 Congregations across Canada are coming together to draw the circle wide for World Accord. The goal is to raise $45,000 in 45 days, working together as one.
Instead of asking the same generous folks again, we’re inviting you to each reach out to 4–5 new people or organizations—friends, family, coworkers, or local businesses—and invite them to support World Accord’s crucial work. By connecting with a few, we can accomplish something big together. Let’s see if we can do it! Reach out to 4–5 people in 45 days to raise 45K. Share the vision. Invite them to give! Questions? Contact Kristin Parmera: [email protected] or 519-747-2215
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 Community of Christ is looking for a Director of Leadership Development to join their leadership team. This role reports to the Apostle of Canada and is a full-time, permanent role.
Job Overview: The Director of Leadership Development will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of Community of Christ’s leadership development strategy across Canada. This role is designed to nurture and equip current and future leaders to support Community of Christ’s mission. Responsibilities and Duties:
Skills and Qualifications:
How to apply: Applications should be sent to [email protected]. Each application should include the title of the role applying for as well as a cover letter and resume. Applicants will receive a confirmation email indicating their application has been submitted. Learn more about this position and other opportunities to serve on the website.  Join the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation this fall for a 10-day journey through eight U.S. states and Canada, exploring the global stories of our faith community. From French Polynesia to Ireland, Nigeria to Japan, this tour highlights the diverse roots of early members who helped shape our shared heritage. You'll visit places like Nauvoo, Kirtland, Plano, Lamoni, and even Niagara Falls and Toronto—seeing where early members lived, gathered, and made history.
This year’s journey includes a historic moment of our own: a special dedication of new grave markers for early church members John and Marie Defoury Avondet at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Nebraska. The tour concludes with a communion service in the lower court of the Kirtland Temple. Dates: October 6–15, 2025 Tour price: $2,000 USD per person (double occupancy) $2,850 USD per person (single occupancy) Included: Luxury bus travel from Independence, Missouri to Kirtland, Ohio Overnight accommodations Most meals Site admission and tour fees Note: Seating is limited—reserve soon to guarantee your spot! Contact for details or questions: Barb Walden – [email protected] or (440) 477-9562 Wendy Eaton – [email protected] or (217) 453-2246  By John Hamer, Canada East Mission Centre Historian J.H. Yager, a young member of the church in 1917 wrote his pal, L.C. Riegle, in Michigan. (It was popular at the time for people to be known by their first two initials.) J.H. had just attended the Erie Beach Reunion, which included a youth service held on the sand of the beach itself. According to J.H., the youth service was “wonderful” — “the best I ever attended.” In his retelling, the youth service lasted four hours! “We numbered 132 and marched 4 abreast about a mile down the beach.” The youth service included “99 testimonies, 13 prayers, 29 songs” along with “26 administration[s]” (laying on of hands). RLDS practice at the time included speaking in tongues, along with the interpretation of tongues, and J.H. notes that the service included “10 gifts of Prophecy.” J.H. says that the Reunion overall was attended by about 1,000 people camping in 100 tents. He and his friends were eager to head next to the Lowbanks Reunion (one of the other traditional reunion grounds in Ontario in the early 1900s). The letter, recently discovered by volunteer archivist Lee Updike, is an incredible window into our past reunion practices and excitement shared by young adults in Canada over a century ago. The US had just entered the First World War, and J.H. has heard the news that his pal in Michigan has been drafted. Lee has donated the letter to the Doris Hillyard Memorial Library and Archives at Toronto Centre Place where it will be preserved as part of the history of Community of Christ in Canada. Transcript Follows: INTERIOR PAGE 1 Bothwell, Ont. Aug. 10, 1917 Mr. L[eo].C. Riegle Flint Mich. Dear Bro, Your letter just read and am sure glad to hear from you but am sorry to hear that you have been drafted and hope you will not pass the examination. But then you are not the only one who has been called for service. Well Leo, I am fine and the reunion has past and a wonderful reunion it was too, I wish you had been there. There were about 100 tents on the grounds and the last Sun[day] there were about 1,000 people present and 24 were baptized. On Thursday morning the young people held a prayer meeting on the beach sitting right on the sand. We numbered 132 and marched 4 abreast about a mile down the beach [–] opened our service about 7:45 and did not close until 11:45. 99 testimonies, 13 prayers, 29 songs, 26 administration filled in the time with 10 gifts of Prophecy and some were instantly healed. It was wonderful the best I ever attended; a number of the young people were spoken too. INTERIOR PAGE 2 I am now at Bothwell for a visit but not to visit Miss Dent as there is a new girl now. Yesterday we motored to Chatham 35 mi[les] and back. Tomorrow night we start for Lowbanks Reunion 150 miles in auto and from there to Niagara Falls about 45 miles farther. Some trip. There will be five of us men. A regular lark. I saw Bro & Sr Belile at Erie Beach. Tell all the folks Hello -- Love from your Pal, J.H. Yager Bothwell, Ont. ENVELOPE: J.H. Yager Bothwell, Ont. 130 young people 4 abreast walked a mile down the beach at prayer meeting Reunion Report Erie Beach Reunion Mr. L.C. Riegle 752 Baker St. Flint Michigan POSTAGE: 1 cent Canadian stamp, 2 cent Canadian stamp POSTMARK: BOTHWELL ONT. AUG 10 [19]17  Bill Ashwell, a lifelong member of the Cambridge, ON congregation, shares reflections from his first journey to Independence and World Conference—a deeply personal experience shaped by family heritage and a long history of faith.
