By Leandro Palacios, Director of Communications
“You are leading campfire tonight,” the camp director said to me. I think she sensed the anxiety I was trying to hide behind a big smile when I said, “Sure, let’s do it!” When I visit reunions, I usually skip campfire because the songs are unfamiliar to me. I didn’t grow up in this church, and I didn’t grow up going to camps at all! But when camp director Wanda White invited me to the McGowan’s Lake Reunion specifically to lead the closing campfire, I thought, “Risk something new!” I wasn’t feeling very confident—this was uncharted territory for me—but I was able to rearrange my schedule to arrive a day earlier than planned. I thought this would give me a chance to learn which songs people usually sing at this camp. Instead, when I arrived, I learned that I had about an hour to decide what to do. This was my first visit to McGowan’s Lake Campground, located an hour southwest of Ottawa. I had seen a few old pictures, but I did not anticipate what it would feel like to be there. So green. So quiet. So peaceful. I noticed something very spiritual that was making me feel at home. What was that? But there was no time for philosophical reflection. It was campfire time already. Honouring the theme “Risk Something New,” we tried some new songs interspersed with old favourites. Then something happened. I guess this is what Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability, calls a “God moment.” The youngest person at the reunion stood beside me and confidently began leading the group in singing, “The wheels on the bus go round and round…” Everyone joined in, singing and doing the hand motions. I didn’t know the song, but unlike at previous campfires, I joined in and had an awesome time. Something changed at that moment. I was no longer an outsider or just a guest. I belonged. The following night, the campfire led by guest minister and fellow seminarian Mary Cusak was a great success. I sang and played as if campfire had been my favourite thing my whole life!
“For the least among all of you is the greatest” came to mind at that “God moment.” In Luke 9:48, Jesus points to a little child to end a dispute among the apostles who were fighting over who was the most important. But I was not thinking about the little child standing beside me. I was thinking about the church. This reunion was smaller than any other reunion I had visited. Does that make it the least? What about congregations with just a handful of members? Are they also the least?
When I studied this passage during seminary, I learned that a better translation may be, “For the least among all of you is great.” The gospel here may be telling us that the smallest and weakest can be as great as the largest and most powerful. “Greatest” suggests a hierarchy. “Great” suggests equality. So often in Community of Christ, I have heard the expression “although we are small in number” used as a kind of disclaimer, as though something were wrong with our congregation, our camp, or the whole church. But what if our greatness had nothing to do with our size? I heard some lamentation about small numbers during this visit, but the small size of this group allowed me to connect with everyone, including those I was meeting for the first time and those who were different from me. I had a chance to discover their diverse gifts and how each of them contributed to making this reunion truly great. Of course, we want more people attending our events, and we must continue to invite them. But I think our sadness about being small sometimes causes us to stop inviting people—the very thing we need to do if we hope to grow. Risk something new: What makes your group great? Talk about it. Invite others to experience it. They might see how great your group is, just as I saw how great McGowan’s Lake Reunion is. I hope to return in future years whenever my schedule allows, and I encourage everyone to try a reunion or retreat they have never attended before. Who is the greatest disciple? The least among us is great, just as the others are great. What is the greatest reunion? Large reunions are great, just as the smallest one is great.
