 By Susan Scott, co-author of the Spiritual Life Writing Workbook
Storytelling is a human universal, done by every culture and every society ever known. Writing, however, is not. Though widespread today, we had to learn to write... Writing changes us. Writing does not merely express what’s already inside us. Rather, it generates a kind of internal work that leads us to reflect, to turn things over, to hone in, and sometimes to reorient.” Storytelling is peacemaking that builds empathy and understanding—and that work deepens when you harness the power of writing. Spiritual life writing is ministry. And if that ministry is calling you, then this retreat is the place to gather. Early bird pricing: $60 until November 29, 2025 - Includes an electronic version of the Spiritual Life Writing Workbook.  Members and friends of Community of Christ are invited to take part in the Organizational Meeting of the Canada Mission Centre on Saturday, January 17. This online gathering will bring us together from across the country to affirm the bold step we took in September to move onward together. As we enter this new era, it’s time to bless the framework that will guide and support our shared ministry and mission in Canada.
When: Saturday, January 17 at 12 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. MT / 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET Where: Zoom — Please register here What to expect: We’ll meet for about two hours. Business items will include sustaining the Mission Centre President Team, Financial Officer, Mission Centre Council, and other appointments, along with approving the Canada-wide mission budget that unites the CEM and CWM budgets previously approved in September. This will also be a time to share in brief worship, hymn singing, prayer, and reflection with friends old and new—from coast to coast—as we share hope and celebrate mission in the heart of winter. If your congregation would like to gather locally, please let us know in advance so we can arrange voice and vote for everyone participating. Stay tuned for further updates in the coming weeks, including information about pre-legislative and technology preparation sessions. Save the date and join us on Saturday, January 17. Let’s begin walking onward together!  Each fall, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation invites members and friends to gather online and learn from historians, storytellers, and guest speakers. This year’s Autumn Lecture Series spans five fascinating sessions exploring the church’s global growth, diverse voices, and lesser-known moments of faith and history. All lectures are free and open to the public, though donations are welcome to support student internships, new educational resources, and the preservation of historic sites. Lecture Schedule Thursday, November 6 – 7:00pm CT / 5:00pm PT / 6:00pm MT / 8:00pm ET Nauvoo Polygamy and the RLDS Church with Lachlan Mackay Explore the diverse perspectives and challenges behind understanding the origins of Nauvoo polygamy within RLDS history. Thursday, November 13 – 7:00pm CT / 5:00pm PT / 6:00pm MT / 8:00pm ET A Peculiar People, Politically: The Saints and Politics in 1830s Ohio with Seth Bryant Learn how early Saints navigated disenfranchisement and political tension in 1830s Kirtland, discovering how faith and civic life often collided. Thursday, November 20 – 1:00pm CT / 11:00am PT/ 12:00pm MT / 2:00pm ET From War and Poverty to Questing for Peaceable Zion: Andrew Bolton’s Story with Andrew Bolton Hear Apostle Andrew Bolton share his story of faith, peace, and calling—from his early life in England to his ministry and passion for Zion. Register for November 20 (button) Tuesday, December 2 – 7:00pm CT / 5:00pm PT / 6:00pm MT / 8:00pm ET The Peter and Mary Whitmer Family and Diversity in the 1830s Church of Christ with Mark Staker Discover how the Whitmer family’s German roots shaped the early church’s identity and contributed to a more diverse, peace-seeking community. Thursday, December 4 – 7:00pm CT / 5:00pm PT / 6:00pm MT / 8:00pm ET Cecil Ettinger’s Journey to Nigeria with David Ettinger Experience the beginnings of Community of Christ in Nigeria through the eyes of Apostle Cecil Ettinger, featuring original film clips from 1963 and 1964. Donations received through this free lecture series help preserve our Community of Christ heritage for future generations. Learn more or give at HistoricSitesFoundation.org  We’re launching a new quarterly Communications Townhall to connect with congregations, members, and seekers across Canada and strengthen how we share our stories and celebrate missional success. This will be a space for conversation, learning, and collaboration. Our first meeting will be November 22. Come meet Communications Officers and other dedicated individuals guiding communications efforts at the local level. Get to know the people serving in our national Communications Team. Help us ask the right questions and find the right answers—together. All are welcome—young and old, tech-savvy and tech-beginner, members and seekers alike. Together, we’ll talk about how communications can help you achieve your goals, and we’ll take note of any local concerns or challenges you are aware of. Our first Townhall will focus on “Telling the Story.” Too often, our event announcements stop at dates and locations. But how do we make our invitations more engaging? How do we tell stories that make others want to join us? How can we share our stories so that our mission is remembered and celebrated? We’ll explore questions like:
We’ll also look at simple ways to:
Each gathering can become part of our shared story of community and discipleship. Storytelling can transform the way we live and share our mission. Join us as we learn how to tell the story of Community of Christ in Canada—together. 📅 Saturday, November 22 ⌚ 10 am PT / 11 am MT / 12 pm CT / 1 pm ET 🖥️ On Zoom – open to members and seekers Meeting ID: 878 5553 5695
Passcode: 081015  Have you ever wondered what your money is doing when you’re not using it? Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for a practical and inspiring online conversation about aligning your finances with your faith. This online ministry is organized by the North American Climate Justice Team, which includes members of Community of Christ in Canada. Cathy Becker, Responsible Finance Campaign Director for Green America Finance, will guide participants through ways to move their investments, banking, and insurance away from fossil fuel expansion and toward renewable, sustainable options. She’ll share how everyday financial choices—like where we bank or which credit card we use—can support a healthier planet and a faithful response to the climate crisis. This webinar is for everyone: those ready to make a change and those simply curious about what “green investing” looks like. Although Cathy’s examples are primarily U.S.-based, the same principles apply in Canada and beyond. International participants will also receive resources for similar organizations in their own countries. Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025 Time: 2 pm PT / 3 pm MT / 4 pm CT / 5 pm ET Where: Zoom (If you regstered for a past Climate Justice webinar, no new registration is required. You'll receive the Zoom link automatically.)
 Our 2026 camp schedule is beginning to fill in! Confirmed dates are now published on our Events Calendar. We will add more information as directors finalize their plans. Please note that not all camps are listed yet—some will be confirmed shortly, and registration and other details will follow.
While you’re there, take a look at everything else happening across Canada! Our Events Calendar includes not only reunions and retreats, but also congregation activities, special events, and online offerings that everyone can join. Check back often for new updates as we continue to grow and move onward together as one Community of Christ in Canada!  Whether you made your way to Independence, joined in from the Kitchener remote site, or followed along online, this video recap captures the celebration, worship, and community of World Conference 2025.
Beautifully produced in the Auditorium studios you will be able to see the theme “Hope is Here” shining in every face and moment.  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. 
 We know some members are feeling uncertain about travelling to the U.S. right now. You’re not alone—and you have options. We’re excited to offer a remote gathering at Kitchener Congregation where delegates from across Canada can fully participate in the legislative sessions of World Conference—no travel to the U.S. required.
What to Expect Remote Delegate Participation Thanks to a special provision by the First Presidency, this remote site allows full delegate engagement. Canada East Mission has 74 delegate spots, with only about 30 currently filled. Canada West Mission has room for nine more. If you’ve been considering serving, now is the time. Your voice matters. Observer-Friendly Environment Not a delegate? You’re still welcome to attend. Join us for worship, discussion, and fellowship throughout the weekend. Be Part of History Celebrate the ordination of Stassi Cramm to the office of Prophet-President and honour the ministry of Stephen Veazey as he retires. Witness the call of Shannon McAdam to the Council of Twelve—a significant moment for Canada. This year’s theme, Hope is Here, rings especially true. Reserve Your Spot If you're a current delegate or would like to serve as one, contact Sam Smalldon at [email protected]. To learn more about the Kitchener gathering or reserve your place, reach out to Melissa Freer at [email protected]. |
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