 By: Dawn Dawson, Canada East Mission Centre President Co-President
One of the mission centre’s goals is to foster greater communication among our members. We also aim to create pathways to reach beyond our current membership to new seekers or friends who may have stepped away over the years. Do you use social media to connect with friends and family? Have you ever considered using it to connect with others in our community of faith? Our mission centre uses several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. We’ve started creating reels to quickly share news and updates about upcoming events. By searching “Community of Christ” on social media, you can also find pages for other mission centres and congregations. There are chat groups for topics like Shelby system users or general dialogue, and reunion families have pages to stay connected throughout the year. There is joy in making and maintaining connections! For inspiration, Community of Christ UK has an active TikTok channel where they promote their camping programs and share ways to enjoy community life. If you enjoy podcasts, the Project Zion Podcast from World Church offers episodes about life in our faith community, including interviews with Priesthood members, short 15-minute chats called Coffee to Go, and programs recorded on Graceland’s campus. Our enduring principle Responsible Choices can guide us in deciding who to follow on social media. While some may feel overwhelmed by the pull of social media, careful curation can create a more positive and inspiring experience. Sharing our stories and resources helps build a stronger online presence, and following meaningful hashtags or media feeds can deepen our sense of connection. Communication may seem simple, but it requires effort from all of us. By reading this blog post, you’ve already taken a step toward building stronger connections. Let’s continue working together to create a community of joy and positivity!  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
Who could have imagined just a few years ago that we’d gather for our Mission Centre Conference from both sanctuaries and living rooms? It’s a shift we’ve embraced, and while it’s not without its challenges, it has also given us something beautiful: the ability to connect across great distances in meaningful ways. Every conference includes essential business. This year was no exception, with the sustaining of leadership teams, the receiving of delegate credentials, the approval of previous conference minutes, and the review and approval of the Mission Centre budget. Additional items can include resolutions impacting the Mission Centre and approving certain priesthood calls. This year, we had the honour of approving two priesthood calls: Roger Dodson and Margie Lamoure to the office of Evangelist. We also nominated delegates to represent us at the World Conference in Independence, Missouri, from May 30 to June 6, 2025. Doing the Work Together Meeting in person feels natural. We share warm greetings, pick up on nonverbal cues, and simplify voting by raising hands. The energy in the room is unmistakable, with spontaneous moments like unplanned singing that lift our spirits and remind us of the community we share. However, hybrid conferences come with unique challenges. As a community committed to inclusivity, grace, and the worth of all persons, we strive to balance the needs of in-person and online participants. Patience becomes essential when accommodating slower internet connections, older devices, and varying levels of technological comfort. Our tech team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to assist participants facing technical difficulties. They ensured everyone had the opportunity to engage fully. Their efforts, though not always visible, were crucial to the conference’s success. Finding Joy in the Unexpected One unexpected hurdle was a last-minute issue with PollEverywhere, the voting platform we’ve relied on in recent years. It wasn’t functioning smoothly, and continuing with it would have led to frustration and huge delays. Thankfully, Zoom provided an effective, user-friendly alternative—saving us time and money. Feedback indicated that many found this platform easier to navigate, a small victory amid the complexities of a hybrid setup. While those joining online missed out on the impromptu singing and fellowship during voting delays, these moments of joy reaffirmed the Spirit moving among us. Yes, we’d all like the business meeting to move faster, but compassion and understanding take precedence. Moments to Remember The Friday evening gathering with John Hamer and Scott Scherer was a memorable start to the weekend. Due to logistical challenges, we couldn’t live stream this event, as the sanctuary was being prepared for the conference. Instead, the intimate setting in the social hall allowed for deeper interaction. John’s insights on promoting Community of Christ and Scott’s musical leadership created a truly special evening. We regret that not everyone could join, but the event’s success inspires us for future planning. Sunday was a day filled with Spirit-led worship and meaningful experiences. A highlight was the ordination of Roger Dodson and Margie Lamoure to the office of Evangelist, a deeply moving and joyous occasion. Our closing service featured a powerful message about Canadian mission in action from guest speaker Becky Middleton, a member of the Canada West Mission Centre President Team. For those who attended in person, it was evident how much effort the Beyond the Walls team puts into creating a polished and inspiring broadcast. The contributions of many individuals made this conference possible. Genda Millard and her team, along with the Brydges congregation, provided nourishing food accommodating all dietary needs, freeing us to focus on fellowship. Even youth found ways to participate, taking up the offering, helping with check-in, and presenting the Land Agreement. Looking Ahead As we reflect on this conference, we recognize there’s always room for growth. Constructive feedback is invaluable, and we’re already eager to begin planning for our next gathering. Together, we’ll continue to create dynamic and Spirit-filled experiences that nurture our community and mission.  By Vonda Denboer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
