COURAGE! . . . the theme for the 2023 World Conference

Written by Gwyn Beer
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

I told my cousin that I was an excited traveler coming to Independence!  In the latest Herald, Page 17 has a message from President Veazey.  He said “Courage! No doubt, we’ll be energized to boldly venture with God into our future!”
 
I am a Star Trek (original show) fan and this reminded me of Captain Kirk saying "boldly go where no one has gone before".  I love President Veazey’s "boldly venture with God into our future".  As part of that future, I am encouraging those of you who might be planning to go to conference but as yet are unsure about stepping up as a delegate.  Let your name go on the list.  You will benefit from having your name on the delegate list.
 
For those of you who can not go to Independence, please consider participating in discernment for those going to the conference and voting on your behalf.  The Sept/Oct 2022 Herald has Resolutions to Consider.  Read them, consider them, pray about them.  If something pulls at your heartstrings, let one of the delegates know how you feel.  Discussions about resolutions are happening and you are invited to explore with others online. Visit CofChrist.org/2023-world-conference-preparation for details. 
 
The Jan/Feb 2023 Herald is also asking for the church community at large to offer words of courage and blessing to be shared at World Conference during the Communion service on April 23.  Write words of blessing and courage in your own language or languages.  See page 22 in the Herald and have your blessing returned by April 12.  There are options there to mail or email your words of blessing! 
 
COURAGE - while I do NOT consider myself a courageous person, I draw on others and find the courage through others and prayer to step out and allow God’s spirit to work through me. Others have seen a courage in me that I often do not see.  You all have courage when you “let God” work through you in all that you do.  God given courage raises me up!
 
Boldly venture with me on this journey to World Conference 2023!