 By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
We have enjoyed a long-standing, mutually satisfying, and collegial relationship with our friends to the south—until this year. In my lifetime, I cannot recall such a turbulent time, when personal and corporate strategies have to change daily in response to rapid-fire directional changes from beyond our borders. It begs the question: how does that change our role as disciples of Christ? Study of first-century life reveals that Jesus lived in a time of political unrest and occupation. Yet this did not stop him from the mission of building the peaceable kin-dom. He travelled into Samaria and brought the message to people deemed unworthy by society. He associated with the untouchables (Mark 14:3), called labourers to his inner group (Mark 1:16–17), spoke with women in public (John 4:9), acknowledged the faith of the oppressor, a Centurion (Matthew 8:11), and wept over the city of peace—Jerusalem—that would not receive him (Luke 19:41). We say we proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. That doesn’t change when our context changes. We live this call 24/7—or at least we should. We are called to be Jesus’ disciples, covenanting with God to be in loving relationship with one another and emissaries of peace and justice in times of turmoil as well as times of stability. We must ask ourselves, “Am I living the Enduring Principles with integrity?” In the midst of conflict, we may feel anger at the way things are. So we must strive for the courage to see that they do not need to remain the way they are. Whether it is the politics of our own election or that of other countries, rather than engaging in conflict, we must ask ourselves: “How do I strive to understand why this is important to them?” How can I be faithful to my calling as a disciple of Jesus? How do I personify the Worth of All Persons, Unity in Diversity, Sacredness of Creation, and Blessings of Community? How can I practice Responsible Choices and pursue Peace and Justice for all humanity? How do I discern God’s will for the future—and what is my part in that? We are told: “The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith… Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.” —Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b–3a God encourages us to be grateful for all creation. God summons us to engage in spiritual practices that open our hearts and minds to the will of God. God invites us to be aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit that works in and through us in all our relationships. As we move toward the agony of the cross and the joy of the resurrection, let us be mindful of the tribulations that Christ bore for us. And let us honour that sacrifice with faithful prayers of thanksgiving, trusting in a God who is in control in the midst of our uncertainties. May the prayer of St. Patrick summon you to a faithful response that is true to your call of discipleship and the Enduring Principles that direct our daily decisions. Christ be beside me, Christ be before me Christ be behind me, King of my heart. Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me, never to part
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 Mark your calendars for the CEM Fall Conference, happening September 19–21 at Ziontario Campground—a weekend of inspiration, fellowship, and envisioning the future!
Special Guest MinistryWe are excited to welcome our new apostles, Shannon McAdam and Lach McKay, who will share in ministry throughout the weekend. We’ll also hear important updates on the proposed Canada-wide Mission Centre structure and what it means for our community. Why Attend? ✅ Engaging discussions on forward-thinking ministry ✅ Fun activities for kids and teens ✅ Great food & meaningful connections ⭐ Save money! Only $25 per person or $50 per family Stay tuned for more details. We can't wait to gather with you!  Celebrate Easter with a delicious breakfast on Sunday, April 20, at 10:00 a.m. in the Optimist Room at Hespler Arena (640 Ellis Rd, Cambridge, ON). Enjoy French toast, eggs, and ham as we gather in community before a special Easter service.
This event is free, and all are welcome! Please RSVP to Sandra by Sunday, April 6, at [email protected]  Attention lifeguards! Canada East Mission Centre is hiring lifeguards for the 2025 summer youth camps and reunions. We are looking to hire a Waterfront Supervisor Lifeguard and Lifeguards to meet the needs of each camp. Dates: • Loaves and Fishes Reunion – June 28–July 4 (Ziontario Campground) • Noronto Children’s Camp – July 4–6 (Noronto Campground) • Jr. High Camp – July 12–17 (Ziontario Campground) • Kids Camp – July 13–17 (Erie Beach Campground) • Healing and Freeing Reunion – July 19–25 (Ziontario Campground) • Erie Beach Reunion – July 26–Aug. 4 (Erie Beach Campground) • Noronto Reunion – Aug. 9–16 (Noronto Campground) • Senior High Camp – Aug. 16–23 (Noronto Campground) See the attached position descriptions with the job information/details. To apply: Please submit a cover letter stating availability of various camps/reunions and a resume to [email protected] with the subject line: Lifeguard Application. Deadline to submit resume and cover letter: March 24, 2025. 
 Join us for a photographic journey of Ojibway Provincial Park with Cathy Swain at Community of Christ, 1550 Brydges St, London, ON, on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. ET.
Cathy is an award-winning amateur photographer who has explored more than 30 parks, and Ojibway remains her favourite. She will share stunning photography and reflections on the experiences and acts of kindness that made this trip especially meaningful. Past attendees have called this presentation “inspiring” and “incredible.” One participant shared, “This journey needs to be shared over and over.” All are welcome! Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of photography, storytelling, and connection.  Join us for All In Sunday on February 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Reaching Out Centre (125 Queen St S, Mississauga, ON).
This month’s gathering kicks off with time to connect at 11:00 a.m., followed by a crockpot potluck—bring a dish to share! After lunch, dive into robot-themed activities, including battle bots, soccer, mazes, and more. All In Sunday is a monthly opportunity to come together for food, fun, and hands-on learning in a relaxed environment. RSVP to Shannon Dailey at [email protected] Come for the food, stay for the fun—and may the best robot win!  Mark your calendar for this year’s mission centre conference to be held September 19-21 at the beautiful Ziontario campgrounds, and on Zoom.
More details to come.  Join us as we explore the transformative power of vision boards to align your desires with your higher purpose. Presented by Tammy Mesiti, this inspiring event will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Awakening Spirituality congregation, 225603 Southgate Rd, Dundalk, Ontario, near Hopeville. Doors open at 11:30 AM for a shared potluck lunch, followed by the session starting at approximately 1 PM.
During this interactive experience, you’ll reflect on timeless principles of faith, hope, and manifestation while translating your aspirations into a visual representation that reflects your soul’s purpose. With guidance and encouragement, you’ll create a meaningful vision board and discover how to align your actions with your vision, trusting in divine timing and guidance. This gathering is open to all who seek to deepen their spiritual connection and live with intention. Please bring old magazines or other materials for your vision board—there will be plenty to share. We kindly ask for a minimum donation of $10 to help cover building expenses and supplies. If this isn’t feasible for you, please join us anyway—we’d love to have you!  Prepare to support couples in their commitment by attending the upcoming Marriage Licence Course in London. The Marriage Licence Course is an opportunity for Priests and members of the Melchisedec Priesthood to receive the necessary training to officiate marriages in Ontario. This one-day, in-person session will equip you with the skills and knowledge to offer this sacrament in alignment with Community of Christ's principles.
Details: Instructor: Bill Reid Location: Brydges St., Community of Christ, London, ON Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: No cost The registration deadline is February 28, 2025. To register, contact Nancy Baer at 519-532-3982 or [email protected]. This course is required for priesthood members who wish to perform marriages in Ontario. The Canada East Mission (CEM) also encourages ministers to take a refresher course every 10 years, especially if they have limited experience officiating weddings. Your ministry can make a meaningful difference. Don’t miss this opportunity!  Join us at Corinth Congregation (54246 Eden Line – Culloden Rd. & Eden Line) on Saturday, January 18th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a delicious community breakfast in support of local schools’ healthy snack programs. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and everyone is welcome to join!
For inquiries contact Cheryl at [email protected] |
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