 This event has been postponed to January 4, 2025. Please join us then!
Curious about Mary’s story and how it’s viewed through different lenses of faith? Join us on Saturday, December 7, at 11:30 AM, at 225603 Southgate Rd 22, Dundalk, ON, for an inspiring and creative day with Susan Morgan Waite-Price. We’ll uncover the Quran’s beautiful portrayal of Mary and the miraculous birth of Jesus, exploring diverse perspectives that deepen our understanding of faith and history. Bring your curiosity and an open mind for a thought-provoking conversation about the beliefs surrounding Jesus and Mary across traditions. Afterward, we’ll get hands-on crafting grapevine Christmas stars, perfect to take home as a meaningful holiday keepsake. A cozy potluck lunch will bring us together, so don’t forget to bring your favorite dish to share! This is your chance to connect, learn, and create in a warm, welcoming community. Let’s make this Saturday one to remember!
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 By: Dawn Dawson, Canada East Mission Centre President Co-President
One of the mission centre’s goals is to foster greater communication among our members. We also aim to create pathways to reach beyond our current membership to new seekers or friends who may have stepped away over the years. Do you use social media to connect with friends and family? Have you ever considered using it to connect with others in our community of faith? Our mission centre uses several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. We’ve started creating reels to quickly share news and updates about upcoming events. By searching “Community of Christ” on social media, you can also find pages for other mission centres and congregations. There are chat groups for topics like Shelby system users or general dialogue, and reunion families have pages to stay connected throughout the year. There is joy in making and maintaining connections! For inspiration, Community of Christ UK has an active TikTok channel where they promote their camping programs and share ways to enjoy community life. If you enjoy podcasts, the Project Zion Podcast from World Church offers episodes about life in our faith community, including interviews with Priesthood members, short 15-minute chats called Coffee to Go, and programs recorded on Graceland’s campus. Our enduring principle Responsible Choices can guide us in deciding who to follow on social media. While some may feel overwhelmed by the pull of social media, careful curation can create a more positive and inspiring experience. Sharing our stories and resources helps build a stronger online presence, and following meaningful hashtags or media feeds can deepen our sense of connection. Communication may seem simple, but it requires effort from all of us. By reading this blog post, you’ve already taken a step toward building stronger connections. Let’s continue working together to create a community of joy and positivity!  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Who could have imagined just a few years ago that we’d gather for our Mission Centre Conference from both sanctuaries and living rooms? It’s a shift we’ve embraced, and while it’s not without its challenges, it has also given us something beautiful: the ability to connect across great distances in meaningful ways. Every conference includes essential business. This year was no exception, with the sustaining of leadership teams, the receiving of delegate credentials, the approval of previous conference minutes, and the review and approval of the Mission Centre budget. Additional items can include resolutions impacting the Mission Centre and approving certain priesthood calls. This year, we had the honour of approving two priesthood calls: Roger Dodson and Margie Lamoure to the office of Evangelist. We also nominated delegates to represent us at the World Conference in Independence, Missouri, from May 30 to June 6, 2025. Doing the Work Together Meeting in person feels natural. We share warm greetings, pick up on nonverbal cues, and simplify voting by raising hands. The energy in the room is unmistakable, with spontaneous moments like unplanned singing that lift our spirits and remind us of the community we share. However, hybrid conferences come with unique challenges. As a community committed to inclusivity, grace, and the worth of all persons, we strive to balance the needs of in-person and online participants. Patience becomes essential when accommodating slower internet connections, older devices, and varying levels of technological comfort. Our tech team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to assist participants facing technical difficulties. They ensured everyone had the opportunity to engage fully. Their efforts, though not always visible, were crucial to the conference’s success. Finding Joy in the Unexpected One unexpected hurdle was a last-minute issue with PollEverywhere, the voting platform we’ve relied on in recent years. It wasn’t functioning smoothly, and continuing with it would have led to frustration and huge delays. Thankfully, Zoom provided an effective, user-friendly alternative—saving us time and money. Feedback indicated that many found this platform easier to navigate, a small victory amid the complexities of a hybrid setup. While those joining online missed out on the impromptu singing and fellowship during voting delays, these moments of joy reaffirmed the Spirit moving among us. Yes, we’d all like the business meeting to move faster, but compassion and understanding take precedence. Moments to Remember The Friday evening gathering with John Hamer and Scott Scherer was a memorable start to the weekend. Due to logistical challenges, we couldn’t live stream this event, as the sanctuary was being prepared for the conference. Instead, the intimate setting in the social hall allowed for deeper interaction. John’s insights on promoting Community of Christ and Scott’s musical leadership created a truly special evening. We regret that not everyone could join, but the event’s success inspires us for future planning. Sunday was a day filled with Spirit-led worship and meaningful experiences. A highlight was the ordination of Roger Dodson and Margie Lamoure to the office of Evangelist, a deeply moving and joyous occasion. Our closing service featured a powerful message about Canadian mission in action from guest speaker Becky Middleton, a member of the Canada West Mission Centre President Team. For those who attended in person, it was evident how much effort the Beyond the Walls team puts into creating a polished and inspiring broadcast. The contributions of many individuals made this conference possible. Genda Millard and her team, along with the Brydges congregation, provided nourishing food accommodating all dietary needs, freeing us to focus on fellowship. Even youth found ways to participate, taking up the offering, helping with check-in, and presenting the Land Agreement. Looking Ahead As we reflect on this conference, we recognize there’s always room for growth. Constructive feedback is invaluable, and we’re already eager to begin planning for our next gathering. Together, we’ll continue to create dynamic and Spirit-filled experiences that nurture our community and mission.  Explore the new Guelph Congregation blog page and stay connected with our community like never before! Visit our blog for updates, upcoming events, service announcements, and reflections in The Foyer section. Whether you're a regular, a seeker, or just curious, there’s something for everyone. Come see what’s happening in Guelph and be part of our vibrant online space!