We have just recognized Remembrance Day, a day set aside to help us remember the sacrifices of those who served their country. I have relatives serving in the military in both Canada and the USA. My grandfather served in World War I. Although I did not know him, I have heard his testimony many times: “I gave my leg for my country and give my life to my God.” So it is important to me that we truly give honour to those who serve. A Community of Christ member, Liz Clark, a teacher at a school in southern Ontario, shared her experience: “In my 20 years of teaching, I think today was the most memorable Remembrance Day at school I’ve experienced. Our entire school from JK to Grade 8 walked down the main street following bagpipers, veterans, and other people of service. A few students were chosen to lay a wreath for our school at the Cenotaph, and all students had the opportunity to lay their poppies after, if they wanted to. Every student stood and listened quietly to the service and showed respect. It truly made us proud of our school community.” Thinking of the worth of all persons, my mind turns to the unsung heroes who served but were seldom recognized. During COVID, local film director Aaron Huggett wrote, directed, and shot “The Ace and the Scout.” We have all heard about the ace, Billy Bishop, but who has heard of the Scout? Francis “Peggy” Pegahmagabow was an Anishinaabe sniper who received no accolades for his role in a vital battle in 1918. There are always heroes and unsung heroes. Some fight the battles, others mend the wounded and pray final prayers, and yet we all mourn. Blood flows alike, whether from the enemy or the friend. Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters mourn on both sides of any battle. As I ponder the many scriptures calling us to be a people of peace, to challenge forces that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purpose of God, I wonder: Do we truly honour those who strive for peace? Are there unsung heroes of peace initiatives in my community who need my encouragement or support? How am I faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable kin-dom of God on earth? Remembering yesterday and those who served, I must also look forward to Christ’s vision and consider those who need encouragement to step into the chasm between conflict and resolution and build that peaceable kin-dom.  By Mary Jean Belrose, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
I want a church where we all belong. A church where all voices can be heard, where opinions can differ—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s something to celebrate. Our differences don’t weaken us; they make us stronger. What unites us is not uniformity, but a shared commitment to Christ's teachings of love, compassion, and justice. In this church, no one is shut out because of what they believe. We may come from different backgrounds, have diverse experiences, and hold varying opinions, yet each perspective is valued. Whether someone’s beliefs are more traditional or they’re exploring new ideas, there’s room for all. Those who are questioning, those who are searching, and those who are steadfast in their convictions are all welcomed. Here, there is no fear of exclusion, because space is held for everyone on their unique spiritual journey. Respect is at the heart of this church: respect for each person’s dignity, for every opinion, and for every belief. We practice grace and humility in our interactions, acknowledging that no one has all the answers. We find God in the messiness of human interaction, in our agreements and our disagreements, knowing that we are all children of God, striving to live faithfully in our own ways. In the church I want to belong to, every member has a say in shaping the direction of the community, not just a select few. There is shared responsibility and a collective investment in the church’s future. Every vote matters. The church I want to belong to is one where people come together, not because we’re the same, but because we believe in something greater than ourselves. It’s a community that thrives on inclusivity, diversity, and respect. It’s a place where we can worship together, work through challenges, and celebrate the many ways we see and experience God.  By Dawn Dawson, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
