 By Chris Phelps, SICA Board President Hello and Happy New Year from the Samish Island Campground Association, I am pleased to introduce Brad Martell as the new Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center Campground Director, effective January 2026. Brad will be doing some part-time virtual work throughout December to get oriented to the campground staff and needs, and will begin working full-time on January 1. He and his wife, Lori, will be moving into the residence at Samish in mid-January. We look forward to welcoming Brad into his new role and supporting him in any way we can. Brad A. Martell, PhD, has served as the Inland West Mission Center President and Peace and Justice Director for Community of Christ. He was co-director of the Community of Christ Peace Colloquy and International Peace Award, and also served as adjunct faculty with the Community of Christ Seminary, Graceland University. Brad is an environmental educator and a justice and peace activist. He enjoys creative writing, music, natural history, camping, bird-watching, gardening, and cooking with his spouse, Lori. I would also like to take a moment to thank Christine Campbell and her family — Dwayne, Owen, and Ian — for their dedication to SICRC as Christine’s role as Campground Manager comes to an end. Their willingness to step up during a time of significant transition at the campground has been extraordinary. Christine took on this role during a period of considerable flux, and with the support of her family, worked tirelessly from the end of the COVID shutdown through the end of 2025 to ensure that SICRC remained open and welcoming to thousands of users. In the short term, Jeri Mortimore will continue to be your point of contact for all matters related to scheduling, contracts, and upcoming events in 2026. Over the next couple of months, Jeri will transition these responsibilities to Brad to help ensure a seamless experience as you plan and host events at the campground. Please continue to communicate with Jeri as you have over the past eighteen months, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Speaking on behalf of the board, we are deeply grateful for all that you bring to the Samish Island Campground experience. You are the reason SICRC is the sacred place it is. 
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 Each week of Advent, we’re sharing a brief postcard from our Mission Centre President team reflecting on the weekly theme and the ways we can draw closer to God and one another during this sacred season.
From Becky: In this Advent week of Peace, Christ offers us peace—as a state of being in the midst of life’s challenges. Christ is with us—Emmanuel!  Each week of Advent, we’re sharing a brief postcard from our Mission Centre President team reflecting on the weekly theme and the ways we can draw closer to God and one another during this sacred season.
From Shannon: In this Advent week of Love, May you be open to receiving the deep love of God in this season and moving that love into action for our world.  By Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Director
I remember a Christmas when I was a teenager, living with my dad. It was our first Christmas since my parents had split up, and I wanted to make it special for the two of us. Like many people, I found that between school and work, most of my Christmas shopping ended up happening on Christmas Eve. Brentwood Mall was open until 6:00 p.m. that night, and I was one of the last people to leave. I took the bus home, planning to wrap all the gifts and stocking stuffers after my dad went to bed so I could surprise him in the morning. That year, my dad and I began a tradition of staying up late to watch A Christmas Carol, starring Alastair Sim. It became something we looked forward to and carried on every year. Eventually, my dad went to bed, and I started wrapping. By 2:00 a.m. I was still going, and the individual stocking stuffers took so long that by 3:00 a.m. I made myself a promise: I would never leave my Christmas shopping and wrapping until Christmas Eve again. In fact, for the past 45 years, I’ve had all—or most—of my shopping and wrapping finished by December 1. I know that finishing everything by December 1 isn’t realistic for most people. So if you’re still looking for a meaningful gift for a friend or loved one, may I suggest something a little different: one of our upcoming Nurturing Spirit Retreats in 2026. One option is Spiritual Life Writing, an online retreat taking place January 24–25. Because it’s online, this gift can be shared with anyone, anywhere. The cost is $75 CAD. Another opportunity is Connecting to Spirit Through Creativity, an in-person retreat held February 27–March 1 at Samish Island Retreat Centre. This retreat features gifted facilitators and a beautiful natural setting, with a cost of $250 CAD, which includes all meals, accommodations, snacks, and session supplies. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] If I’ve learned anything from that first Christmas on our own, it’s that the traditions we carry matter — often more than the gifts themselves. My dad passed away in the 1990s, but I consider myself fortunate to have created two meaningful traditions during that first Christmas on our own: I never leave my Christmas shopping and wrapping to the last minute, and every Christmas Eve, I watch A Christmas Carol starring Alastair Sim, imagining my dad sitting in front of the TV with me.  🎥 WATCH VIDEO 👀 The Canada West Mission leadership team invites you to enter Advent with a renewed sense of hope for a brighter future as we move toward forming a single Canada Mission Centre in 2026. Hope invites reaching out to someone who needs it. Peace becomes a way of being even in uncertain times. Joy emerges from deep places, often intertwined with sorrow, yet still life-giving. Love calls for tangible action, whether a simple gesture or the courage to risk something new. Prepare for Christmas grounded in hope, peace, joy, and love as we move onward together.