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 By Apostle Shannon McAdam Imagine a place where instead of being judged first, you are LOVED first. Imagine the risks you might be willing to take, the new things you'd try, the relationships you'd build if "Love First" was the rule that everyone lived by. "Love First" was the theme for the week-long youth camp for Community of Christ youth and their friends that I got to attend as staff from July 11–18, 2026. This was my second year as staff for this camp, and I again was amazed by what a supportive and kind community formed in such a short time. For my part, I offered a daily "Adventure Class" in embroidery where youth got to tell their story through a project unique to them. Thanks to lots of donated and thrifted materials, more than 40 campers made meaningful projects to take home with them. Campers of all genders attended, and most of them had never done embroidery before. We also made an altar cloth for the communion table as a group project. Most of my time, though, was spent cheering on youth, which I love doing. From applauding many a great volleyball rally to hyping up campers about to audition for the talent show, I got to recognize their hard work and encourage our young people to try new things. It was incredible to witness their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and meaningful to see them cheer one another on as well. More than 11 youth and two adult chaperones from Canada attended Spec this year with the Northwest delegation, who enthusiastically welcomed their Canadian siblings with open arms. Our Canadians did incredibly in a wide variety of activities, representing Canada very well. Many thanks go to the individuals, congregations, and the mission centre for financially supporting these folks to travel and experience the transformative Spec community. Next year will be extra special as youth from around the world will gather for three days before Spec at our Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, for the International Youth Forum (known as IYF). It will be the first time since Covid that IYF has taken place, and I am looking forward to seeing how even more youth from Canada and across our Aurora Belt field will be able to partake in loving, sacred, multi-cultural community. So think about youth in Grades 9–12 who you think would benefit from this transformative, inclusive experience, and let them know to put two dates on their calendar for 2027: July 7–9 for IYF, and July 10–17 for Spec. And think about what you might do to help them go, maybe volunteering your time and talents, or through financial generosity. Together let's make 2027 a memorable year for even more of our youth!  By Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability
I know that every moment we are given on this giant blue ball we live on is a God-given moment. Yet I also recognize certain moments that seem to reveal God's presence in a particularly powerful way. I call these God moments. At one camp, as someone was sharing a painful testimony about a difficult season in their life, K, who is autistic and can be loud and persistent, quietly moved beside the person and gently rested her head on their shoulder. In that simple, silent act, she expressed compassion and solidarity more profoundly than words ever could. I witnessed another person become emotional while sharing an experience. Without hesitation, someone else quietly crossed the room and placed a comforting hand on their shoulder, reminding them that they did not have to carry their burden alone. I learned of a father who mentioned to his best friend that he was bringing his child to camp. That simple conversation stirred memories of the friend's own camp experiences—memories filled with joy, belonging, and faith—and reminded him of the lasting impact camp had made on his life. I see God moments when a young person has the courage to say, "I don't think that's right," and an adult responds with humility by listening and changing course. I hear God in the enthusiasm of someone who comes to camp and is filled with such genuine joy that it becomes contagious, lifting the spirits of everyone around them. When wildfire smoke, unsafe water, mosquito infestations, or the unexpected cancellation of guest ministry threaten to disrupt camp, and people respond quickly, wisely, and collaboratively to care for one another, God is present in those moments too. God is revealed through courage, compassion, wisdom, and community. I invite you to watch for the God moments that surround you each day. They are often found in quiet acts of kindness, unexpected courage, gentle compassion, and faithful service. And don't just look for God moments—create them. As you respond with courage to the promptings of the Spirit, you become part of God's work in the world. Someone else's God moment may begin with your willingness to listen, care, encourage, or simply be present. May we pray that God will open our eyes to recognize these sacred moments and give us the courage to create them wherever we go.  By John Hamer, Director of Outreach & Innovative Mission
