 What if we expected every day the way we expect Christmas? In this video, the Canada East Mission Centre President Team, Dawn Dawson and Vonda DenBoer, share greetings for the Christmas season, along with wishes for the year ahead. Their message offers connection and encouragement as communities across Canada East move into the new year.  By Dawn Dawson and Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-Presidents
We are grateful for your continued commitment to the mission of Christ. Each one of you is important, loved, and uniquely gifted. You are an essential witness of discipleship, and what you say and do truly makes a difference. While individual impact can be remarkable, it is when two or three gather in Christ’s name that our mission is blessed and the potential to transform the world is multiplied. As we approach the celebration of his birth in just a few short weeks, may Christ remain the focus of our ministry and the centre of all we do. Each year, we tell and retell the story—the mystery, the wonder, the urgency; the crowded town with no lodging; the angels, shepherds, and wise men. We weave the story together in awe that the Creator of all would choose such humility, entering humanity as a vulnerable child. Neither Joseph nor Mary could have imagined giving birth in a stable among animals, far from the support of family. The shepherds responded without hesitation. Those first witnesses left their flocks and risked danger as they hurried to see the newborn King. The learned sages, guided by prophecy and stars, prepared and journeyed great distances to greet a king born in a foreign land. What the people expected of a king was nothing like what they found that holy night. God entered our story not with power, prestige, or money, but through risk, mystery, faith, and abiding self-giving love. In Christ, we see both ourselves and the nature and will of God. Christ redefined community by drawing near to the unclean, the forgotten, the oppressed, and the marginalized. He announced his mission: to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. When we compare Luke 4:18–19 to Isaiah 61:1–2, we notice what Christ left out—vengeance. In today’s world, Christ’s mission can feel distant, yet its fulfillment depends on us. We are called to be voices of hope, bearers of peace, justice, and healing. We trust the Holy Spirit to grant us the courage and wisdom to do this sacred work. Discipleship requires that we, too, risk and trust. We travel onward together as we risk something new. When we are unsure of the right next step, guideposts help us find our way. In June, Prophet-President Stacey Cram outlined guideposts for our shared journey. She invites us to continuously discern what matters most; to focus our resources on mission, leadership, and faithful stewardship; to foster spiritually grounded, prophetically bold leaders; and to reflect, evaluate, and respond as God leads. As you prepare for this Christmas season, may these guideposts shape your path as you follow the mission of Christ. And may the path we share in 2026, along with our friends in Canada West, be filled with joy, hope, love, and peace.  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Many years ago, I heard a saying that caught my attention: “If you’re not living on the edge, then you’re taking up too much space.” It struck me as both a challenge and an invitation—one I decided to accept. I realized I had a choice: I could sit quietly in my corner, comfortable but complacent, or I could lean into opportunities that stretch me. That means pushing past fear, challenging myself, and resisting the temptation to settle into places that might stall my growth. It’s a mindset that keeps me awake and honest with myself. If I never try anything new, I risk stagnating. But if I step into an adventure—whether it succeeds or fails—I open the door to an experience that could transform my life. God, where will your Spirit lead today?... Grant me courage to risk something new and be a blessing of your love and peace. Amen This posture of risk-taking has shaped many areas of my life: considering new employment, accepting a priesthood call, questioning long-held beliefs, practicing radical compassion, and trusting in what I cannot yet see. It has challenged me to live my faith more fully, even when it’s uncomfortable. By contrast, “taking up too much space” feels like avoidance—stepping away from self-reflection, growth, and the holy discomfort that can lead to transformation. Should everyone live on the edge? Not necessarily. Courage has many shapes. Some live with quiet strength, steady care, or deep contemplation. These rhythms are no less powerful, and together they create a beautiful harmony in the world. Living on the edge is not superior—it’s simply one expression of faith, courage, and calling. For some, the edge is found in speaking up; for others, in staying steady. What matters is that we keep showing up with openness, integrity, and love.  By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Before attending World Conference in Independence, I participated in my final Focus session for Graceland Seminary. For the thirteen of us scheduled to graduate this December with a Master’s Degree in Religion, this moment was especially meaningful. We were honored in a commissioning service—an intentional pause to acknowledge not only our academic journey but the sacred call to ministry that has shaped and sustained it. Apostle-designate and former Dean of the Seminary, Matthew Frizzell, offered words of commissioning that struck deeply. He spoke about calling—how each of us is called, how each of us has purpose, and how the Spirit equips us with gifts and opportunities to fulfill that promise. His message was anchored in the powerful life and testimony of Anthony Hollands, a Black gay man in Chicago who courageously responded to a call to ministry in the 1990s, despite the significant