 By Shannon McAdam, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President As we get closer to World Conference, our Canada West Mission Centre President team is hearing stories from people around the world who are excited to attend! Becky shares about her friend Eva: While Doug and I were in Honduras in February, one of our Community of Christ sisters made a trip into Tegucigalpa—the capital city—for a meeting to secure a visa for going to World Conference in the USA. She was successful in obtaining her visa and is very excitedly looking forward to going! It will be her first time at Conference and her first trip to the US! We are so excited for her and look forward to being with her at Conference! From Kat and Shannon’s friend Elray in the Western Europe Mission Centre: I am very excited about World Conference. I always look forward to the first two joyful days of Conference, because I get to reconnect with friends from all over the world. Then this year, we might just also adopt a nonviolence statement for Community of Christ, which is something I have cared deeply about. Stassi Cramm, and so many others, are being ordained! I also look forward to my own ordination as high priest at the European gathering, which will make this world event even more memorable for me. And from Art: Kamala Rao is a newly ordained Seventy in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. She just received her visa last week for Côte d’Ivoire, where there is a remote site. She’s never been able to get a visa to attend World Conference in the USA. This will be her first-ever trip out of India. She’s very excited to share with the ten other delegates from India and Nepal headed to that remote site, as well as with others from all over Africa—and remotely, with all the delegates from the World Conference. Each of our team members are looking forward to our own pilgrimages as well, and we are looking forward to seeing many of you there.  Elray Henriksen, Shannon McAdam, and Kat Goheen
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 Bring your family and join us July 19–26 at the beautiful Samish Island Campground for a week of connection, reflection, and fun in the sun! We’ll explore the theme Choose Hope with guest ministry from Kahealani Dan Faatuarai Drollet.
You can expect to laugh and sing, gather for worship and fellowship, build connections with old and new friends, enjoy meaningful conversations and family-friendly activities, eat delicious food, and explore nature. Come together to share in faith, joy, music, and peace, and Choose Hope. Questions: Contact Alexis at [email protected]  Come for the work. Stay for the joy.
It’s that time again! Hills of Peace—our sacred summer home—is waking up from its winter nap, and we want you to be part of the grand opening weekend! But this year’s different (and better)! This isn’t just a “work weekend” for the physically strong or ladder-climbing crew. We’re inviting everyone—yes, everyone! Whether you swing a hammer, sweep a cabin, fill soap dispensers, or simply sip coffee and share stories in the dining hall—we want you there. Your presence matters. We’re even inviting all our congregations across the prairies to hit pause on regular Sunday services and gather at Hills of Peace instead, so we can be together in one place—working, laughing, connecting, and closing the weekend with a sacred moment of pause and communion before we head home. Whether you can come for the full weekend, or just pop in for a few hours, you’re welcome. This is a free weekend! Lodging and meals are provided—your helping hands (or warm presence) are all we need in return. Take photos, bake muffins, share prayers, sweep a cabin, or just breathe deep in this sacred space. There’s a job (or a chair!) with your name on it. Come open the season with us. Reconnect, refuel, and help Hills of Peace shine for another summer of sacred memories. Please RSVP so we can plan meals! https://forms.gle/STPTiXLTNLtVS1gRA Questions? Email Lisa Neudorf at [email protected]  Help Sustain Hills of Peace
