 Join Apostle Art Smith on Saturday, September 25th, for the unveiling of the Testimony Tapestry website.
All Voices: Discerning Across Canada is a process where members and friends of Community of Christ in Canada are sharing their sense of passion and calling, along with their visions and hopes for the future. The Testimony Tapestry is an innovative way to hear and share the diverse ways we are called to mission in Canada. The event will be livestreamed at 12 pm EDT.  Global Village at CEM Conference Saturday, October 23, 10 am-12 pm Are you aware of the many diverse, meaningful and even innovative ministries happening around Canada East Mission Centre? Come Saturday, October 23 to learn about them, ask questions, provide support or get involved.
We will gather at 10 a.m. for a short welcome and housekeeping. Participants will have opportunity to attend three 20 minute break-out sessions from a variety of presenters, who will provide a short summary followed by a Q&A period. Global Village Sessions The list of breakout rooms for the Global Village so far include: World Accord - David Barth Encounter World Religions - Brian Carwana Creating Connections - Glen Johnson Climate Change - Joan Thompson Prayer Shawl Ministry - Pat Lewis Zerin Project - Ron Rowbottom / Paul Fitgeorge Sionito Project - Bryce Taylor Awakening Spirituality - Susan Scott Healing & Freeing Camp - Becky Grigsby Tech Support Social Room Know a Group We Can Include? We're sure this list of subjects is far from complete! Do you have something that you would like to showcase? Do you know of something that is happening that can be celebrated and highlighted? There is still plenty of room. Please send an email to info@communityofchrist.ca with details.  Enrollment Information for eLearning Classes:
The following credit classes will open September 20 for a limited enrollment:
Attention: Melissa Freer Community of Christ 355 Elmira Road North, Unit 129 Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 To enroll, go to developmetrics.org and click on the "Canadian Registration Form" when registration opens on September 20.  Let’s retell the sacred story of Community of Christ through song and readings from historic sites around the world. Join Historic Sites Foundation, Kirtland Temple, and disciples and seekers from around the world as we celebrate Heritage Sunday with special focus on the worldwide church, “Our Worldwide Story.” Order of Worship READING: Community of Christ Sings: Our Long Tradition of Hymnody HYMN: “We Call Out to You” (CCS 299) READING: The Early Church: Gathering to Build Zion HYMN: “There Is a Land the Lord Will Bless” Emma’s first hymnal (1835) 34 READING: The Dark and Cloudy Day: The Scattering of the Saints HYMN: “In the Dark and Cloudy Day” (Saints Harp 695, Saints Hymnal 117) READING: Emma, Joseph Smith III, and the Reorganization HYMN: “Let Us Shake Off the Coals” by David Hyrum Smith (Saints Hymnal 188) READING: Regathering the Scattered Saints: French Polynesia HYMN: “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning” (CCS 384) READING: A Changing World and the Social Gospel of Zion HYMN: “Onward to Zion” by Fred M. Smith (CCS 390) READING: The Mid-Twentieth Century Church HYMN: “God Has Spoken in All Ages” (Grey Hymnal 236) READING: Hearing Voices of the International Church HYMN: “Siyahamba’ ekukhanyeni’ kwenkos’” (CCS 95) READING: The Path of Jesus, the Peaceable One HYMN: “God’s Melody of Peace” (CCS 319) READING: Our Ongoing, Faithful, Meaningful Journey Continues HYMN: “There’s an Old, Old Path” (CCS 244) Our global congregation meets every Sunday at 12:00 pm EDT. All are welcome to this inclusive church service. Ottawa Congregation - 10:30 Worship. Contact cofc.ottawa888@gmail.com for Zoom details.