obstacles he faced. Anthony’s life continues to bear witness to the resilience of faith and the transformative power of a call answered. Matthew reminded us that while we may not be able to change the world all at once, we can change lives—one day at a time. What we do with the gift of time and energy we’ve been given is up to us. This commissioning was not just a conclusion, but a beginning—a sacred invitation to step forward in love, courage, and faithful service. My time in seminary has taught me to view the life and ministry of Christ—especially as portrayed in the Gospels—not just as historical narratives, but as living testimonies that speak directly to the challenges of our modern, troubled world. By exploring the context and language of ancient times, I have learned to translate timeless scriptural truths into teachings that resonate with today’s pressing issues: racism, oppression, marginalization, poverty, and food insecurity. This study is not merely academic—it calls us to action. It invites us to summon the courage to stand against injustice, especially in places where political powers are eroding human rights. I’ve learned to delve deeply into the theology found not only in Scripture, but also in the life experiences of theologians, mystics, and saints—those whose lives bore witness to the truth of the Gospel. Their courage and clarity continue to inspire and guide us. Their narratives remind us that nothing is impossible. Seminary has instilled in me that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Every day presents new opportunities to better embody the message of peace, justice, and love that Christ proclaimed. This journey is, and always will be, a work in progress. As Maria Cimperman, author of Social Analysis for the 21st Century, puts it: “God does the transforming, the befriending Spirit leads, and we, with all people of goodwill, are to assist in bringing about the reign of God through our witness, service, and love.” —Maria Cimperman, Social Analysis for the 21st Century, Orbis Books, 2015, p. 44 As I assume a new role as Director of Campgrounds and Camping, I am humbled by the trust placed in me to help grow our camping program. Listening to the testimonies of colleagues in seminary has affirmed the importance of this call. For the many whose only encounter with a church community is in camping, it is essential that we offer loving community experiences where the divine is embodied in the people. This reminds me that the reign of God is not a place but a way of life. It is here and yet not yet. Can you feel it? Can you make it happen? Hope that is grounded in God goes beyond what we can see. Lift up your eyes and fix them on the place beyond the horizon to which you are sent: “May we not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go.” —Doctrine & Covenants 160:1a; 163:1  By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Living in southwestern Ontario, I might be catching spring fever a little earlier than some—but I’m not complaining! The redbud trees, Chanticleer pear, and cherry blossoms are in full, glorious bloom. Their colours brighten the landscape like nature’s own celebration. Bullfrogs are calling again, and the air is alive with a chorus of birdsong—Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Cardinals, Finches, Mourning Doves, and Starlings, all contributing their unique voices to this spring symphony. Overhead, a majestic eagle soars, reminding me of the wonder all around. On the ground, life is stirring too. Coyotes, foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and deer are busy raising their young. (Hopefully, no deer decides to burst through my house again—but that’s a story for another day!) Spring is more than just a season—it’s a resurrection of the world around us, a reminder of renewal, growth, and wild, abundant life. Hallelujah, indeed! Outside my kitchen window, a purple finch has made a nest in the cedar tree. I watch it daily—this small, tireless bird, fiercely protective, instinctively trying to create a safe space for life to grow. But there’s something else. The finch has taken issue with my car. Or rather, with the reflection it sees in the car window. For hours at a time, it pecks, flutters, and fights at the side mirror and glass, convinced there’s an intruder threatening its territory. It doesn’t know it’s fighting itself. Watching this, I began to wonder: how often do I do the same? How often am I battling perceived threats, externalizing struggles that are really internal? How often do I exhaust myself trying to defeat something that lives within me—fear, doubt, self-judgment—without stepping back to ask what’s really happening? Am I making space in the silence to listen for the still, small voice of God? The voice that doesn’t fight or accuse but invites me into joy, hope, love, and peace? That little finch has given me something to reflect on far beyond its mirror-bound dance. Perhaps the next time I find myself in a flurry of reaction, I’ll pause, breathe, and ask: Is this a battle worth fighting? Or is God inviting me to see myself more clearly—and more compassionately—in the reflection? Recently, I was moved by Claudio Carvalhaes’ Praying with Every Heart, particularly his reflection on the nests we build in our lifetime. He reminds us that no nest is permanent—that each one, no matter how carefully constructed, is temporary. As I sit and watch that small finch tirelessly struggle, I’m struck by how tightly I have held onto my own “nests.” Like that little bird, I’ve sometimes expended great energy maintaining what once served me well, perhaps at the cost of new growth or possibilities. Over the past five months, Shannon McAdam and I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated volunteers in committee meetings focused on shaping the future of Community of Christ in Canada. These volunteers—coming from both east and west—have offered