We’re now three weeks into Hills of Peace Month, and we’re thrilled to share that 7 generous individuals have signed on as monthly donors, contributing a total of $210 per month—that’s $2,520 a year! In addition, one-time gifts remain strong at $8,650, a wonderful testament to the lasting impact this special place has had on so many lives. What’s Hills of Peace Month all about? It’s a month-long effort to build a more sustainable future for Hills of Peace, a special place where people of all ages have encountered community, rest, laughter, and the sacred for generations. Whether you’ve visited once or return every summer, chances are Hills of Peace has left a mark on you—the crackling campfires, quiet mornings by the water, and the late-night conversations that seem to stretch time. Now it's our turn to give back to this sacred space. Our goal this April is 20 new monthly donors, and we’re just 13 away! Every monthly gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to a future where Hills of Peace can thrive year after year. Here’s what your ongoing support can do: $5/month keeps the campfire songs going and supports outdoor spaces $10/month maintains trails and gathering areas for connection $25/month ensures running water, power, and internet access $50/month keeps cabins and shared spaces safe and welcoming $100/month invests in upgrades, equipment, and long-term sustainability If Hills of Peace has ever meant something to you—or if you believe in creating sacred, nature-connected spaces for others—now’s the time to give. Let’s keep Hills of Peace thriving for the next generation! Link to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/community-of-christ-hills-of-peace/ Note: Please ensure you select ‘monthly’ on the donation form to set your gift to automatically charge each month. Alternatively, you can donate to Hills of Peace Camp by way of Canada West Mission Centre (CWM) as part of your monthly tithes and offerings. • If you already use CanadaHelps to contribute to CWM, click here and select “Hills of Peace Camp” as the fund and “Monthly” as the frequency when completing the form. • If you use Pre-Authorized Transfer (PAT), you can update your giving preferences using this form. Be sure to specify “Hills of Peace” under Mission Centre Ministries.  Historians Corner, Vol. 3, No. 3, April 23, 2025 By Stephen Thompson, Canada West Mission Centre Historian In the previous column in this series, we highlighted the prophetic call at the 1984 World Conference for the ordination of women to the priesthood, as provided in Section 156:9a–d of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. As we discussed, this has had a profound impact on the church. Just as significant were verses 3 to 6 of Section 156, presented here in their entirety: 3 My servants have been diligent in the work of planning for the building of my temple in the Center Place. Let this work continue at an accelerated rate, according to the instructions already given, for there is great need of the spiritual awakening that will be engendered by the ministries experienced within its walls. 5 a. The temple shall be dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit. b. It shall also be for a strengthening of faith and preparation for witness. c. By its ministries an attitude of wholeness of body, mind, and spirit as a desirable end toward which to strive will be fostered. d. It shall be the means for providing leadership education for priesthood and member. e. And it shall be a place in which the essential meaning of the Restoration as healing and redeeming agent is given new life and understanding, inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of the world. 6 Therefore, let the work of planning go forward, and let the resources be gathered in, that the building of my temple may be an ensign to the world of the breadth and depth of the devotion of the Saints. --Community of Christ. Doctrine and Covenants. Herald Publishing House. Kindle Edition. Instructions concerning the nature and purposes of a temple in Independence had been received in prior years as parts of inspired documents included in the Doctrine and Covenants. Section 156, however, was the proverbial “kick in the pants” for the church to “get on with it!” Between April 1984, when this direction was received, and April 1994, when the finished Independence Temple was dedicated, many complex tasks occurred to facilitate construction, including: • Determining the primary and secondary purposes and functions of the temple • Selecting an architect (Hellmuth, Obata, and Kassabaum of St. Louis, Missouri) and construction firm (J.E. Dunn Construction Company of Kansas City) • Approving the final design—the “nautilus” spiral that would reach 300 feet into the sky and change the Independence, Missouri skyline • Beginning fundraising toward a $60 million goal • Planning for the initial activities to happen in the temple (Scherer, pp. 480–481) A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 6, 1990 (the 160th anniversary of the church’s founding). The first “dedicatory function” hosted in the temple was the International Women’s Conference in September 1993. Gail