 Dear Community of Christ staff, leaders, members, and friends in Canada,
As we reflect on this past year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the ways we have worked together as a faith community to respond to the world around us. Your dedication to leading congregations, campgrounds, camps, retreats, and a wide variety of programs has been truly inspiring. We also deeply appreciate your participation in dialogue sessions and polls, helping us collaboratively discern and shape our future. We give special thanks for the support and collaboration of our dedicated affiliate and partner organizations such as: Zerin, Sionito, World Accord, Encounter World Religions, The MOM Project, and Agape House. Your work continues to extend the mission of Christ and magnify the impact of our shared efforts across Canada and beyond. Looking to 2025, we are excited about the further implementation of our Canada strategic plan, the creation of a single mission centre for all of Canada, and the opportunities this brings for greater connection and shared vision. At the global level, we anticipate with joy the ordination of a new prophet-president for Community of Christ. And as Mary courageously said yes to the angel, we, too, will have opportunities to say yes in new and meaningful ways, answering the call to serve our community in the coming year. May the joy, hope, love and peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas, and may the new year bring blessings and renewed purpose as we journey together. With love and gratitude, Art & Laura I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you. - Philippians 1: 3-4
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 We are continuing our tradition of holding a special service on Christmas Eve this year. During the prelude, we would love to share a slideshow of your Christmas decorations. It’s a chance to visit the homes of friends around the world who come together as the Beyond the Walls community.
Take a few shots of your decorations by Sunday and send them by email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your location for the captions. Your Christmas tree, outdoor lights, wreaths, stockings, pets dressed up in Santa gear—whatever captures the spirit of Christmas where you live! Remember that the photos in landscape mode will look better on TV 😉 On Christmas Eve, join us to sing and reflect on the timeless words of our most beloved Christmas carols. Come and experience the beauty of song, story, and reflection as we celebrate Christmas as a global community. 🌏 📅 Tuesday, December 24, 2024 🕕 3 pm PT, 4 pm MT, 5 pm CT, 6 pm ET Let’s share the joy, hope, love, and peace of Christmas in community! 🎄✨  As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the profound impact of your generosity through World Accord’s life-changing work. In Nepal, our partnership with Women for Peace and Democracy (WPD) empowers women through vocational training, financial literacy, and small-business support. These programs foster economic independence and resilience, creating real change for families and entire communities. Your support also makes a difference in Guatemala, where sustainable agriculture helps families thrive. Across the globe, underserved youth are gaining access to education, and communities are becoming stronger in the face of climate change. Together, we are transforming lives and building a better future, one step at a time. As a trusted partner of Community of Christ, World Accord remains committed to building self-reliant, sustainable communities through empowerment and partnership. By joining the Global Giving Campaign your year-end gift will ensure this vital work continues into the new year. Thank you for being part of this life-changing mission! 
Call for applications: Director of Leadership Development and Director of Camping and Campgrounds12/17/2024  Community of Christ in Canada is excited to announce the anticipated creation of two full-time staff positions aligned with our strategic priorities.
1. Director of Leadership Development This role focuses on equipping leaders to support our mission. As in-person congregations face the challenges of aging membership, strong leadership is essential. The Director will oversee the implementation of our leadership development strategy across Canada. 2. Director of Camping and Campgrounds Camping programs play a vital role in fostering intergenerational connections and church identity across Canada. The Director will lead efforts to collaborate with camps and campgrounds, ensure operational sustainability, and implement our camping strategy. While the full job descriptions and compensation details are still being finalized, we hope members across Canada will begin considering these roles. At this stage, we are requesting letters of intent rather than formal job applications. If you are interested in either position, please submit a letter of interest by midnight January 12, 2025 to the attention of Dana Gidge at [email protected]. Please put in the subject line of your email, “Community of Christ – Call for Applicants.”  Are you ready to grow in your ministry? The Centre for Innovation in Ministry and Mission invites you to participate in upcoming Spring A Session classes running from January 6 to March 2.
