 By Shauna James, Assistant Director From September 18–20, people gathered at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre in Lindell Beach, BC, for the Nurturing Spirit Sacred Fire Retreat. It was a chance to step away from the chaos of the world, to be heard, to simply be, and to finally breathe. Guest facilitators Vickie MacArthur and Teresa Hanlon brought a genuineness to the space that allowed us to gather as one community while still keeping, embracing, and embodying our individuality. Learning about the mystics was incredible. We heard about women and men who lived so authentically that it frightened those around them. Their stories opened something in us: the reminder that our authenticity and vulnerability are our superpower, and they are what bring us into the mystic world. Kat Goheen's music was a gift — so raw and so beautiful that it reverberated through each of us. It drew us even closer as one while still honouring who we each are. There was laughter, there were tears, and there was singing and praise. We saw old faces, met new friends, and knew we were all there for the same reason: to be. To be present with one another, and to be present with our higher being. At its heart, the weekend was the very essence of Creating Connection. We connected within our own community and with communities beyond it, bringing people together and discovering bonds we didn't even realize were there. That spirit of connection is at the core of everything we're truly working to do. Thank you to Vickie, Teresa, Kat, and every soul who gathered with us and helped make Sacred Fire a place of connection, authenticity, and belonging.
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 This year’s Young at Heart Retreat took place September 21–25 at Camp Noronto. Guest minister Becky Middleton, former member of the Canada West Mission Centre Presidency Team, and Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability, reflect on five days that included classes on “The Power of Listening,” worship, a Thanksgiving banquet, and an unforgettable welcome for a participant on the day she became a Canadian citizen. By Vonda DenBoer I have never attended Young at Heart before, but I have been delighted to be embraced by such a loving group of friends. One experience that especially moved me was the welcome Suzie Cochrane of Owen Sound received the day she became a Canadian citizen. We waited anxiously for her arrival at camp, each of us ready for our part in the surprise. As soon as she crossed the threshold, the entire group stood with smiling faces and began singing O Canada. Suzie was deeply touched, and happy tears began to flow. I found myself in tears too, moved by the beauty of the moment. Then came the hugs as everyone gathered around her to celebrate and welcome her into the group. Soon the Canadian flag appeared, along with all manner of patriotic decorations and merchandise. We had even delayed dessert, knowing that a congratulatory cake was waiting to be shared. As the evening continued, stories were told and laughter filled the room. What struck me most was not simply that we were celebrating Suzie becoming a Canadian citizen, but the way she was surrounded and embraced by a cloud of loving friends. It was a beautiful picture of what community can be: people gathered together to celebrate one another, to mark important moments, and to make sure no one walks through the door alone. By Becky Middleton What a beautiful setting! We had lovely weather, the accommodations were very comfortable, and the food was great! And best of all, the opportunity to get to know so many new friends from all over Ontario! We played games and chatted, watched a wonderful movie, did some crafts, had some campfires and worship, stretched our bodies and our minds- Oh -and I led some classes on the theme of 'The Power of Listening'. The classes were very well received, attentively 'listened to' and there was enthusiastic participation as well. We also had presentations on 'The Power of 8', Autism, and the Reaching Out congregation. It culminated with a wonderful communion service on Friday. I can't leave out our delicious and festive thanksgiving banquet! It was truly a delightful 5 days. Wish you could have been there!         By Marten Ternan, Ottawa, ON This was my first time attending Noronto Reunion, and I was a little unsure of what to expect. My first view of the beautiful 19-acre campground at the western end of Lake Nipissing helped put me at ease. Located between North Bay and Sudbury, the grounds include an impressive A-frame chapel, a large dining hall and several other buildings and camping areas. Our first meal was on Saturday evening, and while everyone was lined up waiting for the dining hall to open, Melissa Freer told them that it was my birthday. The entire camp — more than 100 people — sang Happy Birthday to me. After that, everyone knew who I was. For the rest of the week, people would say, “Hi Marten,” and I had no idea who they were. