 We need your help to spread a message of peace!
This year’s Advent season also includes the observance of thirty years of Prayer for Peace and you can help us celebrate with your video. Two video options are available and we hope you choose to share both--lighting a peace candle and stating your commitment to peace. If you aren't sure…see a few examples of the peace commitment. Click here for all the instructions.  Monday, Nov. 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET
FREE Join world religions expert Brian Carwana as he delves into the heart-wrenching events in Israel/Palestine. Explore, through the historical context, how these two peoples feel connected to the same land. Learn how both ancient and recent events have brought us to the current crisis, gaining a deeper understanding of this complex issue. Register here. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box.  (Click image above to view video)
Talk To A Stranger Week is a campaign intended to educate, empower, and catalyze Canadians about the many benefits of Talking To Strangers. For decades we have told Canadians and people around the world not to talk to strangers, when the research suggests that it may be a valuable way to increase happiness, feel a greater sense of belonging, build trust and create safer communities. This November 20-26, maybe you would consider talking to a stranger for the first time or a little more than you already do, because you now recognize the impact that it can have on your health and happiness...and theirs. You're encouraged to be part of the campaign and share about your experience by filling out a questionnaire on their website. Talk To A Stranger Week is brought to you by the good folks at The GenWell Project, Canada's Human Connection Movement. For more information and resources including "Techniques for Talking to Strangers", check out their website.  All are welcome to attend this opportunity for Community of Christ church leaders to have a conversation about pastoral leadership and congregational ministry.
Saturday, November 25 10:00 – 12:00 FREE Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Dan Hansen Stratford Community of Christ Fellowship Hall 226 Forman Ave, Stratford ON N5A 6R4 RSVP via email (fifteen people maximum) First hour: Engaging the five restorative questions of fair process as a group.
Dan grew up in the Community of Christ and has been a minister in the United Church of Canada for over twenty-five years. Dan is also a church musician, spiritual director, Jungian psychoanalyst, and registered psychotherapist. For more information about Dan, please see www.renfrewpsychotherapy.ca.  Mary Madeline Mitchell
December 5, 1938 – November 7, 2023 Mary Madeline Mitchell (nee Bavington) passed away unexpectedly at Health Sciences North in Sudbury on November 7, 2023. Mary was in her 85th year. Beloved spouse and constant companion of Don Mitchell (June 5, 1938 – September 23, 2023), Don and Mary were apart for 45 days since Don’s passing on September 23rd, the longest period of time they had spent away from each other in over 63 years of marriage. Our family is heartbroken but able to take some solace in knowing that Mom-Gma and Dad-Gpa are together again. Mary will be missed immensely by her loving children, Wendy (Peter), Wanda (Jorge), Mark (Lisa). Mary was the cherished and proud grandmother of Jennifer (Adam), Danica, Gary (Catherine), Jordan (Camille), Bianca, Tanya, Zachary and Elisabeth. Mary is survived by her brother Bill (Grace) Bavington. Mary was born December 5, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario to James and Bethene Bavington. Just over two years later, Mary became big sister to Bill. The Bavington family enjoyed summers in the late 1940’s and 1950’s in Port Sydney on Mary Lake. The family explored the lake in a small cedar strip boat with a five horsepower motor. Thanks to Mary’s weekly swimming classes at the YWCA she was able to teach young Bill how to swim. Her mom and dad were proud and relieved, when, in 1949, she earned her Royal Life Saving Society certification and could guard the waterfront at Mary Lake. Mary was well prepared for her future on the water at Mitchells’ Camp. Swimming in Lake Huron always brought her joy. Mary was top of her class at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute all the years she attended. When she graduated high school in 1957 she won three scholarships for her outstanding academic achievement. Mary attended Graceland College (now known as Graceland University) in Lamoni, Iowa and graduated in 1959 with an Associate in Arts degree. In 1960, Mary graduated from Lakeshore Teachers’ College in Toronto with first class standing. While at Graceland, Mary and Don began their journey as life companions. According to friends, they were inseparable, an invisible bond constantly pulling them together. Their relationship was deeply rooted in shared faith and love. Mary and Don began their married life