Windsor Congregation - 10:30 Worship. Contact Jeff Moor for Zoom info. SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 1:45 p.m. This Sunday, which is themed: Heritage Day, will be a service about the journey of Community of Christ with a focus on the Temple Ministry of Peace. Send questions to drobb3ca@yahoo.ca or have them ready to ask. Contact Don Robb for Zoom details. Port Elgin Congregation - 9 a.m. class. Coffee & Conversation 9:40. Worship 10 a.m. Kevin Mercer presiding. Speaker Steve Northey. Contact Larry Buchanan for Zoom details. La Salle Road Congregation - Social time from 10:15-10:30. Worship 10:30 a.m. Contact Pastor Vonda den Boer for Zoom details. Reaching Out - Generally meets twice a month. Please sign up for email notices by clicking here. Kitchener Congregation - Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Contact John & Ruth Black for details. Cambridge Congregation - 11 a.m. Complete Worship Services are held each Sunday at 11:00 am For details go to www.cofchristcambridge.ca. On the calendar page click on the event for the Zoom link. Social time follows the service. First People Community of Christ (FPCC) - Reaching out to Native People across North America and the World! Online Prayer and Testimonies Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Worship Sundays at 7 p.m. Contact Larry Buchanan for ZOOM details. Other Online Ministries are available from many varied places for you to connect with.  Recent discoveries of mass, unmarked graves on the sites of former residential schools has raised many questions of racism, injustice, and genocide in Canadian history. If you would like to learn more about Indigenous culture and experiences, consider enrolling in one or all of the following courses available online for free. Or for a small fee, obtain a certificate.
Indigenous Canada - University of Alberta via Coursera Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions. Length: 12 weeks, three-five hours per week (it’s recommended to log on three times a week, but because it’s self-directed, that’s flexible) Dates: Start at any time Curriculum: Video lectures (with text transcripts available), readings, weekly multiple-choice quizzes, optional online discussions Aboriginal Worldviews and Education - University of Toronto via Coursera This course is all about re-contextualizing what we’ve learned about Canada and its history through Indigenous points of view. It’s offered through U of T’s School of Education with the focus on how education and mindset contribute to the way non-Indigenous people think about Indigenous issues. A large portion of the curriculum is based on what Marlene Brant Castellano, the first Indigenous person to become a full-time professor in a Canadian university, identified as the characteristics of Indigenous knowledge: that it’s personal and not universal, orally transmitted, experiential, holistic, and conveyed through narrative. In addition to the content directly about the education system, the class also touches on an analysis of then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 2008 apology for residential schools and episodes of the 2012 CBC series ‘8th Fire’, which involved former TV host Wab Kinew traveling the country to examine relationships Canadians have with Indigenous people. Length: Six weeks (it’s recommended to take the class twice a week) Dates: Start at any time Curriculum: Video lectures (with text transcripts available), film and TV clips, readings, short peer-graded writing assignments, quizzes Reconciliation through Indigenous Education - University of British Columbia via EdX Like the University of Toronto class, this one has an educational lens, although it isn’t just for teachers. Changing academic institutions is a central tenet of reconciliation, and both classes take up that responsibility. How can classrooms — or even everyday interactions — respect and uphold Indigenous experiences? What can we all learn from Indigenous ways of knowing? This curriculum is all about learning — from the land, from storytelling, from the way Indigenous communities teach — and ends with a focus on thoughtful and respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living in Canada. Length: Six weeks, two-four hours per week. This is an instructor-paced course. Dates: Next dates have yet to be announced. Curriculum: Video lectures, narration from Indigenous knowledge keepers, self-assessed checklists, online discussions Indigenous People’s Rights - Columbia University via EdX Unlike the previous courses, the framework for this one is largely around legal rights and governmental recognition, rather than Indigenous perspectives or worldviews. It focuses on events like the declaration of Indigenous Peoples Day at the 1977 Geneva UN Conference, on the legality of treaty agreements, and on the U.N.