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. On the first morning of the reunion, Karina Boeve-Middleton was baptized in Lake Nipissing by John Morgan and Elaine Kerr-Morgan, and Cohen McCleary was baptized by Clair Shepherdson and John Morgan. Baptisms in natural settings are always impressive, but this one was particularly meaningful because the reunion began with two people making a commitment to become disciples. It was an inspiration to all of us who were present and an excellent start to the reunion experience. The classes explored “Living the Mission Prayer as a Way of Life” through three ideas: Awaken, Risk and Bless. Being awake means asking for vision to see the world as God sees it — both the current reality and the world as it could be — and developing spiritual practices that connect us to the Holy Spirit. Risk means responding to the leadings of the Holy Spirit in our day while recognizing that many outside the church are searching for meaning and connection. Blessing is sharing, and experience that is reflected upon and articulated leads to action. Authentic and loving Christ-centered communities can transform the world when we engage people in conversation about their interests, hopes and questions, make others feel welcome, call them by name, break bread and tell stories together, and invest time in building a culture of safety and trust. During the week, a few people asked for my impressions of the Noronto reunion. My response was, “These are my people.” Although I came as a stranger, I felt I belonged there. We have shared values, and although we live in many different places, we have had similar experiences and share common hopes for the future. My conclusion is that when our community gathers, I need to be with them. These are my people.  By Quinlan Stevenson, Camp Director Junior High Camp 2026 brought plenty of laughter, challenges, learning, and memorable moments. As a first-time director, I went into the week knowing that I wouldn’t have all the answers, but I was fortunate to be surrounded by a team I could rely on. More than anything, I wanted camp to happen so that the kids could have some of the same experiences that meant so much to me when I was their age. Our theme this year was “See God Everywhere,” and looking back, I think that became true in ways that went beyond our planned activities and classes. God could be seen in people helping one another, in new connections being made, in laughter around camp, in the beauty of the grounds around us, and even in the moments when plans changed and everyone worked together to make the best of the situation. One of the campers’ favourite activities throughout the week was fishing at the pond. A few of them even brought their own fishing rods and tackle boxes, which made the activity even more exciting for them. It became a real highlight of the week, and we ended up fishing every day except for the last one. Along with fishing, the kids also enjoyed creating crafts with clay and baking them in the oven. They made all kinds of unique pieces, and it was amazing to see how much creativity each camper brought to the activity. Between fishing, swimming, games, campfires, crafts, theme activities, and plenty of time just being together, there was rarely a dull moment. Watching the campers make new friends, try new things, and genuinely enjoy being at camp was one of my favourite parts of the week. That last part of our week looked a little different when smoke from the forest fires in northern Ontario moved into the area. As the sky turned orange and the air grew heavier, my team sprang into action and made the best of a difficult situation. We moved our outdoor activities into the main area of the Arnold Peace Lodge, where the kids came together and built a huge mattress fort! There are certainly things I would change or improve for next year, and I know I still have a lot to learn as a director. But I think that is part of what makes this experience meaningful. I finished the week tired, with plenty of notes for next year, but also incredibly thankful for everything we were able to create together. Junior High wasn’t perfect — and it didn’t need to be. It was meaningful, memorable, occasionally chaotic, and something I am very grateful to have been a part of. This camp would not have been possible without the incredible people who volunteered their time, energy, and talents to make the week a success. As much as I wish I could thank everyone individually in this post, it would end up being far too long! So while I’m only able to shout out a few people here, please know that if you played any part in making camp as successful as it was, I am incredibly grateful. A huge thank you goes to Robert Smith and Bev Huffman for keeping everyone well fed with amazing meals every day. Their cooking was so appreciated that it came up more than once during the “highlights of the day” around the campfire. I’m also incredibly grateful to Becky Grigsby for leading our theme class in fun and interactive ways, to Natasha Buchanan for leading campfire each night, to my sister Madeira for taking on the important role of camp nurse, and to my parents, Dave and Sheri, for offering their knowledge, encouragement, and guidance throughout the week. If you’ve never been to Junior High Camp before, next year would be a great time to give it a try. Whether you’re coming back to see old friends or trying it out for the first time, there will be plenty of opportunities to have fun, make memories, and be part of the camp community. Junior High Camp 2027 will take place July 17–23, 2027, and I hope to see you there! 
Here’s what happened when Mary Cusack, newly graduated from seminary, risked something new and agreed to serve as guest minister at McGowan’s Lake, a camp she had never been to.
