 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.  Have you checked out Canada West Mission Centre’s “Virtual Visiting Fellowship”? This is a “program” that has truly become a “community;” actually, two communities! Participants have become real friends in these online communities that include people from across the mission centre and beyond. Two sessions are offered each week. At least one of them will surely fit into your schedule:
Our Mission Centre President, Steve Thompson, plans and facilitates these sessions. We share in some introductions and opening comments to set up our time together. Then we engage in a general discussion with reference to topics that have included current events, articles in various periodicals, as well as hymns or scriptures. We conclude with a prayer for peace, for each other, and for others who need our support. Each session lasts about an hour. This has proven to be an upbeat, positive opportunity to help make up for not being able to visit “live and in person” with our congregation on Sundays. How to participate:
Mark one (or both) of these virtual gatherings on your calendar and plan to attend. We look forward to your participation!  This is one of our VVF groups.
Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Today, “We Share… a Mission.” Christ’s Mission is Our Mission! We take that cue from Jesus’ reading from the book of Isaiah as quoted in Luke 4:18-19 (NRSV): The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Many years ago, Community of Christ adopted a mission statement that many church members still know from memory and that points the way to Jesus and his mission: We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. The church has been “growing into” that mission statement ever since. Five “mission initiatives” have been prescribed for the church that help us focus our efforts on what matters most for us to be about in our communities. More information can be found for each one by following the links:
It is critical to understand that each of us as individuals must be Christ’s hands and feet to contribute to carrying out his mission. The short phrase that started the first paragraph above really is more accurately stated as: “Christ’s Mission, Our Mission, YOUR Mission.” In recent years, many individuals have made it a part of their personal spiritual practice or prayer life to regularly pray the “Mission Prayer” and directly invite God’s guidance into their lives: God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen. I invite you to make Christ’s mission your mission. Community of Christ seeks to share that mission and to make it as real as possible wherever church members live and work and serve in their community. How will you respond? For more information about our mission, contact the writer or a congregation near you. Material for this column is drawn primarily from the book, available online, Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs. Extra Information: Be sure to let your voice be heard in an early stage of consultation about the future of Community of Christ in Canada. Check out Apostle Art Smith’s sermon from September 27 (fast-forward to minute 35:29), plus his related conversation with Seventy John Hamer of Toronto, Ontario, and respond to this questionnaire. Thank you for your interest. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President steve@communityofchrist.ca  Join us this Wednesday for the screening of There's Something In The Water, followed by a panel discussion with producer Dr. Ingrid Waldren, Dr. David Suzuki, and frontline activists. Panelists:
When: Wednesday, October 21, 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST What: Screening of There's Something In The Water followed by panel discussion  As a result of the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, long overdue conversations about environmental racism and the intersection of racism and environmental justice are actively taking place across Canada. This documentary film offers an opportunity to bring this important conversation to our community and amplify the voices of the activists on the ground in parts of Canada facing various threats against their rights and the environment. Based on Ingrid Waldron's incendiary study, the film follows Ellen Page as she travels to rural areas of the province that are plagued by toxic fallout from industrial development. As did Waldron, the filmmakers discover that these catastrophes have been precisely placed, all in remote, low income — and very often Indigenous or Black — communities. As the filmmakers observe, your postal code determines your health.
If you cannot attend, please consider donating instead. In these challenging times, your support is more vital than ever. Thank you for helping to protect nature. Stay healthy. Stay Well. The David Suzuki Foundation  Enrollment Information for eLearning Classes
The following credit classes will open for a limited enrollment September 21-October 17:
Class cost is $7.50 and should be paid before class via e-Transfer to: cwm_mcfo@communityofchrist.ca To enroll, go to developmetrics.org and click on the "Canadian Registration Form". Also, for a limited number of students, we'll be offering the MEADS class on "Community of Christ History" taught live by John Hamer on Monday, November 9 through Friday November 13 from 7:30-10:00 PM (EST). The price is $35 and you can enroll here and click on the "Canadian Registration Form".  Come join us for a monthly “get together” for casual discussion of books from a wide range of genres. Open to all book lovers (some books may not be suitable for younger readers). When: Third Monday of every month at 7 PM (BC), 8PM (AB-SK), 9PM (MB). First session begins on October 19.