together on June 4, 1960 and shortly thereafter started their family. Around the same time they launched their teaching careers together in Northern Ontario and Quebec. In 1975, while working part-time and raising three children, Mary earned her Associateship of the Royal Conservatory of Music (A.R.C.T.) in piano teaching with first class honours. In 1979, with much encouragement from her mother, Bethene, Mary graduated from Nipissing University College (now Nipissing University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In 1980, Mary was awarded the Silver Medal from the Royal Conservatory with the highest marks in Ontario for Grade 6 singing. Mary went on to achieve her A.R.C.T. in singing as a performer in 1984 and teacher in 1985. Her examiners commented on her excellent ear and perfect pitch! Mary was also an accomplished cellist, taking up this instrument in high school. Those who heard her play and listened to her sing were blessed, as they heard the voice of an angel. Mary taught both piano and voice lessons in her home for about 25 years sharing her talents and passion for music with students of all ages. Mary was a member of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA) for close to 50 years. She was recognized for her dedicated service and commitment to ORMTA in 1994. Mary was a member of the North Bay Choral Society. She was also a dedicated contributor to the Community of Christ’s online choir. Mary could often be found playing and singing at family gatherings, church and Camp Noronto (our church campgrounds) in Monetville, Ontario. One of Mary’s favourite quotes by Victor Hugo, aptly expresses her philosophy of music. “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent”. Her love of music and knowledge of its power was evident in everything she did. Always generously giving of her time and efforts, Mary was a volunteer for the North Bay Literacy Council for many years. She not only taught her students to read, in some cases she developed life-long friendships. Mary was a representative of the Northern Ontario District of what is now known as the Community of Christ Church. She was recognized for years of volunteer service as World Church Recorder. Mary was also the recipient of “World Community International Youth Service Award” in 1985 for her dedication to enriching the lives of young people through her ministry. Mary and Don also worked with friends to develop camps, held each summer at Camp Noronto, to celebrate, teach and preserve indigenous culture. Mary’s dedicated volunteerism was nationally recognized in 1993 when she was awarded the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal. This Outstanding Achievement Award is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada, to their community or their fellow Canadians through their countless hours of service for the benefit of others. Retirement in 1994 did not slow Mary and Don down. They continued their ministry together throughout their lives. In 1996, they were recognized by Graceland College for their outstanding contribution in the area of Campus Congregation. Mary and Don also participated in numerous Habitat for Humanity builds in Florida, Kansas City and Texas. They worked together on World Accord projects to build schools and homes in Honduras and El Salvador. Mary enjoyed baking and had signature recipes that will always flood us with warm memories. Mary and Don were avid birders, travelling the world with friends to bird watch and keeping the feeders full to enjoy feathered friends who visited at their homes. Mary was rarely without a quilt or knitting project on the go. Many a prayer shawl has been knit or quilt sewn with love to be sent to comfort someone in their time of need. Mary was a voracious reader, engaging in books for pleasure and to feed her desire for life-long learning. Faith, family and friends were everything to Mary. She loved a good gathering with fellowship, conversation, music and laughter. Mary lived a life rooted in family, service to others and unconditional love for all persons and all of God’s creation. Her bright smile and her gentle loving spirit always took the opportunity to teach and to guide. Mary was a positive light to her family, her friends and to everyone around her. The world will be a little darker without her light. The Mitchell and Bavington families wish to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at a later date.  November 23 @ 7 p.m. &
November 24 @ 10 a.m. Facilitated by Catherine Manson Drop in via Zoom for some lively conversation with other pastors. Come prepared to listen and to share about: What is the role of your Leadership Team and how do you keep them motivated? For congregations without a physical location, how do you accomplish this?  Community of Christ officials and others are featured in a diverse and inspiring new release of “Witness the Word” videos, available now on the Community of Christ YouTube channel and through Herald House.