Mengel, then Director of Women’s Ministries, led the planning over two-and-a-half years with approximately 300 volunteers. She shares this anecdote: “It was late in 1992 when President Smith called me to talk about the dedication of the temple. He explained that the organ would not be installed for the dedication planned for April of 1993. I remember holding my breath and thinking, oh no, they can’t cancel our event now. But instead, President Smith told me the International Conference for Women would now be the first dedicatory event. The church dedication would move to the World Conference of 1994. No pressure, of course!” She goes on to share how successful the event was, with 4,700 women from 28 countries attending a four-day event that was “life-changing for many.” (Mengel, pp. 9–10) Several “pre-dedicatory” events were held between August and December 1993. The official dedication took place during the 1994 World Conference on April 17, 1994. The service was attended by 1,800 people in person, with thousands more standing outside on World Plaza and watching via cable television and satellite broadcast. (Scherer, p. 486) What about the fundraising effort? It was highly successful. Members and friends of the church donated over $62 million, exceeding both the goal and the final cost of construction. Since its completion, the Independence Temple’s ministries have focused on its dedication to peace, reconciliation, healing, strengthening faith, and preparation for witness. The apostles and seventies go out into the world with these priorities as the focus of their ministry. Programs and materials have been created for leaders and members to support this work in congregational settings. A few key ministries that continue today include: • The daily Prayer for Peace held in the temple sanctuary, focusing on a different nation each day • The International Peace Award, recognizing individuals and organizations who promote peace in ways consistent with Community of Christ values • Hosting of the Community of Christ–Graceland University Seminary The approval of Section 156 by the 1984 World Conference continues to impact the church in diverse and meaningful ways—through both the ordination of women and the ministries of the temple. Do you have an experience related to either of these initiatives that you would be willing to share? I am always delighted to hear from readers. [email protected] Works Cited: Gail E. Mengel, “Woman’s Place: Coming of Age,” in Restoration Studies, Vol. XIII, John Whitmer Historical Association and Community of Christ Seminary Press, 2012; pp. 1–12. Mark A. Scherer, The Journey of a People: The Era of Worldwide Community, 1946–2015, Community of Christ Seminary Press, 2016.   By Gwyn Beer
Many of you have been on a Lenten journey—a period of fasting, prayer, and giving. This began March 5 (Ash Wednesday) and will end April 17 (Holy Thursday). I was privileged to Zoom into Kirtland Temple on April 13 for Palm Sunday. It was wonderful to see and “be” in the Kirtland Temple via technology. A bittersweet moment for me in a few different ways. We had visited the Kirtland Temple many years ago as a family, and I was privileged to return with my friend Linda Phelps on the Women in World Church History Tour. The Historical Society were the ones who made Palm Sunday happen. Stassi Cramm preached, others gave scripture, and others served communion. I watched from BC and felt transported back to Kirtland. My home congregation in Chilliwack is having a Good Friday service on April 18, led by Janine McCully. We will also enjoy an Easter Sunday worship experience as Brothers and Sisters in Community of Christ. The traditions of welcoming spring through Easter will mean extra treats—from coloured eggs, chocolate bunnies, and marshmallow peeps for the young and young at heart! When the sun rises on April 20, may you feel the wonder and grace that we have received when Jesus rose from the dead to take away our sins. God sent his son to save us all. Be glad and rejoice on Easter Sunday morning! On behalf of the Canada West Mission Centre President Team, Shannon, Kat, and Becky wish you all a wonderful Easter filled with the Holy Spirit, with family, and with friends.  More than 15 youth from Canada West Mission Centre are excited to attend SPEC 2025 this July at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. But they can’t do it alone—chaperones are still needed to help make this incredible experience possible. If you’ve ever thought about going to SPEC, now is the time. Our youth are ready—but they need the adults in their lives to show up.
