 "How can we expand the camping program to reach people throughout the year?" Mary Jean Belrose asks, inviting us to imagine the possibilities for nurturing the hearts and spirits of campers of all ages. We are inviting members from across Canada to share their voices and ideas by joining the Mission Centre Design Team. This is an exciting opportunity to come together to shape a vision for a bright future as a unified mission centre.
Together, the team will explore how we can support our beloved camping traditions. Camps and retreats have long been a place where souls of all ages are nourished, including many whose only connection to Community of Christ is through these experiences. As Vonda DenBoer reminds us, “we have people associated with camps and campgrounds that are not associated with congregations” and challenges us to consider, “How will we reach out to those ‘attached on the fringes’?” By helping to sustain our campgrounds and grow these programs, we can carry these treasured traditions into the future and strengthen connections with those who find belonging through camping. The team will also work to preserve cherished regional traditions while envisioning unified practices for the future. They will explore equitable ways for congregations to fund the mission centre, whether through quotas, generosity, or new models. Additionally, the team will reconcile differing voting models, such as delegates versus all-member voting, and envision Canada-wide conferences that foster community and connection. Because we hope the team will faithfully reflect the diversity of our church, we extend this invitation to members of all ages and locations across Canada. Whether you have church administration experience, facilitation skills, a passion for community, or simply a heart for prayer, your contribution matters. This is not just about decision-making—it’s about shaping how we live out our mission together. The team will meet monthly from January to June 2025, leading up to the fall conferences where the design proposal will be presented. If you feel called to contribute, please submit a letter of interest to Field Apostle Art Smith at [email protected] by December 8, 2024. Let’s build a mission centre that reflects the richness of who we are and prepares us for a vibrant, united future. Learn more at: Onward Together
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 By Sam Smalldon, Bishop of Canada
As we approach Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024, let’s remember our commitment to support our 2024 Worldwide Mission Tithes (WMT) Budget. Our 2024 annual budget for the WMT Budget funded by Canada is approved at $1,222,270, and as of September 30, 2024, investment returns continue to buoy finances, resulting in total revenues tracking above budget on a year-to-date basis. Expenditures are tracking slightly above the year-to-date budget, but overall, at the end of our third quarter in 2024, we have a positive year-to-date financial position. It’s important to note that this positive result year-to-date is primarily due to the fact that our investments have performed very well so far this year. ‘Giving’ year-to-date in 2024 is only 45% of the budget for WMT. Historically, WMT contributions are received more heavily near the end of the fiscal year. In the past two years, we received upwards of 30% of the annual ‘giving’ budget during the final quarter of the fiscal year. While we promote ‘giving’ throughout the year, we are hopeful for an even stronger response in 2024. Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024, provides a special opportunity for WMT contributions to be matched, so let’s make the most of this opportunity. We encourage everyone to be generous in supporting the initiatives funded by WMT, which include projects for the Canadian Mission, Multination Mission, Discipleship Formation, and Abolishing Poverty and Ending Suffering. Together, we can reach our goals and make a lasting impact. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the mission of the Community of Christ in Canada.  How can we connect more deeply and share our vision more effectively in today’s complex world of communication? Join Community of Christ Canada for Canadian Leaders' Coffee and Conversation on Thursday, November 28, at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. for a collaborative discussion on “Reaching More, Connecting Deeper.”
Discover what’s working (and what isn’t) in communication strategies, explore why diverse approaches matter, and share practical ways to engage people authentically. Let’s reflect together, share meaningful stories, and connect through practical, empowering ideas. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82426151627?pwd=SHZWN2h5NVkzSmRwaHdpcUpmVVRXZz09 Meeting ID: 824 2615 1627 Passcode: 486753  On Tuesday, Dec. 3, join us in putting Hope in Action by participating in Giving Tuesday. With your support and thanks to a matching donation of $200,000 USD, Worldwide Mission Tithes can have double the impact when you join members and friends from around the world in giving.
Together, we can help seekers find a spiritual home, nurture new leaders and disciples, provide clean water and food for those in need, and share resources like the Daily Bread and Sunday School materials. Your generosity will touch lives and bring hope where it’s needed most. For details on how to give in Canada, please visit our Giving Tuesday page. Next Tuesday, let’s come together to help share God’s love with the world.  Community of Christ in Canada is taking a bold step forward by envisioning a single mission centre to serve the entire country. This is a unique opportunity to come together, share ideas, and ensure that our emerging structure reflects the shared values, traditions, and aspirations of our entire community.
