Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter This is the 11th in a continuing series on the “We Share…” theme. For background, see the first entry in the series here: We Share #1 “We Proclaim… Jesus Christ.” The Community of Christ’s belief in Jesus Christ has been emphasized in the explanations of many of the “We Share” columns:
After all of those affirmations of faith and belief in Jesus Christ, why is it necessary to have a statement explicitly aimed at our proclamation of Jesus? It is to further emphasize and confirm the primacy of that faith and belief, and to make a clear statement of our place in historic Christianity. Much to the surprise of some persons who may be detractors of Community of Christ, we ARE a CHRISTIAN denomination! From the time of our establishment in 1830, through our “reorganization” in 1860, and our name change in 2001, our focus and reason for being has been to witness of the life, death, resurrection, and continuing ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! In the book, Sharing in Community of Christ, upon which this series of columns is based, the section of “We Proclaim Jesus Christ” can be found on pages 58 to 60. There are nine statements affirming our proclamation of Jesus. They will not be repeated in their entirety here, but even the first phrases of each one is affirmative, explanatory, and worth listing:
There is much to explore about a faith and life based on the ministry and example of Jesus Christ. Entire lifetimes of ministry have been dedicated to the task. Uncountable books, from authors both in Community of Christ and in other faith traditions, have been written about it. All such efforts, ultimately, find their basis in the scriptural record of Jesus Christ. I certainly commend that record to your reading and study. If you have an interest in pursuing questions or further discussion about the place of Jesus Christ in the Community of Christ, please contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] In accordance with Harmony's mission to provide advocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ, we offer this four-part series with Sexologist Dr. Jill McDevitt. The purpose of this series is to provide our members and the public with meaningful and science-based information concerning human sexuality and gender identity as well as insight into common areas of struggle for the Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ Community such as shame, intimacy, power and agency, pleasure, and more. This series is meant to provide individuals with accurate and thought-provoking information that has the power to improve lives. Utilizing the Experiential Learning Model of sexual health education, this workshop facilitates self-reflection and provides participants with a framework for understanding sexuality as a broad and interconnected topic that impacts nearly every aspect of being human. Through the collaborative development of the 7 Circles of Sexuality Wall, a bevy of topic ideas for future events will also be generated. Dates/Times
Pricing
Meet Dr. Jill
Dr. Jill McDevitt is a sexologist, sexuality educator, sexual wellness coach, and feel-good activist. Dr. Jill's mission is to radically change and improve the way we think about and treat sexuality, ourselves, and each other. Learn more at: https://www.thesexologist.org/ Should you have any questions, please contact Harmony at [email protected] Join us on December 6 for a free online Advent worship service with special music, including participation from many locations.
The event will open with Christmas carols from Mexico, the Asia field, and Zambia. The three members of the First Presidency will welcome viewers. After scripture from the Gospel of Luke, Ron Harmon Jr. will offer a Prayer of Invitation and Anticipation. Apostle Mareva Arnaud Tchong from French Polynesia will deliver the homily. While most of the event will be played from a recording, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be live. The invitation will be presented simultaneously in English (First Presidency), Spanish (Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia), and French (Apostle Bunda Chibwe). Members will answer "Where do you see (Joy/Hope/Love/Peace) Being Born Today?," with an opportunity for social media responses from viewers. The Disciples' Generous Response will come from Andrew Fox, field bishop of Eurasia Mission Field. Prayers for Peace come next, followed by an international children's choir performing CCS #420, "Star-Child." Grammy-nominated Organist-in-Residence Jan Kraybill will perform:
This message of the holiday season will air at 4:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. CST on Facebook and YouTube. Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter I will return to the “We Share” series next week. This column, “A Moment with the Mission Centre President,” got started back in March for the purpose of addressing the rapidly changing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the members and congregations of Canada West Mission Centre. The current situation with the pandemic of the last couple of weeks makes addressing it from a church context relevant again. The ”second wave” of the pandemic was predicted almost from the very beginning of the “first wave” in the early part of this year. Further, it was predicted to be worse than the first wave. That is exactly the situation in which we find ourselves across Western Canada at this time: more diagnosed infections than in the spring; more people in hospital and in Intensive Care Units; front-line workers who are even more exhausted than in the spring; and, sadly, more deaths in all jurisdictions. You, and your circle of friends, acquaintances, and associates, will all have experienced the last 8 months quite differently. You may or may not know people who have been infected – with or without symptoms, with or without hospitalization. You may or may not know anyone who’s death was attributed to COVID-19. You, or someone you know, may be confined to a continuing care facility where COVID-related restrictions have affected everyone, whether infected or not. Perhaps you or someone you know have had scheduled surgeries or treatments delayed due to the priority assigned to dealing with the pandemic. The church gave initial direction on closure of congregations around the world in mid-March. This was followed by several updates up to, and including, the release of guidelines for cautious re-opening of congregations in late May. Over the summer, church leadership released guidelines for the conduct of sacraments (other than baptism) in situations where officiating priesthood members and receiving members could not be in close proximity to each other. On the more “business” side, guidelines were also released to help local jurisdictions hold meetings to conduct needed business using video-conferencing tools. Pastors and leaders in all congregations in the Canada West Mission Centre have been doing what they can to maintain communication with members. Those efforts have included online meeting opportunities and/or regular messages or newsletters sent to members. I am also aware of some very intentional telephone ministry that has occurred to ensure contact is maintained, comfort is provided, and spiritual connection and support is reinforced. Over the summer some congregations were able to enjoy some outdoor activities that at least brought people together in a physically-distanced manner. Beginning in September some congregations initiated in-person weekly worship services while abiding by World Church and local health authority directives and guidelines. Most have discontinued in-person services again in the face of the “up-tick” in cases in their surrounding areas. Our camps and retreats were cancelled in their usual in-person formats. Many were “re-incarnated” in online formats that appear to have been mostly well-received. All of us are looking forward to getting back to some semblance of “normal” whenever circumstances allow. It is very likely that the new “normal” will be different from the old “normal” that we left behind in March. I expect that congregations will continue to offer online ministry for members and friends in some form. Camps and retreats may also very well continue some form of online components. Personal attendance and participation habits in all church activities have been interrupted by the pandemic and may or may not return to their habitual and traditional forms. Our collective and individual experience of church and of our life of faith may be quite different in the months following the pandemic. The world and life, generally, certainly will be quite different as well. Speculation about all of that will need to wait for another time. Let me close this review and summary with the affirmation that God, directly and through the Holy Spirit, continues to be with us and to bless us in all of our lives. A scripture shared in a “Virtual Visiting Fellowship” meeting this week seems appropriate to close with here: Do not be discouraged. You have not been promised an easy path, but you have been assured that the Spirit that calls you will also accompany you. … Do not be defined by the things that separate you but by the things that unite you in Jesus Christ. (Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 162:3a,5a) I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter This is the 10th in a continuing series on the “We Share…” theme. For background, see the first entry in the series here: We Share #1 Today, “We Share…Sacraments.” The sacraments of the church are shared or celebrated at times of the intersection of our human experience with God’s concern for our well-being. “Sacraments bring God’s grace, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the example of the life of Jesus Christ together with one’s personal commitment of faith. Through the sacraments, we discover the presence of God everywhere and realize that all life is sacred.