 By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Before attending World Conference in Independence, I participated in my final Focus session for Graceland Seminary. For the thirteen of us scheduled to graduate this December with a Master’s Degree in Religion, this moment was especially meaningful. We were honored in a commissioning service—an intentional pause to acknowledge not only our academic journey but the sacred call to ministry that has shaped and sustained it. Apostle-designate and former Dean of the Seminary, Matthew Frizzell, offered words of commissioning that struck deeply. He spoke about calling—how each of us is called, how each of us has purpose, and how the Spirit equips us with gifts and opportunities to fulfill that promise. His message was anchored in the powerful life and testimony of Anthony Hollands, a Black gay man in Chicago who courageously responded to a call to ministry in the 1990s, despite the significant obstacles he faced. Anthony’s life continues to bear witness to the resilience of faith and the transformative power of a call answered. Matthew reminded us that while we may not be able to change the world all at once, we can change lives—one day at a time. What we do with the gift of time and energy we’ve been given is up to us. This commissioning was not just a conclusion, but a beginning—a sacred invitation to step forward in love, courage, and faithful service. My time in seminary has taught me to view the life and ministry of Christ—especially as portrayed in the Gospels—not just as historical narratives, but as living testimonies that speak directly to the challenges of our modern, troubled world. By exploring the context and language of ancient times, I have learned to translate timeless scriptural truths into teachings that resonate with today’s pressing issues: racism, oppression, marginalization, poverty, and food insecurity. This study is not merely academic—it calls us to action. It invites us to summon the courage to stand against injustice, especially in places where political powers are eroding human rights. I’ve learned to delve deeply into the theology found not only in Scripture, but also in the life experiences of theologians, mystics, and saints—those whose lives bore witness to the truth of the Gospel. Their courage and clarity continue to inspire and guide us. Their narratives remind us that nothing is impossible. Seminary has instilled in me that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Every day presents new opportunities to better embody the message of peace, justice, and love that Christ proclaimed. This journey is, and always will be, a work in progress. As Maria Cimperman, author of Social Analysis for the 21st Century, puts it: “God does the transforming, the befriending Spirit leads, and we, with all people of goodwill, are to assist in bringing about the reign of God through our witness, service, and love.” —Maria Cimperman, Social Analysis for the 21st Century, Orbis Books, 2015, p. 44 As I assume a new role as Director of Campgrounds and Camping, I am humbled by the trust placed in me to help grow our camping program. Listening to the testimonies of colleagues in seminary has affirmed the importance of this call. For the many whose only encounter with a church community is in camping, it is essential that we offer loving community experiences where the divine is embodied in the people. This reminds me that the reign of God is not a place but a way of life. It is here and yet not yet. Can you feel it? Can you make it happen? Hope that is grounded in God goes beyond what we can see. Lift up your eyes and fix them on the place beyond the horizon to which you are sent: “May we not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go.” —Doctrine & Covenants 160:1a; 163:1
1 Comment
 Theme: Choose Hope
A few years ago, Cathy Baker was getting her hair cut in Whitby when her stylist began talking about a wedding she’d just done hair for—at a beautiful rustic chapel tucked away in the woods. She described the incredible setting and showed Cathy a photo. That chapel, it turned out, was at Camp Noronto. Noronto is a place where stories unfold. It’s a place that lives in memory long after the week is over. This summer, we invite you to be part of the story—to join us for Reunion 2025 and help write the next chapter in this beloved space. This year’s theme, Choose Hope, invites us to come together with openness and courage as we learn, grow, and reconnect with one another. Whether you're returning or visiting for the first time, there’s space for you here—your presence, your story, your voice. Director: Cathy Baker [email protected] Guest Ministry: Apostle Janné Grover Janné Grover serves in the Council of Twelve Apostles, with leadership responsibilities in the Central USA Mission Field. She also supports Campus Ministries and the Temple Ministries Initiative. Prior to her current role, Janné served as a Disciple Formation Ministries Specialist and was a long-time music educator. Registrar: Brenda Paradis [email protected] Registration deadline: July 15  Ages 8–11