This, without question, has been the trip of my lifetime: my first trip to Independence and World Conference. I have given much thought to my life in the church and its place in my family's history. Last June, I was invited to be the guest speaker at the 125th anniversary service for the Port Elgin congregation. I was honoured and at the same time a wee bit anxious about this. As I began to research the history of the congregation, I counted a familial connection of seven generations (including nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews). Do the math and that adds up to 125 years of spiritual connection of birth, life, and family in this church that brought me to Independence to gather, share and fellowship with church members from all over. The twelve-hour drive from Sarnia gave me ample time to ponder the significance of this trip. Circumstances were such that we arrived a week early, allowing us to “chill” for a week or so and do the tourist thing. Saturday gave my brother-in-law, Rick and me, the opportunity to begin our sightseeing in and around Independence. As we drove through the tree-lined side streets, I caught glimpses of the Temple spire and my heart quickened in anticipation. This was happening! This was real, not just some glossy church publication photo! I was fumbling with my phone as we arrived at the Temple/Auditorium complex. “Here we are,” Rick said quietly. He knew what this experience would mean to me. At that moment I forgot about my phone as my heart exploded! I was nearly speechless with emotion. I had never, EVER been so overwhelmed and overjoyed! This was a moment for which I had waited my entire life. (okay, as far as the Temple goes, my entire ADULT life...) I was simply awestruck and exhilarated!! At that moment I thought of my ancestors, and how their newfound faith brought them to congregate in a small lakeside, Ontario town and create, grow and nurture a faith community of their own. I thought of my mother and father, Marilyn and Bill Ashwell, who, each in their own way, lived and loved their Lord and God, and carried that devotion in their hearts and souls until their dying days. While we were there, the carillon at the Stone Church started playing the old hymns and as I took a few photos of the building, I saw a female cardinal fly in my direction and land on a low tree branch. I knew right then and there that Mom and Dad were there with Rick and me. It was an emotional day for me, to say the least. I am feeling blessed and happy.  Wednesday, June 4 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Kitchener Congregation
If you're in the area, we invite you to join us for a relaxed evening of pizza and fellowship at the Kitchener Church. While Canadian delegates and observers attending in Independence will gather for a similar event there, this is a great opportunity for our local community to connect and enjoy time together. A freewill offering will be accepted. To help us plan, please email Mary Jean Belrose at [email protected] with the following: Number of people attending Any allergies or dietary sensitivities Preference for vegan or regular pizza We hope to see you there!  We are pleased to announce that Vonda DenBoer has been selected as the new Director of Camping and Campgrounds for Community of Christ in Canada. This newly created position is a direct response to the ideas, testimonies, and discernment shared during the All Voices process. In this role, Vonda will provide leadership in collaborating with our camps and campgrounds, supporting operational sustainability, and implementing a shared camping strategy across Canada.
