CEM Summer Camps Announcement

​Friends,
Here we are once again making a heartbreaking decision, but a prudent one, to cancel our CEM in-person camping events for this summer.

How we long to be together, but unfortunately we have all become too aware of the realities with Covid flareups. We are all attuned to local, provincial and national progress on a weekly basis and hope that the vaccination supply and rollout across our province and beyond will proceed according to schedule where all Canadians who choose will receive vaccinations by the end of Sept. Until then, our in-person campground programming will remain closed.

Other factors that are affected by campground closures are financials from loss of revenue from rentals and programs. This year we have truly been blessed by the benevolent generosity of others beyond our own Mission Centre to provide assistance to each of our CEM campgrounds. The Meadow Ridge congregation in the lower mainland of BC has recently sold their building. A portion of the proceeds they chose to distribute was graciously offered to our four CEM campgrounds to offset our hefty insurance costs. This is a blessing in this second year in a row of no incoming revenues. We are looking at ways we can offer our sincere thanks to CWM and the Meadow Ridge members.
 
After one year of living creatively with Covid challenges in our church community, we now are familiar with the many innovative options that are possible through on-line connections not just during the summer but year-round. Our e-camping last summer was novel, however many CEM congregations and others around the world have equally blessed us with their offerings of relational programming. Art Smith is requesting information from other apostolic fields sourcing out what others are also preparing. We expect that collaborative offerings will enhance the schedule of activities that will be available to us for 2021. We also will share our events with all.
 
Let us be thankful in the midst of this persistent virus that life, although altered, still brings us together in new and wonderful ways. I am so inspired by the innovations of so many congregations. In each case the tireless broadcasting of events has been remarkable by individuals we all know. Thank you for your ongoing diligence. Thank you for the vast number of participants across the entirety of our Mission Centre and beyond. We have been blessed. We anticipate more of the same will unfold as we know Community of Christ answers the call of the Spirit to amplify joy, hope, love and peace for all.

With Meaning,

Kerry Richards
CEM President