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Written by Kat Goheen Canada West Mission Centre Co-President  We have just entered the season of Lent. My journey through Lent has had many stages. As a child I didn’t know anything about this season of the year, so when I was a young adult and discovered it, I made up for lost time! My most obstinate personal habit of the time went on the chopping block for the 40 days, substituted for a practice meant to draw me toward God. There were a couple of years in a row where I abstained from Diet Coke, which required great willpower at that time! My practice continued through seminary, where I was surrounded with people from different churches with rich Lenten practices. I confess that my practice took a major hit with motherhood. The perpetual sleep deprivation prompted me to give myself a pass from further deprivation! More recently, COVID felt the same way. It was much more difficult to restrict myself given the external social restrictions already imposed! Part of our study for the Discernment Facilitator’s course through the Seminary this week is on the topic of consolation and desolation. Consolation is anything that leads to increased energy and a feeling of closeness to God, while desolation brings a sense of apathy and isolation from God and others. My current approach to Lent is to be very mindful of where I seek consolation and seek to turn my heart toward God. May this Lenten season bring an expanded sense of who we are in relation to creation and draw us to find consolation in community and in closeness with God. 
Written by Shannon McAdam Canada West Mission Centre Co-President  Every day at my workplace this month we’ve learned about a different Black Canadian who is outstanding in one way or another, and it has been an incredible way to celebrate Black History Month. There are so many amazing people who I’d never heard of before, and I wonder why I’ve never learned about them before. If we believe in the Worth of All Persons, why don’t we learn about all types of people? Black History Month is a fitting time to reflect on what it is that makes White culture so dominant that we don’t learn about the contributions of those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour. White Supremacy Culture might sound like a problem from far away or long ago, but it is prevalent in all of our lives, and runs against our belief in the Worth of All Persons. I’ve found this website by Tema Okun to be really helpful in my own learning about what White Supremacy Culture is, how to recognize it (the “marks”), and ways to overcome it. The original article that Okun based the website around is a quick and easy read that I highly recommend. Click here to read the article. For me, one of the most insightful “marks” of White Supremacy Culture that Okun talks about is “One Right Way”. This is the idea that there is only one right way to do things, and can lead to some of the other marks: Perfectionism, Paternalism, and Either/Or Thinking. Okun’s antidotes to “One Right Way” are beautiful and life-giving. These include gratitude, being transparent, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes. These, I think, are also the kinds of things Jesus calls us to. Jesus sought to bring people together rather than dividing them. How will you recognize Black History month? Perhaps take a moment to read some of Tema Okun’s insightful writings and think about what you can change in your home, workplace, or congregation to help dismantle White Supremacy Culture and help bring about God’s Shalom. 
 Due to Covid protocols World Conference will be a bit different this year. Last minute delegates are not guaranteed to be accepted, and non-delegates will not be permitted on the conference floor.
So, if you are considering coming to conference and being part of business meetings, kindly let us know prior to February 10th. Please do not worry about possibly not being able to come, or only attending a few sessions. There is a lot of uncertainty in our world, and please be assured that no one will be judged negatively if they are unable to attend after putting their name forward. Please contact Shannon McAdam for more information: [email protected] Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President  Words of Blessing In the auditorium with our Polynesian fellow church members. “Bonding!” There are so many words that have such deep meaning to me that will not mean the same to you. That said, I might think of them in a new way when I hear words of Blessing at conference. Sunday morning, Fred Robbins lead our Pray and Share time. He gave us one word to contemplate - “Awesome”. The sharing was …awesome! Betty Williams shared about receiving an unexpected gift in the mail, a book with one word on it -“Gratitude”. Betty is looking forward to filling the book. Bob Riley was in charge of the next service - “Communion”. A service we all shared in. “Encourage” is the word I like. I want to encourage you to ask yourself and others to send “Words” in to Karin Peter - Words of Blessing. Think about words that you are drawn to, ask those around you about a word they would think was “encouraging”. Different people have different words and I plan to ask all ages about a single word that they like, that brings them joy or makes them wonder. Send WORDS to Karin Peter - Words of Blessing c/o World Conference Directors, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO, USA 64050. Or you can email your WORDS to [email protected]. Please use “words of blessing” in the subject line. Just a last thought, what do you think of when someone greets you with “Aloha”... great images for me! 
Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President  COURAGE! . . . the theme for the 2023 World Conference I told my cousin that I was an excited traveler coming to Independence! In the latest Herald, Page 17 has a message from President Veazey. He said “Courage! No doubt, we’ll be energized to boldly venture with God into our future!” I am a Star Trek (original show) fan and this reminded me of Captain Kirk saying "boldly go where no one has gone before". I love President Veazey’s "boldly venture with God into our future". As part of that future, I am encouraging those of you who might be planning to go to conference but as yet are unsure about stepping up as a delegate. Let your name go on the list. You will benefit from having your name on the delegate list. For those of you who can not go to Independence, please consider participating in discernment for those going to the conference and voting on your behalf. The Sept/Oct 2022 Herald has Resolutions to Consider. Read them, consider them, pray about them. If something pulls at your heartstrings, let one of the delegates know how you feel. Discussions about resolutions are happening and you are invited to explore with others online. Visit CofChrist.org/2023-world-conference-preparation for details. The Jan/Feb 2023 Herald is also asking for the church community at large to offer words of courage and blessing to be shared at World Conference during the Communion service on April 23. Write words of blessing and courage in your own language or languages. See page 22 in the Herald and have your blessing returned by April 12. There are options there to mail or email your words of blessing! COURAGE - while I do NOT consider myself a courageous person, I draw on others and find the courage through others and prayer to step out and allow God’s spirit to work through me. Others have seen a courage in me that I often do not see. You all have courage when you “let God” work through you in all that you do. God given courage raises me up! Boldly venture with me on this journey to World Conference 2023! 
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