By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President One of the important responsibilities in congregations is that of Recorder. Why, you ask? People frequently relocate temporarily for education or employment and then several years later when a decision is made to permanently relocate, unless the recorder is notified, we lose track of members. When children leave home and become their own household head, unless someone tells the recorder, they remain in their birth family household. It may seem insignificant but when you are trying to locate someone and the information recorded in the Shelby system is not current, you may inadvertently be on a wild goose chase. Wild goose chases are for kids in new fallen snow, or maybe hunters, but not ministers of presence.
Recently, I saw a notice of death in the newspaper of someone who I knew was a former member of my congregation. I did not know where their membership resided but was able to notify a recorder who could update the record. Later I sat with a recorder of a congregation trying to update their membership list. We assumed that the 112 year old woman whom neither of us knew, was no longer living. But that was cause for reflection. How did we lose track? Did she feel abandoned by her pastor? Did she have mobility issues and was unable to get to church and think that no-one cared and that is why people stopped calling or sending cards. If she actually lived to 100, was special recognition given? Did she move and wait futilely for contact from the pastor of that town? Or did she die thirty years ago unknown and feeling unworthy? I'd be sad if that were the case. In this age of independence and mobility, yet also with a desperate need for interpersonal relationships and connection, wouldn’t it be nice if we could keep our records current so we could meaningfully keep in touch? I once was given the wrong address for a patient, right house number, wrong street. I certainly surprised the person at the wrong address. After a few calls, the information got corrected and I was able to get to see my patient. I would not want to arrive at the wrong door when called to administer the sacrament of administration to a housebound person. Whether we connect by phone, text, zoom, social media, email or personal visits, you can help foster the ministry of connection by keeping your recorder informed of changes. Let’s stay connected!!
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Come to Kids Camp, and discover all of God’s treasures, as we swim, play games, eat great food, and go to campfires together. There will even be a treasure hunt or two, all on the banks of Lake Erie!
Register soon, and we’ll see you August 11-15! By: Dawn Dawson Canada East Mission Centre Co-President I use the principle of making responsible choices quite a bit with the youth. I read a book about making your children feel responsible. When they did something wrong, they were given a choice of consequences, like sitting quietly in the corner to think about what they had done, or going to their room to lay quietly in bed to think about it, but no playing or reading. I secretly wished each time they would choose the room because usually if I left them for 5 minutes, they fell asleep, and everything would be better after a nap. But regardless, it was this or that.
As I have worked with youth, I have continued to use the idea of smart choices. I have a PowerPoint program I have used at the high school over the last couple of years with young people getting ready for post-secondary school about choices. You can choose to do well but make the right choices at the beginning. Choose to have the correct attitude going in. A quote from the movie “Order of the Phoenix” where the character Sirius Black says, “We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on.” If we want to simplify life, it boils down to this quote. What we must understand or take away from this is that what we do does matter. If we treat people and ourselves in a proper loving and caring manner, our souls will be happier. The correct choice is not always the easy choice. I have used Daniel in my discussions with youth about this. Daniel chooses to pray to God against the law of the day. King Darius knew the law was wrong, but he did not want to fight the officials, so he felt like he had no choice and threw Daniel in the lion's den. That was the easy way, but Daniel chose the hard way. Darius could not sleep until he freed Daniel. He realized he had to make the hard decision of going to get Daniel out. Daniel survived. We must respect ourselves and make the choice to choose what is the right thing to do for all involved, always. It is an easy thing to discuss, but the realization of what we are doing is hard. Take the time this week to really think about the various choices you make. In today’s world of climate concerns, it might be the choice to remember your cloth bags when you go shopping, or to choose to walk if you cannot drive. Choose to be a positive influence, not a negative one. Choose to take the time to see someone’s point of view before jumping to conclusions or being judgemental. Choose to love over hate. If we choose with love, our priorities will become clear. Join us at the Noronto Reunion from August 10-17 for a wonderful week immersed in the beauty of God's creation. Enjoy quality time with friends and family, fun activities in the sun, and inspiring sessions with Evangelist Andrea Johnson and Seventy Mark Johnson, focusing on "Heal The Earth." As a special treat, Don Arrowsmith has written a poem capturing the spirit of our reunion that we have attached. The deadline to register and pay is coming up quickly on July 15th. We hope we see you there! ![]()
For over a century Erie Beach Reunion has drawn friends and members to create memories and build community. Join us July 27-Aug 4 as we explore the theme “God’s Rainbow Promises” with our guest minister Apostle Richard James, and our Graceland Rep Cadence Sires. It will be a week of fun in the sun (baseball anyone?!), awesome food, and sharpen your special talents for our Talent Night!
