!
The weekend started on Friday May 31 for some by attending Lauren Levitt's (Senlac Congregation) graduation exercises from Lakeland College in Lloydminster. Others went straight to the Hills of Peace to get started. Saturday was a lovely day weatherwise and the three page list of jobs as well as some not listed were able to be completed by late afternoon. There is no picture of the workers because- well, we were all working! It was the largest turn out for numbers (20 plus) we've had in a while and many willing workers got things done so efficiently. In addition to work though, we had great food, even greater fellowship, and generally a good time! You should have been there! LOL You can be there this summer, by coming to Family Camp August 3-8, or volunteering or registering for Kid's camp June 30- July 5, or Youth camp Aug. 10 - 15, or the Men's retreat Sept 13-15. The possibilities before us offer great potential for MORE FUN, FELLOWSHIP, FOOD ETC. Come be a part of it!! You will love it and we will love to have you there. We are excited to share that we surpassed our goal and raised $35,138.00 during Hills of Peace Month! Your donations will cover the campground’s insurance premium and help us continue serving the Canada West Mission Centre. Please be sure to read the attached letter from Dorothy Ungstad, Chair of Hills of Peace Campground, to learn more. Thank you! ![]()
Young adults, ages 18 (HS Grad) through 35, are invited to spend a weekend enjoying the beauty of Samish Island and building our community. We will explore, imagine, and dream what “discipleship” can look like in the 21st century!
Samish Island Campground 11633 Scott Road, Bow, WA Written by Stephen Thompson Canada West Mission Centre Historian Historian’s Corner, Vol. 2, No. 3 Having completed the series on “The Making of the Presidents of the Church,” I will return to emphasizing historical material that is more directly related to the Canada West Mission Centre. Today, I am returning to my cache of “District Leader” newsletters from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In the first column, in which I highlighted this newsletter, I said that the earliest edition I had was from January 1961. I have just discovered I have issues from at least December 1959, and through 1960. The following is a summary of just some of the very interesting material contained in them. To me, the newsletters are amazing productions for their day. Each one is 20 to 24 pages, typed, single-spaced, no pictures, undoubtedly copied using a Gestetner (or similar technology of the day), then assembled, stapled, and mailed out to who-knows-how-many members across at least the three provinces. Some people were regular “columnists” and wrote monthly columns ranging from a few paragraphs in length to as much as four pages. There are entries of varying lengths from congregational “reporters” – any given congregation is not represented in all months, but most months. In January 1960 there is a longer article by Leora Lester on “Word of Wisdom Given by Revelation.” There is a longer article by Elder S.R. (Stan) Walker (from the Edmonton Branch) on the topic of “Preparation for Zion,” which is well-researched with scriptural sources as well as contemporary references to non-RLDS thinkers and leaders. Thomas A. Johnstone, also from Edmonton, provided a short sermon on the topic, “Behold the Man,” in which he makes the case that Jesus’ life is an exemplary life for all of us because he shared with us from his humanity (as opposed to his divinity) and therefore could identify with all our human strengths and weaknesses. Mrs. M.L. Cornish wrote a column titled, “Let’s Help Finish the Auditorium.” In one paragraph she observed: “It’s easy for us away up here to say, ‘Well, why don’t they get the Auditorium finished?’ But as Brother Renfroe said at one of our reunions, “’They’ have gone home. So if there is something more to be done, just you do it.” (Aside: Reminds me (Steve) of President Veazey telling us at the last World Conference that WE are the strategic plan for the future of the church!) There is much more content that I cannot begin to summarize. Moving on to the April 1960 edition, we find a “Directory Page” of that year’s local leadership. I thought it would be interesting to share this listing. Many of these names will be remembered by members throughout the Canada West Mission Centre. Alberta District: Missionary: R.E. Ashenhurst (Calgary) President: D.K Larmour (Edmonton) Secretary: Gladys Larmour (Edmonton) Treasurer: A.C. Johnstone (Edmonton) Non-Resident Pastor: K.W. Anholt (Edmonton) Religious Education: S.R. Walker (Fort Saskatchewan) Women’s Leader: Jean Walrath (Edmonton) Evangelist: Wm. Osler (Edmonton) Zion’s League: R.L. Jenkins (Edmonton) Young Adults: Donald Saul (Edmonton) Bishop’s Agent: C.O. Diaper (Calgary). Saskatchewan District: Missionary: K.E. Harvey (Regina) President: T.R. Bowerman (Prince Albert) Secretary: Elaine Olson (Porcupine Plain) Treasurer: Dennis Wells (Saskatoon) Religious Education: Walter Postnikoff (Saskatoon) Women’s Leader: Eleanor Mountenay (Saskatoon??) Evangelist: Orval Fisher (Saskatoon) Young Adults: Arthur Bergeson (Regina) Bishop’s Agent: E.A. Baker (Saskatoon). Pastors: Calgary Branch: E.B. McLean Edmonton Branch: N.E. Olson Grassland (Alberta) Mission: Orval Jenkins Ribstone Branch: A.H. Gregory Artland (Senlac) Branch: Myron Cornish Paddockwood: Earl Beckham Prince Albert: G.R. Bowerman Regina Branch: J.D Williams Saskatoon Branch: G.A. Gendron Weyburn Branch: L.N. Jensen Winnipeg Branch: G.M. McDonald Fort William (Ontario) Branch: Anson Miller The next column will be in mid-June-ish. Check here each week for new material. And check the archive for past columns. Thanks for reading!
By Gwyn Beer, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Shirley Smith was invited to come visit Bob and Bev Riley. Originally planned as a weekend visit, Shirley saw the opportunity to reach out to church members in other areas.
In Chilliwack, Shirley stayed for a longer visit with Bob & Bev Riley, Rick & Pat James, Shonnet & Lawrence Allen, and Janine McCully. Shirley shared her desire for the Chilliwack congregation, a higher level of outreach mission. Shirley had a desire to meet with members of the Vancouver congregation to discuss mission. However, Vancouver is currently going through a discernment process, and only a few visits happened. A ferry ride got me and Shirley to the Victoria church. It has been sold and possession is June 1st, and the congregation has been dissolved. Shirley and I met with Carl and Shirley Bolger, and they told us of all the work that has happened to get the Victoria church ready for the new owners. The congregation was delighted to sell the property to a business that is closely oriented to our mission initiatives. The building will be used by Lifetime Network! We joined the Victoria congregation in worship, on Sunday May 12, for their last communion service in the building. Shirley gave an inspiring message to those in attendance about the future of the church, with dedicated saints and their stories. Fellowship over a lunch happened and Shirley went to visit family for the afternoon and evening. The congregation held a final service of remembering and sharing on May 26. We were given beds, and so much hospitality, with the Nepomuceno-Donohue family. Dana, John, Georgia, Sydney, Frankie and James were asked by Debra to house all 3 of us for 2 nights. Add Fiona the French bulldog, and 2 leopard cats, and the house was a full, warm, loving place. Shirley, Debra and I were treated royally, and much fun and fellowship happened. Shirley and I travelled up island and met with Sally Glaiser, who orchestrated an outside visit with Charlotte and Carmen Dobbs. Our time together was very special for me, as Charlotte (nee Harper) and I had grown up together through church family affiliations. Shirley talked with Sally about mission and was filled in on the congregation's plans to stay connected through a series of gatherings. The first will be a gathering at Sally’s home in late June. The Victoria group, while no longer a formal congregation, will allow an organic flow to future gatherings. Shirley reconnected with Don and Evelyn Jenkins, and I made connections with my Alberta relatives we had in common. Shirley spent the night with Ed and Audrey Salahub, who are now in Nanaimo after a move from Meadow Ridge. We travelled next to Campbell River to meet with Darlene Zimmerman. The connection to Darlene came when she responded to the Seventy letter that Shirley and Linda had created and we mailed out. We spent time with Darlene admiring her artwork. I thanked her for her support of World Accord for years by donating paintings that were auctioned off. I am a proud owner of one painting from a World Accord auction at Samish. We left Darlene, and returned to Nanaimo to a motel for the night as we had an early ferry ride out of Dukes Point. Shirley and I joined a CWM advisory meeting at 6 pm. I gave my report and left Shirley online. I went and met my school friend Janet Miller, for a long overdue visit. Shirley and I got up early to make a ferry ride to the mainland. From the ferry terminal, we went to the Abbotsford Airport where I left Shirley for her flight home. Thank you, Shirley, for a trip that reached out to many of our members on Vancouver Island. CWM/IW Reunion Coordinators: Chris Phelps and Lisa Masters Hello everyone, Hopefully you are starting to get excited about our joint Canada West/Inland West Mission Centres Reunion at Samish Island this summer from July 20-27. If you are not yet registered, please do so soon. There are still a few jobs that we are looking to fill. Please have a look through this list and let me know if you are interested in taking on one of these for our week at Samish.
