 Everyone,
At our recent CEM conference, the body adopted a resolution with specific requirements for a committee to consider Articles 2 and 3 of CEM conference bylaws. The motion stated, “that the committee is to consist of one member of the CEM Presidential Team and one member from each CEM congregation”. As we have been unsuccessful in attaining a committee with one member from every congregation as clearly defined in the motion, the Presidency team in consultation with our Apostle Art Smith and Parliamentarian Darrel Kennedy, have deemed the motion unimplementable. At this point there are two options—as the motion has failed, we could let the matter drop so that we can concentrate on other priorities, or the presidency team could strike an ad-hoc committee to accomplish the consultation and dialogue about the current CEM Conference Bylaws that the motion hoped to achieve. Moving Forward The presidency team has opted to take the latter approach and engage the representatives who have already been identified for a committee in discussions with their congregation to ensure the intent of the motion is honoured. To avoid disproportionate representation, as half of the congregations did not identify a representative, an ad-hoc committee constituted by the Mission Centre Presidency team would be comprised to ensure age and gender diversity, persons who would have ex-officio status, persons from emerging or new expressions congregations, persons from small, medium and large congregations, persons from southwest, central, eastern, Niagara, GTA and northern Ontario. We would entrust this committee to fulfill the mandate to explore the bylaws, engage members in dialogue, collate the feedback from the congregational discussions, and ultimately reach a recommendation for consideration at our next conference. Where possible those committee members would be drawn from the names already submitted but in a manner of representation that reflects the diversity of the mission center. Engaging All Who Wish To We feel it is important that all membership who choose, have opportunity to participate in this process. We are incredibly grateful to the persons who have offered to participate as a representative and hope that, whether your role is focused on the congregational dialogue feedback process or in the ad-hoc committee, you feel you have had voice in this process. We want to affirm that all individuals whose names were forwarded to represent a congregation, will still be involved in the dialogue and feedback within their congregation on the specific topic of member or delegate conferences. Some of you will further be asked to be part of the smaller ad-hoc committee constituted to represent the diversity within the mission center, have further dialogue and develop consensus statements from the feedback to disseminate back to the congregations. Ultimately we hope this process fosters dialogue that culminates in a recommendation regarding the type of conference that reflects the will of the body. We know each of us have life challenges, time constraints and priorities and we do not want to prolong this process but also do not want to move forward too quickly. We hope you are willing to journey with us as we navigate this important issue. Moving forward on this matter of concern regarding our conference organization, may we encourage all to follow the guide to good dialogue to ensure the discussion process is equitable. To that end, where no representative has been forwarded, we will do our best to ensure opportunity for dialogue and feedback. If your congregation did not identify a representative but you would like to provide feedback, please email us at info@communityofchrist.ca. Guide to Good Dialogue ▪ Suspend the urge to decide "right now" ▪ Listen carefully for points of agreement ▪ Speak respectfully, using care in your language ▪ Speak for yourself. Offer your perspective concisely ▪ Respect confidentiality ▪ "More" perspectives are better than "few" ▪ Expect a better outcome than if you had not had the dialogue; trust the process ▪ Turn cell phones off or put them on silent Respectfully, Mission Centre Presidency Team Vonda DenBoer, Mary Jean Belrose, Dawn Dawson   Carl Farrow
1931 - 2022 FARROW, Carl Garnet peacefully at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Monday, November 21, 2022. Carl Farrow of Wiarton and formerly of Caledon East in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of Anne (nee Sammut) and cherished father of Diane Barbini (Daniel) of Woodbridge, David (Pam) of Durham, Paul of Wiarton and Vince (Darlene) of Caledon East. Much loved grandfather of Michael (Kim), Tara (Trevor), Jared (Jade), Dylan, Kyle, Tyler and Jadyn and great grandfather of Daniel James, Jack and Owen. Dear brother of Betty Robinson (Calvon pre) of Owen Sound, Helen Robb (Gordon pre) of London and Ernie Farrow (Gwen) of Wiarton. Missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Eula Edith (nee Post) and Richard Garnet Farrow and sister Marie Graham (Tom). A private family funeral service will be conducted at the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, Wiarton. Interment Bayview Cemetery, Wiarton. Expressions of remembrance to Wiarton Hospital c/o Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.georgefuneralhome.com.  Help us celebrate Giving Tuesday on 29 November! DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT A generous matching contribution of $250,000 USD has been pledged for this special event. For example, a $25.00 contribution to Worldwide Mission Tithes becomes $50.00. Any donation to helps! HOW TO PARTICIPATE In Canada, contributors can give on Facebook and PayPal, as well as by e-transfer and mail (Community of Christ, 355 Elmira Rd. N., Unit 129; Guelph, ON N1K 1S5). The church receives 100 percent of a contribution when gifts are placed through these methods. Contributions also can be made through Canada Helps. If donating by cheque or e-transfer, email Heather Huffman or call 888-411-7537 Ext. 23 at Community of Christ Canada Headquarters to ensure gifts are included in Giving Tuesday totals.   Registration for World Conference is now open with fees as follows!!
