 Mission Centre Design – What Is It?
You are invited into a journey of discovery and discernment about the future of Community of Christ in Canada. Over the past year, the Mission Centre Design Team (MCDT) has been listening, imagining, and making recommendations for how we might structure and live out our mission more effectively. How can you engage? We want to hear from you! There are several opportunities in the coming weeks for you to learn more, ask questions, and share your insights: Living Lessons – Beyond the Walls For the next four Sundays, a Design Team member will speak during the Living Lesson segment. Tune in via Facebook or YouTube to hear about their experiences and the team’s work. In-person presentations at reunions Each reunion will include a presentation on the Mission Design recommendations and how they could shape our shared future. There will be time for open discussion. Join us at:
Virtual town halls – Coming Soon We understand not everyone can attend in person. We’re planning virtual town halls, so everyone has a chance to be part of the conversation. Stay tuned for dates. Your voice matters Additionally, Vonda would love to hear your thoughts on our camping programs—what’s working, what could be better, and how camp can be a more meaningful experience for all. She’ll be at all the reunions listed above. Please take a few moments to connect with her and share your ideas, concerns, and hopes. Let others know! Pastors, please announce this or share with your congregation by email. We don’t want anyone to miss out on this important season of discernment. The future of Community of Christ in Canada belongs to all of us—come and be part of the conversation.
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 By Troy Roach.
This year, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Communications and Transparency Committee of the Mission Centre Design Team. Our role was to explore how we—across Canada—might communicate more effectively as we consider transitioning to a single national mission centre. This isn’t just about information, it’s about connection, clarity, and trust. At our very first meeting, one of our members said something that stuck with all of us: “Communication can build bridges—or it can build barriers.” That became our guiding principle. We heard from pastors and volunteers across the country who struggle to reach people who already come to church. And when they try to reach new people, bringing them into community—the struggle is even more challenging! From these conversations, it became clear to our team that no single tool reaches everyone. We focused in on the question: “How do you want to be communicated with?” This doesn’t have just one answer. Some people check email daily. Others prefer a phone call, printed bulletin, or text reminder. Some browse Facebook or websites. A few want all of it—while others say, “Please, not another newsletter!” As we tried to envision a healthy and effective culture of church communications, five guiding priorities came into focus. These are our team’s recommendations: First, nurturing a culture of two-way feedback can help people feel seen and heard—not just through announcements, but through town halls, surveys, story sharing, and visible follow-up on what’s been shared. Second, equipping congregations with accessible tools, templates, and clear guidance on how to share events and updates can help reduce frustration and create consistency. Third, there’s value in exploring an intentional engagement strategy—one that speaks to younger adults, seekers, and folks who may not be actively attending church, but still long for connection and meaning. Words matter. How we communicate, especially in times of change, shapes how people feel about belonging. Fourth, transparency can serve as a form of spiritual hospitality. Clearly articulating who makes decisions and why helps build trust across our community. Fifth, embracing a mix of communication tools—both digital and print—can help us better reflect the generational and technological diversity of our church. There’s also value in practices like in-person surveys or story-based listening, which invite the perspectives of those less active online. As we envision how to move Onward Together as Community of Christ in Canada, we invite you to participate in the conversation. Camp reunions this summer will offer opportunities for dialogue with people like me who serve on the Design Team along with other Canadian church leaders. We are looking forward to hearing from you by email: [email protected] We will continue to offer updates to our recommendations as we integrate your feedback. You can find these on the website. Effective communications is a big part of our shared vision for the church’s future. Let’s move onward together. About the Mission Centre Design Team The Mission Centre Design Team is a group of volunteers from across Canada who answered the call to imagine how we will embody Christ’s mission through a new, unified structure—one Canadian Mission Centre that honours the Spirit moving uniquely in every region. The team was subdivided into five groups. Each group drafted a recommendation for all members and friends to review and share their feedback with the Design Team.  Join the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation this fall for a 10-day journey through eight U.S. states and Canada, exploring the global stories of our faith community. From French Polynesia to Ireland, Nigeria to Japan, this tour highlights the diverse roots of early members who helped shape our shared heritage. You'll visit places like Nauvoo, Kirtland, Plano, Lamoni, and even Niagara Falls and Toronto—seeing where early members lived, gathered, and made history.