their wisdom, their questions, and their passionate desire to see our church flourish. I am humbled by their witness. This process feels very much like leaving one nest and beginning the construction of another. Just as a bird gathers twigs, leaves, feathers, and mud to shape its home, we are gathering vision, faith, hope, wisdom, patience, and understanding to build a new future. Some materials will work better than others. We may discover we need more "twigs" of courage or more "feathers" of compassion. But we build on the foundation of deep faith and the accumulated love, labour, and legacy of years past. I’m filled with hope for what’s ahead. As a church committed to peace and justice, we have a sacred opportunity to shape a mission that resonates throughout our communities. As one mission centre, we will be able to share more deeply, collaborate more effectively, and support each other more fully. We will learn from one another as we teach others the way of peace. We may not know exactly what this new nest will look like. But we know why we build—and with whom we build. And that makes all the difference. Learn more All the committees have submitted their recommendations. Have you read them? You can find them here: https://www.communityofchrist.ca/mcdt.html Discuss them with others in your congregation. Let us know what you think!  By Troy Roach, Creating Connection Director, Canada East
Capture, Celebrate, and Share What You’re Already Doing Ever wished you could capture the energy, joy, and spirit of your event to share with others—but didn’t have the equipment or know-how to make it happen? You’re not alone. That’s why we’re excited to offer Creating Connection’s Mobile A/V Support—a way to partner with you and your team to capture, share, and celebrate the amazing things you’re already doing. What We Bring Whether you’re hosting a camp, retreat, reunion, group gathering, hybrid event, or online session, we can bring our tech toolkit to you. We’re talking about: • HD web and PTZ (remote point-tilt-zoom) cameras, and accent/flood lighting • Digital HD camera for photo/video capture and live streaming • Audio mixer board, streaming controller, and USB hubs • Laptops, tablets, LCD screens, and video editing workstation • Wireless handheld and lapel microphones, Bluetooth loudspeakers • Tripods, cables, adapters, mic boom arms, and backup gear • Internet access gear for hybrid/online participation, power protection What We’ll Do Together We’ll work with you to: • Capture high-quality video and images for social media, storytelling, promotions, reports, and more • Explore what’s possible with livestreaming, hybrid hosting, digital storytelling, or even creating your own podcast • Experiment and learn by doing, side-by-side with our support—whether it’s live production or audio storytelling Yes, you read that right—we can even record a podcast with you or support you in getting one of your own started. Whether it's a one-time episode, a week-long series at camp, or the launch of something even bigger, we're here to bring your ideas to life. If it supports your storytelling or amplifies your mission, we’re all in. Why This Matters We’re not offering to be your ongoing tech team—we’re offering to walk with you through the first steps so you can learn what’s possible, see how it works, and start dreaming about how your community can do the same. Like the old saying goes: we’re not just here to catch the fish—we’re here to guide and equip you to fish. It’s about growing capacity. It’s about making the amazing things you do more visible. It’s about showing people what’s possible, so they can imagine doing it too. Let’s Collaborate If you’ve got an upcoming event and you’d like to explore what we can do together—just ask. We’d love to dream with you, brainstorm, support your first one or two projects, and share our tools and experience so you can build confidence, inspire others, and maybe even invest in your own gear and team over time. Not sure if it fits? Ask anyway. We’ll cast the vision with you. Let’s show the world what’s possible—together. Ready to Take the Next Step? Book a spot on our calendar before it fills up—especially if you’re a camp director planning for a busy summer season. Let’s make this the year your community’s story gets seen, heard, and shared! Contact us at: [email protected] Call or text: 519-404-3357  By Troy Roach, Creating Connection Director, Canada East
Every year, on the first Saturday in May, something pretty amazing happens—people from all around the world slow down, step outside their busy lives, and walk a labyrinth. Why? Because it's World Labyrinth Day, and this year, on May 3, I invite you to join in taking a mindful walk toward peace, clarity, and connection. World Labyrinth Day is organized by The Labyrinth Society, and their idea is simple yet powerful: at exactly 1:00 p.m. local time, people across the globe step onto labyrinths and "walk as one at 1." It's a beautiful moment of collective peace and mindfulness that ripples around the world, connecting us in a shared intention. How to Participate: Getting involved couldn't be easier or more enjoyable: • Join an Event: There's probably an event happening near you! Just check out the Interactive Global Map to find a labyrinth gathering close by. • Take a Personal Walk: If you'd prefer some quiet reflection, just check out the Labyrinth Locator to find a labyrinth to visit on your own. It's a perfect moment for personal clarity and peace. • Stay Home and Participate: Can't leave the house or just want to stay comfy? No worries! You can print out a finger labyrinth and trace it at home, right from your sofa or kitchen table. Here's why I'm so passionate about this: World Labyrinth Day really aligns with what we're all about at Creating Connection. Our community thrives on building meaningful relationships, exploring spirituality in inclusive ways, and sparking