Course Offerings:
The cost for each course is $25 USD unless otherwise noted. Classes open every Monday, and you can set your own schedule to complete weekly readings, discussions, and assignments by Sunday at 2 p.m. CST. Facilitators provide feedback and grading each week. Certification is awarded upon completing three classes. There’s still time to register - don’t miss out on these upcoming opportunities to grow in your ministry. These courses are offered through the Centre for Innovation in Ministry and Mission, a partnership between Graceland University, Community of Christ, and others. To learn more and register visit CIMM’s page on the Graceland University website.  By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
We have just emerged from a dialogue process that highlighted the importance of listening to one another without judgment. Joan Thompson illustrated this beautifully with the bell curve, showing that, on any one issue, most people find themselves in the middle. Those at the ends either encourage us to move forward or urge us to slow down—or even step back. She also noted that it is often more comfortable to be in the middle than at either end of the spectrum. Where do you see yourself on that curve? My prayer is that we can continue to uphold the worth and giftedness of those we walk with on this shared journey as disciples of Christ, whether they stand in the middle or at either end. A significant majority of members indicated support for the intent of the policy and a desire for change. Many expressed concerns, thoughts, and suggestions in the comment section. These comments will be invaluable as we consider the next steps. We recognize that the approval process takes time, and the final policy will likely be worded differently than what was originally proposed. For me, what is most important is how we support one another. Each of us is on a unique journey, shaped by where we live, work, play, and fellowship. Each of us is worthy of love, acceptance, and belonging. Yet those on either end of the bell curve may not be feeling that way right now. Brené Brown says it well: “We are inextricably connected to one another by a force greater than ourselves—a force grounded in love and compassion.” In our dialogue, we heard voices of pain, fear, sorrow, hope, frustration, and vision. How do we cope with this dissonance? How do we respect the differences we see and hear? The way we reach out and support one another, even when we disagree, can set us apart as examples of Christ-like love and behaviour. In the coming months, let us intentionally discern how to walk side by side—listening to, praying for, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with one another. Only then can we truly live out our mission: to be a light on the hilltop, promoting love, joy, hope, and peace. This is the work we are called to do—together. Mission is what matters most. “The Spirit of the One you follow is the spirit of love and peace. That Spirit seeks to abide in the hearts of those who would embrace its call and live its message. The path will not always be easy, the choices will not always be clear, but the cause is sure and the Spirit will bear witness to the truth, and those who live the truth will know the hope and joy of discipleship in the community of Christ.” — Doctrine & Covenants 161:7  We are immensely thankful to the 311 members of Community of Christ in Canada who participated in the “Priesthood & Personal Relationships” poll. To put this into perspective, 360 members voted in the Canadian National Conference of 2012, when our active membership was significantly larger than today. This level of engagement indicates this is an important matter for our church today that will have a vast impact on our journey ahead. The Methodology As Apostle Art Smith explained at our recent Mission Centre Conferences, only if the proposed policy showed a substantial consensus from the membership would the draft policy be presented to the Council of Twelve, and then, if approved there, to the First Presidency for review. A two-thirds majority might be considered a 'substantial consensus,' but World Conference Resolution 1327, which gives Apostles the responsibility for creating new culturally specific policies around marriage, does not define a fixed threshold. A decade ago, the vote on LGBTQ+ inclusion received 80% approval, which was seen as a very substantial consensus. But because this is not as simple as a yes/no issue for many folks, members were invited to express their level of support. The five options, ordered in decreasing level of support, were FULL, MODERATE, TENTATIVE, LIMITED, and NO support. To ensure a conservative estimation of YES responses, this methodology uses a conservative classification approach: of the five response options, only FULL and MODERATE were categorized as YES, while the remaining responses, as well as the undecided responses, were classified as NO. This approach prioritizes minimizing the likelihood of overestimating YES responses, even at the potential cost of underestimating them. The rationale for this conservative approach is to account for the significance of a YES outcome and to ensure that any conclusions drawn are robust and cautious. The Results We received 311 responses from members of Community of Christ in Canada, including 260 from CEM, 50 from CWM, and one from a Canadian member not associated with any congregation. We also received eight responses from individuals not formally affiliated with Community of Christ in Canada, which were greatly appreciated but not included in the poll results, as the primary purpose of this survey is to inform the First Presidency about the perspectives of members of the two Canadian mission centres. The first question asked for the level of support for the intent of the proposed policy change, that is, to remove any automatic ban on priesthood based on personal relationships. The overall level of support was 83%. The second question was regarding the level of support for the proposed policy change as currently written. The overall level of support was 80%. Important Findings Although we expected a stark gap between the level of support across age groups, the results show that most members of all ages support the policy. For example, 87% of members 59 and younger expressed support for the intent, compared to 80% among those in the 60–79 group, and 83% in the 80+ group. On the other hand, how the current policy has affected individuals and their families made a significant difference. FULL support from those who have been affected personally or through their families was 88%, while FULL support from those not affected stood at 70%. About one quarter of the respondents said either they or their family had been affected by the current policy. What’s Next? The poll indicates a broad consensus among members of Community of Christ in Canada to move forward with revising the policy. At the same time, the Canadian Leadership Team deeply values and acknowledges all the comments shared in the survey, including those from members who expressed objections to change. These perspectives will be thoughtfully considered as we seek to move forward together in a spirit of healing and reconciliation. Following the process outlined by World Conference Resolution 1327, the field apostle will now present our proposed policy changes to World Church Leadership for review. We ask you to continue to join us in prayer as we reflect on the results of this poll and prepare for the next step in this process of discernment that will have a lasting impact on our path forward. Thank you for sharing your voice!  What will our church look like for the next generation, and how can your ideas help shape it? Your insights can create a unified mission centre that honours our traditions and prepares us for the future. Joining the Mission Centre Design Team gives you a vital role in building a structure that reflects the values and aspirations of our shared community.
