Join "Church History Without Boundaries," a series of online lectures each Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time through November 19.
Participants will journey through the pages of Community of Christ history as we listen to guest historians share the global history behind Community of Christ. The eight-week series features church history from Nigeria, Korea, India, Canada, England, and the Holy Land. Registration is free. Online space is limited. 

• 8 October: "The Story of Community of Christ in India" with David Howlett
• 15 October: "The Story of Community of Christ in Southeastern Nigeria" with Dima Hurlbut 
• 22 October: "Community of Christ History in the Holy Land" with Barbara Walden
• 29 October: "The Most Spectacular Harvest of Souls Since Wesley's Time: Latter Day Saint British Isles Missions, 1837-1863" with Andrew Bolton
• 5 November: "The Church Encounters Asia. Beginnings: Korea" with Steve Shields
• 12 November: "1830s Latter Day Saint Missiology" with Seth Bryant
• 19 November: "Bishop R.C. Evans of Canada: From the RLDS First Presidency to Schismatic Church Leader"
  with John Hamer 

​More about this lecture series here.

Previous lectures
"A Global Family: Strategies for Visualizing and Narrating Community of Christ's Global History" with John-Charles Duffy

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reduce opportunities for the church to provide in-person pastoral-care ministries and to gather physically for fellowship, worship, and community formation. After extended consideration, the Presidency is providing principles and guidelines for offering the sacraments through online means during the pandemic. These principles and guidelines may be refined in the future as the church lives into its experiences with online ministries.
 
It is our hope that providing for the sacraments to be shared through online experiences will continue the pastoral-care ministries the church is called to extend into human life, even during this time of physical distancing. It also will provide the church learnings for how to share the sacraments in a world that is becoming more borderless through online connections. May blessings abound as you offer these gifts.

Douglas Gordon Walker, age 90, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, October 1st, 2020 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Beloved husband of Margaret Walker (Smith), cherished father of Brenda Arrowsmith (Don) and Bruce Walker (Lorraine). Proud grandfather of Jamie Arrowsmith (Katie Schell) and Dana Arrowsmith, and great-grandfather to Elizabeth and Douglas Walter Arrowsmith. Pre-deceased by much-loved brothers: William Walker (Kay) and David Walker (Deanna). Brother-in-law to Mervyn Smith (late), Lawrence Smith (Sandy), Harold Smith, and the late Muriel Talcott (Smith). Pre-deceased by parents Edward and Nellie Walker. ‘Uncle Doug’ to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as young friends who loved to call him uncle. Each one was special to him.

Born in Grimsby, Ontario, Doug’s family moved in the early ’30’s to the small hamlet of Melissa in Muskoka, followed by Little Current, Manitoulin Island, where he met Margaret, his life-long sweetheart and best friend. He started life in the Sault in 1951 as a welder/ironworker. In the late 1960’s he became owner-operator of his developing steel fabrication/erection business, Conaquip, a well-regarded entity in the steel fabrication business for almost three decades. He enjoyed involvements with the Bon Soo Festival, the seniors curling community, ball-room and square-dance groups, and felt deeply enriched by his faith group, Community of Christ where he served in many capacities. Doug and Margaret also enjoyed extensive travel, and skiing. Douglas was widely regarded as a kind, gracious gentleman. His renowned gentle humour was evident to the end.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Maple View Extendicare for their care and compassion. A Celebration of Life will be announced sometime in the Spring. Memorial contributions to Community of Christ or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Memorial donations made (payable by cheque) to Community of Christ, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel
(492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522).

The following classes are now open for enrollment through October 17 for $7.50 each: 

• Ministry of the Disciple (MP301): 8-weeks, October 17-December 11 
• Introduction to Scripture (SS400):  8-weeks, October 17 - December 11 
• Ministry with Latter-day Seekers: 4-weeks, October 17 - November 13 
• Children and Youth Worker Core Training: As needed (finish at own pace) October 17 - November 13 
• NEW:  Faithful Disagreement:  3-week mini-class: October 17-November 7 

Click on button above and choose the "Canada Registration Form." Class fee must be paid before the first session.

MEADS Online:  "Community of Christ History" taught live via ZOOM by John Hamer Monday, November 9 through Friday November 13 from  7:30-10:00 PM (EST). The price is $30 and you can enroll by sending a check to:  
 
Attention: Melissa Freer
Community of Christ
355 Elmira Road North,
Unit 129
Guelph, ON  
N1K 1S5

Douglas Walker of Sault Ste. Marie, father of Brenda Arrowsmith, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1,2020. He was 90 years old.

​Brenda and Don were able to be with him at the long term care facility through out his last few days. A memorial service will be held at a future time. 

