 By: Dawn Dawson Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Our summer youth camping season is coming to a close, and the cooler days of fall are upon us. It’s time to reflect on the success of our camping season. The large number of young people participating fills us with positivity for the future. However, we now face the challenge of maintaining the spirit and engagement of these young people within our community throughout the year. Keeping our youth motivated and active in church life is a struggle we all share. Various activities—athletic, academic, and social—engage the youth and often draw them away from church events. Those just beyond secondary school are finding new paths in post-secondary education or employment. The question we’re all grappling with is how to keep these age groups engaged with our church community. One significant step, though sometimes difficult for current leaders, is to find times that are more relatable and convenient for the youth. This could include after-school programs, weekend events, or even late-night gatherings. Being flexible with the timing of youth groups, like Peace-makers, can be challenging but necessary. For instance, holding meetings directly after school could ease parents’ concerns about their children being unsupervised between school and supper. For slightly older youth, including a meal like spaghetti—which is both economical and easy to prepare—could foster fellowship. The shared experience of a meal and taking turns cleaning up could recreate some of that camp duty atmosphere. Empowering the youth to take the lead on weekly events is another way to motivate them. When they’re enthusiastic about something that interests them, they’re more likely to invite friends, helping the group grow. Engage them by asking what topics they’d like to discuss in youth groups, such as anxiety, environmental concerns, or local mission projects. Even simple activities like gathering on a Saturday morning to help a neighbour pile winter wood are still meaningful here in the North. Using their terms of reference, like "paying it forward" in such activities, encourages forward-thinking and community-minded behaviour. High school students often seek volunteer hours to graduate. Consider posting opportunities for outdoor jobs, such as preparing the church for winter, like raking leaves or garden work, on social media for high school volunteer hours. Once the youth feel comfortable with a location or the people associated with it, they may be more inclined to attend future events. The fear of the unknown keeps many youth from experiencing wonderful opportunities, so creating chances for these nerves to dissipate is essential. Even small connections or brief interactions are valuable. Keeping lines of communication open, no matter how or when, is highly beneficial. A Facebook Messenger chat group, for example, can be a great way to share ideas and stay connected. Our youth are out there, navigating a world that needs them, but many are lost in the chaos. Together, let’s find ways to create positive, mentoring, and meaningful experiences for our youth. Checking in with them a couple of times a year will help them remember their summer fun and build deeper relationships for years to come.
1 Comment
 McGowan’s Lake 2024 Reunion took place this year from August 16th to 21st. The theme "Heal the Earth" created a memorable impact on our attendees’ attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour toward the environment. As stewards of God‘s creation, we left camp inspired to become better protectors of the fragile balance of our planet. Our attendance was lower this year than in past years, in part due to our old adversary, COVID, and other various health issues. We had 16 adults and 3 children registered for the duration of the Reunion, and there were several other day visitors. Vonda DenBoer of the CEM Presidency Team was our guest minister, and she brought a unique and powerful ministry to our worship and intergenerational sessions. In addition to our daily classes, hymn sings, and devotions, other presentations and hands-on activities included learning how to make a miniature compost bin, creating reusable greeting cards, building bat houses, collecting items from nature to create a meditative mandala, assembling personal hygiene kits for refugees living at Matthew House, utilizing old fire hoses to create feeders and other enrichment articles for the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, chats under the trees, and making wildflower seed paper. We also enjoyed campfires, games, good food, assembling an earth puzzle, tablecloth art, rock painting, movies, Kahoot!, recognition of the 150th anniversary of the church seal, a pancake breakfast in support of World Accord, and a silent auction, as well as connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Like the Noronto and Loaves and Fishes Reunions, we benefitted from the beautiful thematic "Heal the Earth" posters created by Natasha Buchanan. The weather was very wet and cool during the Reunion, but that created an atmosphere for us to gather closer together. Participants were great at stepping up, often taking on new roles, to fill in the last-minute vacancies created by sickness or when otherwise needed. Thank you, everyone! It was terrific to be with our returning campers as well as our new friends. As the campfire song goes, ‘Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.’ Everyone is precious. We leave our 2024 Reunion experience, after a break from our daily routines, with a fresh outlook and a desire to notice how we relate to and interact with the natural world. May our everyday choices be beneficial to the planet. C U Next Year!  Host congregation: Woodfield Congregation, London ON
Dates: September 27-28 Instructor: John Nichols We will be hosting an in-person session of the Temple School class Ministry of the Elder. The class is open to everyone who is interested. We want to extend a special invitation to all Elders to come and share your knowledge with someone who has just been called to this office. Please let Nancy know if you will be attending. We look forward to seeing you there! Registration and addition information: Nancy Baer [email protected] or 519-532-3982  By: Seventy Mary Jean Belrose Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Hospitality is the practice that keeps the church from becoming a club, a members-only society. – Diana Butler Bass Many years ago, my mother and I visited one of her sisters and her family in their humble thatched-roof home in a remote area of Cuba. Her children, spouses, and grandchildren all gathered to greet us with exuberance, filling the house with the joyful presence of family. The walls were simple, made of painted wooden boards that were the same inside as they were outside, with daylight shining through the cracks. Bare light bulbs hung from the rafters, casting a soft glow on the uneven cement floor that had been swept clean. Despite the modest surroundings, there was no sense of embarrassment or awkwardness. The well-worn furniture quickly filled with the loving presence of family members gathered closely around us, while others stood nearby. We sipped strong, black café Cubano as the sun began to set, and just as we prepared to leave, the house was suddenly plunged into total darkness due to a power failure. Immediately, our hosts took hold of our arms, preventing us from moving and protecting us from a possible fall. Some scrambled to find a flashlight, guiding us safely to our vehicle, all while holding our hands to ensure we were secure. The entire experience left me feeling as though we had been lovingly held in a cocoon of care. What is Hospitality? According to Dictionary.com, hospitality is "the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way." Having received God's abundant grace, we are called to respond generously with what we have and who we are. By fostering a culture of hospitality, we create spaces where we lower ourselves to become servants, building others up and giving them value. In a world that can be cold and inhospitable, we can construct spaces of warmth and inclusion, where the Creator’s Spirit can breathe into the hearts of the lost and lonely. Sometimes, hospitality is as simple as offering a listening ear. Sharing food always provides an open door for guests to feel cared for and welcomed. Relationships are often built around the table, where discussions about what truly matters can take place. The focus isn’t on entertainment or impressing others; it’s about genuine connection. Even if we lack the finest linens or if our cupboards are bare, we offer what we have from our hearts. The simplest refreshment or meal can bring us together—whether it's frozen pizza or a dish of ice cream with a cool drink. It was when two disciples on the road to Emmaus shared a meal with a stranger that they came to know him. Did they have time, resources or energy to prepare something extravagant or amazing? Despite their weariness and grief, they extended hospitality, and in doing so, experienced a profound revelation. What might we miss if we don't extend such invitations, even when it’s inconvenient? In the Congregation – Embrace the Awkwardness From time-to-time strangers show up at church. Perhaps they’re just passing through, or maybe they’re on a serious search for a spiritual home. Either way, we have the opportunity to practice radical hospitality. In small congregations where everyone knows each other well, it’s easy to focus on familiar faces. As leaders, we can sometimes get caught up in the business of the congregation before or after the service, or we might hope that someone else will greet the stranger, relieving our discomfort. Starting a conversation with someone we don’t know can be challenging. After you introduce yourself and ask their name, you might wonder what to say next. Consider asking how they found your