I couldn’t really fully process what Vonda was suggesting at our graduation ceremony in December of 2025. We had just completed all the assigned work to earn a Master of Arts in Religion from Graceland Seminary and were about to celebrate the successful conclusion to this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Vonda DenBoer, Pat Pallister and I had been Seminary pals and were so excited to be together receiving our masters’ hoods and ministerial stoles together. Vonda hinted that I should be prepared to be called to possibly serve as a guest minister in Canada! I didn’t have too much time to let it sink in, but I was kind of stunned at the suggestion. A few months later Vonda contacted me again to ask me to participate in a reunion at McGowan’s Lake and described the people there as friendly, spiritually minded, and as being a group of folks who would have an appreciation for sacred formation. She said that she thought that I would really connect with them. I wasn’t sure why she felt this to be true, and I definitely didn’t believe I had the ability to participate as a guest minister, but I let my insecurities go and just said yes. I had learned in life never to say no when I perceived that God was asking me to do something. I also thought that if Vonda trusted that I could serve this way, there must be something to it. I initially met Wanda White and Elizabeth Young, who immediately responded to me and helped me with all aspects of putting the reunion plans into reality. I was fortunate to have them offer support and hard work to get things in order for me. I had a few requests for things to make the classes work and everything I asked for was provided! God was definitely and directly involved for us all, in that the group wished to have the children be able to participate in some way, and my wife Miriam was a teacher and had gotten the necessary Community of Christ certifications to work with the kids. I pursued this certification as well. While I held active and involved classes with the adults, Miriam designed fun, hands-on activities that mirrored the material presented for the children at the back of the hall. I admit I am not the typical Community of Christ guest minister type, if there is one. I have numerous tattoos and piercings as well as bleachy highlighted hair. I wondered if this might be a hindrance for me to give a faithful presentation to the group? I needn’t have worried. Everyone was welcoming, warm and interested in talking to Miriam and I from the start. I told everyone that I had a lot of trouble remembering names, but I found that it was really easy to remember everyone because they were all, every single person, so kind and engaging with us. The kids related well to Miriam and the adults participated thoughtfully and openly in all the classes. Despite some rain that week, we were able to sit out together in a small group outside in a circle and get into some really intimate conversation. It was at times humorous and at other times pretty deep sharing together. Although it was important for me as a first time presenter to learn the material and sit in the zoom meetings or attend the recorded zoom meetings, I was also encouraged by Vonda and other spiritual mentors to make it my own and be myself. People at McGowan’s Lake reiterated this idea by encouraging me as well. In addition to all this, we were blessed to have Leandro Palacios come join us for rousing campfire songs that everyone loved! We had some percussion instruments to add to the fun and the kids even led a few songs. Pat Pallister also came up to McGowan’s Lake for the week. I can’t express how much support I felt from her. Pat led some cool campfire activities and got us all up and moving!!! Even Vonda came overnight to offer her support and calming presence. The whole week was amazing and combined lots of fun with a real Community of Christ spiritual connection. I was privileged to be part of the 55th anniversary of McGowan’s Lake worship service and could really see the reality of becoming aware of what a sacred place looks like. Miriam and I found wonderful friends and plan to definitely return to this holy, spiritually connected place!  By Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Program Director
I recently stepped into the role of National Director for Creating Connection after Troy Roach transitioned from Creating Connection in Eastern Canada to his new position as Canada's IT Coordinator. Last week, I made my first official visit to Ontario, where I had the privilege of being the guest minister for the Healing and Freeing Reunion at Ziontario. Although it was a smaller reunion—with about 40 participants at the beginning of the week and 25 remaining through camp closing—the impact it had on those who attended was anything but small. Throughout the week, I heard story after story about how meaningful this reunion has been over the years. Many described it as a place that helps them "reset"—a space where healing can begin, relationships can deepen, and people can simply be themselves. The atmosphere of generosity, compassion, and acceptance was evident everywhere. I witnessed people freely sharing their time, resources, listening ears, and open hearts. Some came seeking healing for themselves. Others came to support the healing of someone else. Still others returned because they longed for a community where they knew they would be welcomed, valued, and included. What struck me most was the people themselves. Everyone I met was genuinely interested in others, eager to share their stories, and deeply caring. I left feeling encouraged