Help us envision Canada’s unified mission centre

"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.
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Learn more at: Onward Together