Community of Christ in Canada provides a number of resources for sharing invitation, including source files that can be printed as posters, framed pictures, or art on canvas. These include a set of images, representing our understanding of the church’s sacred inheritance: the Old Covenant, the New Covenant, and the Restored Covenant. The first is an image of Mt. Sinai with a quotation from Exodus 3:5: “The place where you’re standing is holy.” In the Exodus story, the God of Israel communes directly with Moses on the mountain sharing the name “I Am” — revealing God as divine being and the source of all being. The second image is the shore of the Sea of Galilee, with the simple words Mark 1:17: “Follow me.” In the gospels, Jesus walks along the shore, and seeing simple fishers, Simon-Peter, Andrew, and others, says “Follow me” — an invitation to embark on the path of the disciple. The third image represents the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, and shares the quotation from The Epistle of James 1:5: “If you lack wisdom, ask God.” Two centuries ago, a young spiritual seeker named Joseph Smith Jr., troubled by doubts, came across this verse, rendered in King James’ English: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Taking this invitation seriously, he went into the woods near his home to pray. In later recollections, he remembered a spiritual experience that became known as his “First Vision” by members of the Restoration movement that grew up around him. Sinai, Galilee, Palmyra — Old Covenant, New Covenant, Restored Covenant. These stories of connecting with the divine have long been rich sources of inspiration, but they have also been abused when people have looked back and interpreted the individual experiences as sources of authority and then misused the stories to make authoritarian claims. By the 2nd century BC, the Torah had taken its final form, and tradition had imagined Moses as its author. When a Judean priest named Judas Maccabeus, outraged at the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple by King Antiochus IV, led a revolt — his family, the Maccabees or Hasmoneans, successfully established an independent Judean kingdom. Although short-lived, the Maccabean kings took the opportunity to conquer their neighbours, destroying the rival Samaritan temple. They also conquered the Idumeans to the south and the Galileans to the north. And using Moses as a source of authority, they forcibly converted these new subjects to Mosaic law. In the Christian era, Jesus’ calling of Simon bar Jonah has been used to make incredible claims to divine authority. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus renames Simon “Peter” (rocky) and says: “upon this rock I will build my church” (6:18). Tradition named Peter the first bishop of Rome, and later Roman bishops — considering themselves the heirs of Peter — developed claims to primacy over everything on earth. In the Restoration era, Joseph Smith's first vision led to the claim of the church he organized to be “the one and only true church on the face of the earth.” An exclusive claim to divine authority we originally maintained as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a claim that is still made by many other expressions of the Restoration, including the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From our perspective in Community of Christ today, all three of these authoritarian interpretations of scripture miss the point of the stories themselves. In all three cases, God chooses an ordinary individual. Moses is “slow of speech and tongue” — not the most obvious candidate for God’s spokesperson. Simon-Peter is a simple fisherman, seemingly ill equipped to spread a gospel message in the culturally sophisticated Greco-Roman world. Joseph Smith was a farm boy from a poor, downwardly mobile family in the American countryside. The conclusion we should draw is that God is not focused on powerful leaders; God is available to the most humble. God’s revelation is available to everyone. That is the clear message in the scripture from The Epistle of James that inspired Joseph Smith to pray. It does not predict a chosen one will come in the latter days, to whom all authority will be given. It says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God gives generously to all. Not to just one state or kingdom. Not to just one church. Not to just one leader. God gives generously to all. If you would like to make use of this set of three posters in your congregation or campground, you can download the source files here.  By John Hamer, Director of Outreach & Innovative Mission
Churches from many denominations put signs out in front of their doors that read “All are welcome.” Most are placed with honest intent by church members who believe that their congregation is welcoming. But being truly welcoming isn’t as easy as saying so. Humans by nature are most comfortable with people they already know and next most comfortable with people who feel familiar — who look and act more or less like they do. Being truly welcoming requires effort on the part of members within the church—both congregations and camp communities—to learn about issues different people experience. If a congregation in a particular country includes only natives of the country, they may not be aware of issues faced by members of the immigrant community. People from a nation’s historically dominant or privileged race do not share the experience of individuals from one that experiences regular discrimination. We are not born understanding issues faced by members of the transgender community. For this reason, Community of Christ’s affiliate Harmony sponsors a program that helps congregations learn how to become truly affirming and welcoming. If you’re part of a local congregation of the church and would like to find out how you can participate in the program, the details are on their website: Harmony.lgbt Even congregations with the best intentions of being welcoming can be unwelcoming. When someone is writing