This year’s journey includes a historic moment of our own: a special dedication of new grave markers for early church members John and Marie Defoury Avondet at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Nebraska. The tour concludes with a communion service in the lower court of the Kirtland Temple. Dates: October 6–15, 2025 Tour price: $2,000 USD per person (double occupancy) $2,850 USD per person (single occupancy) Included: Luxury bus travel from Independence, Missouri to Kirtland, Ohio Overnight accommodations Most meals Site admission and tour fees Note: Seating is limited—reserve soon to guarantee your spot! Contact for details or questions: Barb Walden – [email protected] or (440) 477-9562 Wendy Eaton – [email protected] or (217) 453-2246  The World Church has created a playlist of Leader Profiles on the Community of Christ YouTube channel. These profiles are a chance to hear directly from those who have accepted calls to lead with vision, humility, and love.
Of special note are interviews with our newly ordained apostles: Shannon McAdam, Matthew Frizzell, Carrie Welch, Kat Hnatyshyn, Adam Wade, and Joey Williams. Click the links below to watch the interviews.  Whether you made your way to Independence, joined in from the Kitchener remote site, or followed along online, this video recap captures the celebration, worship, and community of World Conference 2025.
Beautifully produced in the Auditorium studios you will be able to see the theme “Hope is Here” shining in every face and moment.  By John Hamer, Canada East Mission Centre Historian J.H. Yager, a young member of the church in 1917 wrote his pal, L.C. Riegle, in Michigan. (It was popular at the time for people to be known by their first two initials.) J.H. had just attended the Erie Beach Reunion, which included a youth service held on the sand of the beach itself. According to J.H., the youth service was “wonderful” — “the best I ever attended.” In his retelling, the youth service lasted four hours! “We numbered 132 and marched 4 abreast about a mile down the beach.” The youth service included “99 testimonies, 13 prayers, 29 songs” along with “26 administration[s]” (laying on of hands). RLDS practice at the time included speaking in tongues, along with the interpretation of tongues, and J.H. notes that the service included “10 gifts of Prophecy.” J.H. says that the Reunion overall was attended by about 1,000 people camping in 100 tents. He and his friends were eager to head next to the Lowbanks Reunion (one of the other traditional reunion grounds in Ontario in the early 1900s). The letter, recently discovered by volunteer archivist Lee Updike, is an incredible window into our past reunion practices and excitement shared by young adults in Canada over a century ago. The US had just entered the First World War, and J.H. has heard the news that his pal in Michigan has been drafted. Lee has donated the letter to the Doris Hillyard Memorial Library and Archives at Toronto Centre Place where it will be preserved as part of the history of Community of Christ in Canada. Transcript Follows: INTERIOR PAGE 1 Bothwell, Ont. Aug. 10, 1917 Mr. L[eo].C. Riegle Flint Mich. Dear Bro, Your letter just read and am sure glad to hear from you but am sorry to hear that you have been drafted and hope you will not pass the examination. But then you are not the only one who has been called for service. Well Leo, I am fine and the reunion has past and a wonderful reunion it was too, I wish you had been there. There were about 100 tents on the grounds and the last Sun[day] there were about 1,000 people present and 24 were baptized. On Thursday morning the young people held a prayer meeting on the beach sitting right on the sand. We numbered 132 and marched 4 abreast about a mile down the beach [–] opened our service about 7:45 and did not close until 11:45. 99 testimonies, 13 prayers, 29 songs, 26 administration filled in the time with 10 gifts of Prophecy and some were instantly healed. It was wonderful the best I ever attended; a number of the young people were spoken too. INTERIOR PAGE 2 I am now at Bothwell for a visit but not to visit Miss Dent as there is a new girl now. Yesterday we motored to Chatham 35 mi[les] and back. Tomorrow night we start for Lowbanks Reunion 150 miles in auto and from there to Niagara Falls about 45 miles farther. Some trip. There will be five of us men. A regular lark. I saw Bro & Sr Belile at Erie Beach. Tell all the folks Hello -- Love from your Pal, J.H. Yager Bothwell, Ont. ENVELOPE: J.H. Yager Bothwell, Ont. 130 young people 4 abreast walked a mile down the beach at prayer meeting Reunion Report Erie Beach Reunion Mr. L.C. Riegle 752 Baker St. Flint Michigan POSTAGE: 1 cent Canadian stamp, 2 cent Canadian stamp POSTMARK: BOTHWELL ONT. AUG 10 [19]17  Photo courtesy of Stephen Thompson On Wednesday, Richard C.N. James was announced as the new president of the Council of Twelve Apostles. The Conference also welcomed two new presidents of Seventy, including Leslie Pascua from the Philippines, who is a familiar presence in the Beyond the Walls community and will participate in the June 8 Sunday service. Delegates passed Resolution A-3, which eliminates formal “whereas” statements from future resolutions. While some raised concerns about losing contextual background, an amendment was approved to allow authors to provide non-editable background statements instead. Debate continued on Resolution G-5, which addresses the climate emergency and calls for a reduction in fossil fuel use and