 Each week of Advent, we’re sharing a brief postcard from our Mission Centre President team reflecting on the weekly theme and the ways we can draw closer to God and one another during this sacred season.
From Kat: In this Advent week of Joy: Let our experience of joy this holiday season be grounded in a deep response to God’s goodness in our lives!  Each week of Advent, we’re sharing a brief postcard from our Mission Centre President team reflecting on the weekly theme and the ways we can draw closer to God and one another during this sacred season.
From the team: In this Advent week of Hope: We pray that your hope will be renewed in this season of Advent, as we celebrate the coming of Christ as a child full of hope. How a simple idea in a difficult time grew into a lasting ministry: Haven *End date - Jan 2811/26/2025
 * Please note that our last evening together will be January 28.
By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President “Welcome to Haven, a place of spiritual refreshment, light in a time of darkness.” This is part of the introduction every Wednesday night for our online Haven meditation, now in its fifth year. The structure is simple: music, a poem, subtle hospitality, and meditation. Cameras and microphones off, each person can be themselves and slow down for thirty minutes before bed. Five years ago, I was co-pastor in Vancouver, spending all my pastoral resources navigating lockdowns and hybrid worship requirements. I was dismayed to realize deep into the fall of 2020 that our congregational life had shrunk to Sunday mornings, with our vibrant “Listening for the Soul” groups having been put on extended hold, and other monthly potlucks and holiday gatherings suspended. But what more could I do? How could I ask for extra leadership from others, also weary from endless pivoting? The still, small voice showed me that I could offer an evening online gathering after my weekly Wednesday rehearsal. I could make it sustainable with a simple structure. I could offer what fed me in my spiritual direction training: beauty through poetry, music, and silence. Heart over head. I realized that when nights were longest was when I needed this ministry myself, so I offered Haven first to Vancouver congregation, then also to the Mission Centre, then also to Creating Connections. Now, as then, we meet from the end of Daylight Saving Time in November until Lent, with a break over Christmas holidays. Every week, my experience of seeing screens enter the room is one of joy and subtle hospitality. I hold space and feel deep gratitude in my heart for each one who enters, not seeing their faces and probably never meeting most in person. Even more than Sunday worship, I release the experience of each person, not knowing how any element will land and trusting Spirit to do the work of healing and holding through this virtual yet intentional experience. What brings them here? That’s not my business! Join us for Haven on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. MT / 9:30 p.m. CT / 10:30 p.m. ET, and feel free to invite others. Send me a message at [email protected] and I’ll send this year’s link to you. Blessings to you in this season of the year!  The Hills of Peace Campground Board of Directors is excited to share that the new website is now live at www.hillsofpeace.ca! This refreshed site highlights the natural beauty and unique spirit of our campground while making it easier than ever to learn about the space, connect with the board, and share Hills of Peace with others. The new website includes:
In addition to the website, you’ll notice a refreshed logo and brand for Hills of Peace. This rebrand reflects the culture, landscape, and sense of welcome that so many of us experience here—rooted in belonging, simplicity, and the sacredness of creation. As we look ahead to retreat seasons, family reunions, youth camps, and rental opportunities, we invite you to explore the new site and share it with your networks. Your support helps us extend hospitality to groups and individuals across the prairies who are seeking a place of quiet, community, and renewal. Thank you for your continued care for Hills of Peace—its ministry, its memory, and its future. Should you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] With gratitude, Hills of Peace Campground Board of Directors  By Rick James of Chilliwack, BC
On Tuesday, October 7, Pat and I travelled to Vancouver Island. We were invited to stay with Dana Donohue and John Nepomuceno for the week and spent Wednesday getting to know them and their wonderful children—Georgia, Sydney, Frankie, and James. On Thursday, I called Carl Bolger, and we were invited to join him and Shirley for a visit on Friday. Carl then invited us to a Saturday breakfast at a local restaurant with Jim and Elaine Watson, Donna Martin, and a friend from Carl’s apartment complex. On Sunday, we had Thanksgiving dinner with John, Dana, their family, and Mitch’s parents, a friend of Georgia’s. During the week, we also visited Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria near the Parliament buildings—hence the two photos shared here. I called John Canty and talked briefly, as he had just had an operation and wasn’t ready for visitors. I also called Sally Glasier over the weekend and explained that on Monday, October 13, we’d be travelling to Nanaimo and could stop by. She invited us in, and we spent an hour with her and her two grandsons. After leaving Sally, we continued to Nanaimo to the home of Ed and Audrey Salahub. I called Renae Christianson and left a message but didn’t receive a response. We left on October 16 to return home, hoping that those we visited knew how much we appreciated the time together. It’s our intention to return in the spring and visit even more members and friends. In the meantime, I am requesting the email addresses of those on the Island and in the interior so we can stay connected.  Take 20 minutes each week to breathe, listen, and be still. Haven returns November 5 and continues through February 11, meeting Wednesdays at 7:40 p.m. PT / 8:40 p.m. MT / 9:40 p.m. CT / 10:40 p.m. ET (except December 24 and 31).