The team will explore ways to honour cherished regional traditions while envisioning unified practices for the future. Their work includes examining equitable methods for congregations to support the mission centre—whether through quotas, generosity, or innovative funding models. They will address differing voting approaches, such as the delegate system used in Canada East and the all-member voting model in Canada West, and envision Canada-wide conferences that promote connection, community, and shared purpose. Additionally, the team will focus on ensuring the vitality of campgrounds, reunions, youth camps, and retreats, while seeking opportunities to strengthen connections with individuals not currently engaged in a congregation. 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  We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible generosity! This year’s Giving Tuesday was a remarkable success, thanks to the kindness and support of donors worldwide.
We’re especially thrilled to celebrate the contributions of 88 Canadians who gave a total of $44,857.05 CAD. Your generosity plays a vital role in strengthening our mission to foster love, community, and justice—a space where everyone feels seen, loved, and welcomed. Altogether, 675 donors helped raise an astounding $681,000 USD, including a matching pledge that grew to $293,000 USD. Thank you for sharing the light of hope with others this Advent. Your support helps extend Christ’s mission of peace and love across Canada and beyond. Learn more about Giving Tuesday and how your contributions will make a difference.  By Troy Roach, Creating Connection Director, Canada East
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Texas Men’s Retreat—a weekend filled with intentional connection, powerful storytelling, and personal growth. It was a gathering of 18 men, including five young adults, coming together to share their journeys and discover deeper connections with themselves, others, and their purpose. This retreat was more than just a meeting; it was a celebration of what happens when we intentionally create spaces for people to reconnect with who they truly are and find belonging in a supportive community. It’s in these sacred moments that ministry comes alive, revealing the good things happening within us and around us. Telling Our Story: Who We Are vs. What We Do One of the key themes of the retreat was the importance of telling our true story—not just the story of what we do, but the story of who we are. So often, we get caught up in the busyness of life and the responsibilities of ministry, forgetting to pause and reflect on what truly defines us. The retreat reminded me that our authentic story begins with three foundational building blocks: 1. Reconnecting with Self 2. Connecting with Others 3. Connecting with Purpose These elements are not just personal practices; they form the framework for how we live and lead as prophetic people, shaping ministries that reflect our true identity and mission. Reconnecting with Self The first step in telling our authentic story is understanding who we are. At the retreat, this meant carving out time and space for personal reflection. Through storytelling sessions and small group conversations, participants were invited to explore their own narratives—identifying what matters most and uncovering parts of themselves that often go unnoticed in daily life. Reconnecting with ourselves is not a selfish act; it’s the foundation for living with integrity and purpose. When we know who we are, we can lead from a place of authenticity, inspiring others to do the same. Connecting with Others Ministry happens in community, and the retreat was a powerful reminder of how vital relationships are to our story. Through shared meals, deep conversations, and moments of laughter, we experienced the transformative power of connection. It’s in relationships with others that our stories are shaped and refined. By listening and sharing openly, we help one another see our worth and purpose. These connections remind us that we are not alone in our journey and that together, we can create something greater than ourselves. Connecting with Purpose Finally, the retreat emphasised the importance of aligning our stories with a greater purpose. For some, this meant reconnecting with their faith or sense of calling. For others, it was about finding the courage to live more authentically in their daily lives. This alignment is where transformation happens. It’s where we discover the strength to let go of what no longer serves us and step boldly into who we are called to be. In ministry, it’s a reminder that our work is not just about programmes or events—it’s about helping others find their place in a larger story of hope, love, and belonging. Celebrating Mission Together The Texas Men’s Retreat was a beautiful example of what can happen when we intentionally create spaces for connection, reflection, and growth. It’s a reminder that ministry is not confined to traditional spaces—it’s alive in every conversation, every shared moment, and every story told from the heart. As we celebrate this retreat, let’s also celebrate the many ways our ministries are creating opportunities for people to reconnect with themselves, others, and their purpose. Let’s continue to tell the authentic story of who we are as a community—a story of love, inclusion, and transformation. Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we are making a difference, one connection at a time. |
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