 Join us each morning this Advent Season, from November 25 to December 20, to reflect on the names of Jesus with the Beyond the Walls meditation group.
Start your mornings with a guided meditation session on Zoom to cultivate your inner peace, wisdom, and to connect with a group of meditators who gather from around the world to walk this journey together. Immerse yourself in the stillness of the present moment and let the Spirit flow through mind and body. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to the practice, our supportive environment is open to all. We will gather on Zoom Monday to Fridays at 9 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. CT / 7 a.m. MT / 6 a.m. PT Join us using this link https://www.centreplace.ca/social Each meeting opens with casual conversation as we gather. After the guided session ends, we invite you to stay until to share reflections. We’ll explore the names of Jesus through Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu. Each meditation will draw us deeper into the anticipation and meaning of the season. All are welcome to join this journey of reflection and spiritual renewal. No experience with meditation is required.
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 Community of Christ in Canada will be hosting two online sessions to discuss the draft policy on Priesthood and Relationships on:
Both sessions will be held via Zoom and will be open to all members across Canada. In the days following these discussions, a poll will be conducted to gauge if there is sufficient level of support to send the policy on to the Council of 12 and the First Presidency for review and approval. If approved, a resolution will be presented to the Canadian Church for ratification. The draft policy affirms that the Sacrament of Marriage remains a blessing for those who choose to participate in it. However, the evolving culture and ethics of Canada have shifted from a focus on strict rules for relationships to promoting ethical qualities within chosen relationships. The proposed policy upholds the principles found in Section 164 of the Doctrine and Covenants, which emphasizes behaviours and relationships that affirm the worth of all people, protect the vulnerable, and are grounded in Christ-like love, mutual respect, justice, and faithfulness. The key element of the draft policy states that marital status, cohabitation, and personal relationships will not have an automatic bearing on priesthood status in Canada. This policy will apply to all persons whose membership is in Canada, and may also extend to other countries that choose to adopt similar policies. If you were not able to attend the CWM or CEM conferences this fall, please take a moment to delve into the background of this draft policy with Joan Thompson, member of the Standing High Council, with opening and closing thoughts from Apostle Art Smith. This video presentation highlights the guiding principles—Christ-like love, mutual respect, and justice—that inform the policy and its commitment to protecting vulnerable members. Insights are provided on Canada’s decade-long process of discussion and consolidation, covering next steps, including the upcoming online discussions and the pathway to policy implementation. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQC9w-1U-HY Please register to receive the Zoom link: Nov 3rd session https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpd-mtqzgoG9QcZHmwvGwZzu0KjG9GB_rK Nov 4th session https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtdOCsqTIuGNIi8_WrDrV7dLK8kZDqDjm1 We invite all members to join in these discussions as we seek to faithfully discern the future of ministry within Community of Christ in Canada.  Discover new perspectives in just an hour each week! Starting November 13, join us Wednesday evenings for free, live Zoom sessions where Community of Christ experts explore topics in theology, culture, and mission. Come for fresh insights, lively discussions, and a chance to deepen your understanding—all from the comfort of home!
Most Wednesday nights at 7:00pm Central, you can attend live, free ZOOM sessions featuring Community of Christ experts presenting short, "bite-sized" servings of theology, culture, and Community of Christ Mission. Here is a list of sessions that have been added:
These sessions are presented by the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission and designed to be introductory, focused, and under an hour including the presentation and live Q&A afterwards. Past sessions are available on the CIMM YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@cofcseminaryatgu/videos To enrol for any or all of these sessions, visit our website www.graceland.edu/cimmsessions and fill out the registration. Anyone is invited to these free sessions - bring a snack!  Join us on Sunday, October 20th at 2pm PT (3pm MT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET, 11am HT, 10pm London, 8 am Sydney +1 day), on Zoom, for a chance to hear proposals to aid in the climate emergency our world is facing.
Hosted by the Human Rights, Climate Justice, Earth Stewardship teams this webinar will explore three climate resolutions that were proposed for the Community of Christ 2025 World Conference. Each is a response to WCR 1325 declaring a Climate Emergency. Each resolution will be presented by those involved in drafting the resolutions. “G-11 Climate Change Emergency Call to Action” World Church Human Rights Team Presented by James Ash. As expected, it focuses on responding to the climate emergency in socially responsible ways. It also includes recognition of climate refugees, and calls for resource development. “G-10 Earth Stewardship Affirmation” World Church Earth Stewardship Team Presented by Rick Bunch. This broad proposal covers a variety of proposed actions: resource development, creating and sustaining eco-friendly facilities, local peace colloquies, and children and youth stewardship projects. “G-5 Climate Emergency: Fossil Fuel Reduction” Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center Presented by Paul Bethel. It calls for a just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and encourages divesting from fossil fuel investing. To register for the webinar series: https://cofchristclimatejustice.org/register If you have registered for other webinars or conversations you don’t need to register again. You will be sent a Zoom link before each event.  By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President
In 2018, my friends Lanette and Vickie, and I stood in front of the lodge where we would learn to become spiritual directors over a two-year period. We were told right away that our third retreat of five would be in silence. I found that intimidating, as I only meditated for ten minutes at a time and often struggled with scattered thoughts. How would I manage three days of silence? When that retreat came, we were shown how to enter our own space by avoiding eye contact with others, media, and excessive reading. We were encouraged to move from headspace to heart and body space. We cooked our meals in silence, ate in silence, and listened to short meditations while maintaining the feeling of silence. Silence became a presence. The setting was gorgeous, and we had true freedom to wander aimlessly and rest when needed. One afternoon, I sat on a glacial stone for hours, watching two ravens fly back and forth between the mountains, calling to one another frequently. I watched the sun travel across the sky and jotted down the occasional thought in my journal as it occurred—not striving for anything, just being. As one of our teachers often said, “Nothing to do, nothing to be done.” There is a connection between silence and presence. You can’t buy presence; you can’t learn it in a book. You can only live into it by finding peace within yourself, then moving yourself out of the way to make space for others. In silence, I found deeper personal presence, and I found God waiting there for me in a powerful way. You are in good hands at the Nurturing Silence retreat at Samish, Oct 18–20. Lanette and Vickie have planned the weekend and will take excellent care of us. Whether this is your first experience with silence or you are old friends, I hope to see you there!  Join us for a transformative retreat at Samish Island (Oct 18-20), where you'll have the opportunity to deepen your practice of silence and reflection. With a variety of excellent accommodations still available, now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
Don't miss out on your chance to join us. Registration deadline is Oct 4! |
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