Theme: Wild Life (with a focus on animals) Come and get WILD with us as we explore God’s creation! Your days will be filled with theme classes, crafts and games, and swimming in Lake Erie. In the evenings we have Imagination Stations and campfire to have fun with. Our final evening together will be extra special with a theme dinner, talent show and ending in a dance party you won’t want to miss! Directors: Jenn Pedersen and Julie Smith Contact: [email protected] Registration Early Bird Fee (by June 1): $340 After June 1: $385 Pre-register now and in June more detailed info will be sent out including medical forms  First date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Ongoing: Weekend work camps throughout June It’s time to get Camp Noronto ready for another summer season! Volunteers are invited to join us for our first work camp on Saturday, May 31. We’ll be focusing on general grounds clean-up—there’s plenty to do to prepare the site for camping. If you’d like to stay overnight, the Hillton will be open (please bring your own bedding). Note that only the back room of the dining hall will be available, as flooring work is underway. Drinking water is currently not potable, so please bring your own beverages. Lunch will be provided at the May 31 work camp. Future meals will be arranged based on attendance. Please bring tools such as rakes, hedge clippers, or whipper snippers if you have them. To volunteer, contact Pat Stoakley at [email protected]  Theme: Growing in Hope: “Wildflowers” The welcoming waters of Lake Erie have been drawing people in for over a century. Love, fellowship, and a commitment to sharing the Spirit is what brings us together at Erie Beach Reunion. Come and share with us as we gather to find God in the beauty of nature. Create lifelong memories as we enjoy the camping experience together. Directors: Kelly Knight [email protected] Brian Jackson [email protected] Guest Ministry: Ken Barrows and Kahealani Dan Faatuarai Originally from French Polynesia, Kahealani Drollet Faatuarai has been an active member of Community of Christ since 2009. In May 2019, he began serving as a World Service Corps volunteer in Europe. In this role, Kahealani works as the Mission Coordinator for France and Belgium. He is also a Co-President for the Western Europe Mission Centre and a Seventy within the church, which is a leadership position dedicated to missionary service and outreach. Registrar: Fran Badder [email protected] Registration is now open! Contact the registrar for more information.  By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Living in southwestern Ontario, I might be catching spring fever a little earlier than some—but I’m not complaining! The redbud trees, Chanticleer pear, and cherry blossoms are in full, glorious bloom. Their colours brighten the landscape like nature’s own celebration. Bullfrogs are calling again, and the air is alive with a chorus of birdsong—Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Cardinals, Finches, Mourning Doves, and Starlings, all contributing their unique voices to this spring symphony. Overhead, a majestic eagle soars, reminding me of the wonder all around. On the ground, life is stirring too. Coyotes, foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and deer are busy raising their young. (Hopefully, no deer decides to burst through my house again—but that’s a story for another day!) Spring is more than just a season—it’s a resurrection of the world around us, a reminder of renewal, growth, and wild, abundant life. Hallelujah, indeed! Outside my kitchen window, a purple finch has made a nest in the cedar tree. I watch it daily—this small, tireless bird, fiercely protective, instinctively trying to create a safe space for life to grow. But there’s something else. The finch has taken issue with my car. Or rather, with the reflection it sees in the car window. For hours at a time, it pecks, flutters, and fights at the side mirror and glass, convinced there’s an intruder threatening its territory. It doesn’t know it’s fighting itself. Watching this, I began to wonder: how often do I do the same? How often am I battling perceived threats, externalizing struggles that are really internal? How often do I exhaust myself trying to defeat something that lives within me—fear, doubt, self-judgment—without stepping back to ask what’s really happening? Am I making space in the silence to listen for the still, small voice of God? The voice that doesn’t fight or accuse but invites me into joy, hope, love, and peace? That little finch has given me something to reflect on far beyond its mirror-bound dance. Perhaps the next