Blog

March is Prayer, April is Share….

3/23/2023

Written by Gwyn Beer
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

We have been told that our president Steve Veazey is retiring. At World Conference in 2025, we will elect a new prophet/president. We have been asked to move forward in discerning who that will be. It has been suggested that we follow a month of prayer then a month to share.

March is Prayer, April is Share….

There is an excellent video from Steve Veazey about the process that he is hoping we will all participate in. It is available to you on the church website here.

So… March is prayer, the start of the process. You are being asked to join with others and you can write and submit your prayer.

When Kat, Shannon and I shared about Steve, Shannon
said how he has shifted focus to us being a prophetic people instead of a people with a prophet. I am hoping to let the spirit take me on a journey to get to know those who might be able to lead this church. I hope to discern my future and the future of this church.

Here is my prayer for discernment, what will your prayer be?

Dear God, Give me the patience to slow down, breathe in and feel your spirit. I pray for inspiration and wisdom. I pray that if and when I share, I will give value to the conversation about our future. Amen

Spiritual Discernment

3/15/2023

Written by Kat Goheen
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

I began studying Discernment Facilitation with Katie Harmon-McLaughlin earlier this year, and it’s been such an enriching experience. Someone recently asked to hear more about this course experience, so this seemed a good way to begin!

Below is a short summary of my learning from the course so far (under 9 minutes):

In Vancouver, we’ve been involved in a visioning process for 9 months, so it has been interesting to take this class and read these books now – like learning how to operate a car half-way through a drive in the Rockies! So much of this work is more about who we are than what we do. In spiritual discernment we’re called to lay aside our figuring out minds and turn our hearts to God – really listening for an answer on our future direction.

Sounds more like spiritual direction or prayer than most business meetings! On that note, how can our business meetings feel more like spiritual practice than corporate governance? Asking good questions is central to this work of spiritual discernment facilitation, and one good question often leads to another, with the eventual truth that all discernment leads to action.

I hope that you will ask yourself how much you can allow God into your most private deliberations, for yourself and for your community. I am practicing it myself, and while I experience moments of fear and loss of the illusion of control, it feels close to my core when I get there. Blessings to you in your discernments!

A Moment with your Mission Centre President Team feat. Debra Donohue

3/1/2023

Written by Debra Donohue
Creating Connection Director

Creating Connection’s ‘Nurturing Spirit Retreat: Connecting through Self Care’ was held last weekend at Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre at Cultus Lake in BC.

A few people had to cancel due to weather … it snowed over a foot at the campground on Saturday, but we ended up with a lovely group of 24 over the course of the weekend and 25% were first timers! This retreat focused on recognizing the signs of burn out and creating action plans to take care of ourselves so that we live happy lives, and so we have the capacity to care for others.

Alexis Beer, our guest speaker, who has a long list of qualifications and training, did a great job leading us through the topic. Everyone agreed her sessions were interesting, thought provoking, and stimulated lots of conversation. And let me tell you about the music. It was amazing! Edith Wallace led us in two meditations of sound, a concert Saturday night, and sent us off with a song which we all danced to on Sunday morning.  I think Saturday night may have been my favourite Edith Wallace concert to date. Check her out on Spotify.

Kat Goheen brought her harp and gently strummed us into another mediation and Shannon McAdam taught us how to use needlepoint as a way to focus our thoughts and be mindful.

We spent time playing Pictionary and our theme was, of course, self care activities.  Gwyn Beer brought a 1000-piece puzzle (which we didn’t quite finish) and there was free time to walk in nature and explore the grounds.

Although Stillwood is not Samish Island, which is so near and dear to many of us, there were several benefits to using this campground. First, it’s in BC so most of us didn’t have to cross the border, make sure we had up to date passports and purchase travel insurance. Although 3 people came from the US and they crossed the border to be with us. Second, it’s a large and busy campground so they have staff to do all the cleanup in the buildings and after meals (woo hoo!) And Third, we didn’t have to pay the US exchange rate which is around 30% right now.

We’re looking at going back next year, but maybe we’ll try to go in March.  The weather is a little more predictable then, or at least one can hope.

I’ve included a group photo, a walking group photo, a photo of the Edith Wallace concert, doing needlepoint, and my car Sunday morning covered in snow. If you weren’t there, we missed you and hope you can join us next time.

Watch for details on our next Creating Connection Retreat "Creating Community: Where Spirit, Nature and Justice Meet" June 1-4 at Samish Island. This retreat will be a mindful and exciting combination of Nurturing Spirit and Nurturing Justice.

Season of Lent

2/22/2023

Written by Kat Goheen
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

We have just entered the season of Lent. My journey through Lent has had many stages. As a child I didn’t know anything about this season of the year, so when I was a young adult and discovered it, I made up for lost time! My most obstinate personal habit of the time went on the chopping block for the 40 days, substituted for a practice meant to draw me toward God. There were a couple of years in a row where I abstained from Diet Coke, which required great willpower at that time!