At the CEM conference, we had the opportunity to hear about the Celebrate Mission ministry. Our time together highlighted the importance of sharing our stories. Many of us are currently, or have been, involved in wonderful mission activities. Consciously or unconsciously, we may take notes on these stories during our times of sharing and bring new ideas back to our own ministry. One barrier we often face is a hesitancy to share our stories. Sometimes, we may not believe anyone wants to hear them, or we may be reluctant to share for fear of appearing boastful. Many of us want to create or work on projects that help people without seeking recognition. As Community of Christ members, our work often extends beyond the church walls, frequently serving others. In these roles, we continue to perform acts of service without claiming credit, going beyond what is expected to help those around us. Recently, Health Sciences North in Sudbury held an awards banquet at Science North’s Cavern, capping off a week of celebrating team members for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment. Awards were given for leadership, patient care, community service, and outreach. One notable honour, the Unsung Hero Award, was designed to recognize a person who works tirelessly “behind the scenes,” performing essential tasks with efficiency, reliability, and a positive attitude—contributing significantly to the hospital’s success. This year’s Unsung Hero Award recipient was Melanie (Moore) Brouillard, a Community of Christ member who serves as Executive Assistant to the VP of Academic and Research at HSNRI. While several individuals were nominated, it was Melanie’s dedication they chose to celebrate. The award title, “Unsung Hero,” aptly reflects the spirit of helping others without seeking recognition. Sharing stories like Melanie’s may inspire others. In a world filled with negative stories, those of positivity, respect, and generosity uplift our hearts. Celebrating our mission may take many forms, each an opportunity to honour and reflect. I share Melanie’s story with joy, as her mother did in church, filled with pride. Let us embrace these good works and celebrate our members.  By Mary Jean Belrose, Mission Centre co-President
So much tender care has been poured into each congregational facility, and countless memories are embedded in these sacred spaces. These structures have faithfully supported our mission, allowing us to gather, worship, and invite others into our community. However, when the responsibility of maintaining these buildings becomes too heavy for a few, congregations face difficult decisions. As stated in our Enduring Principle of Responsible Choices, “God gives humans the ability to make choices about whom or what they will serve… We are called to make responsible choices within the circumstances of our lives that contribute to the purposes of God.” Over the past year, four properties have been sold, and four congregations have closed within the Canada East Mission Centre. These decisions were difficult and heartbreaking, representing a significant loss for our community. We acknowledge the stress and pain involved, and our thoughts are with those affected. Thunder Bay congregation had only a few aging members remaining when Pastor Cecil Smith passed away, leading to the sale of their property and the closure of the congregation. For decades, this congregation was a beacon of faith and community, nurturing the spiritual growth of countless individuals and serving as a gathering place for worship and fellowship. Though the physical building has been sold, the legacy of Thunder Bay's ministry continues to live on in the lives of those touched by its presence. Growing up, many of us were taught the importance of good stewardship—caring for our resources, using them wisely, and not overextending ourselves. These principles are just as vital to the life of the church as they are in our personal lives. Sometimes, making responsible choices means letting go of certain assets to ensure the future strength and sustainability of our ministry. Selling a property does not always signify the closure of a congregation. Instead, we should ask questions like, What would this make possible? What new opportunities might emerge if we were freed from the maintenance and financial burden of owning a building? What doors might open to expand our ministry and reach more people? Guelph congregation made the decision to sell their aging facility, but the congregation is alive and well. As Marion Smith explains, “One of the main reasons for selling our building was in response to our enduring principles of the sacredness of creation and responsible choices. The building required major updates to become climate-efficient, and with a declining donor list, we decided our real desire was to impact the community, not invest in the building. We needed to make a responsible choice. We decided to keep our congregation together but to let our building go. We have not yet decided on a permanent location. We meet in homes or other places—parks, rented locations, borrowed spaces (e.g., Arbor Trails retirement home library and chapel). We visit other congregations and community events. We have become ‘nomads’ and have found many advantages to that status. It occurs to us that Jesus was a nomad before us.” Sault Ste. Marie congregation faced accessibility challenges, an aging membership, and decreasing numbers without a pastor. They, too, chose to sell their property and close. Niagara Falls had sold their property a few years ago and had been meeting in a hotel, but the pandemic exacerbated difficulties, and they decided to disband. A portion of their funds was donated to the Ziontario campground. Similarly, Sarnia congregation struggled with too few members to maintain a large facility or sustain ministry, leading to the sale of the property and closure of the congregation. In each circumstance, the decision to close was not made lightly, but rather in the spirit of responsible stewardship, ensuring that their faithful contributions will continue to support the wider ministry and mission of the church. Let us hold one another in love and support as we navigate these changes.  By Dawn Dawson, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