Essential business of our Mission Centre must continue even in a pandemic. Our agenda includes sustaining of officers, approval of 2019 Conference Minutes, approval of 2021 budget and priesthood calls. 

If you have not already volunteered to be a delegate, consider representing your congregation with voice and vote. We will be meeting via ZOOM, a very familiar video conferencing platform. We'll also use the incredibly simple tool called "Poll Everywhere" to collect votes. Using Poll Everywhere allows each vote to be anonymous. Check out the video below to see how uncomplicated the process is. Training sessions will be provided in order to give you the opportunity to try the system first hand (see details below).

Lunch with Mystery Guests
 
We have planned special surprises for you prior to the business meeting!!

Many guest ministers who have shared in Canada East Mission Centre over the years have been invited to spend time with us during lunch.

These are people you already know and love and THEY are super pumped about visiting with YOU! 

When you join the ZOOM meeting on Saturday, October 24 starting at 11:30 a.m., Delegates and Ex-officio will check in with Melissa to be included in the Credentials Report. Then we will all have lunch together and mingle with our special guests. Join the conversation!

MacDERMID, Angus Junior

Angus Junior MacDermid, born in 1935, to Angus and Rosetta (Sippel) MacDermid, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020. He was married to Joan Elizabeth (Otto) for 62 years. He is survived by his three daughters, Shelley (Michael) MacDermid Wadsworth, Debra (Mark) Brinkman and Julie MacDermid (Eric Cella). His grandchildren are Tyler (Rose) Brinkman and Mitchell Brinkman, Jake and Hayley Cella and Ryan Wadsworth. Great-grandchildren are Sol and Anya Wadsworth Radetzki. A sister Sally (Ted) Holdaway, and sister-in-law Gloria Otto, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law Allen and Elma Otto, his sister and brother-in-law Elaine and Jim Bechtel, brother-in-law David Otto and granddaughter Christine Emily MacDermid Wadsworth.

Angus was the first apprentice of F.A.G. Bearings, Stratford, becoming a tool and die maker. He was sent to the parent plant in Schweinfurt, Germany for more experience, ultimately becoming an expert bearing installer and service representative for F.A.G. Bearings across North America. He then became a student at Fanshawe College, graduating as an engineering technologist, and eventually became a co-owner of Marshall Industrial, now S.B. Simpson. He loved volunteering with the Rotary Club of Stratford, Salvation Army, and his church Community of Christ. The Rotary Club awarded him two Paul Harris fellowships, the highest award Rotary can give. He was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments.

He loved people, and they loved him back. He will be truly missed. The family is very grateful to the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth and Care Partners, especially Dorie and Leah Anne, for their care and concern for Angus and Joan. There will be a private celebration of life for Angus. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Community of Christ (Stratford), The Rotary Club of Stratford, Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth or a charity of one's choice through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford. 519.271.7411.
www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

Share communion in real-time simultaneously with hundreds of disciples in dozens of countries around the world. Our theme this week is “Make Responsible Choices,” which is one of the nine Enduring Principles in Community of Christ.
 
Karin Peter of Olympia, Washington, will offer our communion message on the text of Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. Cathi Cackler-Veazey of Independence, Missouri, will share a Peace Lesson and Vickie Thatcher of Riverside, Missouri, will offer our Disciple’s Generous Response.
 
Our invocation will be offered by Sharon Hines of Piedmont, South Carolina. Vivian Beeching of Toronto, Ontario, will read our Call to Worship and Jodi Donald of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, will read this week’s lectionary scripture. The blessings on the bread and wine will be offered by Patricia Lewis of Guelph, Ontario, and Shirley Smith of Calgary, Alberta.
 
Join the Beyond the Walls Choir in singing hymn #359 “We Are One in the Spirit,” and hymn #578 “Jesus Is Calling.”
 
This will be a communion service. All are welcome at Christ’s table. If you plan to participate live in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, please have emblems mindfully prepared in your location prior to the service. 

SLIM (Sharing Love in Mission) - 2 p.m. As part of the service, we will be invited to be the message via a prerecorded video sermon by Bishop Carla Long from Utah. All are welcome. Contact Don Robb for Zoom info.

Port Elgin Congregation - 9 a.m. - Prayer Share 9:40-10 a.m. Coffee & Conversation 10 a.m. Speaker Linda Booth. Larry Buchanan  for Zoom details.

La Salle Road Congregation -  Social time from 10:15-10:30. Worship 10:30 a.m. Contact  Pastor Vonda den Boer for Zoom details.

Reaching Out - Generally meets twice a month. Please sign up for email notices by clicking here.