Book: Invisible Girl by Cherise Craney, a local author from Vancouver.
Synopsis: Maeve Lynch is a young girl who struggles with multiple disabilities. Supported by her mother Siobhan and brother Finn, she navigates a world of doctors, educational difficulties, and the constant fight for services. Invisible Girl is the story about one family's love and perseverance in the face of classism, ableism, and judgement. This book is available on the following platforms:
Meet Our Host: My name is Kelly Duff and from an early age I have loved reading. In recent years, I have especially loved the opportunities I’ve had to read stories by brand new authors through my volunteer work with Filidh Publishing; where I assist with preliminary edits of new manuscripts, as well as help with planning/running book launches and open mic events. I enjoy reading books from many genres, and I look forward to exploring the worlds of fiction and non-fiction with other avid readers!  3 Day Online Discovery Event: October 14, 21 and 28.
Here's what it includes:
-Summary pages of the class presentations -Pre-class videos to watch. Short clips totaling perhaps 15 mins per class to show ritual, etc. -All sessions recorded and available for a week afterwards to fit your schedule. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Have a question? Email Brian Carwana at brian@worldreligions.ca Religions  Upcoming Sessions:
Click on the button above to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link a few days before each session of the series. All sessions are free and previous participation is not needed to join.
Phase 1: Online Sessions on the Sacredness of Creation (July 9-October 25) Further conversations will include “Hope for a New Creation,” during the month of October. In addition, President Steve Veazey will join us for worship on October 11, to share a special message about the climate crises we face and our response as a faith community. Phase 2: Fall-Winter 2020/21 The Unraveling and Reweaving of Creation The series continues with a more detailed look at the Climate Change crisis itself - how we got here, the current status, and how to move fiercely toward a resolution of the core issues. This phase will start with a weekend on-line set of keynote speakers, followed by sessions every couple of weeks through the winter. Dates for these conversations will be publicized in your mission center news briefs and on this website. Watch for them! Phase 3: In-Person Colloquy (October 29-31, 2021) Join us on October next year for the full in-person Colloquy at Samish Island, WA. Keynote speakers will include world-class climate scientists and Community of Christ President Steve Veazey. In addition, there will be 20 or more break-out sessions, where people with wide-ranging backgrounds will share their experiences in helping tackle the various issues of climate change. This is a world-class event you will not want to miss! Join us online! Saturday, October 24 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Pacific Time. Click on the buttons below to register and view schedule.  See below some tips for creating a Worship Centre or Altar at home.     In accordance with Harmony's mission to provide advocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ, we offer this four-part series with Sexologist Dr. Jill McDevitt. The purpose of this series is to provide our members and the public with meaningful and science-based information concerning human sexuality and gender identity as well as insight into common areas of struggle for the Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ Community such as shame, intimacy, power and agency, pleasure, and more. This series is meant to provide individuals with accurate and thought-provoking information that has the power to improve lives. Utilizing the Experiential Learning Model of sexual health education, this workshop facilitates self-reflection and provides participants with a framework for understanding sexuality as a broad and interconnected topic that impacts nearly every aspect of being human. Through the collaborative development of the 7 Circles of Sexuality Wall, a bevy of topic ideas for future events will also be generated. Dates/Times
Pricing
Meet Dr. Jill
Dr. Jill McDevitt is a sexologist, sexuality educator, sexual wellness coach, and feel-good activist. Dr. Jill's mission is to radically change and improve the way we think about and treat sexuality, ourselves, and each other. Learn more at: https://www.thesexologist.org/ Should you have any questions, please contact Harmony at info@harmony.lgbt  To all our members in BC,