investment. Delegates shared differing perspectives on feasibility, impact, and readiness. Deliberations will continue today. The International Youth Service Award was presented to Andrew and Cheryl Fox in recognition of their ministry with children and youth. The Human Rights Award was presented to Randie Marsh, director of Hand in Hand Kenya, for her work operating a safehouse supporting girls and women, and to Rev. Jimmy Munson of Chattanooga, Tennessee, for his community ministry providing food, safety, and support in reducing crime. On Wednesday evening, Canadian delegates and friends gathered for a pizza night in Independence, Missouri. The event was an opportunity to reconnect, make new friends, and share stories over delicious food. Apostle Art Smith was honoured with a memory book and a painting of The Old, Old Path, commemorating his many years of ministry in Canada. New apostles Lachlan MacKay and Shannon McAdam, along with new field presidents Karen Peter and Joelle Wight, shared their hopes for working together with Canadian members in the years ahead. Later that evening, more than 100 2SLGBTQIA+ members and allies gathered for a worship service organized by Harmony. Ministers from around the world—including Parker Johnson from Canada and Tiona Horning from the USA—shared testimonies and a message of comfort, inclusion, and hope amid the many threats queer persons are facing today. They affirmed that it is a Christian priority to align our mission with efforts to address these injustices. Presiding Evangelist Mareva Arnaud blessed the assembly with a homily, and the service concluded with the celebration of communion. World Conference Hub Find the schedule, legislation, bulletins, and ways to connect online to worship services and key legislative sessions.  Bill Ashwell, a lifelong member of the Cambridge, ON congregation, shares reflections from his first journey to Independence and World Conference—a deeply personal experience shaped by family heritage and a long history of faith.
This, without question, has been the trip of my lifetime: my first trip to Independence and World Conference. I have given much thought to my life in the church and its place in my family's history. Last June, I was invited to be the guest speaker at the 125th anniversary service for the Port Elgin congregation. I was honoured and at the same time a wee bit anxious about this. As I began to research the history of the congregation, I counted a familial connection of seven generations (including nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews). Do the math and that adds up to 125 years of spiritual connection of birth, life, and family in this church that brought me to Independence to gather, share and fellowship with church members from all over. The twelve-hour drive from Sarnia gave me ample time to ponder the significance of this trip. Circumstances were such that we arrived a week early, allowing us to “chill” for a week or so and do the tourist thing. Saturday gave my brother-in-law, Rick and me, the opportunity to begin our sightseeing in and around Independence. As we drove through the tree-lined side streets, I caught glimpses of the Temple spire and my heart quickened in anticipation. This was happening! This was real, not just some glossy church publication photo! I was fumbling with my phone as we arrived at the Temple/Auditorium complex. “Here we are,” Rick said quietly. He knew what this experience would mean to me. At that moment I forgot about my phone as my heart exploded! I was nearly speechless with emotion. I had never, EVER been so overwhelmed and overjoyed! This was a moment for which I had waited my entire life. (okay, as far as the Temple goes, my entire ADULT life...) I was simply awestruck and exhilarated!! At that moment I thought of my ancestors, and how their newfound faith brought them to congregate in a small lakeside, Ontario town and create, grow and nurture a faith community of their own. I thought of my mother and father, Marilyn and Bill Ashwell, who, each in their own way, lived and loved their Lord and God, and carried that devotion in their hearts and souls until their dying days. While we were there, the carillon at the Stone Church started playing the old hymns and as I took a few photos of the building, I saw a female cardinal fly in my direction and land on a low tree branch. I knew right then and there that Mom and Dad were there with Rick and me. It was an emotional day for me, to say the least. I am feeling blessed and happy.  Tuesday at World Conference marked the first full day of leadership for the new First Presidency: Prophet–President Stassi Cramm, Janné Grover, and Bunda Chibwe. Delegates began the day with a birthday greeting for President Cramm. That afternoon, legislative proceedings were briefly interrupted by a tornado moving through the area, and approximately 1,300 attendees temporarily relocated to the lower level of the Auditorium. No damage or injuries were reported, and business resumed shortly after. The main legislative item was Resolution G-12, promoting peace by urging mission centers and congregations to reduce the availability of firearms. After extended debate and a failed amendment, the resolution passed by majority vote, reflecting the church’s commitment to nonviolence. Audio engineer David J. Wheaton received the Elbert A. Smith Award for his advocacy of storytelling and new forms of communication in Community of Christ. Accepting the award, he dedicated it to “all the people who work in the background.” In the evening, six new apostles were ordained, completing the Council of Twelve. Among them was Shannon J. McAdam, now serving as apostle for Canada. In a moving ceremony at the Temple, with the chamber filled, Shannon was ordained by Apostles Art Smith and Robin Linkhart. Shannon will serve alongside Apostle Lachlan (Lach) MacKay in an apostolic field that now brings together Canada, Australia, the British Isles, and Europe. They will also collaborate with the USA Apostle team in supporting mission across the United States. We look forward with hope and anticipation to the possibilities ahead, working together across this wide field under the leadership of Shannon and Lach. World Conference Hub Find the schedule, legislation, bulletins, and ways to connect online to worship services and key legislative sessions.  