church—perhaps they’ve already visited your congregation’s webpage but have questions that could lead to further conversation. Find out if they are new to the area, and if so, where they moved from. If it feels appropriate, ask about their work or what grades their children are in. Be sure to introduce them to others, always looking for ways to connect individuals. For instance, if they have an interest in yoga and someone in the congregation is an instructor, make sure they meet. Or if they live in the same neighborhood as another member, facilitate that connection. Don't just meet them—help them meet others. Of course, invite them to join your group for lunch after the service, and be prepared to cover their meal. Involve them in the conversation, making them feel included and valued. Don’t worry about having the perfect conversation starter—just dive in. Can’t remember their name the following week? That’s okay too. Many of us have what I like to call a “leaky valve” when it comes to names. Just ask them to kindly remind you of their name and move on. Expect Change Jesus ate with sinners, welcomed children, and taught us to invite the lowly to our gatherings. He prepared breakfast for His disciples, including Peter, who had betrayed Him. He set the “table” for 5,000+ and encouraged lunch boxes to be shared. Lives were forever changed. In each of these acts, lives were forever changed. When we extend ourselves in hospitality, we too will undoubtedly be changed. Many of the ways we make guests feel comfortable in our homes can be applied to welcoming them at church. Challenge yourself and your congregation to practice radical hospitality—hospitality that exceeds expectations. Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. – Matthew 25:40 Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:2  Erie Beach Reunion 2024 encompassed all of what we are about...fun, fellowship, enfolding, spirit filled, commitments made, buckets filled, relationships renewed and strengthened, heritage respected and hope for our future. We left there remembering the sacraments of baptism and ordination. We left there looking for what we will need to move forward. We left there with hope. Our wonderful youth who were the largest in numbers stepped out in leadership...took on new roles and gave us a feeling of pride and security in the direction that we are moving. Our beautiful grounds gave us the opportunity to look at the theme of Heal the Earth as we learned about trees in a new way and were able to plant some while there. We are looking forward to Reunion 2025. Looking forward to seeing everyone and looking forward to enfolding those that are new in our Christ filled love.  By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President At the last world conference, authority was given to Apostles by World Church Resolution 1327, to lead discussion on developing policy that applied to their jurisdiction considering their cultural context. Using past committee work, Mission Presidents, and Standing High Council member Joan Thompson, our Apostle has led an initiative to develop a DRAFT Canadian Policy on Priesthood and Personal Relationships for your consideration. In early July pastors and reunion directors were sent copies of the DRAFT policy and encouraged to promote dialogue. Mission Presidents are involved in leading the dialogue at reunions. Have you heard about this draft policy? Do you have questions or comments? Are you aware of current policy? Get informed by reading the policy and supporting documents, and participate in the dialogue. This fall we will have the opportunity for Canadian church members to share their level of support on a scale, not in a yes/no vote. If polling indicates 80% support by the membership in Canada East and Canada West, the policy will be presented to the Council of Twelve Apostles. On their recommendation it would go to the First Presidency for approval. Only when all that has occurred, would it become effective. We anticipate holding a pre-legislative type dialogue session in early fall just to consider this document. As concern has been raised that delegates do not consistently vote their congregation's wishes, it has already been suggested that all members have the opportunity to participate in the poll. As our CEM conferences are delegate conferences, that option is not possible. We are investigating other technology options that might facilitate member registration and polling. Should you have any questions or comments, please reach out to either Joan or the Mission Presidency Team. Thank you for your support of this process. We look forward to hearing your comments on the draft policy. 
 Join us for the 14th annual Young at Heart Retreat surrounded by the beauty of Noronto campground in the fall! We will be eating good food, enjoying stimulating conversation, living, laughing and reveling in God’s autumnal artistry on the shore of Lake Nipissing. This year’s guest minister will be Lew Shepherdson.