A contemplative experience for the dark season, Haven invites you to turn off your camera and enjoy a moment of music, poetry, and meditation. Please contact Kat at [email protected] for the Zoom link. We’d love to feature your poetry during Haven. If you have a short, inspirational poem (up to 20 lines), please email it to Kat and mention if you would like to read it live when you send your poem.  As we walk onward together in Community of Christ in Canada, moments of connection and shared reflection remind us of the Spirit at work among us. During a recent retreat at Samish Island, Vickie MacArthur and our new Director of Leadership Development, Lanette Vawter, experienced the power of sacred community that transcends faith traditions. Vickie reflects on how openness, friendship, and quiet listening can help us deepen our shared discipleship as we continue this journey—together. By Vickie MacArthur, from the Lethbridge congregation I always take a deep slow breath as I turn into our beloved Samish Island campgrounds. It’s a cherished moment of arriving, of leaving behind the busyness of my everyday life, a chance to slow down into “Sabbath time at Samish.” This time however, I was not coming to a Community of Christ event, but to a 5-day mostly silent retreat organized by the Anacortes Mindfulness Community, a Buddhist sangha I have connected to through my affiliation with the Plum Village tradition of Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh (www.plumvillage.org). I was not arriving on my own, as my dear friend Lanette was with me, taking in her first Zen Buddhist retreat. What a joy to be sharing this retreat with my Zen Buddhist sangha with my long-time Community of Christ friend. As we stepped onto the grounds, there was that feeling of familiarity, of being welcomed home, but this time was a bit different. Usually, when Lanette and I come to Samish, we both are busy in leadership or teaching roles. This time we were here as guests. However, it also felt like we were welcoming our Buddhist friends, not only from our own love for these sacred grounds, but from our entire circle of Community of Christ friends and families. The theme of the retreat was “What Do I Do Now?”—a timely question as we all face the uncertainties of life both individually and globally. It is a question that can be asked and answered in every moment, but also over time as we seek guidance and discernment for the larger questions of our life. It is a question that cannot be truly answered when we’re too busy planning, or overscheduled, or distracted to listen. “What Do I Do Now?” is like a Buddhist Koan that cannot be understood by intellect alone, but rather invites us into a deeper way of being instead of constantly doing. As we settled into the daily silent rhythm of early morning meditation, breakfast, listening to a dharma talk by wise and caring Zen teachers, walking meditation, lunch, rest, small-group (dharma) sharing, deep relaxation, dinner, and evening activities, I could feel my body beginning to unwind, and my mind beginning to clear. I could feel myself opening to life as it unfolded all around me, watching a Blue Heron effortlessly glide in for a landing on the clear water, or the fall leaves beginning to turn brilliant gold and reds in a last blaze of glory. I savored the silence at meal times, gazing out over Freestad Lake and the guardian trees that reflect perfectly on its surface. Is this what the Buddhists mean—to have a clear mind that perfectly reflects what’s there, instead of all our muddy words and thoughts? I watched in delight as one of my Buddhist friends bowed to the prayer wheel by the Zendo (our meditation hall) then, with a sweep of her hand, sent her prayers off with the wind. How welcoming for her to have a symbol of her own faith here in a Christian retreat centre. I also watched as our Buddhist friends slowly wound their way through the labyrinth, open to this spiritual practice rooted in the Christian tradition. Truly a melding of traditions and communities—what the Buddhists call inter-being—that sense that everything and everyone are inextricably woven together. As Lanette and I sat together in the closing circle for our retreat, at home in the familiar surroundings of the Christian Fellowship Centre (CFC), with memories of the old barn that used to be there, both of us had the feeling of being surrounded by generations of RLDS and Community of Christ families—people just like us, yearning for wholeness, who dreamed the best for future generations, evolving from a “one true church” and other limiting beliefs into a universal movement of Love. We could feel their smiles, their hopes, their laughter, their tears, their undying support. Slowly, the individual question of “What do I do now?” morphed into a collective question of “What do we do now, together?” Community of Christ? Anacortes Mindfulness Community? Plum Village Buddhists? We may have different teachings and practices, but at our core, we all want—and are working toward—the same goal of peace, wholeness, and justice for all. As