Chaperones don’t just supervise. You’re there to walk with the youth—cheer them on, share meals, help them get where they need to go, and just be there when they need a break or a little encouragement. From the Commons (where the ice cream is always on tap) and Swarm Inn, to the sports fields and dorms buzzing with energy, Graceland University’s campus is full of life, colour, and connection. Morning worship takes place in the amphitheatre in front of the Shaw Centre, and athletic events fill the surrounding fields and stadiums all week long—soccer, baseball, track and field, and even pickleball on the Shaw Centre parking lot. If the arts are more your style, you’ll find music, drama, dance, and visual art spaces alive with creativity. Volunteers—coaches, teachers, judges, cheer teams—are there to support youth in discovering and celebrating their gifts. While most of the week is spent on campus, Lamoni holds some charm too — from delicious pizza and tasty Hutterite treats to the friendly small-town vibe and a few nearby Community of Christ historic sites. You don’t have to be a coach or artist. Just someone who’s willing to show up, and be part of the experience. Travel and other support details are available—just reach out to learn more. If you are interested please contact Gwyn Beer at [email protected]  Samish Work Week pending projects
From April 27 to May 4, volunteers will help with cabin repairs and painting, carpentry, sidewalk patching, mowing, landscaping, weeding, and general grounds cleanup. Bring gloves and energy—there’s something for everyone! Lodging and meals are provided at no cost in exchange for your labour. RSVP to [email protected] so we can plan meals accordingly.  “...you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and shine.”
—Mary Oliver, When I Am Among the Trees Join us as we welcome the Summer Solstice with a weekend of rest, reflection, and sacred community. This retreat is an invitation to let the warmth of the sun and the connection of community revitalize your spirit and shine light into life’s darker places. Slow down. Breathe. Release. Heal. Kindle the light within. Spend June 20–22 immersed in nature on the beautiful grounds of Hills of Peace. Let the land and sky remind you of your connection to all living things. Through gentle spiritual practices and shared rituals, we’ll explore ways to ground ourselves and find strength in the integration of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Guest Facilitators: Shannon McAdam and Vickie MacArthur Contact: Lisa Neudorf – [email protected] or 1-877-411-2632 Registration: $170 Registration Deadline: Monday, June 9 Fee includes accommodations, all meals and snacks, and session supplies.  Edmonton Community of Christ has had a long-standing relationship with Youth Empowerment and Support Services (Y.E.S.S.), an organization dedicated to helping youth in crisis in the Edmonton Metro area. This centre provides youth aged 15–21 years with a single point of access to a safe place to stay, as well as physical, mental, emotional, and cultural resources on a 24/7 basis. Community of Christ began their relationship with Y.E.S.S. because of one member’s request to attend a fundraising dinner. Over the years, more financial assistance was offered by the congregation, until 2016, when the first Fun Walk was organized as a fundraiser. This has become an annual event for members, friends, and Y.E.S.S. staff members. The church is located just 3 km from the Y.E.S.S. Centre. In place of a Sunday morning worship service, the congregation, friends, and staff meet to walk on trails through a beautiful ravine to the Centre. There, we have a rest stop before returning to the church. Those who choose not to walk enjoy a social time at the church. This is one of our “Service Sundays,” which occur every time there is a fifth Sunday in the month. Last year, a total of 46 people participated, 42 were walkers. When all the walkers return, everyone is served a lovely lunch. Initially, the congregation shared a bit about who we are as Community of Christ, emphasizing our Enduring Principles. In turn, Y.E.S.S. shared their goals and values as an organization. We discovered we had much in common in our desire to assist Edmonton’s youth. In subsequent years, we have had participation from an increasing number of Y.E.S.S. staff. The Executive Director has shared updates and future plans with the congregation and given an opportunity to ask questions. Although we have not had any youth currently housed at Y.E.S.S. attend the Fun Walk, we have heard success stories of youth helped by the Centre. In particular, one person who became a staff member attended the Fun Walk and shared her story at the lunch. Working with youth in crisis requires training and a skill set that we do not have as a congregation. However, as friends of Y.E.S.S. partnering with them, we are able to help promote a community of hope for youth in Edmonton.  By Shannon McAdam, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President
