We are excited to launch two new certificate programs in a few weeks! The "Christian Ministries" certificate will be an online version of the former "MEADS" program with ongoing classes into the future. We are also introducting the "Discernment Facilitators Training" certificate online, starting together as a cohort for two years with a new discounted price for Community of Christ members!

Also, our Ministry and Priesthood training continues with "Ministry of the Disciple" class (taught by Apostle Janne Grover) and the once-a-year "Introduction to Pastors Ministry."  
 
 
"Discernment Facilitiators Training" Certifcate Update:

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through Community of Christ Seminary is offering a two-year training program that prepares and equips experienced ministers with models and processes for group discernment facilitation. Facilitators will accompany congregations, leadership groups, and communities seeking direction about their future and desiring to deepen discernment. This training is entirely online (see website below for more information).  Participants will receive a total of 7 CEUs (non-degree seeking) for the whole program. 
     
     Class Begins:  January 9, 2023
     Cost: Community of Christ Members are now offered the discounted price: $50 per class ($350 total for entire program)

More information and registration is available on our website at www.graceland.edu/CIMM

Boldly Venture: Stage 3
January will begin the last stage of our journey to World Conference. We’ll continue to be spiritually formed, keep learning, and prepare to share in community. Learn more about this stage below and about previous stages online.

FORMATION
Join Us for Lent
This year we have an extraordinary opportunity: Our journey to World Conference and Lent overlap. Daily themes for World Conference will provide a weekly focus during Lent. The Formation Ministries Team and the Center for Living Water are partnering to provide some fantastic opportunities for reflection and growth.

Start by reading Katie Harmon-McLaughlin’s article, “Courage: A Faith That Matters.”

Plan now to make space in your life for the weekly Lenten offerings, beginning 22 February. Details about each week will be found on this website soon.

EDUCATION
Review Legislation in Exploration Sessions
New for 2023 World Conference is an opportunity to explore legislative proposals with others around the church through weekly Zoom gatherings.

A single resolution will be the focus each week during the Exploration Sessions series. Participants will share perspectives and listen to others in a facilitated session. Five sessions will be offered each week to accommodate time zones and busy schedules. Exploration Sessions will begin 9 January and continue through March. All are welcome.

Registration is required and will open soon.
Exploration Sessions

• Monday: 3:00–4:45 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
• Tuesday: 6:30–8:15 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
• Wednesday: 6:30–8:15 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
• Thursday: 9:30–11:15 a.m. Central Standard USA Time
• Saturday: 12:30–2:15 p.m. Central Standard USA Time

Even those who are not delegates are invited to learn more about business coming before Community of Christ in April.
Read proposed legislation and see a summary of actions.

COMMUNITY
Words of Blessing
Members and friends may offer words of courage and blessing to be shared at World Conference during the Communion service 23 April. No matter where you are, you’re invited to participate in the spirit of fellowship and worship that connects us in sacred community.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Download the blessing cards template.
• Write words of blessing in your own language or languages.
• Write one blessing—or several.
• On each 3-inch square, write only one blessing.
• Examples of blessings:
  • May you be blessed with Christ’s peace.
  • Peace be with you.
  • Act with courage to be a blessing.
  • God’s blessings be with you.
  • May God bless and keep you.
  • Have courage. Be Kind.

Completed blessings should be returned by 12 April.

SEND BY POSTAL MAIL
Karin Peter—Words of Blessing
c/o World Conference Directors
1001 W. Walnut St.
Independence MO, USA 64050

BY EMAIL
Scan or take a photo of the completed blessings. Send to Karin Peter. Subject line: Words of Blessing

UNITED IN PURPOSE
Day of Prayer and Special Offering for World Conference
On 22 January, join with those around the world as we uphold the 2023 World Conference in our prayers and through our offerings. Offerings received on this Sunday will help with the costs of Conference. The goal is to raise $100,000 USD.
Those in the USA can participate by giving to World Conference 2023 through www.etithing.org, by placing a check or cash in the offering plate, or by sending a check to International Headquarters, Attn: Presiding Bishopric, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO, USA, 64050.