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 44) Community of Christ has eight sacraments which touch people at different times in their lives. Baptism is celebrated when a person makes a decision to recognize the initiative of God in the person’s life. It is the culmination of a person’s choice to “follow Jesus Christ with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength. … In baptism, we are immersed in water to symbolize death to sin and raised from the water to begin a new life.” (Sharing …, p. 44) Confirmation is a prayer of blessing that, first, “affirms the Holy Spirit’s continued blessing for each disciple,” and, also, “’confirms’ membership in Community of Christ.” (Sharing …, p. 45) Two elders of the church lay their hands on the head of the person being confirmed and one of them offers the prayer. Confirmation usually follows shortly after a person’s baptism. However, if a person has been baptized in another Christian faith tradition (other than as an infant) that baptism can be recognized, and the person can be confirmed as a member of Community of Christ. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) recalls the example set by Jesus in sharing in partaking in bread and wine for his disciples to remember him. “Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus told his disciples (Luke 22:19 NRSV). Communion is normally celebrated by congregations in their worship service on the first Sunday of each month. It is also often shared at other special occasions of gatherings of church members. Partaking of the “emblems” (bread and non-alcoholic grape juice) is open to all persons attending the service who have made a commitment to Jesus, even if in a different denomination. Ordination “recognizes the divine initiative to call certain disciples to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.” (Sharing …, p. 47) Ordination is normally conducted in a public worship service by two current priesthood members who lay their hands on the head of the person being ordained. One of the priesthood members offers the prayer of ordination to the priesthood “office” to which the person has been called. Blessing of Children is offered in commemoration of two events in Jesus’ life. First, when Mary and Joseph took him, as a young child, to the Temple “to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:21-35) and when during his ministry parents brought their children to him to be blessed (Mark. 10:14). Today parents may choose to bring their infant children, or children up to the age of 7, to be blessed in a public worship service. Typically, one minister holds the child and the other offers the prayer of blessing. For a child older than an infant, the child will sit in a chair and the ministers will lay their hands on the child’s head and one will offer the prayer. Laying on of Hands for the Sick involves two significant symbols of God’s presence: consecrated olive oil and the laying on of hands. When a person has a specific need – usually a physical illness or injury, or sometimes a challenge of a spiritual or mental health nature – the person may call the elders for a “prayer of administration” as it is often called. One minister will anoint the person’s head with a drop of consecrated olive oil, a physical representation of the Holy Spirit, and then both ministers lay their hands on the person’s head as one offers the prayer. This sacrament is normally conducted in private – sometimes in the Pastor’s Study of a church, or in a person’s home, or in a hospital room. Marriage. “Christian marriage is a sacred covenant between two people for lifelong, healthy, loving companionship. Marriage is also a legal agreement. The sacrament of marriage highlights God’s desire to strengthen and enrich the marriage.” (Sharing …, p. 49) “Community of Christ priests and elders may perform this sacrament, regardless of the couple’s membership in Community of Christ, as long as local laws governing marriage are followed.” (Sharing …, p. 50) Evangelist Blessing is a sacramental prayer that “expresses the universal love of God for the recipient(s) and brings assurance, clarifies choices, and provides light for a lifetime of faithful discipleship in response to God.” (Sharing …, p. 50) This sacrament is typically requested by an individual, but might also be requested by a couple, a family, or even an entire congregation. The Evangelist who will offer the prayer will spend some significant time in preparation with the individual (or group) to ensure there is a good understanding of the needs to be addressed by the prayer. It is possible for a person to have more than one Evangelist Blessing as a person’s life circumstances and needs change and evolve. These descriptions of the sacraments of Community of Christ are very brief due to the constraints of space in this format. Much more could be presented about each one. If you have an interest in any one or more of the sacraments of the church, please contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] Jan Kraybill, Community of Christ organist-in-residence, often enjoys hearing and answering her audience’s questions, especially if she’s playing a demonstration concert at the Temple or Auditorium in Independence, Missouri, USA. But because the world is dealing with a pandemic, her next performances are for online audiences.