we move into a new structure that brings together two Mission Centres into a Canadian Church, we would do well to keep pausing and praying, and asking “What do we do now?” both in the short term and the longer eternal view. Perhaps that question can only be answered when we ask “Who are WE now?” As we bring together mission centres and congregations with diverse needs, beliefs, and ideas across a huge geography, I’m imagining not just conversations, but time and space for spiritual practices that help us listen deeper together into this question—one that can only be answered when we take time to listen to the Holy One and to each other. I’m also imagining conversations and sharing with other traditions, in churches, mosques, temples, and forest cathedrals. It’s time to truly move beyond not only the walls of our church, but the walls of religion. The world is waiting.  By Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It was my pleasure and privilege to be at the CWMC Men’s Retreat, Sept. 20–21, to assist in the kitchen. I HEARD about the enjoyable activities of the weekend schedule. What I SAW was a group of men in fellowship and camaraderie, working together both in the kitchen and on the grounds putting some things away for winter, helping each other, and genuinely enjoying good food and spending time together! It was truly a delightful wrap-up to the season’s camping program at Hills of Peace! Long may it continue. I would like to share camp director Dan Esch’s reflections: “Fifteen men gathered on Friday night, September 19th, at Hills of Peace Campground for the 17th version of Men’s Retreat. There have been various formats throughout the years, led by guest ministers from all over North America. There is a pretty constant format. We always have an ice breaker—multiple choice answers to trivia questions, minister preferences, whatever pops into our quizmaster Jae Senga’s head—and the tricky part is that we have to give our answers using Xbox controllers. It gives us a chance to find out some fun facts (few Canadians have a TV in their bathroom) and learn a little bit about our guest minister (Chris Phelps would love to have a superpower). Then it was time for our first of many great snacks and call it a night. On Saturday Chris hosted four sessions centered on Turning Hope Into Action, asking us to focus on the story behind the story; in between we took down the tent and hauled the dock onto the beach. We kept our strength up with more pie than we needed at supper and waddled off to our final session where Chris had us choose hymns to sing and tell why they were important to us. Our campfire was led by Doug MacArthur, assisted by Chris. Doug has a skill for blending silly songs with spiritual and Saturday night was no exception. It was pretty cool to hear some songs so deep. Of course, there was a reference to THE campfire (you had to be there) and then we headed back to the kitchen for more snacks. Sunday morning the tradition is to have communion. Ryan Levitt led the service and Chris provided the message. After that we had to move some equipment and then we headed for home. Special thanks to the 15 men who gathered and our cooks Susan Levitt, Isabelle Williams, and Becky Middleton. Men’s Retreat is a mix of spiritual, social, and secular. It is a chance for young and the not-as-young to meet, share, worship, and do the things to close up the camp. You get to share in a road trip and will be blessed that you came.” So next year when you see the announcement, say YES to the invitation!  Please Note - We regret to announce that the retreat has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule for some time in the new year.
There’s still time to register for the upcoming Nurturing Silence Retreat at Samish Island, October 17–19. This two-day retreat offers space to step away from the noise of daily life and settle into stillness through guided mindfulness practices. Our guest instructor, Susan Watkins, will lead us in mindfulness practices that include yoga, sound bathing, and labyrinth meditation, creating opportunities to rest and reconnect in a peaceful setting. Cost: $225 CAD/person ($170 for students and under 25). Fees Include Friday dinner, Saturday meals, Sunday breakfast, coffee/tea bar and light snacks; programming, final camp clean, and cabin accommodation with shared bath. Please note: if registration exceeds 20 people, overflow lodging will be in restored rustic cabins with a shared bath house. What to bring: personal items including towels and bedding, a yoga mat (mats will also be provided), indoor slippers or shoes, warm and waterproof outerwear, flashlight, journal, warm blanket, etc. Registration closes Thursday, October 3 at midnight. Don’t miss this chance to connect, renew, and restore. For more information: Leah Christensen at [email protected]  Men’s Retreat is just a few days away, and we need to confirm numbers so Susan can prepare meals for the weekend. She knows exactly how much food is “enough” — and we definitely don’t want to run short (or miss out on extra pie!).