We are excited to have Richard back at camp, all the way from Wales! The secretary for the Council of Twelve, he is assigned to the Eurasia Mission Field, and leads the Mission Project with the Multi-Nations Team of Apostles, and Abolish Poverty Initiatives ministries. To register contact Fran at [email protected] Camp Director and Inquiries: Kelly Knight [email protected] Join us July 20 - 26 for a week of fun, laughter, and endless possibilities, as we gather to build community at the beautiful Ziontario campground. Join us for sharing and learning spiritual practices, body, mind, and soul movement. There will be a Health Fair, a rummage sale, silent auction (please bring something to auction off) and coffee house. For the kids and young at heart we will have a duck challenge, hula hooping, paint night, swimming and so much more!
Campsites and dorms are available, as are meal plans for breakfast and supper only. Directors: Becky Grigsby & Heather Mason [email protected] By: Mary Jean Belrose Mission Centre Co-President Camps bring people of all ages, stages, abilities, and personalities together, creating a sense of belonging, acceptance, and value. Those who've attended Community of Christ youth or family camps know the profound impact of these gatherings, though it's hard to articulate—like fish struggling to describe water. Year after year, we are drawn back for another inoculation of joy, hope, love, and peace.
At camp, everyone has a place. We support each other, fostering talents for personal and communal benefit. Whether hitting a ball at a baseball game or participating in a campfire skit, everyone is encouraged and cheered on. At camp, compassion shines brightly; perfection isn't required—appreciation, encouragement, and support are paramount. Everyone is appreciated for who they are, encouraged and supported 100%. Communities care for one another, investing in collective success. Leaders model radical love and community blessings through their roles: teachers, campfire leaders, canteen personnel, cooks, recreation organizers, and worship planners. Tasks like cleaning bathrooms or washing dishes, done together with joy and teamwork, uplift the entire camp experience. These acts of service teach us to look beyond ourselves and elevate others. Building sacred community at camp encourages individuals to be part of something bigger, fostering positive interactions that impact the world. As Desmond Tutu said, “When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.” How have these communities shaped you? Who do you know that needs to experience camp? Invite someone to attend with you—you’ll have plenty to talk about afterward! Get comfortable in a cozy cottage near the lake, and join us for a weekend of learning, good food, friends and maybe even some swimming.
Register before June 28 Contact: Nancy Baer [email protected] OR (519) 532-3982 A week of fun, fellowship, and centering in nature waits for you at Noronto Reunion, August 10 - 17. Come for your friends, and favorite camp activities, and join in on new adventures like a special meditation lecture series with David Butcher, a forest therapy campground walk with Elaine Kerr-Morgan, or sign up for Under the Pine Tree (a time for individuals to share subjects that they are passionate about, ideas and concepts they want to develop, and information they believe to be important). There’s also a special opportunity for creative minded persons (an individual, a couple, some friends, a child and parent, etc ) to use their creativity to create displays for the Chapel inspired by our theme Heal the Earth. Please let Cathy Baker know if you are interested [email protected]
Registration Deadline July 15 We are sorry to announce that due to low registration Jr High Camp has been cancelled. Mark your calendar for next year, and we hope to see you there!
If you have any questions please contact Shannon at [email protected] |
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Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 Canada Canada West Mission: 877-411-2632 Canada East Mission: 888-411-7537 |
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