How much time do you take to think about the music used during a Sunday service? If you are the one leading the service or part of a group planning the service, then you probably understand the importance and impact a song with the right words at the right time can have. Songs in the service can move the message along and not just be a pause in the content. Music can uplift or confirm a thought through the emotions it evokes. Meaningful words, brought alive through cleverly crafted tunes, can both inspire and linger in our minds. To further expand on the desire to include those from a younger generation, perhaps using music from various genres would be effective. There are many impactful songs that inspire or encourage thoughtful meditation in the hearts of younger generations that are not necessarily found in our hymn books. Our hymn book contains amazing hymns, categorized for every service purpose, such as gathering, discernment, and justice. To bring some in to discover our wonderful music, they need to understand that we appreciate all kinds of music. For Youth Sunday last February, I planned a service using a Psalm, and between the reading of each verse, we used contemporary songs to enhance the message. We included songs such as Let the Sun Shine In, Why Me Lord by Kris Kristofferson, Just Breathe (a Pearl Jam cover by Willie Nelson and his son), and wrapped up the service with Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum. Songs can be used with music or as part of meditation study by reflecting on the lyrics alone. That morning, we had twice as many twenty-somethings in the pews. A couple even said they would like to help put the service together next year because they had songs in mind that could be used. Some of these songs are not new, but with today’s access to all kinds of music, older songs are often new to others. You must confirm copyright approval through a CCLI or Entandem licence for any song you wish to use. Simply looking up Inspirational Songs on music services like iTunes or Spotify reveals well-crafted playlists in every genre. Spiritual life for the next generation is changing, and being open to the new music that speaks to their hearts is just one more tool we can use to bring multigenerational groups together. Incorporating campfire songs or exploring hymns from different countries in the hymn book could also bring great joy to a service. Music is a wonderful gift we have all been given. Let us use the gift of music to grow our congregational life, always inspiring new ground.  By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
“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.” — Doctrine & Covenants 163:2b God created us with a desire and need for relationships. Building or restoring healthy relationships is at the core of what we are called to be as disciples. Often, this happens across the table when we break bread together. This could be at our kitchen table, a table at camp, or at a congregational dinner. It could be food shared with a stranger, a friend, or a loved one. The St. Thomas congregation (thank you, Don, for permission to share your story) has been offering $2.00 dinners for some time. Now, you can’t provide a full meal for $2.00—it doesn’t make sense, right? But that hasn’t stopped this congregation. In fact, they have been blessed by their generosity. Word has spread about these dinners, and kinships are being developed, with synchronicity happening. In September, they fed 277 people from the community. At that dinner, with over 100 people already waiting, a group called St. Thomas Helping Hands came into the church and offered a toonie to each person waiting for their dinner, leaving another $70 at the door for more meals. Having already paid, many of those people donated their toonie back. Then another group, St. Thomas Little Helpers, contributed $50 for 25 dinners to be given to those arriving next. With the money paid forward for 55 dinners, those coming after were told their dinner was already paid for. However, they all insisted on paying the $2, and some gave even more. One woman brought her neighbour, whom she often feeds as he is in need. She shared that he was amazed to receive beef, ham, potatoes, vegetables, and coleslaw all on one plate, and he was even more surprised when he was offered seconds and dessert. Even though some attendees clearly had needs, many were happy to leave an extra donation, appreciating the great yet affordable meal. (At a previous dinner, one participant left a cheque for $1,000, which more than paid for that dinner and the next one.) At this most recent dinner, after covering expenses, they had a profit of over $550, which will go towards the next meal. This congregation has received innumerable comments like “how good the meal was,” “thank you for putting it on,” and “please keep it going.” Not only are they meeting a need, but they have also become a means for others to help sustain this ministry in their community. And it is indeed a ministry—it is mission in action. But it doesn’t end there. The church hosts a prayer group on Thursday mornings, and word has spread. Strangers stop Pastor Don or other ministers on the street to ask for prayers. Some who know them from other activities ask for prayers and request to be notified when they will be speaking, as they would like to attend. Community has been formed, and the beating heart of this community is loving service. Building or restoring healthy relationships is at the core of what we are called to be as disciples. Where can you help to build or restore healthy relationships in your community?  By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