It is the time of year that we usually gather for our Agape Society Annual General Meeting, and as with many events we are moving online thanks to provisions made in the Societies Act for these extraordinary times. Zoom connection details are below. For those new to the Agape Society, every Community of Christ member in BC is automatically a voting member. Our mandate is to support at-risk youth and young adults in finding safe and supportive homes. We do that primarily through the Agape House in New Westminster, which the society owns. The current program in Agape House is run by CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) for young adults learning to live independently. Our agenda for the AGM will be simple: update you on this year at Agape House, approve the budget for the coming year, and elect the board of directors. We have some openings on the board this year and welcome any who are interested to reach out to board president Shannon McAdam (shannonmcadam@gmail.com or 604-328-0705) if you’d like to learn more. Thanks to video communication technology, you do not have to live in the lower mainland of BC to be a board member! When: Sunday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time Where: Online or by phone via Zoom, connection details below We hope to see you on November 1st! Agape Board
Sundays BC Community of Christ Online Gathering Hosted by the Vancouver Congregation Sunday mornings 9:30am Pacific Time - Visiting and gathering 10am Pacific Time - Service Contact Chris Phelps at cphelps@shaw.ca for Zoom links. Inclusive Church Hosted by the Toronto Congregation and Beyond the Walls Community Sundays at 12pm (EDT), 11am (CDT), 10am (MDT), 9am (PDT). For more information please visit their website, Facebook page and YouTube channel to watch the service. Mondays Book Club Third Monday of every month at 7PM (BC), 8PM (AB-SK), 9PM (MB). The first session begins on October 19. To join please visit the Creating Connection Meetup group. For more details click here. Tuesdays Virtual Visiting Fellowship Tuesday mornings at 11am CDT (Manitoba), 10am MDT (Alberta and Saskatchewan), 9am PDT (BC). Please send an email to steve@communityofchrist.ca to participate. For more details click here. Wednesdays Creating Connection presents: An Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit Wednesdays from 3pm to 4:30pm Pacific Time. To join please visit the Creating Connection Meetup group. Thursdays Creating Connection presents: Coffee and Conversation Thursdays from 10:30am to noon Pacific Time. To join please visit the Creating Connection Meetup group. Virtual Visiting Fellowship Thursday evenings at 9pm CDT (Manitoba), 8pm MDT (Alberta and Saskatchewan), 7pm PDT (BC). Please send an email to steve@communityofchrist.ca to participate. For more details click here. For a list of Online Ministries please click here. 2020
October 22 and 25 Climate Change Colloquy Series-Online October 24 Making Friends with Silence: A Day of Nurturing Spirit-Online December 1 Giving Tuesday-National Giving Day 2021 February 6 Canada West Mission E-Conference Dates are subject to change. Please register early to avoid cancellation of your event on Reggie. www.cwm.events This occasional feature is intended to ensure that people across the mission centre are aware of the passing of persons in other congregations in a timely manner.
Information provided here is restricted to the name of the deceased person, the city where they lived (or congregation they attended), and the date of death (if it is provided). If an online version of a detailed obituary is available, the name of the person will be underlined indicating that it is a link to that source of information. As we were preparing for our annual “We Remember” presentation for the Mission Conference Online this year, we realized that we were missing persons who have passed away between September and December 2019. In a “catch-up” entry, we highlight the following persons who have died in the time since our last Mission Conference. If you are aware of other church members who have passed away and whose names do not appear here in our archive, please advise sandra@communityofchrist.ca. Please support in thought and prayer the family and friends of the following persons who passed away late last year:
For a list of persons who have passed away earlier this year, please click here.  Jan Kraybill, Community of Christ organist-in-residence, often enjoys hearing and answering her audience’s questions, especially if she’s playing a demonstration concert at the Temple or Auditorium in Independence, Missouri, USA. But because the world is dealing with a pandemic, her next performances are for online audiences.