During free internet premiers at 7:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time on both September 13 at the Temple organ and at the Auditorium organ on September 14, Jan Kraybill took video viewers behind the scenes, inside these massive instruments, to view aspects never seen by live audiences. The videos were recorded in Independence, MO. Watch the Auditorium Pipe Organ Demonstration and the Temple Pipe Organ Demonstration videos in the Community of Christ YouTube channel. The videos will remain on the church’s YouTube channel for later viewing. Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter First, let me share this… I am writing late on Wednesday afternoon, the day after the U.S. election. It does not feel right not to mention this significant event. We may not know who has won this election until as late as Friday. It is in no way appropriate to express support for one politician or one party over another in a church ministry context. It is enough to note that there are strong feelings and emotions that have been generated in this election on both sides of the American electoral divide. I know that perspectives from both of those sides are shared and supported among members of Community of Christ in the Canada West Mission Centre. It is important that we pray for civil and peaceful actions in these days and that society avoids the potential for violence. I commend to you this Letter from the U.S.A. Team of Apostles, published last week. It is truly a prayer for this restraint written from the U.S. perspective. It is expressed far better than this concerned Canadian can. Let us pray for the well-being of all of our American brothers and sisters. Now, back to today’s theme… This is the 9th in a continuing series on the “We Share…” theme. For background, see the first entry in the series here: We Share #1 Today, “We Share…Whole-life Stewardship.” Stewardship is the response of my people to the ministry of my Son and is required alike of all those who seek to build the kingdom. (Book of Doctrine and Covenants 147:5a) And, from the Gospels: From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (Luke 12:48 NRSV) Stewardship is wisely managing the gifts and blessings of God in our lives and finding ways to give some of them back into God’s service. “Whole-life Stewardship” recognizes that gifts to us and gifts from us are in all areas of our lives, not just in our finances. “We serve through tithing of our time, talent, treasure, and testimony. We describe this as whole-life stewardship. Being good stewards of our lives is our ultimate calling as generous disciples.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 39) Six principles are defined as being a disciple’s generous response:
Practicing good stewardship takes intentionality and discipline. It is easy to use our blessings entirely for our own benefit. As a disciple we are called to resist that temptation and to use our blessings – of time, of talent, of testimony, and of treasure – to help further God’s purposes. “You are invited to a journey of whole-life stewardship in response to God’s amazing generosity in your life as we seek to build communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” (Sharing …, p. 43) For more information about our Basic Beliefs, contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] To all our members in BC,
It is the time of year that we usually gather for our Agape Society Annual General Meeting, and as with many events we are moving online thanks to provisions made in the Societies Act for these extraordinary times. Zoom connection details are below. For those new to the Agape Society, every Community of Christ member in BC is automatically a voting member. Our mandate is to support at-risk youth and young adults in finding safe and supportive homes. We do that primarily through the Agape House in New Westminster, which the society owns. The current program in Agape House is run by CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) for young adults learning to live independently. Our agenda for the AGM will be simple: update you on this year at Agape House, approve the budget for the coming year, and elect the board of directors. We have some openings on the board this year and welcome any who are interested to reach out to board president Shannon McAdam ([email protected] or 604-328-0705) if you’d like to learn more. Thanks to video communication technology, you do not have to live in the lower mainland of BC to be a board member! When: Sunday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time Where: Online or by phone via Zoom, connection details below We hope to see you! Agape Board Black Lives Matter Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter This is the 8th in a continuing series on the “We Share…” theme. For background, see the first entry in the series here: We Share #1 Today, “We Share… Basic Beliefs.” Basic Beliefs are “comprehensive, rational explanations of what the church holds to be true, arranged in categories that are part of the broader Christian tradition. In contrast, “Enduring Principles” (covered last week) “are the underlying truths and affirmations that shape the personality of the church.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 26) “The good news of Jesus Christ is at the center of the faith and beliefs of Community of Christ.” (Sharing …, p. 33) This is of primary importance. We hold firmly to our belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. These are the most basic beliefs that connect us to the two millenia of history of the Christian church. Statements of other basic beliefs draw on these foundations and the complementary foundations of scripture. Each member’s experience of these beliefs will be different. Our beliefs are an “open invitation to all to embark on the adventure of discipleship,” to “seek God’s continuing guidance,” and to “encourage all people to study the scriptures and think about their experiences as they engage in the life of the church.” (Sharing …, p. 33) Statements of our Basic Beliefs are made under the following headings:
It may seem like a long list. Without a statement in each area there would be a lack of comprehensiveness in the total description of our beliefs. Each statement can be seen to build on others which creates a basic “systematic theology.” Members will find that they will give more importance to some statements than to others. What will be particularly meaningful to one person’s faith may be less important in another’s faith. Thus, we have a church with diversity of opinion, thought, and belief that is fully acceptable within the overall unity of the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Full statements of each belief may be found on the Community of Christ website and in the book Sharing in Community of Christ, pp. 33-38. In future weeks we will write specifically about our beliefs in Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, and Scripture. (Next week: “Stewardship”) If you would like me to address any other Basic Belief in detail, please send me an email and I will be happy to respond. For more information about our Basic Beliefs, contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] 3 Day Online Discovery Event: October 14, 21 and 28.
