Climate Action Webinar Series: Restoration to Right Relationships
​Speaker: John Buckley
Time:  2pm-3:30 pm PT (Begins 3pm MT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET, 11am HT, 10pm London, 7am Sydney + 1 day) ​

We are happy to present “Onward Together” the emerging plan for Community of Christ in Canada, drawn from the ideas, testimonies, and dialogue gathered in the All Voices discernment.  Diverse stakeholders who share in the church’s identity and mission across Canada have been sharing what matters most: why they are committed to Community of Christ as well as their concerns and hopes for our future.
“Onward Together” organizes what we have heard into five statements about our identity, activities, mission, and values as a sacred community.  Most of the ideas shared in the statements will not sound new:  for example, our commitment to camping, retreats, and reunions or our focus on peace and justice initiatives.  After all, these are the things we have been talking about together in All Voices.  Some aspects may sound less familiar as we have not all been able to hear everything that has been said during the discernment process.  For this reason, we have scheduled a Canada-wide gathering this Saturday with Apostle Art Smith to hear more about “Onward Together,” to ask questions and to receive clarification.  The gathering will begin the next phase of the discernment process as more voices are heard and the strategic plan for Community of Christ in Canada becomes fully formed.
We hope you will read and ponder the “Onward Together” statements and join us Saturday to hear more and to share your thoughts in dialogue and community.

By Debra Donohue
Creating Connection Director Canada West

Last fall I spent several days with the Edmonton congregation during the Canada West Mission Conference. Edmonton leadership had expressed interest in learning more about Creating Connection and the resources available. During my visit we talked about different ideas, tried some out, and had a lot of fun. By November we had set up a Creating Connection Edmonton Meet-up Page to advertise Edmonton events and several different in-person activities were posted. (Meetup.com is a platform we use to advertise Creating Connection activities.)
Soon after that, Edmonton was posting their regular Games Night and Christmas services. Knit-a-Bit (a knit/crochet group) was started and met regularly until April with plans to meet again in the fall. Along with the Community of Christ members, they had a few community members attend, two from the community were regular attendees.

Edmonton also started hosting a Conversation Café that meets twice a month. Discussion has centered around the books ‘Active Hope’ and ‘Drop Dead Healthy’ as well as topics focusing on mental health. Immediately people from the community rsvp’d for these in-person activities. Not everyone showed up every week, but attendance grew, and the conversations were rich and meaningful.

Attendance for Conversation Café has changed dramatically. Where Community of Christ members were initially the majority, now non-members often represent the majority. The Edmonton team made a commitment to support and advertise these events for 6 months to see what would happen, and it’s taken off. And something else has happened!

Church folks are expressing joy and value in their lives because of meeting with this new diverse community. Friendships are developing that are extending beyond the café. Conversation Café attendees who looked uncomfortable in the beginning are now active participants and are expressing how much fun they are having and how much they enjoy the group. Participants are striking up conversations with each other, building new relationships and sharing knowledge and resources.

Our goal in Creating Connection is to reach out to people in our communities and help them discover more—more meaning in their lives, more ways to contribute to their communities, and more ways to experience and share joy. Oh, and I think Community of Christ calls us to do that too!

My next article will be about Chilliwack and their success stories working with Creating Connection.  If you'd like a ZOOM call or a

The North American Climate Justice Team invites reunion directors to a free webinar considering the theme "Heal the Earth - A Restoration Imperative."
In response to World Conference Resolution 1325 on the Climate Emergency adopted on 25 April 2023, Community of Christ declared a climate emergency. Reunion 2024 serves as an opportunity for education, formation, and a call to action inspired by this World Conference Resolution. Through classes, worships, and additional invitations for reunion directors and planning teams, communities will be invited to explore the many intersecting issues of justice and peace that find root in the climate crisis.
Explore the challenges of engaging with the climate crisis in contexts where it remains a contentious political issue. Led by the North American Climate Justice Team, this session will delve into responding constructively and faithfully in discussions about this important topic within the church. This session will be offered in English.
All those planning, leading, and participating in reunions are welcome. Learning to talk about climate change with people who hold a variety of perspectives is an important aspect of our Enduring Principle “Worth of All Persons.” This is a special one-time session of CIMM (Center for Innovation in Mission and Ministry) sponsored by Community of Christ World Church. The session is free. Registration is required.

No plans for the long weekend? We got you covered! Give us 4 hours of cleaning time and spend Saturday and Sunday camping for FREE!

Jobs include: cleaning, raking, painting.

Please bring: buckets and rags, rakes, old clothing & good ol’ fashioned elbow grease!

Saturday, May 18 (9am - 6pm)
Ziontario Campground: 344516 North Line Priceville, ON

For more information, or to register, contact Becky Grigsby  [email protected]

You're invited to a conversation on how our values shape our lives and community. In a rapidly changing world, it's crucial to understand the shifts in what we hold dear and how these changes impact our interactions and beliefs. Together, we'll explore how values have evolved over time, especially considering the influence of modern technology and global connections. We'll discuss how we can navigate differences in values with empathy and respect, ensuring that our church remains a welcoming place for all. Join us as we delve into these important topics and consider how we can continue to uphold our core beliefs while embracing positive change. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we navigate this journey together. We look forward to a meaningful and enlightening discussion.

Facilitator: Troy Roach, Creating Connection Director [email protected]