Vonda’s experience, especially her executive leadership in the healthcare field, brings a valuable professional perspective to the implementation of our strategic plan. She also carries with her a deep love for camping ministry and a strong commitment to nurturing sacred spaces where community and spiritual growth flourish. She will begin her professional responsibilities on June 2, while continuing to serve in a volunteer capacity as Mission Centre President through the end of the year. We are grateful to all who submitted letters of interest following the posting of this position in December 2024. The selection process was thoughtful and difficult, as several gifted individuals with a deep passion for our camping tradition were considered. After careful discernment, we are confident that Vonda is uniquely equipped to guide and support our camping communities as we move Onward Together. Please join us in welcoming Vonda into this new role by reaching out to her at [email protected]  May 31 to June 6
Theme: Hope is Here The 2025 World Conference promises to be a historic, Spirit-led event. Major leadership calls will be considered—including Prophet-President, Counselors to the President, Presiding Evangelist, President of the High Priest Quorum, and six new Apostles. Whether you’re attending in person or connecting online, there are many ways to participate. All worship and legislative sessions will be livestreamed on YouTube, and observers are warmly welcomed throughout the week at our remote site in Kitchener, ON. Don’t miss these key moments! (All times Eastern) Saturday, May 31 9:30 a.m. – Opening Legislative Session Includes the opening ceremony, conference organization, farewell from the First Presidency, and presentation of the inspired call to serve as Prophet-President. 8:00 p.m. – Evening Worship: Telling and Singing Our Story A celebration of President Stephen M. Veazey’s 20 years of leadership through music and storytelling. Sunday, June 1 11:00 a.m. – Communion Service Presided over by the Council of Twelve Apostles in the conference chamber. 3:00 p.m. – Legislative Session Features consideration of the Prophet-President call and the proposed Statement on Nonviolence. 8:00 p.m. – Evening Worship Pending Conference approval, this service will include the ordination of Stassi D. Cramm as the next Prophet-President of Community of Christ. Wednesday, June 4 6:30–8:30 p.m. - Evening Social at Kitchener Church Come enjoy a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and pizza! Everyone is welcome — bring a friend! Please RSVP Mary Jean Belrose ([email protected]) Legislative Exploration Session Videos Summary videos from early 2025 Legislative Exploration Sessions are now available. These include comments, questions, and insights from across the church. Watch Here Observers Welcome! Come watch the legislative sessions for FREE at Kitchener Church — happening Monday to Friday. Be part of the experience and see the process in action! Reserve your spot!  Experience World Conference — Here or There! With just over 20 days to go, anticipation is building for the 2025 World Conference! For the first time ever, you can participate either in person in Independence or closer to home in Kitchener—a unique opportunity to be part of history, wherever you are. A Historic Moment Don’t miss this significant gathering, as the very first item of business will be the consideration of Stassi Cramm’s call to serve as President-Prophet of Community of Christ. This will be addressed on Opening Day (Saturday). Several other inspired calls will also be presented, including our own Shannon McAdam’s call to the office of Apostle. Click the button below to read the full pastoral letters. We Still Need Delegates! There’s still time to join our delegation! If you feel called to participate, this is your moment. Sign up with Melissa at [email protected] – registration fees are fully covered by Community of Christ in Canada Canada. Observers are warmly welcome, both at the Kitchener site and online. Whether you're discerning future participation or simply wish to witness the process, you are invited to attend. Joining from Home? You can livestream all legislative sessions and worship services from home. Register here to watch the sessions Click the button below for more information. What to Expect Wednesday Evening Social — All Are Welcome! As our Canadian delegates gather in Independence, we’ll connect in Kitchener for pizza and fellowship on Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. This event is open to all—come enjoy relaxed community time together! Lunch & Learn Sessions (Monday–Friday) Join us each day for a simple lunch (free-will offering) and a special presentation: Monday: Kristin Douglas – World Accord Tuesday: Brian Carwana – Encounter World Religions Later in the Week: Rod Downing (TBC) – North American Climate Justice Team (Live video session) Caucus Sessions (Saturday & Monday–Thursday) These local (in-person only) gatherings will help us:
Shared Worship Opportunities We’ll gather in worship each evening and with the full Conference Chamber on Sunday. All worship services will also be livestreamed for home participants. Need a Place to Stay? A limited number of billets are available for out-of-town guests. Please contact: Mary Jean Belrose at [email protected] See the attached schedule to help plan your experience. We hope you’ll join us—whether in Independence, Kitchener, or from your own home—for this meaningful, Spirit-led gathering of our global community. 
 Discover fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding with free, live Zoom sessions presented by the Centre for Innovation in Mission and Ministry (CIMM) through Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University. This spring’s offerings begin with a multi-part exploration of Ignatian Meditation led by Don Compier—an opportunity to engage deeply with spiritual practice in a welcoming, online setting.
These short-form sessions offer space to explore theology, spirituality, and community life in a relaxed and accessible format. Most sessions are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM Central and run for about an hour, including time for live Q&A. Join from the comfort of your home and connect with others who are curious and eager to learn. If you miss a session or want to revisit one, past recordings are available on the CIMM YouTube channel. Upcoming Mini Sessions: April 30 – Ignatian Meditation Exercises with Don Compier (Part 1) May 7 – Ignatian Meditation Exercises with Don Compier (Part 2) May 14 – Inclusive Language – Jane Gardner May 21 – Ignatian Meditation Exercises with Don Compier (Part 3) May 28 – Ignatian Meditation Exercises with Don Compier (Part 4) Summer Break: June–August Register now at www.graceland.edu/cimmsessions to attend any or all of these free sessions. Everyone is welcome—bring a snack! |
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