a sermon, a lesson, or a prayer, the audience they picture is usually the people they know — the same members of the church who come back week after week. Those regulars share the same experience, language, and traditions of what church is and what church means. And since everyone knows what we do in church, people never think to explain what it is we’re doing and why. And that works fine when everyone’s in the know. But it fails to work when a new person walks into the church and doesn’t know what’s going on. The church has unintentionally become unwelcoming. When I travel across Canada and around the world, I love to tour the Community of Christ buildings and campgrounds that exist in each location. These always have their own unique character and back story. One of the first things I do is ask: what about this space says “Community of Christ”? How does this building communicate our particular distinctives? Next, I try to think to myself: what would this look like to someone who has no prior experience with Community of Christ? What does it say about us as a sacred community? Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised by welcome centers that tell our story, share our principles, and our initiatives. For myself, each week as I lead a team preparing the component parts of our Beyond the Walls worship services, I try to be welcoming by going through a similar exercise. When I read the text of a sermon, lesson, or prayer, I ask myself: what would someone joining us for the first time make of this or that phrase? If it’s completely opaque, can we add a sentence or even a few words to introduce the idea and give it context? It’s not the easiest thing to do — and, moreso, it’s not the easiest thing to remember to do. As a church, I think Community of Christ members desire to be true to our word that “all are welcome.” But as with so many things, being truly welcoming requires self-reflection, thought, and effort. As you go through the next week sharing in church-related activities as a leader or participant, I invite you to go through this same exercise. Ask yourself, if you had no experience with the church, would you understand what was being said during this worship service or in this camping activity? You may be pleased to find that people are already doing a good job of making sure we’re explaining ourselves to others. Or we may uncover subtle or even substantial areas for improvement. Let’s be intentional about being welcoming. Let’s say “All are welcome” and truly mean it.  By Amy Rayfield, Camp Co-Director The July 3–5 weekend at Noronto Campgrounds was filled with laughter, friendship, faith, and countless colourful memories. We were blessed to welcome 15 wonderful campers, ages 6–13, and were supported by an incredible team of dedicated staff who poured their hearts into making the weekend a meaningful experience for every child. Our theme, "Colour the World Together," reminded us that each of us is unique and that our differences make our communities stronger, brighter, and more beautiful. During our theme classes, we explored how God created each person with special gifts, talents, and perspectives. Just as every colour has its own purpose in creating a masterpiece, every person has an important place in God's family. The campers embraced this message with open hearts, showing kindness, acceptance, and encouragement to one another throughout the weekend. There was no shortage of fun! From creative crafts that allowed everyone to express themselves to exciting water games that kept us cool and laughing, every activity brought smiles to our faces. We gathered around the campfire to sing songs, perform hilarious skits, and enjoy the special sense of community that only camp can create. We also shared delicious ice cream sundaes, juicy watermelon, and refreshing freezies—simple treats that made great memories even sweeter. One of the greatest joys of the weekend was watching friendships grow. Campers encouraged one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, and celebrated each other's uniqueness. Whether singing together, creating artwork, playing games, or simply sharing conversations, we truly experienced what it means to colour the world together. A heartfelt thank you goes to our amazing staff, whose enthusiasm, patience, creativity, and love made this weekend possible. Their dedication created a safe, welcoming environment where every camper felt valued and included. As we head home, we carry with us not only colourful crafts, tie-dyed shirts, and happy memories, but also the reminder that our world becomes brighter when we celebrate our differences, share our gifts, and choose kindness every day. We hope each camper leaves knowing they are an important part of God's beautiful masterpiece and that together, we can continue to colour the world with love, compassion, and joy.  Summary of baptism and membership survey now available The First Presidency has released a summary of the churchwide survey on WCR 1324, Baptism and Membership. The report reflects perspectives shared by members and friends from around the world as part of the ongoing discernment process and highlights key themes, questions, and insights that emerged. Background resources, survey results, and a related podcast are also available. June 2026 financial update now available The Presiding Bishopric has released the June 2026 Financial Update, sharing recent financial results and updates on several key initiatives. The update includes 2025 year-end results, 2026 tithing to date, endowment growth, the finalization of Bridge of Hope Retirement Responsibility, and early planning for the 2027 budget. Church leaders also express gratitude for the continued generosity of members and friends who support Community of Christ's global mission.  By John Hamer, Director of Outreach & Innovative Mission