Class Teachers: We have primary (grades 1-3/4), and a senior high (grades 9/10-12), teachers locked in. But we still need at least one, possibly two teachers, for the middle age range. We can divide things up in a variety of ways depending on who steps up and the number of kids. If you are interested in taking on the challenge of teaching kids for the week - in some form from grades 3-9 (not that whole range - that would be insane!!!) please contact Chris or Lisa ASAP. Canteen Coordinator: We need someone, or a small group, to take on the Canteen. We will likely have someone managing the Canadian $ side, and someone else the US $ side. If you are interested, let Chris know and we can talk about the job so you know what to expect. Evening Youth Activities: We could use a couple of people to coordinate evening youth activities, with an Inland West counterpart, on Sunday, and Friday. These would start at approximately 9:00 and end at approximately 10:30, and can be whatever kinds of activities you’d like to plan. Think ages 13-19, and interactive. Some previous youth activities that have been successful are: Karaoke night, games night, outdoor activities like scavenger hunts, volleyball in the CFC, etc. Most just need a little setup and someone to get things started. Recreation Activities: We could use a few days worth of (mostly) outdoor activities geared towards kids and youth. We have a couple of things already planned, but could use some planned help with activities like: Slip and slide (setup and start and cleanup), obstacle course, softball/kickball games, horseshoe tournament, afternoon volleyball, other ideas that you come up with! Let me know if you have ideas, and really let me know if you are willing to take on the setup/startup/cleanup aspects for a day. Jobs/chores Coordinator: We need someone from Canada West and someone from Inland West to work together organizing all the jobs/cleaning/etc. for the week of camp. This entails organization/communication/and follow up with people to make sure all the jobs are assigned and check in with people to make sure there are no problems that need assistance. Creative Activities: We have a number of creative activities scheduled this year, but if you have something you’d like to offer, for one day, all week, or anywhere in between, please contact Alexis Beer [email protected] or Ciara Mielk - [email protected] to add your activity to the list. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Samish in July! A Moment with your Mission Centre President by Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Another Camino Connection
Since you carry what you bring on this 780 km trail, it’s important to carefully evaluate what goes in your pack. I wanted to get my pack down to 15 lbs, leaving a couple of pounds for food and water. I was very careful, only taking three shirts and two pairs of pants along with the necessary sleeping bag, rain poncho, and thin puffer coat. My only book was my guidebook! Still, after my knee started shooting pains outside Pamplona, I ruthlessly left equipment at my next Albergue (pilgrim hostel), cutting out pages of my guide, leaving socks behind, and trading a heavier shirt for a new quick-dry one, losing at least half a pound of equipment. I couldn’t continue to walk with the weight that had hurt me. This exercise reinforced the sacredness of creation as I learned what mattered most and how to share what was extra with those who came behind me. There’s a wonderful retreat coming up at Samish Island Retreat Centre on May 30-June 2 called, “What is Enough? Making Space for What Matters.” I learned on my Camino that I didn’t need nearly as much stuff as I keep around me at home (although I was happy to have proper shampoo and conditioner again!). Let’s explore our true capacity and needs without needing to pare down quite so much. Registration will stay open until May 25 and we have room for about 10 more to participate. Consider coming to this retreat to reconsider how heavy your ‘pack’ is in good company! May 31-June 2 Are you looking for something to do on the weekend?