Here's what it includes:
-Summary pages of the class presentations -Pre-class videos to watch. Short clips totaling perhaps 15 mins per class to show ritual, etc. -All sessions recorded and available for a week afterwards to fit your schedule. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Have a question? Email Brian Carwana at [email protected] Religions Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter This is the 7th in a continuing series on the “We Share…” theme. For background, see the first entry in the series here: We Share #1 Today, “We Share… Enduring Principles.” These are not the same as “Basic Beliefs” of the church – which we will discuss next week. Basic Beliefs might be seen as more “rational” statements about what Community of Christ believes which establish our place as a denomination within the greater Christian Church. “Enduring Principles” may appeal to our more emotional side. They “define the essence, heart, or soul of church identity, mission, and message. They describe the personality of the church as expressed through its participants, congregations, and affiliate organizations throughout the world.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 27) There are nine principles:
Descriptions of each principle can be found in Sharing in Community of Christ, beginning on page 28, or on the Community of Christ website. Each principle is described in a few sentences. The last sentence or two in each description begins with “We…” to indicate our sense of calling to live up to the principle and to describe the response that we believe is required to fulfill its ideal. A short essay such as this one could easily be dedicated to each Enduring Principle! The principles are not numbered. There is no intended “hierarchy” of importance of the principles. People may express one or more as their “favourite” or “most meaningful.” Mostly, however, people will refer to each principle when it is appropriate for application to a current and pressing spiritual, moral, ethical, or social question or situation. The foundation of every principle can be traced to “God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed by scripture.” (Sharing, p. 27) As we more frequently and consistently apply the Enduring Principles to our lives, and as we use them to help inform our efforts to improve our neighbourhoods, communities, and nations, we can gradually move the world closer to the ideals of Zionic community and help bring the Kingdom of God closer to reality on earth. For more information about our Enduring Principles, contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] Join us online! Saturday, October 24 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Pacific Time. Click on the buttons below to register and view schedule. See below some tips for creating a Worship Centre or Altar at home.
Join us this Wednesday for the screening of There's Something In The Water, followed by a panel discussion with producer Dr. Ingrid Waldren, Dr. David Suzuki, and frontline activists. Panelists:
When: Wednesday, October 21, 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST What: Screening of There's Something In The Water followed by panel discussion ![]() As a result of the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, long overdue conversations about environmental racism and the intersection of racism and environmental justice are actively taking place across Canada. This documentary film offers an opportunity to bring this important conversation to our community and amplify the voices of the activists on the ground in parts of Canada facing various threats against their rights and the environment. Based on Ingrid Waldron's incendiary study, the film follows Ellen Page as she travels to rural areas of the province that are plagued by toxic fallout from industrial development. As did Waldron, the filmmakers discover that these catastrophes have been precisely placed, all in remote, low income — and very often Indigenous or Black — communities. As the filmmakers observe, your postal code determines your health.
If you cannot attend, please consider donating instead. In these challenging times, your support is more vital than ever. Thank you for helping to protect nature. Stay healthy. Stay Well. The David Suzuki Foundation Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Today, “We Share… a Mission.” Christ’s Mission is Our Mission! We take that cue from Jesus’ reading from the book of Isaiah as quoted in Luke 4:18-19 (NRSV): The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Many years ago, Community of Christ adopted a mission statement that many church members still know from memory and that points the way to Jesus and his mission: We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. The church has been “growing into” that mission statement ever since. Five “mission initiatives” have been prescribed for the church that help us focus our efforts on what matters most for us to be about in our communities. More information can be found for each one by following the links:
It is critical to understand that each of us as individuals must be Christ’s hands and feet to contribute to carrying out his mission. The short phrase that started the first paragraph above really is more accurately stated as: “Christ’s Mission, Our Mission, YOUR Mission.” In recent years, many individuals have made it a part of their personal spiritual practice or prayer life to regularly pray the “Mission Prayer” and directly invite God’s guidance into their lives: God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen. I invite you to make Christ’s mission your mission. Community of Christ seeks to share that mission and to make it as real as possible wherever church members live and work and serve in their community. How will you respond? For more information about our mission, contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. Extra Information: Be sure to let your voice be heard in an early stage of consultation about the future of Community of Christ in Canada. Check out Apostle Art Smith’s sermon from September 27 (fast-forward to minute 35:29), plus his related conversation with Seventy John Hamer of Toronto, Ontario, and respond to this questionnaire. Thank you for your interest. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] Enrollment Information for eLearning Classes
The following credit classes will open for a limited enrollment September 21-October 17:
Class cost is $7.50 and should be paid before class via e-Transfer to: [email protected] To enroll, go to developmetrics.org and click on the "Canadian Registration Form". Also, for a limited number of students, we'll be offering the MEADS class on "Community of Christ History" taught live by John Hamer on Monday, November 9 through Friday November 13 from 7:30-10:00 PM (EST). The price is $35 and you can enroll here and click on the "Canadian Registration Form". The Canada West Mission Centre wishes to extend a very large “THANK YOU” to everyone who supported our recent conference in any way. It was a complex event that could not be successful without contributions and assistance from a large number of people. We recognize in the following list those who contributed in the ways mentioned. Thank you so much for your efforts!