Toward the end of the 2nd century, in the city of Carthage, a Christian thinker became concerned that ideas from Greek philosophy were entering Christianity and affecting it negatively. His name was Tertullian, the first Christian to write eloquently in Latin, and famous for the quip, “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” What does the home of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have to do with the city where Jesus taught and was crucified? It is a very memorable and emotion-laden line. But Tertullian wrote it with an amazing degree of unintended irony because he himself was a classically trained scholar. His entire worldview, conceptual framework, and vocabulary were founded on his Greek philosophical inheritance. For example, Tertullian is credited with being among the first Christians to use technical Greek philosophical ideas like “hypostasis” and “ousia” through their Latin counterpart terms “persona” and “substantia” to understand God theologically. In short, Tertullian’s question, “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” is answered, “Quite a lot, actually.” Last week on Beyond the Walls, we explored the theme “What Is This New Teaching?” This is taken from a scene in Acts 17 set in Athens. The Apostle Paul is visiting the city and is invited to share his ideas on the famous Areopagus (or “Hill of Ares,” the Greek god of war). The Areopagus was the location where a principal council of the Athenian democracy met. And although most of the crowd who listened to Paul left unpersuaded, we are told that at least two Athenians were converted and became Christians: a woman named Damaris and a man named Dionysius, who was a member of the Areopagus council. Centuries later a Christian philosopher was inspired by this story and wrote a number of influential treatises under the name of Dionysius the Areopagite. Building on the ideas of Plato and his successors, these texts expanded on the analogy of God and light, speaking eloquently of divine illumination. These texts directly inspired the medieval custom of using stained glass windows in churches as teaching tools — an art form that continues to this day. With our greater historical perspective today, we are able to assess our many religious inheritances: ideas developed by the ancient Israelites and Judeans alongside ancient Greek and Hellenistic thought. But Christianity also inherited ideas from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, and more. And as the living tradition has continued to evolve and grow, along the way it learned from new peoples who were added to the faith, including Latin, Celtic, Germanic, Slavic, and other peoples in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and in modern times, new inheritances from peoples all around the world from Indigenous Americans and Pacific Islanders, to Africans, East and South Asians. In Community of Christ, we recognize this with the informal motto that we seek “Truth wherever it is found.” As we encounter teachings that are new to us, let us recognize the diversity and depth of the traditions that are part of our Christian inheritance. May we ever be open to new insights and to recognizing the value of truth wherever it is found.  By Troy Roach, Midland, ON
I have always loved food. That love started with my mom, who introduced our family to all kinds of flavours and foods from around the world, especially Caribbean and Jamaican cooking. Later, while I was in university, I worked in restaurants as a short-order cook, broiler chef, and food service worker. I enjoyed learning techniques, trying new recipes, and discovering how food could bring people together. But cooking didn't become a ministry for me until much later. When I discovered Community of Christ about twenty years ago, one of the congregation members was a professional chef and culinary instructor. He generously shared his knowledge while leading church breakfasts, catering events, and fundraisers. My wife Melissa and I often volunteered alongside him in the kitchen. Those experiences taught me much more than how to cook. They taught me that food is one of the most tangible ways we can tell people they matter. As I worked alongside members of the congregation, I became aware of people living with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Some couldn't eat gluten. Others couldn't eat dairy, pork, or certain ingredients. I noticed that many of them often felt overlooked at meals and gatherings. Sometimes there was little or nothing available for them to eat. That never sat well with me. One of Community of Christ's Enduring Principles is the Worth of All Persons. For me, that principle found its way into the kitchen. If we truly believe every person is of worth and value, then everyone should be welcomed at the table. Everyone should be considered. Everyone should have something prepared with them in mind. Over time, Melissa and I were invited to help cook at camps. One camp became two. Two became three. Before long, there were years when we were helping with five or six camps in a single season. What kept bringing us back wasn't the cooking itself. It was the people. Campers, staff, and volunteers would stop by the kitchen just to chat. People would tell us how much a meal meant to them. They would