During free internet premiers at 7:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time on both September 13 at the Temple organ and at the Auditorium organ on September 14, Jan Kraybill took video viewers behind the scenes, inside these massive instruments, to view aspects never seen by live audiences. The videos were recorded in Independence, MO. Watch the Auditorium Pipe Organ Demonstration and the Temple Pipe Organ Demonstration videos in the Community of Christ YouTube channel. The videos will remain on the church’s YouTube channel for later viewing.  The Canada West Mission Centre wishes to extend a very large “THANK YOU” to everyone who supported our recent conference in any way. It was a complex event that could not be successful without contributions and assistance from a large number of people. We recognize in the following list those who contributed in the ways mentioned. Thank you so much for your efforts!
General Planning/Preparation: Steve Thompson Sandra Rodriguez Debra Donohue Lisa Neudorf Parker Johnson Sam Smalldon Specific Components: Program Brochure-Sandra Rodríguez Website, Promotion, Publicity-Parker Johnson and Sandra Rodriguez Coffee and Conversation Session-Debra Donohue “Metamorphosis” Session-Steve Thompson “Unprecedented Musical Event!”-Joey Williams Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit/Singing into the Silence-Debra Donohue, Joey Williams, Vickie and Doug MacArthur Business Meeting: Planning/Chair-Steve Thompson Chair Support-Jeremy Thompson Documents-Sandra Rodriguez Secretary-Lisa Neudorf Parliamentarian-Mike Mitchell Greetings-Art Smith, Dar Shepherdson and John Glaser Prayers-Shirley Smith and Kat Goheen “We Remember” video-Sandra Rodriguez “We Celebrate” slideshow-Sandra Rodriguez “Virtual Camp" video-Jahnelle Geddes Reports: Steve Thompson-MCP Sandra Rodriguez-Administrative Assistant Sam Smalldon-MCFO Debra Donohue-Creating Connection Director Parker Johnson-Church Mission & Young Adults Specialist Lisa Neudorf-Camping and Retreat Specialist Chris Phelps-Online Reunion Linda Klughart-Recorder Rod Downing-Canadian Peace & Justice Comm. Anita Bates-Historian Jim Fish-Samish Campground Jesse Levitt-HOP Campground All Delegates Worship Service: Planner-Lisa Neudorf Presider/Host-Steve Thompson Pianist-Brenda Senga The “Vancouver Ensemble”: Kat and Jon Goheen, Savannah Goheen, Charlotte Goheen, Amelia Phelps and Katelyn Phelps CWM Singers: Emelia Goheen Jeanny Jacobsen Marilyn Smith Marian Thompson Steve Thompson Isabelle Williams Nicola Wood Doug MacArthur Scripture and Response: Lanette Vawter Mike Bock Message: Joey Williams Communion Elements: Vickie MacArthur Stan Freer Denise Esch DGR: Dar Shepherdson Prayer for Peace/Sending Forth: Art Smith “Beyond the Walls” Support: John Hamer Leandro Palacios Michael Karpowicz Parker Johnson Mary Jean Belrose Christian Vago With any list of this length we run the risk of missing someone. If you are aware of others who should be added to the list, please contact sandra@communityofchrist.ca Community Spirit CAN'T be cancelled! Thanks for being part of Canada West Mission Conference Online 2020.       Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Today, “We Share… a Sacred Story.” “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth…” -Genesis 1:1 NRSV “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way…” -Matthew 1:18 “I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents…” -I Nephi 1:1 “Hearken, O ye people of my church…” -Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 1:1a Our sacred story begins in four places at four different times in four different records of scripture. The first verse of Genesis begins the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) which ultimately tells the story of God’s people of the covenant over many centuries. The first chapter of Matthew begins the New Testament and the story of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ followed by the records of the persons who first shared his teachings with the ancient world. The first verse of the Book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon becomes our entrance into a multi-faceted story of people following God’s direction through times of change, challenge, war, peace, and ultimately the ministry of Jesus in a land far removed from Jerusalem. And, finally, the opening verse of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants begins the nearly 200-year-old (and counting) prophetic journey of Community of Christ from its humble beginnings in upper New York state to a world-wide denomination present in over 60 countries. “The sacred story is the all-encompassing saga of God’s redeeming action in the world. … The story of Community of Christ is part of a much larger sacred story that is rooted in Christian history, including the Hebrew tradition from which Christianity emerged.