 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.
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 As we approach the Canada East Mission Centre (CEM) Conference, we invite you to take part in two important pre-conference events designed to enhance your experience and understanding of what’s to come during our weekend together.
1. PollEverywhere Voting Platform Session Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned delegate, join us for a brief session on using PollEverywhere, our voting platform for conference business matters. Please note that delegates attending via Zoom will need two devices—one for viewing the session and another for voting. While a group can share the same device for viewing, each individual must have a separate device to cast their vote. Bring your questions for Troy and enhance your conference experience!
2. Pre-Legislative Sessions Join us for our Pre-Legislative Sessions, offering a chance to gain clarity on the business items being presented at the upcoming conference, without the formal constraints of Robert’s Rules of Order. Hear Bishop Sam Smalldon present the CEM 2025 budget and engage in valuable discussions. You are welcome to attend one or both sessions.
We look forward to your participation in these sessions and the engaging discussions that will help prepare us for the CEM Conference! Join us at the Canada East Mission Centre Conference from Oct. 25 to 27, both on Zoom and in person at the Woodfield congregation in London, ON. Together, we will discuss mission centre business, select our delegates for the 2025 World Conference, and celebrate mission with our special guests, Apostle Art Smith and Seventy John Hamer. On Sunday, we will worship with Beyond the Walls and Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Becky Middleton, and share in the blessing of a very special ordination.
Registration deadline is Oct 22nd. Have questions and queries? Contact Mary Jean Belrose at [email protected] or 519-385-1426  By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President At the last world conference, authority was given to Apostles by World Church Resolution 1327, to lead discussion on developing policy that applied to their jurisdiction considering their cultural context. Using past committee work, Mission Presidents, and Standing High Council member Joan Thompson, our Apostle has led an initiative to develop a DRAFT Canadian Policy on Priesthood and Personal Relationships for your consideration. In early July pastors and reunion directors were sent copies of the DRAFT policy and encouraged to promote dialogue. Mission Presidents are involved in leading the dialogue at reunions. Have you heard about this draft policy? Do you have questions or comments? Are you aware of current policy? Get informed by reading the policy and supporting documents, and participate in the dialogue. This fall we will have the opportunity for Canadian church members to share their level of support on a scale, not in a yes/no vote. If polling indicates 80% support by the membership in Canada East and Canada West, the policy will be presented to the Council of Twelve Apostles. On their recommendation it would go to the First Presidency for approval. Only when all that has occurred, would it become effective. We anticipate holding a pre-legislative type dialogue session in early fall just to consider this document. As concern has been raised that delegates do not consistently vote their congregation's wishes, it has already been suggested that all members have the opportunity to participate in the poll. As our CEM conferences are delegate conferences, that option is not possible. We are investigating other technology options that might facilitate member registration and polling. Should you have any questions or comments, please reach out to either Joan or the Mission Presidency Team. Thank you for your support of this process. We look forward to hearing your comments on the draft policy. 
 Mark your calendars, and plan to attend the 2024 Canada East Mission Centre Conference. We will be hosted by the Woodfield congregation in London and delegates that need to attend online can join via Zoom. A special point of business will be choosing delegates for World Conference 2025. Inquiries: Mary Jean Belrose at [email protected] or 519-385-1426
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