Adults Early-bird Entire Conference (until 1 March) $160 USD Entire Conference (after 1 March) $200 USD Weekend Only $40 USD Students, Youth Ages 12+ Entire Conference $80 USD Weekend Only $20 USD Badge Only $5 USD Children Ages 6-11 Conference Kids $80 USD Badge Only $5 USD Infants, Toddlers Ages 6 weeks-5 years old Childcare $230 USD Individuals should register for World Conference, including delegates. Delegate lists submitted to headquarters is not a registration. Please visit the website and register. Conference Kids and Child Care are offered programming (see above registration fees) for parents. This programming is offered during all Legislative sessions, and Quorum, Caucus and Mass Meetings. Click on the "Learn More" button to find documents, shcedule, preparation material and more. Information regarding hotel accommodations will be posted in the near future. In the schedule, Bold typeface indicates key Conference activities.It is hoped that delegates will participate in the key events (legislative sessions, quorum/caucus/mass meetings, and worship services). Watch for a Podcast last Friday with Carla Long and Susan Naylor about what can be expected in your conference experience being released December 5 through Project Zion Podcast. This will provide a lot of information on the Conference experience.  Climate Webinar Sunday, December 4 5 PM ET “Vision, Venn, and Voices for Change” Where: ZOOM Online Ministry  Our last webinar of 2022 will be a more in-depth video by Katharine Hayhoe about practical guidance on how to talk to family and friends about climate change. Climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe speaks from personal experience: she discovered AFTER her marriage that her husband was a climate denier. Is it possible to bridge the gaps in communication with those who have a different perspective on climate change? Are there ways to talk to climate deniers? What are some approaches to take that don’t result in heated debate and anger? You won’t want to miss this practical, compelling webinar! The suggestions work for a variety of controversial topics in a world divided by ideologies, politics, and religious differences. Webinars during January through March will help prepare us for World Conference as we focus on themes of restoration and sacred creation. If you registered for a past webinar or conversation, you do not need to register again.
Open to people of all faiths and traditions. This is an online ministry sponsored by the Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center for Community of Christ. The North American Climate Justice Team are the planners, with members from GPNWMC, Canada East, Canada West, IWMC, SPMC, and SPIMC. Watch previous webinars, conversations, and Steve Veazey’s sermon by clicking the button below.  “The Suffering Servant” — a vivid image painted in the Book of Isaiah, which resonated with early Christians and inspired the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. We will share hymns and ministry that elaborate upon our theme. This week, Dean Wight of the North American Climate Justice Team concludes our four-part series of peace lessons addressing the climate crisis. Beyond the Walls – Witness the Suffering Servant. We hope to see you there on Sunday, November 20, at 12:00 PM or 6:00 PM EST. SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 1:45 p.m. Presider, James Stytle. Guest speaker Valerie Brennan, a high priest, pastor of the Indianapolis Congregation; and a past member of the Standing High Council. Contact Don Robb for Zoom details.
Make A Difference!  A generous matching contribution of $250,000 USD has been pledged for this special event. For example, a $25 contribution to Worldwide Mission Tithes becomes $50. We will share Giving Tuesday contribution updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on November 29 and 30.
In 2021 word-wide contributors gave the church $629,067 USD, including 130 Canadian families who raised $99,369 CAD. This year, on November 29, you can make a difference when you support Christ's mission with a donation of any amount. Thank you for your generosity! #GivingTuesdayCA How to Participate
Thank you for helping us celebrate Giving Tuesday!  December 2-4
Via Zoom and In-Person at Windsor Congregation Facilitator: Lew Shepherdson Friday 7-9, Saturday 9-12 & 1-4, Sunday 2-4 This course will explore how the context of the early Christian church both shaped, and was shaped by, the library of writings we have as the New Testament. We will focus on how and why the narrative of God's Upside-down Kingdom was so compelling then, and remains relevant to us today. Contact Twyla Glassford for course readings and the Zoom link.  This week we focus on the Response phase.
God has abundantly blessed us. When we regularly see and receive God’s blessings, our lives become increasingly generous. Please take this opportunity to make personal intentions for the next year by completing a Commitment Sheet this week.  This week we continue our focus on the Discover phase.
Consider: What are you grateful for about this worldwide faith community? How have you been blessed by being part of a global church? |
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