Written by Kat Goheen Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Friends, we are saying goodbye to our beloved Dar this week. When we met with Dar as a leadership team here in BC in January, he was full of stories about his beloved grandchildren and his beloved pups (well, Shari’s beloved pups!). With so much in his life he could be proud of, it was the fact that his grandkids wanted to spend time with him and weren’t shy about expressing love in public that lit up his face with joy. He got it right! It's easy to say that he held the whole church in Canada but hard to understand. Four years ago when I became co-pastor in Vancouver, I ‘held’ more concern and care than before – perhaps you’ve had this experience too. Then three years ago joining the Mission Centre President Team: more concern and care – a continuous call to attention and response. Dar not only served as financial officer for both Mission Centres and as bishop of Canada, he also carried the Canadian Corp and was financial officer for at least five congregations. What a scope of care and concern and ministry! He encouraged us at our last meeting to increase our vision too so that we are not limited by local concerns but turn our gaze to supporting the mission of Christ wherever it may be arising – the big picture of service. We are all touched by his passing. He was of invaluable service and support to us in the CWM, and as Gwyn just said, it’s hard to imagine him not in the picture with us. He kept the following words in his wallet to share in moments of grief. It is only fitting that we remember him through these words in our moment of loss. Grief never ends ... but it changes It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love ... May you be held in love through your own process of remembering and letting go.
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The Doris Hillyard Library at Toronto Centre Place has a mandate to preserve books and documents relating to the history of Community of Christ in Canada. We are always looking for materials about the church published in Canada. In addition, we serve as a research library for the study of RLDS history. As such, we have the goal of collecting at least one copy of all books and periodicals published by the church and its printing houses.
Fortunately, our collection of books published since World War 2 is very complete. Therefore, if you have a book published in the 1950s or later, we likely already have a copy and do not need another. However, we are interested in most books published in the 1940s or earlier. We do NOT need copies of: • Any books published in the 1950s or later • Heman C. Smith and Joseph Smith III, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (multi-volume) • The Saints’ Hymnal • The Hymnal (the gray hymnal) • Scriptures published 1920 or later We are looking for copies of: • Church books and pamphlets published in the 1940s or earlier • Manuscript books containing minutes of congregational meetings, branch histories, anniversary service bulletins We are ESPECIALLY looking for copies of: • Any church book or pamphlet published in the 1800s • Historical photographs of the church in Canada • The Gospel Banner (Independence 1894-1906) • The Canadian Messenger (Stratford, 1903-08) • The Canadian Mirror (London, 1909-11) • The Bishopric of Canada (1909) • The Journal of History (1908-25) • Luff, Joseph, “Autobiography” (1894) • R.C. Evans, “Autobiography” (1909) • R.C. Evans, “Why I Am a Latter Day Saint” • R.C. Evans, “Why I Left the Latter Day Saint Church” (1918) • J.J. Cornish, “Cornish to Evans” (1919) We thank you for helping us preserve the history of the church in Canada for future generations! Please email John Hamer if you are thinking for making a donation to the library: JohnCHamer@gmail.com Our library is named in honour of Doris Hillyard, a lifelong member of the Toronto Congregation, who served for decades as the branch historian and book steward. As a follow up to the official announcement of Sam Smalldon’s appointment to Associate Bishop of Canada we want to share Sam’s bio. Some may not know Sam and this will introduce him to you. Many of us know Sam well and it’s still a very interesting read! We thank Sam for his dedication in stepping into this role. He is a blessing to Dar for being able to concentrate on his recovery and indeed to us all! Samuel (Sam) Smalldon currently lives in Calgary, Alberta. He grew up in St. Thomas, in southwestern Ontario, where he enjoyed attending church youth camps and reunions. He moved west to Alberta shortly after graduating from Graceland in 1978 with an undergraduate business degree and a psychology minor. Sam considers himself a lifelong learner. He continued his education with an MBA in 1991 (NWMSU), a CPA, CMA (Alberta) professional accountant designation in 2002, an MS in Data Science and Analytics in 2022 (Graceland), and is currently enrolled in a graduate PhD program (Capella) studying strategy and innovation in social enterprises. Sam has been in seniors housing for the past 15 years as chief administrative officer and president for two non-profit housing management boards in rural Central Alberta. Before this, he was part of executive management in chief financial officer roles for post-secondary, healthcare and municipal organizations in the public not-for-profit sectors across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Sam has been involved in leadership and financial management, overseeing many capital projects, working for large and small operations, and with various organizational models. Volunteering has always been part of who Sam is. He learned early to consistently work hard, not worry about having enough, and always be open to new ways to share and give back. He is currently a High Priest and Bishop within the Community of Christ, where he has been in leadership roles for local congregations in Calgary and Edmonton, campgrounds, as mission centre financial officer for western Canada and has been involved with both Canada and World church boards. Sam volunteers with Graceland University; he first served as president of the Alumni Board and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees, where he is an officer and committee chair for several committees. Sam also serves as a volunteer director for SkillPath, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Graceland. Sam and his wife, Shauna, have four adult children and three grandsons. They enjoy two grand puppies and two grand cats as part of their family. Sam tries to care for his well-being by enjoying various recreational activities, including road and mountain bicycle riding, road and dual motorcycle riding, pickup hockey games, and canoeing. Nothing he does for recreation is serious; it’s just about fun and getting a workout. As an accountant, he knows balance is more than just about numbers. Canada East Mission is hiring lifeguards for the 2024 summer for youth camps and reunions. We are looking to hire a Waterfront Lifeguard Director and Lifeguards to meet the needs of each camp. Dates:
Click below for the attached position descriptions with further details. Please send a resume and a cover letter for the position you are applying for including which camps you are interested in working at. Direct any questions to Melissa Freer. All applicants will be contacted for an interview. We will be accepting applications until April 1, 2024.