On a cold and very rainy Sunday morning in March, I walked from my home to Lions Park in Port Coquitlam to lead a mindful walk along the Coquitlam River. I arrived very wet and wondering if anyone would join me as I waited under the picnic shelter. I was delighted that two people from Meetup—one who had never been to a Creating Connection event before, and another who had—chose to brave the rain and join me! I had never met either of them before. We shared in a moment of quiet meditation and then read aloud together a poem by Joy Harjo called “Praise the Rain.” We then took a mindful walk in the rain along the river, sharing what we noticed in nature and engaging in meaningful conversation. For me, it was a day of living the Mission Prayer: 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 had never hosted a meetup like this by myself—only ever with others from Community of Christ. No one from Community of Christ was able to attend, so I was a bit apprehensive. The incessant rain could have been an easy excuse to cancel. But I mustered the courage to risk doing something new, and I am so glad that I did! The participants were grateful for an opportunity to have meaningful connection, and so was I. One of the things we talked about on our walk is how our culture often isolates people instead of bringing people together. We talked about how simple acts of kindness and connection are actually counter-cultural and are so important in our world today. We all risked something new by venturing out in the rain to connect with others, and I was reminded again of how the Spirit works to bring people together when we are open to its leadings. All three of us were seeking community and connection and were able to find it together in nature. If you’ve ever thought about what it might be like to invite others into community, I’d encourage you to think of something that brings you joy—and then think about how it could be shared with others. I love walking along the river by my home, and I love poetry, so this was something easy for me to share with others. Having it posted on Meetup was an easy way for people looking for connection to find the event. Creating meaningful connection doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little courage to show up. Where will God’s Spirit lead you today? How will you courageously respond?  Come lend a hand while enjoying the beauty of Samish Island Campground & Retreat Centre!
Join us anytime between April 27 and May 4 for our annual work week. Whether you can help for a day, a few days, or the whole week, we welcome all volunteers—no matter your skill level. Lodging and meals are provided at no cost in exchange for your labour. RSVP to mail to: [email protected] so we can plan meals accordingly. Thank you!  Historian’s Corner, Vol. 3, No. 2 – April 7, 2025 By Stephen Thompson, Canada West Mission Centre Historian On Wednesday, April 4, 1984, members and friends of the Kensington Congregation in Edmonton, Alberta, gathered at the home of Bob and Grace Suffern for our weekly prayer meeting, followed by the inevitable social hour. Bob was not present because he had travelled to Independence, Missouri, to attend his very first church World Conference. Grace told us that Bob had called home on Tuesday evening to excitedly share that the church was likely going to approve the ordination of women into the priesthood. Having attended several World Conferences since the mid-1970s, I suggested to Grace that perhaps Bob was overstating the significance of some discussion around the issue. I recounted how it had come up at most conferences I had attended, but nothing, that I was aware of, had ever really resulted. What we (or at least I) did not understand from Grace’s account of Bob’s phone call was that this was not just another report to conference on the role of women in the church. On Tuesday, April 3, Prophet–President Wallace B. Smith had presented a document to the conference which, if approved, would explicitly provide for the ordination of women. And on Thursday afternoon, April 5—after three hours of debate that included emotional expressions of support and non-support, attempts to amend the document, the defeat of a motion to defer consideration to the next World Conference, and finally the approval of a “previous question” motion—the document was approved by a vote “overwhelmingly in favor” (Howard, p. 404). William D. Russell, in a journal article, modifies that slightly, suggesting that “about 20 percent of the delegates refused to accept [the document] as ‘revelation’” (Russell, p. 14). The motion included instruction that the document be added to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants as Section 156. This action has had profound and continuing effects on the church. The first ordinations of women were performed on November 17, 1985. Many more followed in the next few months (Howard, p. 404). But it was not as simple as the World Conference approving a new policy in an inspired document and the church quietly following along. Far from it. There was significant opposition to the change in many areas, particularly in and around Independence. Richard Howard (writing as Church Historian in 1993) summarized organized efforts to “pack” the conferences of at least three stakes in order to