Come to the opening weekend of the Hills of Peace, Friday May 31, 2024 to Sunday June 2, 2024. Enjoy the time, the walking trails, see the lake from the beach (there won’t be a lifeguard, so no swimming), visit with people, and look for birds and their nests. We also take some time to clean: the cabins, the bathrooms, and shower rooms. Dorms, chapels, and classrooms (Craft Shack). You might see some flies or a mouse but that is ok right?! You might want to cut the grass or plant some flowers. Eileen Johnstone has a three page list of the work that needs to be completed. Other people also have a list of things that need to be done. Don’t forget the dining room and the kitchen! The dishes need cleaning before the food can be prepared. The meals are Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. We have 2 Chefs Dave Symington and Chris Ungstad preparing the food. You will have to guess what will be served. Between the work there might be some games or playing in the sand box. You can select your own cabin or dorm to sleep in for the weekend. Bring your own bedding A Moment with your Mission Centre President Team by Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President I recently returned from my pilgrimage in Spain. My daughter was out of town when I got home so I texted her this picture, holding the promise that not only was my gear back at home where it belonged, but I was too. Please receive the same promise from this image! It is good to be home and back among you again after being away for five weeks.
Last November I made the comparison between preparing for summer camping and preparing for pilgrimage. When you go on pilgrimage you need to get time off, you need to make other arrangements for your commitments, you need to plan financially to afford the costs of the pilgrimage, you need to prepare physically for what you’ll need and gather your resources, you need to prepare emotionally to be in a different space with different people. At the end of my pilgrimage, I find that the analogy holds. Another similarity between the two is finding intimacy with God and community in the process of stepping into the unknown. We can find God anywhere, but God is so present when we intentionally limit our distractions and turn our hearts toward spiritual union. It’s easier to hear God’s still small voice in nature with people of like mind, and both camping and pilgrimage provide that! We have Canada West camps at Hills of Peace and Samish Island this summer, along with our high school SPEC experience. They are tended lovingly by wonderful directors, guest ministry, cooks, and teachers. All that is left is for you to clear your schedule, handle your commitments, figure out your finances, and physically and emotionally prepare to embark on an adventure together in some of our favourite sacred places. And register!!!! A Moment with Your Mission Centre President by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Last week I was privileged to attend a dance competition my granddaughters were participating in. These competitions are pretty intense–there were over 1000 entries of various age groups and styles of dance over a 6 day period. Two things that impacted me were:
This brings me to an article shared by Bob Riley which also exemplifies the good of others and the desire to do good for others.Very inspiring indeed! In Bob's own words: 'Sometimes as a small church we might think we are having no impact on bringing peace into the world. We forget that other persons, organizations and businesses, just as small or smaller than us, maybe just one person, are adding their drop of peace to the container with us until it is overflowing.' Follow Nicola Chiacchio’s round-the-world tour for peace on a three-wheeled bike. •January 30 through May 23• Inland West Mission Center Virtual Book Club •April 20-28• Samish Island Camp Work Week •May 5• Climate Action Webinar Series •May 30-June 2• Retreat - What is Enough? Making Space for What Matters •June 7-9• Young Adult Retreat at Samish Island Visit communityofchrist.ca/2024-canada-west-gatherings to learn more about our events in Hills of Peace and Samish Island for the year!
Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Easter People... Witness... Believe... Act... Love I want to thank the creators of the Worship Resources. I am one of many of our congregation that leads worship. The team that puts together the information in the Worship Resources make our services meaningful.