General Planning/Preparation: Steve Thompson Sandra Rodriguez Debra Donohue Lisa Neudorf Parker Johnson Sam Smalldon Specific Components: Program Brochure-Sandra Rodríguez Website, Promotion, Publicity-Parker Johnson and Sandra Rodriguez Coffee and Conversation Session-Debra Donohue “Metamorphosis” Session-Steve Thompson “Unprecedented Musical Event!”-Joey Williams Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit/Singing into the Silence-Debra Donohue, Joey Williams, Vickie and Doug MacArthur Business Meeting: Planning/Chair-Steve Thompson Chair Support-Jeremy Thompson Documents-Sandra Rodriguez Secretary-Lisa Neudorf Parliamentarian-Mike Mitchell Greetings-Art Smith, Dar Shepherdson and John Glaser Prayers-Shirley Smith and Kat Goheen “We Remember” video-Sandra Rodriguez “We Celebrate” slideshow-Sandra Rodriguez “Virtual Camp" video-Jahnelle Geddes Reports: Steve Thompson-MCP Sandra Rodriguez-Administrative Assistant Sam Smalldon-MCFO Debra Donohue-Creating Connection Director Parker Johnson-Church Mission & Young Adults Specialist Lisa Neudorf-Camping and Retreat Specialist Chris Phelps-Online Reunion Linda Klughart-Recorder Rod Downing-Canadian Peace & Justice Comm. Anita Bates-Historian Jim Fish-Samish Campground Jesse Levitt-HOP Campground All Delegates Worship Service: Planner-Lisa Neudorf Presider/Host-Steve Thompson Pianist-Brenda Senga The “Vancouver Ensemble”: Kat and Jon Goheen, Savannah Goheen, Charlotte Goheen, Amelia Phelps and Katelyn Phelps CWM Singers: Emelia Goheen Jeanny Jacobsen Marilyn Smith Marian Thompson Steve Thompson Isabelle Williams Nicola Wood Doug MacArthur Scripture and Response: Lanette Vawter Mike Bock Message: Joey Williams Communion Elements: Vickie MacArthur Stan Freer Denise Esch DGR: Dar Shepherdson Prayer for Peace/Sending Forth: Art Smith “Beyond the Walls” Support: John Hamer Leandro Palacios Michael Karpowicz Parker Johnson Mary Jean Belrose Christian Vago With any list of this length we run the risk of missing someone. If you are aware of others who should be added to the list, please contact [email protected] Community Spirit CAN'T be cancelled!