My practice continued through seminary, where I was surrounded with people from different churches with rich Lenten practices. I confess that my practice took a major hit with motherhood. The perpetual sleep deprivation prompted me to give myself a pass from further deprivation! More recently, COVID felt the same way. It was much more difficult to restrict myself given the external social restrictions already imposed!

Part of our study for the Discernment Facilitator’s course through the Seminary this week is on the topic of consolation and desolation. Consolation is anything that leads to increased energy and a feeling of closeness to God, while desolation brings a sense of apathy and isolation from God and others. My current approach to Lent is to be very mindful of where I seek consolation and seek to turn my heart toward God.

May this Lenten season bring an expanded sense of who we are in relation to creation and draw us to find consolation in community and in closeness with God.

Creating Peace and Justice

2/21/2023

Written by Vonda DenBoer
Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith” Doctrine and Covenants 163:b

How each congregation achieves that is as unique as the individuals being discipled in that community. How do we bring hope where there is none? How do we address poverty and needless suffering? How do we confront prejudice and greed? How do we share Christ’s gospel of love and peace and justice? How do we find the kernels of wisdom in our common human heritage with one another?

Recent services on World Religion Day in London and Barrie, brought together persons from differing faiths who agreed that we need to love and serve one another. It is not an “us” or “them” situation. That if we stop fighting our differences, but instead embrace our common goal, together we can work toward peace and justice.

Let’s celebrate some initiatives that individuals within Community of Christ are doing toward that:

Teresa Fryer of North Bay recently traveled to El Salvador to teach women how to sew. Her friend Dulcie Shepherdson is there teaching English. Pat MacGregor opened the Sarnia church for donations of clothing and personal care items for the 120 seniors who were abruptly evacuated from their home late one Friday evening in January due to a fire. The community responded abundantly. The St Thomas congregation held a $2 dinner reaching out to community groups with the greatest need. The Woodfield congregation reaches out to bring care packages to individuals who are reintegrating into society after incarceration.

“God’s grace, revealed in Jesus Christ, freely moves throughout creation, often beyond human perception, to achieve divine purposes in people’s lives … As revealed in Christ Jesus, God, the creator of all, ultimately is concerned about behaviours and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people and that protect the most vulnerable. Such relationships are to be rooted in the principles of Christ-like love, mutual respect, responsibility, justice, covenant and faithfulness, against which there is no law (D&C 164:2b,6a)

May we all seek to alleviate needless suffering and bring hope where there is none. May we all strive toward relationships that respect and uphold the worth of others. And may we embody peace and justice individually and collectively.

Black History Month

2/15/2023

Written by Shannon McAdam
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

Every day at my workplace this month we’ve learned about a different Black Canadian who is outstanding in one way or another, and it has been an incredible way to celebrate Black History Month. There are so many amazing people who I’d never heard of before, and I wonder why I’ve never learned about them before. If we believe in the Worth of All Persons, why don’t we learn about all types of people?

Black History Month is a fitting time to reflect on what it is that makes White culture so dominant that we don’t learn about the contributions of those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour. White Supremacy Culture might sound like a problem from far away or long ago, but it is prevalent in all of our lives, and runs against our belief in the Worth of All Persons.

I’ve found this website by Tema Okun to be really helpful in my own learning about what White Supremacy Culture is, how to recognize it (the “marks”), and ways to overcome it. The original article that Okun based the website around is a quick and easy read that I highly recommend. Click here to read the article.

For me, one of the most insightful “marks” of White Supremacy Culture that Okun talks about is “One Right Way”. This is the idea that there is only one right way to do things, and can lead to some of the other marks: Perfectionism, Paternalism, and Either/Or Thinking. Okun’s antidotes to “One Right Way” are beautiful and life-giving. These include gratitude, being transparent, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes. These, I think, are also the kinds of things Jesus calls us to. Jesus sought to bring people together rather than dividing them.

How will you recognize Black History month? Perhaps take a moment to read some of Tema Okun’s insightful writings and think about what you can change in your home, workplace, or congregation to help dismantle White Supremacy Culture and help bring about God’s Shalom.

Words of Blessing

2/8/2023

Written by Gwyn Beer
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

In the auditorium with our Polynesian fellow church members. “Bonding!” There are so many words that have such deep meaning to me that will not mean the same to you.   That said, I might think of them in a new way when I hear words of Blessing at conference.

Sunday morning, Fred Robbins lead our Pray and Share time. He gave us one word to contemplate - “Awesome”. The sharing was …awesome! Betty Williams shared about receiving an unexpected gift in the mail, a book with one word on it -“Gratitude”. Betty is looking forward to filling the book. Bob Riley was in charge of the next service - “Communion”.  A service we all shared in.