Starting with the theme for the date, the suggested scripture, additional scriptures, hymn suggestions and décor suggestions, I have been guided to create a service that our congregation will participate in and enjoy. There are sermon helps for those who are delivering the message. There are class suggestions and help to lead a group in discussion. There are Sacred Space: A Resource for Small Group Ministry that can help with small groups to “Share Around the Table.” There are even “Thoughts for Children.” What an amazing team via World Church that put together written materials, video sermons, communion messages and classes! I have a deep appreciation for all who have done so much to develop all of this. I am excited about the reunion/family camp and youth camp materials that have just been released. A theme based on the climate emergency resolution passed in the 2023 world conference. "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative” will be my reading for the next little while and I will then work on helping to impart this concept at Family Camp. The work of the church is helped by all those who are creating this material to be used by all who choose to use it. The wonderful material we receive is a gift. God bless those who helped in any way with these materials. Hills of Peace needs your support. Help us reach our fundraising goal of $30,000 which will cover the annual cost of the camp’s insurance premium. Donations can be made by the following methods:
If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact the Hills of Peace Board at [email protected]
Historians Corner Vol. 2 | No. 2e This is the final part of this series on “The Making of the Presidents of the Church.” To see the previous four parts in this series please consult the column archive here: Historians Corner. Joseph Smith, Jr. (Prophet-President 1830 to 1844). The story of Joseph Smith, Jr., becoming and serving as the church’s first Prophet-President truly consists of the foundational stories of the church itself. And as with other columns in this series, there is far too much to begin to cover in detail within the constraints of this column. In very brief summary, Mark Scherer lists the “four key events” that shaped the early Restoration era: “the family history of Joseph Smith, Jr., the First Vision and its impact, the Book of Mormon, and the formal organization of the church.”[1] Scherer devotes a chapter to the Smith family history, but this sentence is all we will devote to it here. Similarly, he provides a detailed background and history of the “First Vision” and how it has become central to the church’s history over the years. Joseph Smith, Jr., in his 1842 account of the First Vision[2] says that it occurred on a “beautiful clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty.” He “retired to the woods to pray” in response to the scriptural direction “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...” (James 1:5). The vision was a highly spiritual experience in which young Joseph (only 15 years old at the time) was given to see two “personages”: God, and Jesus Christ. The question on Joseph’s heart was which church to join. The personages counseled him to join none of them.[3] This experience set Joseph Smith, Jr., on his lifelong quest to seek the mind and will of God and translate that into a church organization of which God and Jesus would approve. The Book of Mormon also has a long story all its own that we will not cover here. Publication began in March 1830.[4] The formal organization of the church occurred on April 6, 1830. By the time April 6, 1830, rolls around, Joseph Smith, Jr., has been at the centre of the First Vision event, and the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon and its publication. All along the way he has had a group of strong supporters who have recognized his leadership and accepted his spiritual authority. Many “inspired” instructions and directions were provided to this group by Joseph under the prophetic influence of the Holy Spirit. Many (though not necessarily all of them) can be found as sections 1 through 16 of today’s Book of Doctrine and Covenants[5]. Joseph is, without question, viewed as the leader of this “group.” The legal organization of the group into a church finally formalizes his leadership as described in the following scriptures. In section 17 of the Doctrine and Covenants, v. 1(a) and (b) we read: 1 a. The rise of the church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeably to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April; b. which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jr., who was called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church; and to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand: c. and this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory both now and forever. Amen.[6] Joseph has been “called of God,” “ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ,” and he is “to be the first elder of this church.”[7] In the introduction to section 19, we read: The ordinations did take place at the organization meeting, after the other brethren participating had indicated their willingness to accept Joseph and Oliver as their teachers and leaders.[8] And then in verses 1(a) and (b): 1 a. Behold, there shall be a record kept among you, and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ; b. being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith;...[9] The titles of leadership become more specific here: seer, translator, prophet, apostle, elder, along with the direction to lay the foundation of the church and to build it up. In future business meetings of the church over the next fourteen years Joseph Smith, Jr., is regularly “sustained” as the leader of the church. He remained in this position until his assassination in 1844 – and all of those fourteen years is an entirely different story! This concludes our series on “The Making of the Presidents of the Church.” I hope you have enjoyed this historical review as we prepare for the formal acceptance of our next Prophet-President (and “Seer and Revelator” – if we use the full, traditional title) in June of 2025. May we prayerfully and faithfully approach that event. And as Stassi Cramm is escorted into the Conference Chamber, presumably following her approval and for her ordination, may we enthusiastically and joyfully sing our thanks and praise: “We thank you, O God, for our prophets who guide us in witness today...”[10] Thank you for reading. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. [1] Mark A. Scherer, The Journey of a People: The Era of Restoration, 1820 to 1844, Community of Christ Seminary Press, Independence, Missouri, USA, 2013; p. 137.
