A Moment with the Mission Centre President–World Church Happenings

Every week on Wednesday morning I get an email from Sandra Rodriguez reminding me that my message for the Weekly Wire is due that day. Then she asks, “Are there any other announcements?” Despite writing this column almost every week for the last 19 months, I actually occasionally forget about it, so Sandra’s reminder is always appreciated. In response to that second question – sometimes there is another announcement (or two), but most times there is not.
 
Today you will see an announcement elsewhere in the Weekly Wire about the Advent Service that will be webcast by the Community of Christ headquarters, but which will involve participants from around the world. I know from the last couple of these services that it will be a good experience. I encourage you to add it to your calendar and to tune in.
 
After I asked Sandra to add that announcement to today’s information, I realized there are actually a number of interesting events coming up that are also highlighted on the church’s “Announcements” page. I will briefly profile a few other events that I think may be of interest to some members and friends.
 
The first two announcements you will see are financial in nature: an announcement about the availability of the 2020 audit and then a promotional note about the “Generosity Cycle and links to information about how and why you should be involved.
 
After that is the schedule for the next round of “Historic Sites Lectures” over the next month. For those of you with an interest in church history this could be fascinating. Presentations will be made about various aspects of Community of Christ history in Wales, in the former “Iron Curtain” countries of Eastern Europe, in Australia, and in England. I know at least three out of the five presenters named. I am sure you will enjoy what any one of them have to say.
 
Then comes the announcement about the Advent Service on December 12.
 
Next is notice of “Free Earth Stewardship Lessons” on the Herald House website. If you ever think about what meaningful things you can do as an individual or a family/household to help care for the future of our planet, this link is for you!
 
Then a very useful announcement warning about scam emails that may appear to come from church leaders. Sadly, this announcement appears every few months because it is an ongoing concern. Be aware! And do not be taken in by these scams!
 
Then comes an announcement about the latest round of “Witness the Word” videos that were released late in the summer. I know some congregations use these videos during worship services for both main messages (sermons) and for their Disciples’ Generous Response moments. You can view and download them on the Community of Christ website. (Tip: the page will appear empty. Select “Video” from the list on the left, then click on “Submit” and the list of videos will appear. The first six videos with the date July 2021 are the ones highlighted by the announcement.) They are also available for playback on YouTube. Your Pastor also should have received a CD with the videos sometime in the last few weeks.
 
The last two I will highlight have both a mission and a financial component. First is “Responding to Haiti’s Devastation” that describes the church’s response to needs in that country following the recent earthquake. And, finally, there is an update on the “Bridge of Hope” campaign. The good news on this is that the church is within $27million of its $120m goal! That goal seems more and more attainable by January 1, 2024!
 
If you want to be kept up to date on announcements from World Church you can choose what you want to hear about regularly from the “Subscriptions” page.
 
As always, 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