This weekend is about more than numbers, though. It’s about deciding whether you need this time away — a chance to be outdoors in the fall, to reconnect with others from across the mission centre, and to make memories that only happen when you say yes to the invitation. The retreat will feature classes led by Chris Phelps, an icebreaker, campfire, and communion service. Beyond the activities, it’s an opportunity to connect, reflect, and recharge. You can still register. We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend! Retreat details Dates: September 19–21 (Friday 7:30pm MT to Sunday noon) Location: Hills of Peace Campground Cost: $170 (advance credit card registration available)  Photo courtesy of Stephen Thompson. By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Our 2025 Canada West Mission Conference is complete! There are so many highlights to share — from friends joining both online and in person from all four of our provinces, to inspiring music, and the wise words shared in our business deliberations and worship experiences. We shared sacraments together around the world through the faithfulness of the Beyond the Walls ministry, welcoming two new outreach ministers serving as Seventy. On a personal note, it was a joy to be together with our whole Mission President Team: Shannon, Becky, Gwyn, and myself, and remember the highlights of our service together. A spirit of joy accompanied our fellowship, and even the budget conversation was titled “Fun with Numbers”! Our friends in the Chilliwack congregation were generous hosts, offering excellent food and thoughtful care for everyone who attended. Truly, we experienced “Love in Action” just as our theme proclaimed. We passed the budget presented by Sam and engaged in prophetic imagination together. We are grateful for everyone’s prayerful support as we voted to combine with Canada East Mission Centre in the coming year. Let us continue to uphold the church in Canada in our prayers as we take our next loving and hopeful steps into the future.  The Canada West Mission Centre Conference is this weekend! From September 12–14, we gather around the theme Love in Action in Chilliwack, BC, and online. If you’re joining us online, here are all the sessions available to you with Pacific and Mountain times. Friday, Sept 12
Saturday, Sept 13
Sunday, Sept 14
Join on Zoom Conference Zoom link (for all online sessions except Beyond the Walls): Documents (programs, agenda, reports) Find everything in one place — Full Program (with reports), Express Program, Business Agenda, Financial Report, Audit Report, January minutes, and more: Registration (encouraged for both in-person and Zoom) is here:  By Parker Johnson - Retreat Co-Director Our theme this year at the Hills of Peace Young Adult Retreat was “Here and Now.” We spent the weekend discussing how we can better align our values with our actions in a noisy world demanding our attention and time. It was a very restorative time together in community. Many of our young adults were/are very involved in youth camps and retreats all throughout their life, but none of us had ever been to the campgrounds and had full independence over our time. We had set mealtimes and morning sessions for discussion, spiritual practices, and more. We also had two campfires with music, singing, and a communion service the final night. Aside from this, attendees had free time to swim at the lake, canoe, stand-up paddle board, read, rest, play games, go for a walk, and more. We are looking forward to putting this on again next year.  You are invited to a two-day meditation retreat at the peaceful Samish Island Community of Christ Campground and Retreat Centre, October 17-19.
This predominantly silent retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life and settle into stillness. Through silence and guided mindfulness practices, you’ll be supported in slowing down, listening inward, and reconnecting with your inner clarity and calm. Mindfulness offerings include:
Whether you're new to meditation or returning to deepen your practice, this retreat provides a nurturing space to connect, renew, and restore. Cost: $225 CAD/person $170 CAD/person for students and under 25 years Includes Friday dinner; Saturday meals; Sunday breakfast; coffee/tea bar and light snacks; programming; final camp clean; and cabin accommodation with shared bath. Please note: If registration exceeds 20 people, overflow lodging will be in restored rustic cabins with shared bath house. Registration deadline: Oct 3 For more information: Leah Christensen [email protected]  Get ready to test your knowledge and relive the 80s while supporting World Accord! Join us for World Accord’s 45th Anniversary 80s Trivia Night on Friday, September 12, from 6:40–8:00 p.m. during the Canada West Mission Conference. Come dressed in your best 80s costume (optional but encouraged!) and enjoy an evening of fun, prizes for the top three teams and best costume, and plenty of laughter—all while supporting World Accord’s mission of cultivating communities that thrive. The event will be available both in person and on Zoom. |
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