and grateful for the connections I made. One of the exciting possibilities that grew out of my visit is bringing a Nurturing Spirit Retreat to Ontario within the next year. We've been offering Nurturing Spirit retreats in British Columbia and Alberta for the past 15 years, and I'm excited to share these experiences with our friends in Eastern Canada. I also know that we'll learn just as much from one another as we share ideas, resources, and experiences across the country. I believe this is the beginning of even stronger connections between our regions. This fall, I'll be hosting a series of Zoom gatherings for anyone across Canada who would like to learn more about Creating Connection. We'll offer sessions on different days and at different times to make them as accessible as possible. I hope you'll join us—not only to learn more about Creating Connection and the work we're doing, but also so I can get to know you. I'd love to hear your ideas, celebrate your successes, and learn about the projects and ministries you're passionate about. Together, we can continue finding new ways to build meaningful connections in our communities. I look forward to meeting many of you soon.  By Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability Chuck had hoped to return to Erie Beach Reunion this year—a campground that held many cherished memories from his youth—but he didn't want to come alone. So he invited his friend, Tom, to join him with no expectations or strings attached. Tom accepted the invitation, expecting simply to relax in the sun, enjoy the beach, share meals, and spend time with his friend. When I arrived on Tuesday, I discovered Tom fully participating in the adult class and embracing the reunion experience. Later in the week, Mark, who was organizing the talent night, invited Tom to take part. Once again, Tom said yes. He wrote a poem and shared it with the community. Chuck said yes to extending an invitation. Mark said yes to creating another opportunity for participation. Tom said yes to stepping beyond what he had expected and trying something new. What a beautiful reminder of the power of invitation. A simple invitation can open the door to new experiences, new relationships, and unexpected moments of growth. It also takes courage to accept an invitation—to risk participating, to be vulnerable, and to share something of ourselves with others. With Tom's permission, I am delighted to share his poem with you. The Tapestry by Tom Daly God led me to a group this week. I am but a tiny bee, just a thread in the completion of the Erie Beach Reunion tapestry. I arrived without any expectation, only to enjoy the water, the food, and the sun. There will always be people to talk to; it would add up to a week of fun. I thought I'd be supportive and courageous, try something new, attend the Sunday service, practically in the front row pew. God jogged my memory, past experiences anew. I felt Community of Christ surrounding me. Then I felt all the peace and the love, renewed peace to accept my own presence, not like a stranger, unaccepted, but God's plan from above. 
By Leandro Palacios, Director of Communications
“You are leading campfire tonight,” the camp director said to me. I think she sensed the anxiety I was trying to hide behind a big smile when I said, “Sure, let’s do it!” When I visit reunions, I usually skip campfire because the songs are unfamiliar to me. I didn’t grow up in this church, and I didn’t grow up going to camps at all! But when camp director Wanda White invited me to the McGowan’s Lake Reunion specifically to lead the closing campfire, I thought, “Risk something new!” I wasn’t feeling very confident—this was uncharted territory for me—but I was able to rearrange my schedule to arrive a day earlier than planned. I thought this would give me a chance to learn which songs people usually sing at this camp. Instead, when I arrived, I learned that I had about an hour to decide what to do. This was my first visit to McGowan’s Lake Campground, located an hour southwest of Ottawa. I had seen a few old pictures, but I did not anticipate what it would feel like to be there. So green. So quiet. So peaceful. I noticed something very spiritual that was making me feel at home. What was that? But there was no time for philosophical reflection. It was campfire time already. Honouring the theme “Risk Something New,” we tried some new songs interspersed with old favourites. Then something happened. I guess this is what Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability, calls a “God moment.” The youngest person at the reunion stood beside me and confidently began leading the group in singing, “The wheels on the bus go round and round…” Everyone joined in, singing and doing the hand motions. I didn’t know the song, but unlike at previous campfires, I joined in and had an awesome time. Something changed at that moment. I was no longer an outsider or just a guest. I belonged. The following night, the campfire led by guest minister and fellow seminarian Mary Cusak was a great success. I sang and played as if campfire had been my favourite thing my whole life!
“For the least among all of you is the greatest” came to mind at that “God moment.” In Luke 9:48, Jesus points to a little child to end a dispute among the apostles who were fighting over who was the most important. But I was not thinking about the little child standing beside me. I was thinking about the church. This reunion was smaller than any other reunion I had visited. Does that make it the least? What about congregations with just a handful of members? Are they also the least?
