By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
These are exciting times for the church in Canada! The Mission Design Team committees have begun their work, and we want to share a little about the process. A few years ago, we began this journey by traveling across the country, listening to members and friends. The stories and testimonies gathered during those visits became All Voices. From there, our Apostle, Art Smith, worked with leaders to develop a strategic plan that reflected those shared experiences of faith. At last year’s conferences, the final version of that plan--Onward Together —was introduced. The plan outlines three strategic functions for mission:
It also includes two supporting functions:
Alongside these priorities, the concept of a Mission Design Team was introduced, exploring the development of one mission centre for Canada. A call was made for volunteers to self-identify their interest in this work, and about twenty people stepped forward. Art then invited Shannon McAdam and me to co-chair the team’s efforts. Forming the Committees Shannon and I wanted to include everyone who had volunteered, but we quickly realized that one large committee would be unmanageable. To make the work more effective, we created smaller, focused committees. With volunteers across multiple time zones and varying availability, selecting teams and scheduling meetings was a challenge—but we made it work! The first meetings have taken place. Each team has read its mandate, shared individual interests, and discussed how we can build something new that enables Community of Christ in Canada to thrive. Each team includes members from both the east and the west, ensuring diverse perspectives. In addition to their work, we will also invite others to offer prayerful support and dialogue. Over the next four months, these teams will develop recommendations, which will be shared in June with congregations, reunions, and online. Ultimately, these recommendations will be presented at each mission conference, where we will determine our collective support for creating a unified mission centre for Community of Christ in Canada. Our Mandate The Mission Design Team’s mandate is: "To design a unified, Canada-wide Mission Centre to support the mission, programming, and diverse needs of Community of Christ members and stakeholders across the country. The team will prioritize alignment with the Community of Christ in Canada strategic plan, as well as the broader church’s mission and values." Meet the Teams We encourage you to engage with team members, ask questions, and offer feedback as they share their progress. Here are our five teams:
Finally, we invite you to hold this work in your prayers as we continue discerning the next faithful steps for Community of Christ in Canada.
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Join the First Presidency’s Diversity and Inclusion Team for a thought-provoking dialogue series exploring selected Enduring Principles in today’s cultural climate. These 60-minute Zoom sessions offer a space for learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
Session topics:
To participate, register by emailing [email protected] For more on Community of Christ’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit: cofchrist.org/diversity-and-inclusion “The restoring of persons to healthy or right relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.” D&C 163:2b
When: Sunday, Feb 23, 2025 Time: 2pm PT, 3pm MT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET, 11am HT, 10pm London, 8am Sydney +1 day As we journey toward World Conference 2025, we will go deeper into the concept of a just transition away from fossil fuels. How does G-5 keep hope alive for a sustainable future? Why is fossil fuel reduction critical for a just transition? Where are we really with renewable energy? And what does energy have to do with a hopeful future? These are questions we will explore on February 23. Join us for a challenging look at courage and hope! If you have not registered for this Zoom series, please register at: https://cofchristclimatejustice.org/register Those previously registered will receive the new links before the next webinar. Hosted by the North American Climate Justice Team. Sponsored by the GPNW Mission Center, Community of Christ. Open to all people of all faiths and traditions. What might your wilderness hold for you? Step into a season of reflection, renewal, and discovery.
This Lent, the Canada East Mission Centre’s Spiritual Formation team invites you to an 8-week online retreat exploring Ignatian spirituality, a practice of deep reflection that helps us notice God’s presence in everyday life. Through daily readings, prayer, and spiritual practices, you’ll have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful spiritual exploration. Participants are encouraged to commit 15 minutes to one hour each day for personal reflection. Setting aside a consistent time and quiet space can help deepen the experience. Weekly Sunday evening Zoom gatherings will take place at 4:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. ET. Retreat schedule: • March 1 – Receive retreat materials • March 2 – Opening session (Zoom) • March 9 – April 13 – Weekly Zoom gatherings (Sundays) • April 23 – Final retreat meeting and wrap-up Lent is a time of reflection and renewal, an opportunity to slow down, listen, and embrace a deeper awareness of God’s presence. If you feel called to journey with us this season, we welcome you to take part. To register, email [email protected] Come along on the journey! World Conference returns May 30–June 6 in Independence, MO, bringing our global community together for a time of worship, discernment, and celebration. This year, we come together to celebrate President Steve Veazey’s twenty years of courageous, visionary leadership and consider the call of Stassi D. Cramm to serve as the next prophet-president. It promises to be an inspiring and historic conference.
Whether you're attending in person or observing from home, all key information is available here, including:
Reminder: Registration for conference delegates will be handled by Sam Smalldon, the MCFO for both mission centres. More details coming soon. February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of Black communities throughout history. While often associated with the United States, Black history in Canada is equally significant, encompassing stories of resilience, advocacy, and faith—from the Underground Railroad to present-day efforts for racial justice.
