 By Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Director for Canada West Creating Connection Edmonton is thriving! Have you ever wondered how a simple gathering can spark lasting connections and inspire new possibilities? On the Thursday before this year’s Mission Conference, 13 of us came together to share stories and talk about how Creating Connection has made an impact in our communities over the past 10 months. We also brainstormed fresh ideas and explored new possibilities for the future. I heard inspiring stories of participants who have become regulars—and even friends—with Edmonton members. Some have started attending other Creating Connection events, and one man, after learning about the Hills of Peace men’s retreat during a Conversation Café, decided to join the retreat. One participant was so enthusiastic about the program that he’s considering starting his own Creating Connection conversation group. Even our own members shared exciting ideas for new groups they might lead. What stood out to me most was the mutual benefit we were experiencing. Community of Christ leaders and participants were not just offering something valuable—they were also receiving so much from the community members in return. It was a beautiful exchange that enriched everyone involved, fulfilling our hopes for meaningful connections. (See the photo of the Creating Connection Edmonton team below.) Eileen Johnstone, who co-hosts the Conversation Café with Terry Ball, shared some great updates from the last two meetups: On October 4th, nine people joined for a session on "Happiness is… #2." The discussion prompts included examples of awe, moments of serenity, sources of inspiration, and things people feel grateful for. The event was filled with laughter, and everyone had a great time. The November 1st meetup had even more participants, with 16 attendees exploring "Happiness is… #3." Reflecting on the previous session, participants shared how long their happy feelings lasted, with answers ranging from several hours to a few days. The group also talked about what joy and amusement look like in our lives. As I write this, I’m excited to see that the Creating Connection Edmonton Meetup page already has 18 RSVPs for this Friday’s meetup. I wish I could be there! You can check out what Creating Connection Edmonton is up to here. If you’d like to learn more about Creating Connection, discover new ways to engage in mission, or if you have any ideas to share, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].   By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
This morning, I went for a walk. I wore my jacket, but when I turned to head home, the sun was on my back. I was too warm and had to take my jacket off. This reminded me of a story from a reader in grade school, where the sun and the wind competed to get someone to remove their coat. It was the warmth of the sun, not the force of the wind, that persuaded the person to shed it. As I continued my walk, reflecting on recent dialogue sessions, my thoughts turned to a scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 161:3c: “Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called.” For ten years, we have journeyed together on the topic of priesthood and relationships or cohabitation. In this recent part of our journey, we have had the opportunity to listen to one another again. Some are strongly in favour of change, while others are firmly opposed to altering the current policy that prevents a cohabiting priesthood member from active ministry. In the coming days, we will be asked to indicate our level of support. Regardless of the outcome, what matters most is how we live the journey of discipleship—arduous, challenging, or uplifting as it may be. It’s how we engage with one another, grounded in the mission of Christ, that truly matters. I pray that after the polls open and you cast your level of support, that you are able to continue to support those who have been affected by the current policy, those who may be hurting if there is no change, and those who may be hurting if there is change. Doctrine & Covenants 161:3c,d “Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called. Be courageous and visionary, believing in the power of just a few vibrant witnesses to transform the world. Be assured that love will overcome the voices of fear, division, and deceit. Understand that the road to transformation travels both inward and outward. The road to transformation is the path of the disciple.”  Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on December 3rd!
Community of Christ invites you to join us in creating welcoming spaces for all seeking a spiritual home. Your gift to Worldwide Mission Tithes supports initiatives like Sacred Space worship for small groups, seeker outreach through Meta and Google Ads, and resources for congregational leaders working with seekers. Together, we can bring faith, hope, and connection to those who need it most. For more details, visit our Giving Tuesday page. |
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