By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

Planning for Mission Centre Conference begins months in advance. This year, with the historic question before us—whether to move forward as one Mission Centre for Canada—we knew the gathering needed to be more than business. Choosing a weekend retreat at a campground created the perfect space for dialogue, fellowship, and worship.

Anyone who has planned a retreat or camp knows the many puzzle pieces involved: meals, accommodations, children and youth activities, fun and recreation, logistics for hybrid technology, and of course, the business agenda itself. Thanks to a stellar team of volunteers, every detail came together. Their efforts were rewarded with a weekend full of laughter, meaningful conversation, and a strong sense of community. But we also learned that choosing a more accessible location where members were not required to manage meals, KP, and cleanup might be the path forward for future conference retreats.

Friday Evening: From Life Story to Mission
Apostle Lachlan Mackay opened the conference by guiding us on a journey from life story to mission. He reminded us of the importance of invitation and marrying our passion with transformative action. We must also include those we serve in the process (or as Shannon McAdam says, “nothing for us without us”).

We celebrated the 45th anniversary of our affiliate, World Accord, and heard from Kristen Parmera and Isabelle Hachette about both the challenges and the impact of development work in Honduras, Nepal, and El Salvador.

Saturday Morning: Dialogue and Discernment
After a brief meditation and song, we turned to dialogue. For six months, volunteers on the Mission Design Team had been imagining what one mission centre might look like, sharing their work at camps and town halls. Before moving into the business session, we gathered in small groups—both in person and online—to reflect on three questions:

• How would the implementation of the recommendations affect you in your context?
• What would be the impact and implications of moving to one Mission Centre for Canada?
• Where do you sense the Holy Spirit guiding the church in this decision?

Concerns, questions, and dreams were shared with honesty and respect. The room was alive with energy. People left the session feeling their voices had been heard.

Saturday Afternoon & Evening: Business and Joy
After lunch, we moved into the business session. Not wanting to exclude people whose names were not forwarded by the required deadline but knowing the significance of the motion before us, we took measures to ensure the bylaws were meticulously followed regarding delegate lists. Thank you for your patience as we sorted that out.

The motion to move forward as one Mission Centre for Canada was adopted with little discussion, a reflection of the thoughtful dialogue that had already taken place. Our budget was passed and we received an informative report from the board of the Canadian Corporation. Report documents can help you see how different parts of the mission centre are contributing, what their challenges are, and how they’re making an impact in their communities. You are invited to learn more—check out the wealth of information here: CEM Conference

We have been deeply blessed by the ministry of Kerry Richards and Mary Jean Belrose over the years, and at this time we honour and recognize them as they enter retirement.

The remainder of the afternoon focused on the importance of communication and sharing our mission stories—stories that inspire, connect, and celebrate the many ways we live out Christ’s mission. Throughout the weekend, we were doing mission together by collecting boxes of hats, mitts, socks, and underwear for a local school, displayed creatively on a “giving tree” branch.

Saturday evening, laughter rang out during music bingo led by Dawn Dawson, whose theme of JOY kept everyone on their toes. With songs spanning decades, the game drew people of all ages into the fun. Later, youth gathered for their own pizza party.

Sunday: Worship and Sending Forth
On Sunday, Apostle Shannon McAdam brought the message, calling us to cling to guideposts when we are uncertain as we journey onward together embodying love in action. The congregation joined in a responsive reading based on Prophet-President Stacey Cramm’s five guiding steps for pioneering in uncharted territory.

The weekend concluded with the Beyond the Walls service, broadcast from the campground. Apostle Lachlan Mackay spoke on the blessings of community—not only gifts to be received but invitations to participate in God’s ongoing work of reconciliation and love in the world.

Looking Ahead
As we left the campground, hearts full and spirits lifted, we carried with us the joy of being together, the courage of our decision, and the hope of God’s Spirit leading us into a new chapter as one Mission Centre for Canada.