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This is the only American course on the list, although its focus is on Indigeneity globally. There are references to the Maori protests against the British Crown, for instance. There’s also a discussion of the fascinating history of the Zapatista Uprising in Mexico, where armed insurgents, many of them rural and Indigenous, declared war on the Mexican government. Even the group’s former “leader,” Subcomandante Marcos, took orders from a council of Indigenous elders. The course doesn’t focus specifically on Canada’s colonial history or government, although it does feature an appearance by UBC professor Sheryl Lightfoot, Canada Research Chair in Global Indigenous Rights and Politics, talking about the Indian Act and the construction of the Site C Dam. Length: 10 weeks, two-four hours per week Curriculum: Video lectures (with text transcript), recommended readings, videos of experts answering common questions, optional discussion questions.  Over the last 18 months of pandemic life, we have navigated unknown waters encountering unprecedented challenges. We have suffered. We are still facing uncertainty. Yet, our congregations across Canada have found innovative ways to continue to build community in these most difficult times. New ways of sharing the blessings of community have emerged. New seekers and friends have crossed the virtual doors of our online churches. We have begun a nationwide process called All Voices: Discerning Across Canada. As we continue moving toward Jesus, the peaceful one, many of these Canadian expressions will continue to thrive. Community of Christ in Canada now has a space on Facebook to lift up All Voices and to celebrate mission with members and seekers across the country and beyond!
 Aid for Hurricane Ida VictimsBased on information the Presiding Bishopric has received from local leaders, church members and church properties in the southern United States were spared damage by Hurricane Ida.
As part of the larger community, however, Community of Christ is sending oblation support to three agencies providing aid in the area. The church contributed $3,000 USD to each organization listed here. The bishopric has researched these agencies and is satisfied they provide quality support and good stewardship of contributions.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity that makes donations like this possible. Contributions to Worldwide Mission Tithes, the source of oblation funds, can be made online or by check sent to Community of Christ, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO, 64050. Join the Historic Sites Foundation for Heritage Day EventsA hymn festival and the Joseph Smith III Peace Lecture will highlight 2021 Heritage Day, 19 September. The Historic Sites Foundation shared specifics:
An educational afternoon will be offered with friends from Liberty Hall Historic Site as they host the annual Joseph Smith III Peace Lecture. This year’s speaker is Jim Doty, who will share his favorite stories related to the life and legacy of Joseph Smith III. This live Facebook event is at 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time USA. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. We hope you will join us for the Daily Prayer for Peace as we continue the practice of praying for peace.  Liberty Hall was built in 1881 in Lamoni, Iowa, and until 1905 was home to Joseph Smith III, the first president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - now the Community of Christ. Smith served in this capacity from 1860 to 1914. He called his home Liberty Hall to welcome all who might come to visit him and his family.
Liberty Hall was a center of social and religious life for the community. There were parties and weddings and fun nights before the fire place eating apples and popcorn, playing games and reading aloud. Joseph Smith said "Liberty Hall throbbed with life, teeming with the bustling activities of a large and growing family." Birth, death, and marriage occurred within its walls. Joys and sorrows succeeded each other as day and night. We are pleased to have our tour hosted by Stephen Smith. Steve grew up in Nauvoo where he and his family have been intimately involved with the Joseph Smith Historic Site. After a career as a teacher and lawyer, Steve retired and became the Site Director and Team Leader at the Liberty Hall Historic Site. Steve looks forward to sharing his fascination with Church history with us! Join us on Saturday, September 11th, at 3:00 p.m. for this exciting event via Zoom.  This Sunday, Roger Dodson of Whitby, Ontario, will preach on the theme “Who Do You Say that I Am?” Trudi Mahi Gunderson will teach our Peace Lesson live from Pahoa, Hawaii, and Sarah Allen will teach our Living Church Lesson from Okemos, Michigan. Brian Shantz of Kitchner, Ontario, will offer our invocation. Twila Rider of Independence, Missouri, will read our Call to Worship and Pat Marmoy of Tempe, Arizona, will read our Lectionary scripture. The Beyond the Walls Choir and Michael Karpowicz present our music: Prelude: “Le Retour” from “Chants du Rhin” by Georges Bizet Opening Hymn: CCS 23 - I Danced in the Morning Global Welcome: O Thou Who Camest from Above (Grey Hymnal 47) Closing Hymn: CCS 105 - All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (World Premiere) Postlude: Fughetta from Prelude and Fughetta in F Major (BWV 901) by Johann Sebastian Bach Our global congregation meets every Sunday at 12:00 pm EDT. All are welcome to this inclusive church service. Ottawa Congregation - 10:30 Worship. Contact cofc.ottawa888@gmail.com for Zoom details.