In Canada, contributors can give by e-transfer or mail to Community of Christ, 355 Elmira Rd. N., Unit 129; Guelph, ON, N1K 1S5.
​
You can find a special Disciples’ Generous Response for 22 January on Herald House.eekly mailing.

World Conference time is fast approaching and we have been asked about possible transportation arrangements. The following are some possible options:

• Bus Charter: If Badder Bus Lines were to be chartered for conference, they would need at least 30 persons interested to make the trip feasible for the big coach. It would involve an overnight stop on the way there and back. Cost would be calculated if there are sufficient persons interested.
• Ride Share: Perhaps there are persons who plan on driving and have room for one or two more in their car and are willing to take passengers to conference.
• Flight / Car Rental: Perhaps persons flying from London, Toronto or Detroit airports might be interested in sharing car rental expenses in Missouri.

If you are interested in taking advantage of any of these options, are able to assist with rides, or would share a rental car, please contact CEM office and let Melissa know.

Beyond the Walls – My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation 
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Joy:

During the four Sundays of Advent we are receiving ministry from women who have served as past, present, and future apostles in Community of Christ. On the First Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Peace and hear from retired apostle Susan Oxley. The following Sundays we will hear from Linda Booth, past president of the Council of Twelve, from apostle Mareva Arnaud, and finally from apostle-designate Angela Ramirez.   

We hope to share this sacred moment with you on Sunday, December 18, at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM EST. 

 SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 1:45 p.m. Please be prepared to share your thoughts on a time when you gave your love unconditionally to someone or saw love being given unconditionally to someone or yourself. A reminder that there will be a Christmas Eve Service December 24th starting with meditative Christmas music at 4:45 and celebration of Christmas at 5:00. No service December 25th.
Contact Don Robb for Zoom details.

Other Online Ministries are available from many varied places for you to connect with.

A new online certificate program on Discernment Facilitator Training is now open for enrollment through January 1. This program is for those who feel called to deepen their understanding, leadership, and facilitation of group discernment processes. 

Katie Harmon-McLaughlin will instruct this series. Each class is $100 ($700 for the entire certificate). Each class includes non-degree CEU credit. The first class for this 2-year series will begin on January 9 through the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through the Community of Christ Seminary. For more information or to enroll, visit the CIMM website at www.graceland.edu/CIMM. Syllabus for the classes will be posted soon.

Courses and Schedule
January 9 – March 4, 2023

• CIMM0110 – Discerning Leadership – Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin-CF

March 6 – April 29, 2023

• CIMM0120 –Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process – Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin-CF

May 8 – Jul. 1, 2023

• CIMM0130 – Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding – Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin-CF

July 3 – August 26, 2023

• CIMM0140 – Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps – Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin-CF

August – October, 2023 (TBA)

• CIMM0150 – Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice – Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin-CF

October-December, 2023 (TBA)

• CIMM0160 – Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators – Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin-CF

This certificate includes six 8-week online courses with one scheduled live session per course during the first year. Live online sessions are offered as follows for year one:

• Course 1: Discerning Leadership and Facilitation– January 14, 2023 12PM-4PM CT (1 CEU-10 learning hours)

 

• Course 2: Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process– March 11, 2023 12PM-4PM CT (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)

 

• Course 3: Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding– May 13, 2023 12PM-4PM CT (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)

 

• Course 4: Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps– July 8, 2023 12PM-4PM CT (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)

 

• Course 5: Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice– September 9, 2023 12PM-4PM CT (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)

 

• Course 6: Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators– November 11, 2023 12PM-4PM CT (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)

During each course, there will be required readings, group discussions, and one praxis assignment. Year two includes peer-supported practicum groups that meet every other month for one year. Both the six courses and the practicum year are required for certification.

A position is currently open for an administrative and bookkeeping person to provide support for the Canadian Church Office as well as the Mission Centres and any of the Project initiatives that form part of the Church’s mission.

Interested persons may submit a resume by December 31 to Heather or Dar.