Photo courtesy of Community of Christ The 2025 World Conference opened on Saturday morning with the traditional procession of the Eagle Feather Staff by representatives of First Nations tribes, honouring Indigenous peoples of North America. Here are the highlights of the first three days of the conference. Leadership Transition and Historic Ordination In the first legislative session, Steve Veazey officially opened the Conference. The session included the final report from the First Presidency. Scott Murphy reflected on 24 years of full-time ministry and offered gratitude for the global church. Veazey shared that he had served the church full-time for over 40 years and thanked his wife, Cathi, and colleagues. Stassi D. Cramm, then serving as counselor and prophet–president designate, encouraged delegates to be “open to the spirit of hope and mutual calling.” Following the formal dissolution of the First Presidency, the Council of Twelve Apostles assumed leadership. Council President Mareva Arnaud Tchong then presented the call of Stassi D. Cramm for consideration by the Conference. The Council unanimously supported her call, and Cramm accepted: “We are equipped and ready to go. I will walk alongside you.” During the first legislative session, Canadian delegate Joan Thompson spoke in favour of the new Standing Rules for the 2025 World Conference from the remote site in Kitchener, Ontario. On Saturday evening, the Conference gathered to honour Steve Veazey’s retirement. Veazey said, “My heart is overflowing,” and prayed that the church would remain open to the Spirit’s guidance. On Sunday, delegates affirmed the call of Stassi Cramm as Prophet–President, the first woman in this role in the church’s history. The motion passed by overwhelming majority. The day concluded with the ordination of Stassi Cramm. A 35-voice African choir opened the service. Former President Veazey and President of the Council Mareva Arnaud Tchong led the sacrament of ordination, joined by a diverse group representing the worldwide church. At 7:54 p.m. local time, Veazey declared: “We ordain Stassi D. Cramm.” The crowd stood in sustained applause. Following the ordination, Cramm read her Letter of Counsel with new leadership appointments. The service concluded with hymns, a pastoral prayer by Jane Gardner, and a final anthem sung with nearly the entire Auditorium on their feet.  Photo courtesy of Community of Christ Calgary Congregation Statement on Nonviolence Adopted On Monday, delegates overwhelmingly adopted the Statement on Nonviolence, concluding six years of prayer, conversation, and discernment. The statement affirms nonviolence as a faithful response to the gospel and is available on page 64 of the Program & Legislation book. CEM’s Resolution G-3 Ruled Out of Order Acting as chair during the day’s first legislative item, President Stassi Cramm ruled Resolution G-3—regarding the stewardship of the Temple and Auditorium and the principle of Common Consent—out of order. The resolution had been presented by members of the Canada East Mission Centre. Cramm explained that the proposal conflicted with church bylaws and legal requirements, while also acknowledging the call for greater transparency. Presiding Bishop Ron Harmon noted that maintaining the Temple Complex in Independence, Missouri, which includes both the Temple and the Auditorium, costs approximately $2.5 million per year. Letter of Counsel and Ordinations Delegates affirmed the Letter of Counsel from President Cramm, approving new leadership roles:
In the evening ordination service, Chibwe and Grover were ordained as counselors to the president, and Arnaud Tchong as presiding evangelist. The Temple Sanctuary was filled with global music, prayer, and celebration.  Other Highlights
Earlier in the day, delegates approved Resolution D-2a, updating the church’s budget and audit processes. The resolution makes financial information publicly available and reduces the size of the World Church Finance Board from 55 to 43 members. Two additional nominations were received from the floor, with elections to follow. Several leaders offered parting reflections, including Jane Gardner, David Nii, Robin Linkhart, David Anderson, and Shandra Newcom, who shared gratitude, testimony, and song as they concluded their service. As of Monday morning, 2,080 people were registered for Conference. Online attendance peaked with 3,163 viewers for Sunday’s Communion and 2,934 for President Cramm’s ordination. Monday also happened to be President Cramm’s birthday. World Conference Hub Find schedule, legislation, bulletins, and ways to connect online to worship services and key legislative sessions. |
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