Windsor Congregation - 10:30 Worship. Contact Jeff Moor for Zoom info. SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 1:45 p.m. Speaker Presiding Evangelist Jane Gardner. We will share in communion, so please have you emblems prepared. Jane will answer questions about Evangelist's Blessings following the service. Send questions to drobb3ca@yahoo.ca or have them ready to ask. Contact Don Robb for Zoom details. Port Elgin Congregation - 9 a.m. class. Coffee & Conversation 9:40. Worship 10 a.m. Jan Storms presiding. Speaker Barb Kernohan. Contact Larry Buchanan for Zoom details. La Salle Road Congregation - Social time from 10:15-10:30. Worship 10:30 a.m. Contact Pastor Vonda den Boer for Zoom details. Reaching Out - Generally meets twice a month. Please sign up for email notices by clicking here. Kitchener Congregation - Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Contact John & Ruth Black for details. Cambridge Congregation - 11 a.m. Complete Worship Services are held each Sunday at 11:00 am For details go to www.cofchristcambridge.ca. On the calendar page click on the event for the Zoom link. Social time follows the service. First People Community of Christ (FPCC) - Reaching out to Native People across North America and the World! Online Prayer and Testimonies Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Worship Sundays at 7 p.m. Contact Larry Buchanan for ZOOM details. Other Online Ministries are available from many varied places for you to connect with. World Church has provided a brief statement to address and clarify the Community of Christ position on religious exemptions from being vaccinated.
From the First Presidency: "Community of Christ has no World Conference resolutions, policies or other official statements that would prohibit or restrict church members from receiving vaccines or other inoculations." Pastors and Priesthood are to express the above stated church position when asked to provide an exemption letter to employers, educators, or other organizations. Community of Christ is NOT providing letters to exempt members from being vaccinated for Covid on religious grounds. World Church and the Mission Centre are also not stipulating that congregations restrict non-vaccinated individuals from gathering as congregations re-open for services. Current government guidelines do not require proof of vaccination for churches. The church continues to encourage all members to follow local health and medical protocols in our collective response to eradicate this virus in our midst. The importance of sanitization, masking and spatial distancing is an essential practice. In addition, no singing or shared food is permitted as we gather. Communion emblems should be brought from your home or individually prepared and packaged per person by one wearing gloves and mask. Bread and juice should NOT be distributed by Priesthood servers walking amongst congregants. As in online services, the partaking of communion would be simultaneous by all participants following the reading of the prayers. Offerings would be placed in a tray at the door. These measures are important.to follow. Thank you for your faithful compliance. In the midst of these seemingly strict protocols we are still sacred community. We remain in the presence of our Creator who weeps with us during these unnatural times. Let the Spirit breathe as you gather and be filled with the peace of Christ. Do not feel pressured to reopen. Choose the time that feels right to your leadership team and congregants in accordance with local health guidelines. Be in touch with one another through familiar channels of phone, texts, emails and congregational newsletters. We all are blessed by the more than a dozen congregations conducting Zoom services and activities in our Mission Centre. We post these each week in our What's Happening newsletter. I look forward to us all reconnecting together at our upcoming Mission Centre Conference on Oct 23-24. With Meaning, Kerry Richards Canada East Mission President |
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