I was blessed to be able to attend some of four different reunions this year: Loaves and Fishes; Erie Beach; Noronto; and McGowan’s Lake. What I witnessed was a lot of children. There were fun times with games and swimming. And there were class times with story, craft and life lessons. At Noronto, one youth, along with her dad, hosted a trivia night. At Loaves and Fishes, the youth presented their poem to the adult class that reflected the theme of Heal the Earth. At Erie Beach the youth hosted a talent show. Our lifeguards were youth. Some of our campfire leaders were youth or young adults. Our youth helped with KP and sports and crafts. The importance of this cannot be overstated. When I was a youth, I taught Sunday school, helped with Skylarks and Orioles, shared my testimony of attending my first World Conference, voted in business meetings, played piano and read scriptures in worship services. I am sure many of you did some of the same things. We did not know we were in training for public speaking or leadership or possible priesthood ministry. We did not know how these skills would help us in our vocations. But in my career, there was a time I had to go on a radio show and talk about the work done by my organization. I was terrified but I drew strength from the times I was asked to share my experiences at camps or reunions or conferences. And I was able to do it. Our children are precious. In addition to the story of Jesus, the importance of baptism, how to walk the Christian way, we teach other important things in the process. What we teach them or what opportunities we provide them to develop skills will be valuable in whatever their chosen field. Developing self-esteem, confidence and how to deal with disappointment and conflict are life skills everyone can benefit from. And if we give them enough opportunities in our camps and congregations, maybe, just maybe, there is a future pastor, future apostle, future missionary, future teacher, future doctor, future handyman, future camp director or future Youth Service Corps volunteer. And the world will be blessed. So, as you reflect on our camping season, please think about ways you can help next year. Maybe you can invite kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or friends. Maybe you can co-teach a class with a youth to mentor them. Maybe you can help sponsor a family to come to camp. Maybe you can offer to give someone a ride to camp or offer your tent or trailer to someone who needs accommodation. Maybe you can help plan or organize. Maybe attending is not possible for you but you can pray and uplift the leadership team. There are many ways in which we uphold our camping ministry. I hope you find ways that are meaningful to you. And I hope the children come because they remember how great 2024 was for them at camp.  By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President
This spring I was blessed with an invitation to join with other denominations to learn about meaningful worship and Renewing Rural Worship. The invitation read “In a season of church transition and decline, we want to foster kinship instead of competition between rural congregations navigating these realities. Together, we can exchange resources and imagine a sustainable future for worship in rural communities” I said yes and signed up. A grant to a doctoral student enabled people from Mennonite, Christian Reformed, United, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist,and Community of Christ to come together and learn from one another, most of whom had church services with 20-40 people. The event was free, and food was provided- what better way to draw us together than sharing over a meal? The Church at Nairn, a Mennonite church was the sponsoring organization, but the funding came from a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. When I walked into the social hall, I was greeted with banners that confused me. Was I in a Community of Christ church or a Mennonite church? The banners read “Jesus our Center”, “Community our Focus”, “Peace and Justice our Purpose”. I knew I was in the right place to learn something valuable. We sang, we shared stories, we explored what was most important to us in our worship experience and we learned we were similar in our desires, worship challenges and worship practices. We learned how pastoral care and worship are interconnected and how important it is to listen for the relational richness that comes when we listen for what is valued and hoped for in one another. This transcends doctrinal beliefs and theology and enables us to find ways to sustain and support one another across the boundaries of our diversity. I shared about our communion practice with written prayers, invitation statement and scripture and that we had not always had open communion and how important it was for me when we were able to welcome all believers to the table. A line from one song we shared was especially meaningful: “when there’s trust in the room we can breathe” ["Trust in the Room” by John Thornburg and Mark Miller]. We had trust in the room, and openness, and solidarity, and grace. Together we shared the Lord’s Supper, prayers, music and scripture. We heard excellent speakers from across North America- one is a friend of Dawn Dawson’s who shared his use of music in worship on Manitoulin Island. Another had written a book about her experience with shared spaces – where two or more denominations shared a building and rotated worship practices. Many years ago, I attended Pulse’83 where our denomination led us in new and exciting ways to develop our worship experiences. The difference here was that it was not limited to our denomination, and we were blessed with the giftedness of others who also had a rich heritage in worship planning and leadership and much to offer. Both those learning experiences have been transformational for me. I believe we will hear more from this young woman who is embarking on a second doctorate degree in Music and Worship experiences. If Mykayla Turner offers another opportunity, or writes a book, I will definitely take advantage of it. |
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