come through the serving line with smiles and gratitude. Some would seek us out years later with hugs and stories they remembered. Again and again, people would tell us they could taste the love that had gone into the food. Those moments reminded me that camp cooking isn't really about food. Food is simply the vehicle. The ministry is making people feel seen. Several years ago, I became a plant-based eater myself. Suddenly, I experienced some of the same challenges that many people with dietary restrictions face every day. I understood firsthand what it felt like to arrive somewhere wondering if there would be anything I could eat. That experience deepened my commitment. As more people began requesting vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options, I found myself stepping into that role. While many camp kitchens were doing their best, special diets often felt like an afterthought simply because few people knew how to prepare those meals. For me, this became another expression of ministry. I never wanted anyone arriving at camp to feel forgotten, excluded, or like a burden. Instead, I wanted them to arrive with confidence. I wanted them to know someone had thought about them before they ever walked through the dining hall doors. I wanted them to feel welcomed. One of the greatest joys now is watching people discover they don't have to worry. The stress leaves their shoulders. They stop wondering what they'll be able to eat. Instead, they begin looking forward to meals with excitement and anticipation. I start hearing questions like, "What's for supper tonight?" "What did you make for dessert?" and "I can't wait to see what you've come up with." Those questions always make me smile. Over the years, I've also had the privilege of watching younger campers wander into the kitchen wanting to help. They peel potatoes, stir sauces, ask questions, taste recipes, and learn alongside us. I've always hoped that some of them might discover the same joy in serving others that I have found. Because at its heart, camp cooking isn't really about cooking. It's about service. It's about hospitality. It's about creating a space where people feel cared for. It's about making sure nobody is forgotten. When I think about why camp cooking became my ministry, I come back to the same answer every time. I see it in people's eyes. I hear it in their words. I feel it in their hugs. I experience it in their gratitude. For a few days, a week, or even just a single meal, people know they are seen, valued, welcomed, and loved. And in the process of feeding them, something remarkable happens. The ministry feeds me too. Hopeful signs of courage and creativity — Apostle Lach Mackay reflects on his Ontario visit7/2/2026  By Apostle Lachlan Mackay
Apostle Shannon McAdam and I spent the second week of June visiting members and friends from eight Community of Christ congregations in Ontario. Accompanied by Sam Smalldon, Bishop of Canada and member of the Mission Center Presidency Team, we began our journey at the Grand Valley congregation, followed by a detour to see the home of Joseph Smith III's wife, Ada Clark. From there, we shared tea with members of the Proton congregation before visiting the Proton building and cemetery. The day ended with an evening gathering at Owen Sound. On the second day, we spent time with the Wiarton and Port Elgin congregations. On the third day, Mission Center Presidency Team members John Hamer and Leandro Palacios joined us as we attended the weekly home gathering of the Guelph congregation and an online evening with the Willow congregation. Everywhere we went, we were met with warm welcomes, delicious food, meaningful fellowship, and thoughtful questions. Throughout our visits in Ontario, we were impressed by the faithfulness, warmth, and resilience of the members and friends we met. Many congregations are sustained by long-serving disciples who continue to offer ministry with commitment and care. Again and again, we experienced communities shaped by deep relationships and a clear desire to steward what has been entrusted to them for the sake of mission. Their relationships with one another are central to their identity. In some places, congregations are also recognizing the need to move beyond a building while continuing to serve faithfully and creatively. These visits also revealed the many ways congregations are gathering and serving during this time of rapid change. Some communities remain deeply connected to their buildings as places of mission, memory, welcome, and ministry. Others pioneered what it means to continue as a congregation after selling a church building, while some have more recently transitioned to home gatherings. Still others are gathering in hybrid in-person and online ways. Together, these settings showed us that congregational life in Ontario is not defined by one model. It is shaped by faithful people discerning how best to embody Christ's mission in their local context. Several consistent themes emerged throughout the journey: the importance of strong relationships among field, mission centre, and congregational leaders; the need to name honestly the challenges we face; and the willingness to risk something new. In many places, there was a growing recognition that the future will require taking church to the people rather than waiting for people to come to the church. Our Ontario visit offered hopeful signs of courage and creativity as congregations continue discovering faithful ways to live Christ's mission in changing times. |
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