[2] For a detailed analysis of a series of accounts of the First Vision written by Joseph Smith, Jr., in his lifetime, see: Richard P. Howard, “An Analysis of Six Contemporary Accounts Touching Joseph Smith’s First Vision.” In Restoration Studies I: A Collection of Essays About the History, Beliefs, and Practices of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Edited by Maurice L. Draper and Clare D. Vlahos. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1980, 95-117. [3] Sherer, p. 54 [4] Ibid, p. 120. See all of Scherer’s chapter six, “The Book of Mormon Story,” for a detailed history. [5] Book of Doctrine and Covenants: Carefully Selected from the Revelations of God, and Given in the Order of Their Dates, Community of Christ, Herald Publishing House, Independence, MO.: 2007 [6] Community of Christ. Doctrine and Covenants . Herald Publishing House. Kindle Edition. [7] Ibid. [8] Ibid. [9] Ibid. [10] William Fowler and Randall Pratt, in Community of Christ Sings, Community of Christ, Independence, MO; Herald Publishing House, 2013. Hymn #180 Nurturing Creativity of the Soul Retreat March 8-10 at Stillwood Retreat Centre, Cultus Lake BC Our special guest facilitator, Lana Cullis, presented us with an extraordinary opportunity: the chance to nurture personal creativity, regardless of whether we consider ourselves inherently creative or not. The rewards of cultivating creativity extend far beyond the artistic realm, encompassing improved health, heightened joy and wellbeing, and even financial abundance. With a pitch as compelling as that, joining Lana for this retreat was an irresistible proposition! The sessions were a delightful blend of fun and diversity, covering topics such as "Myths, Mysteries, and Misunderstandings," "Childhood Creativity," "What Colour is Your Creative Soul," "Creativity and Money," and "Honouring our Personal Lineage of Creativity," among others. What made our retreat truly unique was its format. Each topic was explored for 30 minutes, after which we had the opportunity to put our newfound knowledge into practice through journaling or by utilizing the six tables stocked with an array of craft supplies, bringing our creative visions to life. I highly recommend our suggested reading for this retreat:
Soul Space: Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life And Big Magic Registration is open for our upcoming retreat May 31st to June 2nd “What is Enough” follow the link for more details We are looking for someone over the age of 25 to be part of the Northwest SPEC Delegation for 2024! We will have at least 6 youth from Canada West as part of the delegation and are excited to send an adult from Canada West to provide support and guidance for our youth. You can learn more about SPEC here: https://spectacular.camp
The mission centre will cover your travel to this exciting youth event. Dates are July 11-20, 2024 let us know as soon as possible if you are interested – deadline is April 5th. Please send your questions and interest to Shannon: [email protected] Camp Work Week Saturday, April 20 - Sunday, April 28 A wonderful opportunity to give back to your sacred space is right around the corner with Camp Samish Work Week! Please come and stay in a cabin of your choice or bring your RV. There’s no charge for coming and being at the camp and we will feed you three delicious meals each day. We even have coffee break! If you can’t come for the full time, come and help when you can.
Participants, please wait to arrive AFTER 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 20, as we have a camp closing that day. We are including both weekends to accommodate those of you who work during the week or would like to come and work for a longer week. Our task list is long and varied and there is something to do for everyone. Tasks waiting are mowing and edging, cleaning inside buildings, wood cutting, splitting and stacking, cabin roofing, completing the inside of the rustic cabin remodels, furniture assembly and arranging, trail clearing and brush cutting, pressure washing and lots and lots of painting. Pick and choose your favorite activity. And, of course there’s the fellowship that always attends those of us who visit the camp and our friends who go there. We are also still looking for cooks for the week and volunteers who would assist cooks and help with food preparation. If you have any questions, please call our camp manager, Christine Campbell at (360) 510-5724 or Bill Campbell at (253) 709-8444. We hope to see you there! |
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