Three members of the Council of Twelve Apostles share sermons: “Creating Community” from Shandra Newcom; “Christ is Our Hope,” an Advent message from Catherine Mambwe; and “Come, Share the Table/Vengan, compartan la mesa,” a Communion message in Spanish from Angela Ramirez with English translation by Geri Silva. The new release also offers three Disciples’ Generous Response moments. Read more and link to recordings here.  Free Lecture by Christin Mackay
November 9 @ 8 p.m. ET via Zoom Christin Mackay will present "Mr. Smith Goes to Salt Lake City: Fred M. in Utah 1904-1906," a lecture in the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation fall series. Mackay is the director of the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA. She will tell the story of when, in February 1904, Frederick M. Smith accepted an invitation from Joseph F. Smith to attend a family reunion in Salt Lake City honoring the 104th anniversary of Hyrum Smith's birth. While becoming acquainted with his Utah cousins, Fred M. Smith was invited to speak in the Tabernacle. Read more and register here.  Good News!!! It is with great joy that we congratulate Kristin Douglas, World Accord's Executive Director, on the recent birth of her beautiful baby Henri. Henri Douglas Parmera was born Wednesday, October 25th at 12 noon in Ottawa. Kristin and he are both doing well. Congratulations to Kristin and Cardestin. We send them our love and good wishes for healthy, joyous and blessed beginnings. If you wish to send Kristin a note of congratulations, you may email her at [email protected]. If you wish to make a donation to World Accord in honour of Henri's arrival, please go to worldaccord.org and click on "donate".   Reminder: Time to Fall Back - Daylight Savings Time ends. Roll your clocks back one hour. Beyond the Walls – Worth of All Persons Kahealani Drollet joins us live from the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean to share a message on the “Worth of All Persons” — the sixth of our Enduring Principles Sundays. Kahealani is a native of Tahiti who has been serving as a missionary Seventy in Tours, France, and is now visiting the island of Réunion, a department of France located 679 km east of Madagascar. Bennie Blevens, pastor of the Sanctuary Community of Christ in Portsmouth, Ohio, will teach a living church lesson on inclusive ministry. We will share communion 🍞🍇 with all those participating live from around the world 🌏 God views all people as having inestimable and equal worth. God wants all people to experience shalom — wholeness of body, mind, spirit, and relationships — and we join with Jesus Christ in bringing that good news to the poor, sick, captive, and oppressed. We seek to uphold and restore the worth of all people individually and in community, challenging unjust systems that diminish human worth. Worship with the Beyond the Walls community on Facebook or YouTube: 📅 Sunday, November 5. ⏰12:00 PM or 6:00 PM EST. ORDER OF WORSHIP
All music performed by the Beyond the Walls Choir and Michael Karpowicz. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: ONE LICENSE LICENSING PERMISSION: REPRINTED / PODCAST / STREAMED WITH PERMISSION UNDER ONE LICENSE A-739874. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Beyond the Walls is an online worship service offering live ministry from locations around the world. Our global congregation meets every Sunday at 12:00 pm EDT / 11:00 am CDT / 10:00 am MDT / 9:00 am PDT. All are welcome at this inclusive church service.  Join us November 5 @ 8 p.m. for a Lecture by John Hamer The Prophetic Monarchy Stephen M. Veazey, the 8th prophet and president of Community of Christ, announced a date for his retirement and subsequently has been placed on an extended medical leave of absence. The church has been engaged in a worldwide discernment process to determine who will be called as his successor. For the John Whitmer Historical Association’s “Wallace B. Smith Lecture,” in April of 2023, John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place traced the historical background of the “prophetic monarchy” in the Latter Day Saint movement, considered the present state of affairs, and called for future reforms. Hamer looks at the 1844 succession crisis following the death of church founder, Joseph Smith Jr., through the lens of monarchy, arguing that Brigham Young and Joseph Smith III can best be understood as a “usurper” and a “pretender,” respectively, to the prophetic throne. In this November lecture, Hamer will update his analysis in light of changes to the succession process announced due to President Veazey’s medical leave and also after the death of Prophet Emeritus Wallace B. Smith. The lecture will be livestreamed free to the public with donations for the John Whitmer Historical Association welcome. 📅 Sunday, November 5 ⏰ 8:00 PM EST 🔗 Join us on YouTube https://youtu.be/9KrmGUIlFKI 🔗 Join us on Facebook https://fb.me/e/3SaVSNVDh SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 1:45 p.m. Presider Don Robb. Theme: "Humble Yourself". It is a communion service so please have your emblems of some form of bread and juice ready to share together. We will have a video sermon by Seventy Adam Wade entitled "Be Sacred Connection". Contact Don Robb for Zoom info.
Other Online Ministries are available from many varied places for you to connect with. |
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