 By: Amy Unruh - Camp Co-Director Noronto Children’s Camp welcomed 21 campers this year for a fun-filled weekend exploring the theme “Who Am I?” Both new and returning campers learned fun youth camp rituals, songs and traditions. Highlights included building birdhouses and cooling off on the slip n slide on Saturday afternoon.  By: Seventy Mary Jean Belrose Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Inviting someone into a sacred space can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure how they will respond. Yet, sometimes the simplest invitation can lead to the most profound experiences. I recently invited some friends to an event held at Ziontario. Neither of them had been there before and so, had no idea what to expect. I prepared them for how long it would take us to get there, how long we would be staying, and what would be taking place. One of the ladies, who belongs to a denomination steeped in tradition, was used to a predictable worship experience. The unfamiliarity of our community's practices added an element of uncertainty for her. The other had a very negative church experience as a child. Ever since, she has been extremely suspicious about church and until recently, couldn’t bring herself to even darken the door of any religious structure. The one part of the day that was of interest to either of them was in the afternoon. But it was flanked on one end by a baptismal service and on the other by a confirmation service. I wasn’t sure just how comfortable either of them would be with those “churchy” events. On the way home at the end of the day, both stressed that it was a very enjoyable day. One had felt a deep emotional experience when we first arrived, even before she had stepped out of the car. Although the other lady was in intense pain by day’s end, she expressed adamantly that she had thoroughly enjoyed the time. Hearing them express their joy at the end of the day was a reminder to me of the beauty and power of our community—a reminder that despite our fears, inviting others in can be a true gift. Hesitations Abound but Blessings Await Their positive responses reminded me of something crucial: despite our fears and hesitations, there is immense beauty and power in extending an invitation. Yet, I know many of us in the Community of Christ struggle with this. Many of us hesitate to invite others, fearing they won't be interested. In today’s world, church can evoke mistrust, judgment, and memories of strict beliefs or even abuse. We might dread being asked questions we can’t answer or worry about the sting of rejection. But what if they said 'yes'? What if your invitation opened the door to a life-changing experience? What if this sacred community provided the blessings that they have been longing for their entire life? What if they were impressed with our bold mission initiatives and felt a strong connection to our enduring principles? What if they were inspired by our public ministries and the people who exhibit unconditional love and abundant generosity? What if their weary, fragile faith was renewed, rekindled? A community infused with Christ’s peace brings the gospel to life and provides the potential for people to become vulnerable to God’s grace. The possibility that they will turn down the invitation for any of a hundred different reasons is very real. Hearing “no” will not kill us. No is not something that we ought to take personally. Perhaps it’s just not the right time. Maybe it never will be the right time. But we won’t know if we never offer. Extending an invitation is a leap of faith. It’s trusting that what we hold dear can touch the heart of someone else, even when they’ve been hurt before or are wary of what lies beyond the doors of a church. Consider Your Opportunities Start with small steps—invite a friend to a social event or Sunday worship. Family camps, with their laughter, singing, and living out Christ’s principles, are perfect opportunities to share the warmth of our community. Start thinking now about who you might invite next year. Our goal isn’t to push baptism or membership. That ought to be a decision left up to them. There are many who are searching for a sacred community such as we have. Many have given up hope of ever finding such a place. In a world where loneliness is an epidemic, our Christ-centered community is a gift worth sharing. We’ve inherited something special—a Christ-centered community built by those with a vision of peace and hope. In a world where loneliness is an epidemic, this is a gift worth sharing. “Lovingly invite others to experience the good news of new life in community with Christ. Opportunities abound in your daily lives if you choose to see them.” –Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c"  A century ago, the Grand Valley congregation outgrew its modest country church and relocated to the beautiful brick building we proudly call home. To celebrate this milestone anniversary we are hosting a special weekend:
Sept 14 2 pm - Naomi Bristow , a professional country gospel singer, will be entertaining at the Grand Valley Community of Christ. , tickets $20.00, (children free - but speak for ticket. ) The tickets need to be spoken for, pay at the door. We have limited seating. Please call Del/Diane 519-940-8660, Joanne - 519-928 - 5711 , Marlene (evenings) 519-928 - 5359 to reserve your ticket Light refreshments following. Sept 15 9:30 am - Special memories, and special guest speaker High Priest Evangelist Clair Shepherdson. Wendell Martin will be providing special music. Offering will be forwarded to Grand Valley Food Bank (Dufferin Share). Lunch will be provided following the service. Contact: Del and Diane Franks [email protected] |
Categories
All
Archives
December 2024
|
||||||||||||||||
RSS Feed