 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.
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 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 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 – Debbie Bayless April 9 – Onward in Hope: Celebrate Community – Janne Grover 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.  By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Christmas, with all its celebrations, has come and gone. We have jumped into a new year. Whether you made a resolution or not, this is typically a time of reflection—often considering how to improve ourselves or our situations in some way. This past year has caused me to reflect on the preciousness of relationships. One of my seminary classes required me to articulate my Rule of Life. As I did so, I reflected deeply on relationships—with God, creation, others, and myself. I needed to articulate how I would live out the stewardship of those relationships. For me, stewardship of relationships remains a work in progress. I was blessed to be deeply loved in my extended family. Because I have known love, I have also known grief. January is a month when I have experienced much grief, but as I reflect on relationships broken by death, I can also feel gratitude for that person’s life, giftedness, and our shared experiences. Some relationships fade, pause, or even break down. Has this happened to you? An unknown author said that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I had to step away from a relationship once because it was damaging me. Much later in life, an opportunity arose, and I was able to restore that relationship and be blessed by it. I regretted the years lost but celebrated the new life-giving relationship that emerged. Can you reflect on broken relationships and see the opportunity for healing? For lessons learned? For celebrating shared experiences? Whether in personal relationships, congregational relationships, or beyond, my hope is that we can better appreciate the relationships entrusted to us for the duration given and trust God to show us the way of transformation to God’s purpose. God’s example as our Creator, Redeemer, and God-with-us Holy Spirit—living in a loving, mutually self-giving community—is our model for stewardship of relationships. This stewardship is also known as the blessing of community. Humanitarian Albert Schweitzer once said, “Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember you don’t live in a world all on your own.” We truly are a global community, and our actions have ripple effects across the globe. There is a poem by James W. Foley that says: “Drop a pebble in the water, just a splash and it is gone; But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on. Spreading, spreading from the centre, flowing on out to sea, And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.” (Poems That Touch the Heart, compiled by A.L. Alexander, Doubleday, New York, 1956). If I were to make a resolution, it would be to use my spiritual eyes to see those little things I could do to minister to someone in need and have the courage to act on those prompts. As a people of Christ’s peace, may each of us strive for righteous relationships with God, others, ourselves, and the earth in the days, weeks, and months ahead. (Doctrine & Covenants 163:2b) God, where will your Spirit lead me today? Help me be awake and ready to respond. Grant me the courage to risk something new to bring blessings of your love and peace.  Did you know almost every day has a special observance or cause tied to it? From Earth Day to World Book Day, these moments provide countless opportunities for congregations and groups to align their activities with real-world causes and issues that resonate deeply with their communities.
Join us for Canadian Leaders’ Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday, January 15, at 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM ET on Zoom. This month, we’ll explore practical ways to leverage these observances to create meaningful connections, build partnerships, and foster community engagement. Bring your ideas, questions, and a cup of coffee (or tea!) as we discover fresh insights on how to make your congregation’s ministry more impactful and relevant in today’s world. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82426151627?pwd=SHZWN2h5NVkzSmRwaHdpcUpmVVRXZz09 Meeting ID: 824 2615 1627 Passcode: 486753  Join us for a transformative Nurturing Spirit retreat experience Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the serene Samish Island Retreat Centre. This special weekend will feature Lindsay Brown, Certified Usui Reiki Practitioner, as our guest facilitator, guiding us through practices to deepen self-awareness through diverse spiritual practices.
Highlights include: Reiki: Explore Reiki principles, resonant frequencies, and mindful listening. Listening for the Soul: Reflect on energy patterns and explore transformative questions. Journaling: Process and channel energy through guided writing prompts. Healing Frequency Music: Experience a soothing, meditative backdrop. Energy Awareness Tools: Use oracle or symbol cards to deepen insights. "Moment with Nature" Ceremony: Release what no longer serves you and feel renewed. Take advantage of the Early Bird rate of $250 CAD per person until January 17. Financial support is available—contact Debra Donohue at [email protected] for more information. Learn more and register at http://NurturingSpirit.Corsizio.com. We can’t wait to share this enriching experience with you!  The First Presidency’s draft Statement on Nonviolence reflects our shared call to peace, reconciliation, and justice. The statement is presented in three sections: foundational principles, faithful responses, and practical applications of nonviolence in today’s world.
Your feedback is vital in this process of Common Consent. The survey is open until February 28, 2025, and your insights will help finalize the statement, which will be shared with the church by May 1, 2025.  Discover fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding with free, live Zoom sessions presented by the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM). Starting January 15, Community of Christ experts will explore topics in theology, culture, and mission through short, "bite-sized" sessions that are interactive and easy to follow.
Most sessions are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM Central and run for about an hour, including time for live Q&A. Join from the comfort of your home and connect with others who are curious and eager to learn. If you miss a session or want to revisit one, past recordings are available on the CIMM YouTube channel. Here’s the upcoming schedule: Preaching Series • January 15 – The Power of Narrative Preaching in Witness and Mission – Linda Booth • January 22 – The Power of Narrative Preaching to Awaken Congregations – Linda Booth • January 29 – Narrative Preaching in a Post-Modern World – Linda Booth • February 5 – Emerging Thoughts in Sharing the Message (pt 1) – Joey Williams • February 12 – Emerging Thoughts in Sharing the Message (pt 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 (pt 1) – Tony & Charmaine Chvala-Smith • April 23 – Quick-egesis: A Quick Exegetical Process for Worship and Preaching (pt 2) – Tony & Charmaine Chvala-Smith Register now at www.graceland.edu/cimmsessions to attend any or all of these free sessions. Everyone is welcome—bring a snack! |
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