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 17) In this sense “We Share” this long sacred history of religious faith with the rest of the larger Christian church. Further, “the story of the church is one of unusual faith, vision, and creativity in response to God’s call.” (p. 18) In this sense, we share a unique sacred story with people to show God’s continuing revelatory, and prophetic leadership in our movement. “Do not fail to listen attentively to the telling of the sacred story, for the story of scripture and faith empowers and illuminates.” -Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 161:5 For more information about our story, please contact me or contact a congregation near you. Extra Information: Be sure to let your voice be heard in an early stage of consultation about the future of Community of Christ in Canada. Check out Apostle Art Smith’s sermon from September 27 (fast-forward to 35:29), plus his related conversation with Seventy John Hamer of Toronto, Ontario, and respond to this questionnaire. Thank you for your interest. I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President steve@communityofchrist.ca Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Today, “We Share… the Peace of Jesus Christ.” “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” -John 14:27 NRSV “God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed through scripture, is the foundation of our faith, identity, mission, message, and beliefs.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 13) There is no better or firmer statement of how central Jesus Christ is to the Community of Christ. The life and ministry of Jesus as recorded in scripture and the continuing presence of the resurrected Jesus among us today, including the Holy Spirit, is the “foundation” for every other statement of faith and belief that we will share in this series of short essays. The church, since its inception in 1830, has had a central concept known as “Zion.” It has always been considered to be representative of the “Kingdom of God” on earth. Early concepts of Zion, indeed concepts that existed well into the twentieth century, envisioned it as a physical, geographic place that would be governed under the prophetic influences of God. Its divine features would “shine as Zion” beyond its borders and positively influence both its neighbours and communities around the world. Today the call to “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion” (Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 6, verse 3) is understood as “the call to share the peace of Jesus Christ in all of its personal, interpersonal, community, and worldwide dimensions.” (Sharing in Community of Christ, p. 14) Members of Community of Christ are called to be “the church” wherever they live and work and participate in society and to do their part to encourage Christ-like conditions in their part of the world and thus to “build Zion” in a worldwide context. Sharing the peace of Jesus Christ is a concept and process that continues to be explored for greater understanding within the church. We believe that God has more to reveal to us about this great goal. We believe that the call to be disciples of Jesus will make us better citizens and allow us to demonstrate the positive influence that Christian principles can have on local and world-wide communities. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. … 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. -Ephesians 2: 14,17 NRSV The peace of Jesus can unite us, can break down walls between us, can resolve hostility, and bring together people both near and far – geographically, spiritually, and politically. In short, the peace of Jesus can change the world! I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President steve@communityofchrist.ca Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter It has been a full month since my last “We Share” meditation. Previous entries were on August 13 (“We Share” – general intro to series and to purpose of the phrase) and August 20 (“We Share… a Vision for Creation”). Today, “We Share… A Name.” “Community of Christ,” your name, given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling.” --Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 163:1 “Share” here has two definite intended meanings. First, we share the name “Community of Christ” as our denominational name with members around the world. Community of Christ is established in more than 60 nations of the world. The name of the church is officially translated into at least 16 languages (see page 12 of Sharing in Community of Christ). Many primary church publications are translated from English into Spanish and French, which are the three “official languages” of the church. A “core repertoire” of 104 hymns in Community of Christ Sings are provided in multiple languages and are intended to be used in any international and multi-cultural church function settings, including World Conference. Second, we share the name “Community of Christ” with those who visit our services, meetings, and functions and those who seek to learn who we are and what we believe from online and other sources. We share it not only as a name, but also as a statement of our primary identity and purpose: To proclaim Jesus Christ. “Community of Christ” was adopted as our name in 2001. We have been exploring the purpose and the meaning of our name and growing into it ever since. It has truly been the “divine blessing” and the statement of our “identity and calling” as stated in the verse quoted above. “We Share… A Name” in many different ways! I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President steve@communityofchrist.ca |
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