https://guelpheloracofc.blogspot.com/  By Debra Whitworth With an age range from 55 to 91, the 2024 Young at Heart retreat at Camp Noronto brought together a dynamic group at the end of September for an unforgettable week of fun and friendship. The retreat offered a mix of learning, creativity, and fun. Brian Carwana took us on a virtual journey to India, sharing captivating images from his trip and leading a lesson on “Americanized religions.” He also inspired us with his passion for Encounter World Religions and its growing presence in schools, businesses, and police forces. Thank you, Brian, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your knowledge and enthusiasm! Lew Shepherdson, both a camper and guest presenter, helped us reflect on 40 years of women in the priesthood. Through thoughtful conversations and his always-informative slides, we explored where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For a lighter session, Lew delighted us with a fun exploration of the quirks of the English language, tracing the evolution of words through time. Another highlight was a visit from a local Tai Chi group, arranged by Clair Shepherdson. Their demonstration of Tai Chi’s health benefits captured our attention and added an element of mindfulness to the week. Every day was full of activities to engage both body and mind. Mornings began with stretches, followed by games like flyswatter volleyball, card making, book talks, and sharing our hobbies. The traditional Thanksgiving meal brought everyone together, and each evening ended with lively rounds of “Pass-the-Ace,” where laughter echoed across the room. Campfire singsongs, led by Doug Bolger, created magical moments. With the lights dimmed and the fire glowing, we sang along to lyrics thoughtfully prepared for the overhead screen. Thank you, Doug, for making these evenings so special! A heartfelt thanks goes to Bonnie Bolger, our incredible camp cook, and her helpers. From delicious meals to endless snacks, they kept us well-fed and energized throughout the week. The retreat closed with a beautiful Communion service presided over by Marilyn Graham, leaving everyone feeling spiritually uplifted. Thank you to all who helped organize this meaningful moment. Between scheduled activities, there was time to walk the peaceful campgrounds or catch up with friends—new and old. It was fantastic to welcome a few “Newbies” this year, and we’re thrilled to hear they had such a great experience. Young at Heart is open to adults of all ages, not just retirees. Next year’s retreat is scheduled for September 22–26, 2025. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for another week of inspiration, fellowship, and fun  By Vonda Denboer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
We have just recognized Remembrance Day, a day set aside to help us remember the sacrifices of those who served their country. I have relatives serving in the military in both Canada and the USA. My grandfather served in World War I. Although I did not know him, I have heard his testimony many times: “I gave my leg for my country and give my life to my God.” So it is important to me that we truly give honour to those who serve. A Community of Christ member, Liz Clark, a teacher at a school in southern Ontario, shared her experience: “In my 20 years of teaching, I think today was the most memorable Remembrance Day at school I’ve experienced. Our entire school from JK to Grade 8 walked down the main street following bagpipers, veterans, and other people of service. A few students were chosen to lay a wreath for our school at the Cenotaph, and all students had the opportunity to lay their poppies after, if they wanted to. Every student stood and listened quietly to the service and showed respect. It truly made us proud of our school community.” Thinking of the worth of all persons, my mind turns to the unsung heroes who served but were seldom recognized. During COVID, local film director Aaron Huggett wrote, directed, and shot “The Ace and the Scout.” We have all heard about the ace, Billy Bishop, but who has heard of the Scout? Francis “Peggy” Pegahmagabow was an Anishinaabe sniper who received no accolades for his role in a vital battle in 1918. There are always heroes and unsung heroes. Some fight the battles, others mend the wounded and pray final prayers, and yet we all mourn. Blood flows alike, whether from the enemy or the friend. Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters mourn on both sides of any battle. As I ponder the many scriptures calling us to be a people of peace, to challenge forces that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purpose of God, I wonder: Do we truly honour those who strive for peace? Are there unsung heroes of peace initiatives in my community who need my encouragement or support? How am I faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable kin-dom of God on earth? Remembering yesterday and those who served, I must also look forward to Christ’s vision and consider those who need encouragement to step into the chasm between conflict and resolution and build that peaceable kin-dom.  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
I want a church where we all belong. A church where all voices can be heard, where opinions can differ—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s something to celebrate. Our differences don’t weaken us; they make us stronger. What unites us is not uniformity, but a shared commitment to Christ's teachings of love, compassion, and justice. In this church, no one is shut out because of what they believe. We may come from different backgrounds, have diverse experiences, and hold varying opinions, yet each perspective is valued. Whether someone’s beliefs are more traditional or they’re exploring new ideas, there’s room for all. Those who are questioning, those who are searching, and those who are steadfast in their convictions are all welcomed. Here, there is no fear of exclusion, because space is held for everyone on their unique spiritual journey. Respect is at the heart of this church: respect for each person’s dignity, for every opinion, and for every belief. We practice grace and humility in our interactions, acknowledging that no one has all the answers. We find God in the messiness of human interaction, in our agreements and our disagreements, knowing that we are all children of God, striving to live faithfully in our own ways. In the church I want to belong to, every member has a say in shaping the direction of the community, not just a select few. There is shared responsibility and a collective investment in the church’s future. Every vote matters. The church I want to belong to is one where people come together, not because we’re the same, but because we believe in something greater than ourselves. It’s a community that thrives on inclusivity, diversity, and respect. It’s a place where we can worship together, work through challenges, and celebrate the many ways we see and experience God. |
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