World Accord is inviting applications for Board Director positions, offering an initial three-year term to qualified candidates from across Canada. The organization seeks to embody diversity, equity, and inclusion within its governance board. With over 40 years of engagement in international development projects, World Accord's efforts span across Central America, Asia, and Africa, focusing on sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. Board Directors are expected to commit to the organization's vision, participate actively in meetings, contribute to committee work, and engage in respectful communication and collaboration with staff and other board members. The role involves governance, strategic planning, oversight of programs abroad, and understanding partner relationships. Directors should be prepared to attend two weekend board meetings annually, with additional meetings as required, and engage in committee work and organizational events. Prospective Board Directors should have expertise in areas such as policy and governance, human resources, community engagement, strategic planning, finance, marketing, social media, fundraising, agriculture, risk management, international development, gender equity, climate change, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Fluency in Spanish or French, and previous NGO Board experience, are advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates interested in joining World Accord's mission are encouraged to submit their resume and two professional references to Board.Recruitment@worldaccord.org.
The Canadian Council of Churches invites individuals and communities to offer prayers for peace in Ukraine to commemorate the second anniversary of the start of this war. This prayer has been prepared by drawing on prayers from the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox spiritual traditions. Three versions of differing lengths are provided, suitable for use in a variety of worship contexts.
The Canadian Council of Churches recognizes Community of Christ as an observer church invited to participate in the work of the Council and being in agreement with the Basis of its Constitution.
Find out more at https://councilofchurches.ca/ Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Put the dates on your calendar for the events you would like to attend!
Attendance will benefit you and everyone else at the campgrounds! The value we have in our campgrounds is beyond our measure and comprehension. Both Hills of Peace and Samish Island bring us nature at its best! Along with nature, we gather and enjoy each other in a way that does not happen with a Sunday morning worship. We eat together, do chores together, sing together, pray together and say good night only to sleep and then say good morning! For the youth camps, we are looking for volunteers! Camps happen when we have campers and counsellors. Consider helping out at a camp. Family and youth camps will be an experience in sharing and caring with old friends and new friends! Join us at Hills of Peace and Samish Island! Get ready for an exciting and transformative event at the Spring Conference 2024 hosted by Scarborough Congregation, both in-person and online. The theme, "Ready to Risk Something New", sets the tone for a day filled with inspiration, creativity, collaboration, and spiritual renewal.
Keynote Speaker: We are thrilled to announce that Apostle Art Smith will be our keynote speaker, sharing insights and wisdom to inspire and guide us on our spiritual journey. He will also update us on the Canadian Church vision and mission. Taking Risks and Embracing the New: Is your congregation prepared to embrace change and take bold risks? This conference will provide a space for exploration, creative ideas, and community building. It's an opportunity to reflect on the call to step into something new and exciting. Legislation for World Conference 2025: We will also dedicate time to contemplate any legislation intended for World Conference 2025. If your congregation is considering presenting resolutions, please inform us in advance. This will help us prepare for a focused business meeting during our gathering. Save the Date: Date: April 13 Location: Scarborough Congregation / Online Let's come together, ready to risk, embrace the new, and strengthen our bonds as a community. We look forward to your active participation. Watch for further information coming soon. WHAT: CEM Family Camp 2024 at Noronto!
WHEN: August 10th -17th , 2024. "In each of these lives is the potential to make the world a better place...Without the loving presence of a community, the potential in each person along the road sat dormant, and the world was not able to receive what those lives could offer." (K. Scott Murphy, First Presidency, Daily Bread, January 22, 2024) Are we ready to be part of a community experience that recognizes, awakens, invites, empowers, appreciates, and finds application for that dormant potential that is just waiting to make the world a better place? Shall we change the world together? Guest Ministry: Evangelist Andrea and Seventy Mark Johnson Watch for updates over the months to come ... WHAT: “Grassroots Organizing for a Sustainable Water Future” Climate Action: Restoration of Right Relationships
WHO: North American Climate Justice Team WHEN: Webinar – Sunday, February 25, 2024, 2pm-3:30 pm PT (Begins 3pm MT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET, 12pm HT, 10pm London, 9am Sydney + 1 day) WHERE: ZOOM Online Ministry Local citizens in Guelph, Ontario, banded together as a grassroots movement to address injustices happening with the bottling of water. Since then, the Wellington Water Watchers have assisted local communities in fighting a quarry proposal and a glass plant proposal. Dani Lindamood is the Program Manager and Jane-of- all-trades for the organization. She will share her passion for water justice and provide tips for grass- roots organizing to address environmental injustices. If not registered for this Zoom series, please register at https://cofchristclimatejustice.org/register |
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community of christ355 Elmira Road North, Unit 129
Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 Canada Canada West Mission: 877-411-2632 Canada East Mission: 888-411-7537 |
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