As a church committed to the Enduring Principles of Worth of All Persons and Unity in Diversity, Black History Month invites us to recognize how these values call us to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with Black communities. This is an opportunity for reflection and action, both within our faith community and in Canadian society. The Diversity and Inclusion Team is hosting a series of online discussions exploring Black history and our shared commitment to justice and inclusion. While some sessions focus on the American context, they offer valuable insights applicable to our own journey in Canada. To receive the Zoom link for the sessions you’d like to attend, please contact Heather Frey. Upcoming Black History Month Sessions Exploring the Impact of Black People in American History February 16 | 3:00 p.m. CST The Diversity and Inclusion Team will host a 60-minute session highlighting the often-unknown history of Black individuals who have significantly contributed to the culture and enterprises of the USA. A Questions & Answers session will follow the presentation. Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: The Worth of Persons Dialogue February 23 | 7:00 p.m. CST A discussion on the Enduring Principle “Worth of All Persons” and its impact on diversity and inclusion within our community. Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: Unity in Diversity Calls for Action March 23 | 7:00 p.m. CST A discussion on the Enduring Principle “Unity in Diversity” and how it calls us to action in our communities. Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: Recognizing that All are Called April 27 | 7:00 p.m. CST A discussion on the Enduring Principle “All are Called” and its impact on diversity and inclusion. Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: Embracing the Blessings of Community During Challenging Times May 18 | 7:00 p.m. CST A discussion on the Enduring Principle “Blessings of Community” and its relevance in difficult times. In preparation for 2025 World Conference, Online Exploration Sessions will provide an opportunity to engage with proposed legislative resolutions. Beginning in February, sessions will be held twice per week, covering one resolution on Mondays and Tuesdays and another on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
These sessions offer a space to learn, reflect, and discuss key topics shaping our shared future. All sessions will take place on Zoom. Exploration Session Times (Central Time) • Mondays | 3:00–4:45 p.m. • Tuesdays | 7:00–8:45 p.m. • Wednesdays | 7:00–8:45 p.m. • Thursdays | Noon–1:45 p.m. For session dates, resolution details, and registration, visit Community of Christ’s Online Exploration Sessions page. We are pleased to announce that registration fees for Canadian delegates to the 2025 World Conference will be covered by the Mission budget. Sam Smalldon, who serves as Bishop of Canada and Mission Centre Financial Officer (MCFO) for CWM and CEM, will oversee the registration process by contacting each delegate directly to collect all necessary details, including options for meals, shirt sizes, volunteering, and more.
If you are attending the conference but will not be serving as a delegate, we ask that you register using the World Church’s form: https://cofchrist.wufoo.com/forms/m1n0dec8030vl01/ For those serving as delegates or considering doing so, please do not use the World Church’s form. Instead, please see Sam’s message below for detailed instructions on completing your registration. Important Information for CEM and CWM Delegate Registrations for the 2025 World Conference This year, all delegates for the Canada East Mission (CEM) and Canada West Mission (CWM) will have their registration fees paid by the Mission budget. As the Mission Centre Financial Officer (MCFO) for each Mission, I will coordinate the information required. The request is for all CEM and CWM delegates to refrain from registering directly online with the 2025 World Conference Registration so we can prepare a batch registration for each Mission and submit one payment for all delegates with a listing of all delegate registrations before April 1, 2025. To facilitate the batch registration process for CEM and CWM, as MCFO I will be contacting all delegates directly, starting next week by email or phone call to collect the conference registration information for each delegate. If you wish to select additional conference options, I will facilitate the payment for these with each delegate. We request that individuals who are not delegates use the online registration system with the World Church. Please note that donations for the 2025 World Conference can be made in Canada as usual with your local offerings or by E-Transfer to [email protected] with a notation indicating that the donation is for the 2025 World Conference. Donations can always be mailed directly to us as well at the address below. Community of Christ in Canada 355 Elmira Rd North, Unit 129 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1S5 If you have any questions, please contact me directly. Sam Smalldon, Bishop of Canada MCFO for CEM and CWM [email protected] 403-586-2702 By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Lifelong learning has always been a passion of mine. It was essential during my healthcare career and remains vital in every aspect of life. What I learned about the solar system in grade school is so outdated now, I’d be embarrassed to rely on those “facts” from the 1960s! And my knowledge of computers from 1980? Laughable. This brings me to the opportunity we’ve been given to continue learning as it relates to our discipleship. In Doctrine and Covenants 85:36, we are encouraged to “seek diligently; teach one another; seek learning by study and faith.” I was privileged to attend Community of Christ Seminary, but I understand that not everyone can commit to that level of study. To make meaningful learning opportunities more accessible, the church now offers online mini-courses through the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM). These sessions aren’t as rigorous as seminary but still provide incredible depth and learning with outstanding instructors. I invite you to explore one or two of these courses. All you need is a desire to learn and access to a computer to get started. Whether you’re studying the reunion text, exploring scripture, or enhancing your preaching or discipleship skills, these courses will bless you and those in your discipleship circle. I guarantee you’ll appreciate the depth and breadth of what’s offered. How can we truly become a people of the Temple if we do not