Thanks for being part of Canada West Mission Conference Online 2020. Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Today, “We Share… a Sacred Story.” “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth…” -Genesis 1:1 NRSV “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way…” -Matthew 1:18 “I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents…” -I Nephi 1:1 “Hearken, O ye people of my church…” -Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 1:1a Our sacred story begins in four places at four different times in four different records of scripture. The first verse of Genesis begins the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) which ultimately tells the story of God’s people of the covenant over many centuries. The first chapter of Matthew begins the New Testament and the story of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ followed by the records of the persons who first shared his teachings with the ancient world. The first verse of the Book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon becomes our entrance into a multi-faceted story of people following God’s direction through times of change, challenge, war, peace, and ultimately the ministry of Jesus in a land far removed from Jerusalem. And, finally, the opening verse of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants begins the nearly 200-year-old (and counting) prophetic journey of Community of Christ from its humble beginnings in upper New York state to a world-wide denomination present in over 60 countries. “The sacred story is the all-encompassing saga of God’s redeeming action in the world. … The story of Community of Christ is part of a much larger sacred story that is rooted in Christian history, including the Hebrew tradition from which Christianity emerged.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 17) In this sense “We Share” this long sacred history of religious faith with the rest of the larger Christian church. Further, “the story of the church is one of unusual faith, vision, and creativity in response to God’s call.” (p. 18) In this sense, we share a unique sacred story with people to show God’s continuing revelatory, and prophetic leadership in our movement. “Do not fail to listen attentively to the telling of the sacred story, for the story of scripture and faith empowers and illuminates.” -Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 161:5 For more information about our story, please contact me or contact a congregation near you. Extra Information: Be sure to let your voice be heard in an early stage of consultation about the future of Community of Christ in Canada. Check out Apostle Art Smith’s sermon from September 27 (fast-forward to 35:29), plus his related conversation with Seventy John Hamer of Toronto, Ontario, and respond to this questionnaire. Thank you for your interest. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Today, “We Share… the Peace of Jesus Christ.” “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” -John 14:27 NRSV “God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed through scripture, is the foundation of our faith, identity, mission, message, and beliefs.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 13) There is no better or firmer statement of how central Jesus Christ is to the Community of Christ. The life and ministry of Jesus as recorded in scripture and the continuing presence of the resurrected Jesus among us today, including the Holy Spirit, is the “foundation” for every other statement of faith and belief that we will share in this series of short essays. The church, since its inception in 1830, has had a central concept known as “Zion.” It has always been considered to be representative of the “Kingdom of God” on earth. Early concepts of Zion, indeed concepts that existed well into the twentieth century, envisioned it as a physical, geographic place that would be governed under the prophetic influences of God. Its divine features would “shine as Zion” beyond its borders and positively influence both its neighbours and communities around the world. Today the call to “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion” (Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 6, verse 3) is understood as “the call to share the peace of Jesus Christ in all of its personal, interpersonal, community, and worldwide dimensions.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 14) Members of Community of Christ are called to be “the church” wherever they live and work and participate in society and to do their part to encourage Christ-like conditions in their part of the world and thus to “build Zion” in a worldwide context. Sharing the peace of Jesus Christ is a concept and process that continues to be explored for greater understanding within the church. We believe that God has more to reveal to us about this great goal. We believe that the call to be disciples of Jesus will make us better citizens and allow us to demonstrate the positive influence that Christian principles can have on local and world-wide communities. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. … 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. -Ephesians 2: 14,17 NRSV The peace of Jesus can unite us, can break down walls between us, can resolve hostility, and bring together people both near and far – geographically, spiritually, and politically. In short, the peace of Jesus can change the world! I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter It has been a full month since my last “We Share” meditation. Previous entries were on August 13 (“We Share” – general intro to series and to purpose of the phrase) and August 20 (“We Share… a Vision for Creation”). Today, “We Share… A Name.” “Community of Christ,” your name, given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling.” --Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 163:1 “Share” here has two definite intended meanings. First, we share the name “Community of Christ” as our denominational name with members around the world. Community of Christ is established in more than 60 nations of the world. The name of the church is officially translated into at least 16 languages (see page 12 of Sharing in Community of Christ). Many primary church publications are translated from English into Spanish and French, which are the three “official languages” of the church. A “core repertoire” of 104 hymns in Community of Christ Sings are provided in multiple languages and are intended to be used in any international and multi-cultural church function settings, including World Conference. Second, we share the name “Community of Christ” with those who visit our services, meetings, and functions and those who seek to learn who we are and what we believe from online and other sources. We share it not only as a name, but also as a statement of our primary identity and purpose: To proclaim Jesus Christ. “Community of Christ” was adopted as our name in 2001. We have been exploring the purpose and the meaning of our name and growing into it ever since. It has truly been the “divine blessing” and the statement of our “identity and calling” as stated in the verse quoted above. “We Share… A Name” in many different ways! I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] |
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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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