 When I was a young boy of 10 or 12 years of age, I would go over to a friend’s house to play. He had an older brother – seemed much older, and apparently wiser, but he was probably just in high school at the time. In one series of visits to their home I recall that, after he said, “Hi,” he would ask me, “So what do you think of the world situation?” I do not recall exactly how I responded, but I do remember wondering, “Exactly what IS the world situation?”
Today, as I am certain it was in the middle of the 1960’s, the “world situation” is constantly changing, occasionally positive and promising, but regularly negative and challenging. I will share just four things from recent news headlines that have been at least partially defining the “world situation.” First: Wildfires and smoke in Western Canada. Pretty much the entire town of Lytton, BC, was consumed by a forest fire a couple of weeks ago. At last count over 350 fires were active in British Columbia. Smaller numbers in Alberta this summer, but larger numbers again in northern Saskatchewan, as well as in some areas in the United States. If you have not been affected directly by a fire, but live anywhere in Western Canada, you have probably been affected by smoke in the air, which has originated in those fires. I am not aware of church members directly affected by the fires. Prayers, of course, are in order for all residents in the path of fires and for all those involved in fighting them. Second: Deadly Floods in Western Europe. The World Church “announcements” web page reiterates the situation of over 100 people dead in Germany and another 1,300 missing. The national ministry coordinator for Germany reports that Community of Christ members are thought to be safe. The coordinator for Belgium notes families may be without water, electricity, mobile connections, and had little food. Prayers are requested for everyone affected. No mention in the announcement of financial aid being needed or extended from the church at this time. Third: India is being affected by continuing growth and persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community of Christ has sent over US$102,000 to assist the seven mission centres in the country with providing help to over 4,300 families with “masks, soap, and other supplies as well as rice and other cooking items.” Prayers are requested at this time for church members and other residents of India during this devastating time. Fourth: Haiti is dealing with political and social turmoil which has arisen following the assassination of their President. This is simply added to the continuing crises arising from surging COVID-19 cases, growing poverty, violence, and general political unrest. The president of the Great South Haiti Mission Center has requested “prayers for Haiti and for Community of Christ in Haiti as everyone navigates the days to come.” Aid will be provided by Community of Christ as the needs of members and friends are identified. Canada West has an indirect connection to the church in Haiti because their Apostle is also our Apostle, Art Smith. These are just four situations that are prominent in our news sources at the moment. Others could also be mentioned. There may even be a good news story or two that could be shared. My point in writing today is to point out that the “world situation” is comprised of events that affect real people in real ways – in some case real people who may be close to us and real ways that we may be able to assist with. Please remember to contribute to the church’s Oblation funds (“Reduce Hunger, End Needless Suffering”) to assist the three situations described above that originate from the church’s announcements page. There are a number of organizations accepting donations to assist those affected by the fires in BC and elsewhere – please consult your local community service organization listings. If you are aware of any church members or friends who have particular needs arising from the fires, please contact your Pastor or your Congregation Financial Officer, or the Mission Centre President ([email protected]) or Financial Officer ([email protected]). As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected]
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 Last week “Summer Beckons” was my theme. I invited you, somewhat in passing, to be sure to look for information about the online camps coming up for Canada West. This week I want to be sure you have access to full information about them – because they are coming up SOON! Links to registration processes are provided in the event details for which links appear below for each event. Register NOW!
A Taste of Hills of Peace: starts THIS SUNDAY EVENING (July 11). The theme for the online reunion is “Let Peace Dwell Here.” Our guest minister is Apostle Janné Grover who will join us “virtually” from Independence, Missouri. Janné will be speaking at the opening service on Sunday evening and leading a discussion each morning from Monday through Thursday. In addition, the North American Climate Justice Team of Community of Christ will make a presentation on Monday evening, David Barth will bring us up to date on World Accord on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday evening will be a “sharing and connecting” opportunity for all attendees. On Thursday morning there will be a closing worship following Janné’s class. For more information click on these links: Taste of Hills of Peace Details and Taste of Hills of Peace Schedule A Taste of Samish runs from July 29 to August 1. The theme is “Toward the Peaceful One” and Apostle Janné Grover will also be a guest minister for this event (although she will not be leading the daily class discussions here). Additional guest ministry will be provided by Sean Langdon, Leadership Support Minister (among other titles!) with the Greater Pacific Northwest Mission Centre, and Vickie MacArthur from Lethbridge, Alberta. There will be a variety of programming that cannot really be well summarized in the space available here. More information will be published next week. Meanwhile, check the schedule here: A Taste of Samish. Campground Association Meetings: Meetings will be held in association with both online reunions for members from their respective areas to receive updates on “their” campground, receive financial information, and elect Board members for the next term. For information about the Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Alberta time on Thursday, July 15, please click here: HOP All Members Meeting. This meeting will be of interest to members of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Email [email protected] to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting. Similar information for the BC Caucus Meeting of the Samish Island Campground Association will be available next week. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. BC time. This meeting will be of interest to members in British Columbia. In addition to these events, check information in the CWM Summer Programming 2021 announcement about the “Hang Out” for Junior High and Senior High youth on July 20, 27, and August 3 and 10, as well as the “Discover Peace” camp for Junior aged children scheduled for August 16 to 19. Please Register NOW for the events you wish to attend. We are planning for all events to be of interest to, and very worthwhile for, everyone. As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President [email protected] |
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