strive for the inward and outward transformation of the disciple (Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d)? This transformation prepares us to be a people of faith, restoring relationships with God, others, ourselves, and the earth (Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b). Take the daring step to grow your discipleship. Below is the schedule for upcoming CIMM Mini Sessions: Preaching Series February 5 – Emerging Thoughts in Sharing the Message, Part 1 – Joey Williams February 12 – Emerging Thoughts in Sharing the Message, Part 2 – Joey Williams February 19 – Loss and Light – Barbara Walden February 26 – Finding Your Voice – David Lloyd March 5 – Millennial Preaching – TBA Adult Reunion Text Series – Hope Is Here March 12 – Story of Hope – Stassi Cramm March 19 – Breathe in Hope – Katie Harmon-McLaughlin March 26 – Turn Toward Hope: Crossing Identity Boundaries – Zac Harmon-McLaughlin April 2 – Spirit of Hope: Conflict Transformation – TBA April 9 – Onward in Hope: Celebrate Community – TBA Preaching Series (continued) April 16 – Quick-egesis: A Quick Exegetical Process for Worship and Preaching, Part 1 – Tony & Charmaine Chvala-Smith April 23 – Quick-egesis: A Quick Exegetical Process for Worship and Preaching, Part 2 – Tony & Charmaine Chvala-Smith To register for these CIMM Mini Sessions, visit the CIMM Mini Sessions page By Troy Roach, Creating Connection Director, Canada East
Did you know that almost every day of the year is tied to a special observance? From global causes like World Mental Health Day and Earth Day to fun and quirky celebrations such as World Book Day or Random Acts of Kindness Day, these designated days present opportunities to engage meaningfully with our communities. They also offer moments to promote inclusivity, celebrate diverse perspectives, and build connections through shared values. For congregations, these observances open up creative possibilities to connect with local needs, build partnerships, and engage in advocacy that resonates beyond the walls of our buildings. Many congregations struggle to find ways to make their presence and message relevant in today’s world. The good news? We don’t have to invent something entirely new. Instead, we can tap into what the world is already talking about and align our activities with causes that hold significance in our communities. This approach reflects the example of Jesus, who didn’t wait for people to come to him but met them where they were—in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Why Special Days of Observance Matter We’re not just talking about the traditional church calendar. This is about exploring new opportunities—days of observance that reflect today’s social issues, cultural conversations, and advocacy efforts. By tapping into these observances, we stretch our engagement beyond the familiar and show our communities that we’re actively paying attention to what matters in the world right now. People are increasingly drawn to causes and action-oriented events, offering new ways for us to connect. Days of observance provide a cultural and social touchpoint that helps congregations connect with people in relevant and meaningful ways. These observances also create opportunities for inclusive community-building, fostering connections through shared experiences. Aligning activities with these days shows we’re paying attention to what matters and are willing to engage in issues people care about. Even though fewer people are engaging with traditional church gatherings, they’re still searching for belonging, purpose, and meaning—just in different ways and spaces. For example, you could celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week in March by partnering with schools or organizations to host events that celebrate diverse ways of thinking and learning. This might include panel discussions, storytelling events, or community art projects. In November, National Family Caregivers Month could inspire a "Caregivers’ Appreciation Day" with free wellness activities, practical resources, or opportunities for caregivers to connect and share experiences. On World Storytelling Day, March 20, your congregation might host a storytelling night focused on local stories of resilience, community, or justice, fostering intergenerational conversations. By participating in these observances, we make our work more visible and approachable to the wider community. People who may not feel comfortable attending a church service might gladly attend a community event that aligns with a cause they care about. Ideas for Engaging with Special Days Congregations can creatively engage with days of observance by partnering with local organizations to amplify shared messages or organizing events like workshops, cleanups, or awareness campaigns. Social media and community boards are great tools for raising awareness and inviting participation. Supporting advocacy efforts, such as World Food Day or International Human Rights Day, can also be impactful ways to align with these observances. Overcoming Resistance Some leaders might worry that aligning with special days feels gimmicky or strays from traditional practices. However, these observances can be entry points for deeper conversations and practical ways to live out our values. It’s not about replacing what we do but enhancing it by connecting faith to real-world issues. Supporting existing events and efforts can be just as impactful as leading our own. Finding the Right Observances There are many resources to help identify relevant observances, including: United Nations International Days: Focuses on peace, human rights, health, and education. Government of Canada Awareness Days: Provides a list of Canadian-specific observances. National Today: Offers a comprehensive list of quirky and serious days worldwide. Moving Forward: A Call to Action What would it look like if your community became known for building meaningful partnerships that make a difference? How might it transform your outreach if you tapped into ready-made opportunities to engage with your community in practical ways? Special days of observance give us the chance to align our faith with action by connecting our values to real-world causes. They help us meet people where they are by engaging in issues they care about, foster belonging through shared experiences, and build meaningful partnerships. It’s time to move beyond Sunday and start making meaningful connections—every day of the year. |
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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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