compassionate action. The labyrinth—a universal symbol of peace and inner exploration—beautifully captures what we're passionate about: creating spaces for meaning, belonging, and positive change. Partner With Us! Want to collaborate? Here's the fun part: we're all about collaboration and would love to partner with anyone interested in hosting their own labyrinth event! Whether you've got your own vision or you're just curious and want some support, we've got you covered. Creating Connection can provide two wonderful canvas labyrinths—a 30-foot Chartres-style labyrinth (that's the fancy one with 11 circuits!) and a colourful, fun, 20-foot traditional 7-circuit labyrinth. We'll even help spread the word about your event through our social media and community network. So, let's have some fun with it! If you're inspired to join in or curious about hosting an event, please reach out. I'd love to chat about how we can make this year's World Labyrinth Day something special together. Ready to dive in? Drop me a message and let's make May 3 an awesome day of connection and peace! Want to hear more? We also recorded a podcast episode all about World Labyrinth Day—why it matters, how it connects to our Creating Connection mission, and how you can be part of it.  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  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
It’s easy to think of things in our daily lives that bring us joy—pet cuddles, a warm drink on a cold day, or fuzzy socks. These little gifts are treasures, but the world often pulls us toward being grateful for things like achievements, possessions, or recognition. Those things are fleeting. What about the deeper blessings? The ones that anchor us, guide us, and remind us who we are in God? Here are 10 things to be truly grateful for this year, and every year: 1. The Peace That Passeth All Understanding This isn’t the kind of peace you get when things are going well; it’s the peace that shows up even when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s the kind of peace that only God can give, reminding us we’re held, no matter what. Reflection: When has this peace carried you through a tough time? What would it look like to trust in it today? 2. God’s Unconditional Love That Never Fails God’s love is constant. It’s not dependent on who we are, what we’ve done, or what we bring to the table. It simply is. God is love. It’s the kind of love that reaches for us when we’ve wandered, lifts us when we’ve fallen, and forgives us when we think we’re beyond forgiveness. Reflection: How does knowing God’s love help you love others—and yourself—better? 3. The Constant Companionship of the Christ and the Model of Jesus We’re never alone. Christ walks with us, offering strength and guidance every step of the way. And when we look to Jesus, we see how to live with humility, love, and purpose. His example reminds us of what matters most. Reflection: How can Jesus’ example shape your relationships and decisions today? 4. The Assurance That Defeat Can Never Overtake Me When I Lean on God Life can knock us down, but it can’t knock us out when we rely on God. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us of God’s promise: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Reflection: What does leaning on God look like in your life? 5. Guidance from the Still, Small Voice God’s wisdom is always there. Sometimes, it’s not loud or flashy—it’s that gentle nudge, the quiet whisper in your heart. James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Reflection: How can you make space to hear that voice today? 6. Life – The Human Experience on a Spiritual Journey Life is a gift—a blend of joy, pain, fear, and growth. It’s through these experiences that we learn and are shaped into who we’re meant to be. Think about it: 13.8 billion years of creation have led to this moment. And even the people who challenge us, or outright oppose us, push us to grow in ways we wouldn’t otherwise. Reflection: How can you see even the tough moments of life as part of the gift? 7. Hope That Only God Can Provide Hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s the steady confidence that God is at work, even when we can’t see it. Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Reflection: What does God’s hope look like in your life right now? 8. The Ability to Love and Be Loved Love is one of the greatest gifts we’re given. It connects us, heals us, and reflects God’s very nature. And while loving others can be challenging, it’s also transformative—it changes us as much as it changes them. Reflection: Who in your life needs to feel loved today? 9. The Changes God Is Making in My Life God’s work in us is often quiet and subtle, but it’s always happening. Every day, God shapes us into people of greater faith, love, and purpose. It’s easy to miss these changes, but when we pause and reflect, we can see how far God has brought us. Reflection: Where do you see God’s work in your life right now? 10. The Present Moment This moment, right here, is a gift. It’s the only moment we have for sure. The present reminds us to slow down, to see the beauty around us, and to fully live the life God has given us. Reflection: How can you honour the gift of this moment today? Each of these blessings calls us deeper—to reflect, to notice, to respond with gratitude. The more we lean into these gifts, the more we’re able to live with open hearts and open hands. As we reflect on these blessings, may the spirit of Christmas draw us even closer to God and one another.  The Christmas season invites us to remember that Christ is at the centre of all we do in Community of Christ. May His love and light renew your spirit, strengthen your faith, and fill your heart with peace.
Wishing each of you a joyful and blessed Christmas and a hope-filled New Year. Vonda, Dawn, Mary Jean CEM President Team |
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