time I find myself in a flurry of reaction, I’ll pause, breathe, and ask: Is this a battle worth fighting? Or is God inviting me to see myself more clearly—and more compassionately—in the reflection? Recently, I was moved by Claudio Carvalhaes’ Praying with Every Heart, particularly his reflection on the nests we build in our lifetime. He reminds us that no nest is permanent—that each one, no matter how carefully constructed, is temporary. As I sit and watch that small finch tirelessly struggle, I’m struck by how tightly I have held onto my own “nests.” Like that little bird, I’ve sometimes expended great energy maintaining what once served me well, perhaps at the cost of new growth or possibilities. Over the past five months, Shannon McAdam and I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated volunteers in committee meetings focused on shaping the future of Community of Christ in Canada. These volunteers—coming from both east and west—have offered their wisdom, their questions, and their passionate desire to see our church flourish. I am humbled by their witness. This process feels very much like leaving one nest and beginning the construction of another. Just as a bird gathers twigs, leaves, feathers, and mud to shape its home, we are gathering vision, faith, hope, wisdom, patience, and understanding to build a new future. Some materials will work better than others. We may discover we need more "twigs" of courage or more "feathers" of compassion. But we build on the foundation of deep faith and the accumulated love, labour, and legacy of years past. I’m filled with hope for what’s ahead. As a church committed to peace and justice, we have a sacred opportunity to shape a mission that resonates throughout our communities. As one mission centre, we will be able to share more deeply, collaborate more effectively, and support each other more fully. We will learn from one another as we teach others the way of peace. We may not know exactly what this new nest will look like. But we know why we build—and with whom we build. And that makes all the difference. Learn more All the committees have submitted their recommendations. Have you read them? You can find them here: https://www.communityofchrist.ca/mcdt.html Discuss them with others in your congregation. Let us know what you think!  Join us as we revisit the transformative practice of vision boarding to align your goals and dreams with your spiritual path. Presented once again by Tammy Mesiti, this uplifting gathering will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Awakening Spirituality congregation, 225603 Southgate Rd, Dundalk, Ontario, near Hopeville.
Doors open at 11:30 AM for a shared potluck lunch, with the session beginning at approximately 1 PM. Through guided reflection and meaningful conversation, we’ll explore principles of intention, faith, and spiritual direction—then bring them to life through the creation of our own vision boards. Whether you’ve done this before or it’s your first time, there’s space for everyone to connect, create, and explore together. Please bring old magazines or other materials if you can—there will be plenty to share. We kindly ask for a minimum donation of $10 to help cover building expenses and supplies. If this isn’t feasible for you, please come anyway—we’d love to have you.  Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 9a.m - 11a.m Join the Corinth congregation (54246 Eden Line – Culloden Rd. & Eden Line) for their next Community Breakfast, supporting Healthy Snack programs in local area schools. This is a wonderful way to connect with neighbours, enjoy a hot breakfast, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and everyone is welcome to join! For inquiries, contact Cheryl at [email protected].  Theme: Choose Hope The McGowan’s Lake Campground Board is pleased and excited to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us for our 2025 Reunion/Family Camp! Our theme this year is Choose Hope and we will be blessed with the ministry of Rick Badder and Pat Pallister. They are looking forward to welcoming you to a retreat infused with Spirit-filled fun, discovery, connection, growth, and rejuvenation. Please register early! We look forward to seeing you at Reunion 2025! Director: Wanda White [email protected] 
 Theme: Choose Hope Reconnect with old friends and make new ones at Loaves and Fishes Family Camp, a beloved week of worship, learning, and community for all ages. This year’s theme, Choose Hope, invites us to come together in faith, courage, and compassion. We’re pleased to welcome guest ministry from Seventy Humberto Tinsman, Seventy Tyler Marz, and Apostle Shannon McAdam. Directors: Nancy and Scott Brookshaw Register: Contact Shannon Brown at [email protected] or call 519-616-1995 Registration deadline: Friday, June 6
|
Categories
All
Archives
June 2025
|
||||
RSS Feed