defeat motions to approve the ordinations of several women (Howard, p. 405). In the same article, Bill Russell shares the stories of four of those women who faced a majority of negative votes against their priesthood calls (Russell, pp. 16–27). Both Richard Howard and Mark Scherer, in their respective church histories, provide excellent descriptions of the approval of Section 156, the events that led up to it over the previous decade (or more), and the long-term impacts that followed (see Howard, pp. 389–406; and Scherer, pp. 438–453). The acceptance of women into priesthood ministry caused the largest schism in the church since the 1920s. But it has also been a source of incredible blessing. Women have skillfully and enthusiastically taken on priesthood responsibilities in congregations and mission centres. In Canada West, I believe most (though perhaps not all) congregations have had women as pastors and/or co-pastors over the years. Women are active in all kinds of ministry and leadership—offering worship, sacraments, and mission support in every area of church life. Over the past four years, Canada West has had an all-female team of co-Mission Centre Presidents. One of them, Shannon McAdam, is now called to the office of Apostle and will be ordained at the upcoming World Conference (pending approval of her call). At the World Conference of 1998, the first two women were ordained into the Council of Twelve Apostles: Gail Mengel and Linda Booth. Gail served for a time as Apostle for the Northern Plains and Prairie Provinces Region (including Alberta and Saskatchewan). She remained in that role until 2005. Linda later became President of the Council of Twelve in 2013—the first woman to do so—and served until her retirement in 2019. Many more women have served in the presiding quorums of the church. In the last inter-conference period, we have had an equal number of men and women serving as Apostles. Our current Presiding Evangelist is Jane Gardner. We’ve already had several women serve in the Presiding Bishopric, including Stassi Cramm, who was Presiding Bishop from 2016 to 2023. And, as I’m sure you are aware, Stassi Cramm has been named to succeed Stephen M. Veazey as the first woman to serve as Prophet–President of the church at the 2025 World Conference. The decision to accept Section 156 has had a long-term and continuing impact on the church—and the ordination of women is just one part of that legacy. Watch for another article exploring other aspects of this historic moment. If you have questions, I’d be happy to hear from you. You can reach me at [email protected]  Happy Hills of Peace Month, everyone!
For so many of us, Hills of Peace isn’t just a place—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where we’ve made life-long friends, laughed around campfires, and found community, rest, and glimpses of God. Whether you’ve been to camp recently or it’s been decades, Hills of Peace has a way of sticking with us and even sustaining us. But places like this don’t sustain themselves. They rely on the people who love them to keep them going. That’s why this April, we’re inviting 20 new people to become recurring donors—not just to give, but to belong, to help carry this place forward for the next generation. Of course, you don’t have to be one of the twenty to give—everyone is encouraged to support Hills of Peace in whatever way they can. No gift is too small. What matters is showing up, month after month, as part of something bigger than any one of us. Wondering what your gift would be supporting? 🎵 $5/mo. ($60/yr.) helps create meaningful camp experiences—whether it’s keeping the campfire burning for storytelling and songs or maintaining peaceful outdoor spaces. 🥾 $10/mo. ($120/yr.) supports the upkeep of trails, gathering areas, and nature spaces so campers can explore, reflect, and connect with the outdoors. 🚰 $25/mo. ($300/yr.) contributes to essential systems such as water, sewage, electricity, and internet connectivity. 🧰 $50/mo. ($600/yr.) helps maintain cabins, meeting spaces, and other essential facilities, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all who visit. 👷 $100/mo. ($1200/yr.) strengthens the future of our campground by supporting facility upgrades, equipment maintenance, and new opportunities for connection and retreat. Will you be one of twenty to help Hills of Peace continue to be a place of love, belonging, and grace? Sign up today and watch your gift grow throughout the year! Become a Monthly Donor Please ensure you select “monthly” on the donation form to set your gift to automatically charge each month. Alternatively, you can donate to Hills of Peace Camp through Canada West Mission Centre as part of your monthly tithes and offerings. If you use CanadaHelps, select “Hills of Peace Camp” as the fund and “Monthly” as the frequency. If you use Pre-Authorized Transfer (PAT), you can update your giving preferences using this form. Be sure to specify “Hills of Peace” under Mission Centre Ministries. With gratitude for your support, Parker Johnson (he/him) and Lisa Neudorf (she/her) Hills of Peace Board Members |
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