“Encourage” is the word I like.  I want to encourage you to ask yourself and others to send “Words” in to Karin Peter - Words of Blessing.  Think about words that you are drawn to, ask those around you about a word they would think was “encouraging”. Different people have different words and I plan to ask all ages about a single word that they like, that brings them joy or makes them wonder.

Send WORDS to Karin Peter - Words of Blessing c/o World Conference Directors, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO, USA 64050. Or you can email your WORDS to kpeter@cofchrist.org. Please use “words of blessing” in the subject line.

Just a last thought, what do you think of when someone greets you with “Aloha”... great images for me!

COURAGE! . . . the theme for the 2023 World Conference

2/1/2023

Written by Gwyn Beer
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

I told my cousin that I was an excited traveler coming to Independence! In the latest Herald, Page 17 has a message from President Veazey. He said “Courage! No doubt, we’ll be energized to boldly venture with God into our future!”

I am a Star Trek (original show) fan and this reminded me of Captain Kirk saying "boldly go where no one has gone before". I love President Veazey’s "boldly venture with God into our future".  As part of that future, I am encouraging those of you who might be planning to go to conference but as yet are unsure about stepping up as a delegate. Let your name go on the list. You will benefit from having your name on the delegate list.

For those of you who can not go to Independence, please consider participating in discernment for those going to the conference and voting on your behalf.  The Sept/Oct 2022 Herald has Resolutions to Consider. Read them, consider them, pray about them.  If something pulls at your heartstrings, let one of the delegates know how you feel. Discussions about resolutions are happening and you are invited to explore with others online. Visit CofChrist.org/2023-world-conference-preparation for details.

The Jan/Feb 2023 Herald is also asking for the church community at large to offer words of courage and blessing to be shared at World Conference during the Communion service on April 23. Write words of blessing and courage in your own language or languages. See page 22 in the Herald and have your blessing returned by April 12. There are options there to mail or email your words of blessing!

COURAGE - while I do NOT consider myself a courageous person, I draw on others and find the courage through others and prayer to step out and allow God’s spirit to work through me. Others have seen a courage in me that I often do not see.  You all have courage when you “let God” work through you in all that you do. God given courage raises me up!

Boldly venture with me on this journey to World Conference 2023!

Letter to Canadian Saints

1/25/2023

Written by Apostle Art Smith
Council of Twelve

I Arthur, one of you, just like you, called to serve Jesus Christ,
grace and peace to all of you, not just for you, but flowing through you as a blessing to others, to all communities.

As I write, at the start of this new year, I remember all of you fondly, thinking of times we’ve shared and picturing places you are and situations you face.

My prayer, for you, at the start of this year, with all the joys and promises ahead, is that the Holy Spirit will do what I’ve always known it to do, meeting each of us and all of us and everyone mysteriously as needed.

In the middle of exile,
In a time of despair,
May the Spirit of hope shine through
So we see ways out of hopelessness with hope our beacon and our proclamation.

In a time of joy and celebration,
When all our needs seem met,
May the Spirit illumine and remind us of those in need on the margins
So we hear voices and understand the perspectives of others.

May we lift up and care.
Outside forces and our own weaknesses,
Lead so many to see the church as irrelevant
Or as an instrument of hate and harm, exclusion and injustice.
But the mission of Jesus Christ remains.

It’s not just some external promise of things that God will do,
as if by magic in some future, decades away.
YOU are a gift.
YOU are to be a light to the world.
YOU are to open the eyes of the blind, to release the prisoners.

See through the fog of fear and hate.
The mission of the church is not irrelevant, hateful or harmful.
Your mission, this year, where you are, is to participate in
Release from demonization, marginalization, poverty and all sorts of captivity.

Everyone is invited in,
To participate in this purposeful project.
How it happens will be as diverse and varied as the two or three of you who gather to support each other,
to dream and to plan.

No person abandoned.
All invited to participate.
No matter if you live in uncertainty, decline of your community, or despair.
May this be our mission, their liberation and our liberation. All at once.

Apostle Art Smith
Council of Twelve
Canada, Caribbean, Mexico/Texas Fields
January 2023

A Moment with your Mission Centre President Team

1/18/2023

Written by Kat Goheen
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

I have always been captivated by the story of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. They all wanted to go to the wedding, they all showed up at the right place, but only half of them had enough oil to get them through the night when the call came. The others were sympathetic, but firm: the foolish ones needed to go find another supply! They ended up missing the big event, even with the best of intentions!

Discernment and action are two key ways of not being a foolish one – being aware of what’s needed and then following that knowing into right action. Right now there are some wonderful opportunities: the Nurturing Spirit retreat in Chilliwack, BC, the Discernment Facilitator course through Graceland Seminary, being a delegate at World Conference for Canada West, zoom and congregational discussions of resolutions for World Conference. But the clock is ticking! This is a good moment to count the cost and stop long enough to sense into what God might be calling you into right now in the midst of your daily life. Let’s have enough oil so that our wick doesn’t burn out. Let’s move fluently into God’s preferred future.