Preserving our spiritual heritage while preparing for what’s next

By Emelia Goheen from Ribstone, Alberta.
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I am honoured to share some updates from the “Preserving & Integrating Traditions, Fostering Prayerful and Spiritual Support” committee, on which a number of folks from both Canada East and Canada West served (including myself). An important part of preserving traditions and spiritual practices is advocating for space for that to occur. We were tasked with ensuring that important things related to tradition or spirituality are considered — not just in the final product of one Mission Centre, but in the conversations of other committees in the Design Team.  This led to our mission as a group, which was to recommend ways for integrating traditions and formation of spiritual practices into the design of the new Mission Centre for Canada.

To better represent both Mission Centres, we published a survey to which members across Canada could respond, letting us know the traditions that were most cherished and the spiritual practices that were most valued, as well as ideas for the creation of new practices and the release of those that no longer guide us. Our key recommendations have evolved from the survey results and revolved around concrete ways to implement these suggestions in alignment with broader goals for the Mission Centre.  For example, many responses mentioned the importance of online and in-person options for Mission Centre and congregational events and resources. From that, our recommendations included that the new Mission Centre provide resources for congregations to have online and in-person interactions (such as virtual visiting). Though Community of Christ has had a rich heritage across Canada, the survey responses indicated a growing challenge within many congregations of diminished attendance and fewer leaders to fill roles. However, with the amalgamation of the two Mission Centres into one, our committee foresees the opportunity to draw from each other’s knowledge, creativity, and skills, thereby filling in the gaps that may currently exist. 

Other feedback ideas included having alternatives to sermon-based worship (like meditations or theological services), and for the Mission Centre to offer new spiritual or leadership development courses and resources that reach all ages and are accessible to — or have the opportunity to benefit — all involved. We also proposed retaining certain traditions or spiritual practices within the new Mission Centre, such as camps, retreats, Temple School, and Canada West’s tradition of a “fun” night at Mission Conferences. Of course, if you’re interested in reading our recommendations in full, they’re available on the Mission Centre Design Team website at communityofchrist.ca/mcdt.html

From the ocean air of Vancouver Island to the historic cobblestone streets of Montreal, with the majestic Rockies and amber waves of grain on the Prairies between, our congregations, members, and seekers are moving Onward Together, infusing elements of our “Canadian-ness” into our shared life as a church. I believe our team’s purpose was to protect and uphold a foundational aspect of Community of Christ across Canada, and my hope is that we will continue to move forward in love and seek enlightenment with the Spirit. I am excited for this new Mission Centre and I trust in the opportunity for us to be divinely guided as a community.

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