The Mission Centre Design Team will work to:
Because we hope the team will faithfully reflect the diversity of our church, we extend this invitation to members of all ages and locations across Canada. Whether you have church administration experience, facilitation skills, a passion for community, or simply a heart for prayer, your contribution matters. This is not just about decision-making—it’s about shaping how we live out our mission together. The team will meet monthly from January to June 2025, leading up to the fall conferences where the design proposal will be presented. If you feel called to contribute, please submit a letter of interest to Field Apostle Art Smith at [email protected] by December 8, 2024. Let’s build a mission centre that reflects the richness of who we are and prepares us for a vibrant, united future.  The First Presidency invites Canadian members to participate in prioritizing resolutions for the 2025 World Conference. Two dedicated polling sites—one for Canada West and another for Canada East—have been set up to make this process accessible for all.
Your input will guide the First Presidency in determining the order in which resolutions will be addressed at the World Conference. This is a vital opportunity to help shape the direction of Community of Christ and ensure Canadian voices are represented. Among the resolutions submitted are two from Canada East Mission: •G3: Resolution Concerning the Sacred Stewardship of the Temple and the Auditorium in Independence, Missouri, and the Principle of Common Consent •G4: Establishment of a Bylaw Committee to Review and Revise Community of Christ Bylaws with a Focus on Governance For more information about these resolutions and others, including background statements, visit the 2025 World Conference Legislation page. How to Participate: Click the link for your mission centre to complete the poll: Canada West Poll Canada East Poll Deadline: Submissions must be completed by December 15. Take a few moments to engage in this important process. Your voice is essential in shaping the priorities of the 2025 World Conference and ensuring Canadian perspectives are considered.  Giving Tuesday puts Hope in Action by supporting Oblation and World Hunger projects that supply fresh water and food, education for girls, and empowerment for women, fostering self sufficiency. Your generosity also helps to provide support for those impacted by global warming. Examples of your contributions at work can be found here.
On December 3rd, join us in supporting Worldwide Mission Tithes, where every dollar you give will be doubled, thanks to a generous $200,000 USD matching donation. Let’s work together to empower global ministries and change lives. Visit our Giving Tuesday page for the latest updates and details on how you can participate in Canada.  By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Last weekend, Chilliwack hosted a beautiful celebration, marking 125 years of worship in the Fraser Valley and 50 years in their current building. I was delighted to attend and was moved by the collection of newspaper articles, testimonies, and photos that were lovingly gathered—what a great reminder of the value of active historians! It was wonderful to see friends from afar who joined in the celebration, as well as the dedicated members who keep the congregation thriving. Thanks to Gwyn, we had the chance to tour the previous Chilliwack church, and I loved hearing stories of baptisms and weddings that took place within its walls. I’m so grateful I could be part of this special occasion. Here is Shannon’s reflection on the weekend: “I was fed both in body and in soul by the good food and good company of our people. It was fun to sing old songs and read old articles from the BC district newsletter. I was inspired by Art’s sermon that not only recognized the work of the congregation in the past but also the commitment to mission and care for those at the margins that carries the congregation forward into the future.” As we enter the busy season of Advent, I pray that you keep the spirit of celebration alive in your own gatherings with loved ones!  We value your input—join the conversation on Priesthood & Personal Relationships and help shape our community’s approach to marriage and relationships in Canada.
Thank you to everyone who has already participated in the dialogue sessions on the Proposed Marriage and Relationship Policy for Canada. We understand that some members were unable to attend the previous sessions on November 3rd and 4th or may still be undecided and wish to hear more perspectives. In response, we are offering a third dialogue session on Friday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 CT/ 5:30 MT/ 4:30 PT) This session is open to anyone who missed earlier opportunities or feels they need more discussion before forming an opinion. Please register to receive the Zoom link. Additionally, we invite you to share your level of support for the draft policy proposal regarding priesthood and personal relationships in Canada. If you need background information about the proposal, please click the button below. When you are ready to share your response, click here. The poll will remain open until Sunday, November 17, 2024. Pastors, we encourage you to assist congregants who do not have email access in submitting their responses using the same form.  This Giving Tuesday let’s come together to put "Hope in Action" and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people around the world. Your generosity will help spread God’s love by funding leadership and disciple training in North America, Europe, Africa, and beyond. By sending mentors and providing resources, we can offer spiritual and practical training that equips youth workers, outreach volunteers, and communities with skills for life and ministry.
On December 3rd, join us in supporting Worldwide Mission Tithes, where every dollar you give will be doubled, thanks to a generous $200,000 USD matching donation. Let’s work together to empower global ministries and change lives. Visit our Giving Tuesday page for the latest updates and details on how you can participate in Canada |
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