When I studied this passage during seminary, I learned that a better translation may be, “For the least among all of you is great.” The gospel here may be telling us that the smallest and weakest can be as great as the largest and most powerful. “Greatest” suggests a hierarchy. “Great” suggests equality. So often in Community of Christ, I have heard the expression “although we are small in number” used as a kind of disclaimer, as though something were wrong with our congregation, our camp, or the whole church. But what if our greatness had nothing to do with our size? I heard some lamentation about small numbers during this visit, but the small size of this group allowed me to connect with everyone, including those I was meeting for the first time and those who were different from me. I had a chance to discover their diverse gifts and how each of them contributed to making this reunion truly great. Of course, we want more people attending our events, and we must continue to invite them. But I think our sadness about being small sometimes causes us to stop inviting people—the very thing we need to do if we hope to grow. Risk something new: What makes your group great? Talk about it. Invite others to experience it. They might see how great your group is, just as I saw how great McGowan’s Lake Reunion is. I hope to return in future years whenever my schedule allows, and I encourage everyone to try a reunion or retreat they have never attended before. Who is the greatest disciple? The least among us is great, just as the others are great. What is the greatest reunion? Large reunions are great, just as the smallest one is great.  By Apostle Shannon McAdam Imagine a place where instead of being judged first, you are LOVED first. Imagine the risks you might be willing to take, the new things you'd try, the relationships you'd build if "Love First" was the rule that everyone lived by. "Love First" was the theme for the week-long youth camp for Community of Christ youth and their friends that I got to attend as staff from July 11–18, 2026. This was my second year as staff for this camp, and I again was amazed by what a supportive and kind community formed in such a short time. For my part, I offered a daily "Adventure Class" in embroidery where youth got to tell their story through a project unique to them. Thanks to lots of donated and thrifted materials, more than 40 campers made meaningful projects to take home with them. Campers of all genders attended, and most of them had never done embroidery before. We also made an altar cloth for the communion table as a group project. Most of my time, though, was spent cheering on youth, which I love doing. From applauding many a great volleyball rally to hyping up campers about to audition for the talent show, I got to recognize their hard work and encourage our young people to try new things. It was incredible to witness their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and meaningful to see them cheer one another on as well. More than 11 youth and two adult chaperones from Canada attended Spec this year with the Northwest delegation, who enthusiastically welcomed their Canadian siblings with open arms. Our Canadians did incredibly in a wide variety of activities, representing Canada very well. Many thanks go to the individuals, congregations, and the mission centre for financially supporting these folks to travel and experience the transformative Spec community. Next year will be extra special as youth from around the world will gather for three days before Spec at our Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, for the International Youth Forum (known as IYF). It will be the first time since Covid that IYF has taken place, and I am looking forward to seeing how even more youth from Canada and across our Aurora Belt field will be able to partake in loving, sacred, multi-cultural community. So think about youth in Grades 9–12 who you think would benefit from this transformative, inclusive experience, and let them know to put two dates on their calendar for 2027: July 7–9 for IYF, and July 10–17 for Spec. And think about what you might do to help them go, maybe volunteering your time and talents, or through financial generosity. Together let's make 2027 a memorable year for even more of our youth!  By Amy Rayfield, Camp Co-Director The July 3–5 weekend at Noronto Campgrounds was filled with laughter, friendship, faith, and countless colourful memories. We were blessed to welcome 15 wonderful campers, ages 6–13, and were supported by an incredible team of dedicated staff who poured their hearts into making the weekend a meaningful experience for every child. Our theme, "Colour the World Together," reminded us that each of us is unique and that our differences make our communities stronger, brighter, and more beautiful. During our theme classes, we explored how God created each person with special gifts, talents, and perspectives. Just as every colour has its own purpose in creating a masterpiece, every person has an important place in God's family. The campers embraced this message with open hearts, showing kindness, acceptance, and encouragement to one another throughout the weekend. There was no shortage of fun! From creative crafts that allowed everyone to express themselves to exciting water games that kept us cool and laughing, every activity brought smiles to our faces. We gathered around the campfire to sing songs, perform hilarious skits, and enjoy the special sense of community that only camp can create. We also shared delicious ice cream sundaes, juicy watermelon, and refreshing freezies—simple treats that made great memories even sweeter. One of the greatest joys of the weekend was watching friendships grow. Campers encouraged one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, and celebrated each other's uniqueness. Whether singing together, creating artwork, playing games, or simply sharing conversations, we truly experienced what it means to colour the world together. A heartfelt thank you goes to our amazing staff, whose enthusiasm, patience, creativity, and love made this weekend possible. Their dedication created a safe, welcoming environment where every camper felt valued and included. As we head home, we carry with us not only colourful crafts, tie-dyed shirts, and happy memories, but also the reminder that our world becomes brighter when we celebrate our differences, share our gifts, and choose kindness every day. We hope each camper leaves knowing they are an important part of God's beautiful masterpiece and that together, we can continue to colour the world with love, compassion, and joy. |
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