Kitchener Congregation - Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Contact Carman Thompson for details.

Cambridge Congregation - 11 a.m. For details go to www.cofchristcambridge.ca. On the calendar page click on the event for the Zoom link. Social time follows the service.

First People Community of Christ (FPCC) - Reaching out to Native People across North America  and the World! Online Prayer and Testimonies Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Worship Sundays at 7 p.m. Contact Larry Buchanan for ZOOM details.

Other Online Ministries are available from many varied places for you to connect with.

​Shirley Dennis
May 16th, 1929 - September 30th, 2020

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Shirley Eileen (Rabb) Dennis on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, in her 92nd year.

Shirley was the wife of the late Harold Shannon (1982), and Ernest Dennis (2007). She lived her entire life in the Town of Minto.  

She will be dearly missed by her children Wanda White, Brock (Tammy) Shannon, Mark Shannon, Greg (Brenda) Shannon, and Jeff (Kim) Shannon, Teri-Lin (Kevin Parson) Mulholland, as well as stepson Terry (Fran) Dennis.

Shirley was the loving grandmother of Jared (Aarika), Joshua (Amanda), Samantha (Jeremy), Hugh (Sasha), Faith, Emily, Beth, Katherine, Drew, Lindsay (Alex Popescu), Kara, Greg (Jen), Chris, Tom, Michael, Katrina, Sonja, and Sydney.

‘GG’ to Aiden and Abigail, Sophia and Amelia, Karynna, Alixander, and Adley, Shirley was also eagerly anticipating the birth of two new great-grandbabies.

Many nieces and nephews morn the loss of their Aunt Shirley.

She was the last surviving member of her large family. She was only 4 years of age when her father died and her mother was left to raise nine children through the depression and WWII. Shirley was predeceased by her parents William and Nellie (MacLean) Rabb as well as her siblings Bill (Phyllis) Rabb, Mac (Jean) Rabb, Gordon (Corry) Rabb, Allan (Doris) Rabb, Abbie (Charlie) McCallister, Helen (Chuck) Daniel, Phyllis (Al Arnett), (Jack) Blacker, Joan (Lloyd) Greenwood. 

She was also predeceased by Harold’s siblings Ralph (Janet) and Chester (Marjory) Shannon, Blanche (Ray) Ash, Isobel (Scotty) MacLean, and Verna (John) Kane. Also predeceased in death by Ernie’s siblings Goldora (Bob) Simmons, Della McGee, Myrtle Harper, Ruby Morgan, Ramona Dick, Bernice (Herman) Casemore, Beulah, Stanley, Clayton, Russell, Earl, Raymond, Kenneth, and Dunnevan Dennis. Her son-in-law Gary White and several nieces and nephews also predeceased her. 

Mom was a lady of great faith, was very giving and a lifelong volunteer. She came from a long line of community minded souls and always had a ready smile and a cheerful word despite her own tribulations. 

Visitation will be held at the Hardy Lee funeral home, Harriston on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors my schedule a time by selecting RSVP under the service details on Shirley’s page, or by calling the funeral home at 519-338-2441. Everyone attending must wear a mask.

The funeral service will be held at Harriston United Church on Saturday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. The service will be recorded and the link available shortly after the service. Masks and social distancing are required. Rev. Jessica Cottrell officiating. Interment in Harriston Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Drs. Cressey, Wielgosz, and Schwartz for their excellent care. Thanks also to the staff at Royal Terrace Retirement Home in Palmerston, Freeport Hospital in Kitchener, as well CCAC for their support and expertise.  

Memorial donations, in Shirley’s name, to Palmerston Hospital, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated. 

You may wish to share your most beloved memories of Shirley here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. You can upload cherished photographs, or share your favorite stories, and can even comment on those shared by others. 

​Greetings!

On Sunday, September 27, I gave a sermon to the Beyond the Walls Congregation, inviting Community of Christ in Canada to begin a discernment process as we contemplate what matters most and how God is calling us to be a Community of Christ in 21st century Canada. Traditionally, participating ministers are interviewed at the conclusion of each Beyond the Walls service. Due to technical difficulties, that conversation was cut short on Sunday. Toronto Pastor John Hamer and I resumed the dialogue today in a live interview as we considered the invitation and challenges before us. (Click on the image above to hear the entire interview.)
 
As Canadians continue to discern where the spirit is leading us in the midst of uncertainty, we have put together a short survey to provide Canadian members and friends of the church an opportunity to share openly with me on this topic.

​Thank you for your time, input and consideration.
 
 
With gratitude,
 
Apostle Art Smith

Art shared his message in Beyond the Walls worship service September 27th. Click to review.