Here we are at the end of July already! I ask again: How did that happen? The summer is just going by too quickly.

Meanwhile, there are still important events and dates for me to remind you about at least one more time.

A Taste of Samish Online Reunion: The most imminent event to be aware of RIGHT NOW is the “Taste of Samish Online Reunion” that gets underway on Thursday, July 29. First up at 8 a.m. Pacific time is a Meditation opportunity with Vickie MacArthur, followed by “Morning Gathering” with Kat Goheen at 10 a.m. and a discussion session with Apostle Janné Grover at 11 a.m. For full details see the event announcement here and the full schedule there. (Yes – those two words are links.) There is a Zoom link for all sessions of the reunion that has been circulated to everyone who registered by Wednesday evening. If you have registered, but did not receive your link, please contact the event director, Kat Goheen at: [email protected] If you still need to register, go to the Reggie registration system.

Samish Island Campground Association Canada West/BC Caucus Meeting: This annual meeting is scheduled as the last event of the Samish Online Reunion. It will start at 1:30 p.m., Pacific Time, on Sunday afternoon, August 1. The meeting will be of specific interest to all members and friends in British Columbia who call the Samish Island Campground their camp home. The two main aspects of the meeting are to elect one new Board member, and to hear about what has been happening at the Samish Campground during the last two years of no camps and reunions. This will include a brief financial update. Follow this link to the meeting materials: BC Caucus Meeting. And use the link for the Samish Online Reunion sessions to log on to this meeting. If you have any questions before the meeting, please email me at [email protected].

Posting for Mission Centre Presidency Volunteers: The application deadline date for the Volunteer Mission Centre Presidency has been extended to Monday, August 9. For details you can find the posting here as well as the detailed position description. Please have a look. Consider the opportunity for yourself. Or be sure you bring it to the attention of someone you think might do well in one of the three positions.

Remember Leadership in Your Prayers: In your prayers and meditations over the next couple of weeks, please remember the leadership needs of the Canada West Mission Centre, as identified in the paragraph above. Pray that those who might feel “called” to these roles will respond. Perhaps pray that those who may not be sure if this is right for them will express their interest in trust and faith. Pray that those selected for leadership will be blessed with God’s direction and vision. Mission centre leadership requires confidence to discern Christ’s Mission for Canada West’s Mission. May your prayers support all these needs.

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
[email protected]​

This annual meeting is scheduled as the last event of the Samish Online Reunion.
 
The meeting will be of specific interest to all members and friends in British Columbia who call the Samish Island Campground their camp home.
 
The two main aspects of the meeting are to elect one new Board member, and to hear about what has been happening at the Samish Campground during the last two years of no camps and reunions. This will include a brief financial update.
 
Follow this link to the meeting materials: BC Caucus Meeting. And use the link for the Samish Online Reunion sessions to log on to this meeting. If you have any questions before the meeting, or need the link sent to you, please email Steve Thompson at [email protected].

When I was a young boy of 10 or 12 years of age, I would go over to a friend’s house to play. He had an older brother – seemed much older, and apparently wiser, but he was probably just in high school at the time. In one series of visits to their home I recall that, after he said, “Hi,” he would ask me, “So what do you think of the world situation?” I do not recall exactly how I responded, but I do remember wondering, “Exactly what IS the world situation?”

Today, as I am certain it was in the middle of the 1960’s, the “world situation” is constantly changing, occasionally positive and promising, but regularly negative and challenging. I will share just four things from recent news headlines that have been at least partially defining the “world situation.”

First: Wildfires and smoke in Western Canada. Pretty much the entire town of Lytton, BC, was consumed by a forest fire a couple of weeks ago. At last count over 350 fires were active in British Columbia. Smaller numbers in Alberta this summer, but larger numbers again in northern Saskatchewan, as well as in some areas in the United States. If you have not been affected directly by a fire, but live anywhere in Western Canada, you have probably been affected by smoke in the air, which has originated in those fires. I am not aware of church members directly affected by the fires. Prayers, of course, are in order for all residents in the path of fires and for all those involved in fighting them.

Second: Deadly Floods in Western Europe. The World Church “announcements” web page reiterates the situation of over 100 people dead in Germany and another 1,300 missing. The national ministry coordinator for Germany reports that Community of Christ members are thought to be safe. The coordinator for Belgium notes families may be without water, electricity, mobile connections, and had little food. Prayers are requested for everyone affected. No mention in the announcement of financial aid being needed or extended from the church at this time.

Third: India is being affected by continuing growth and persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community of Christ has sent over US$102,000 to assist the seven mission centres in the country with providing help to over 4,300 families with “masks, soap, and other supplies as well as rice and other cooking items.” Prayers are requested at this time for church members and other residents of India during this devastating time.

Fourth: Haiti is dealing with political and social turmoil which has arisen following the assassination of their President. This is simply added to the continuing crises arising from surging COVID-19 cases, growing poverty, violence, and general political unrest. The president of the Great South Haiti Mission Center has requested “prayers for Haiti and for Community of Christ in Haiti as everyone navigates the days to come.” Aid will be provided by Community of Christ as the needs of members and friends are identified. Canada West has an indirect connection to the church in Haiti because their Apostle is also our Apostle, Art Smith.

These are just four situations that are prominent in our news sources at the moment. Others could also be mentioned. There may even be a good news story or two that could be shared.

My point in writing today is to point out that the “world situation” is comprised of events that affect real people in real ways – in some case real people who may be close to us and real ways that we may be able to assist with.

Please remember to contribute to the church’s Oblation funds (“Reduce Hunger, End Needless Suffering”) to assist the three situations described above that originate from the church’s announcements page. There are a number of organizations accepting donations to assist those affected by the fires in BC and elsewhere – please consult your local community service organization listings. If you are aware of any church members or friends who have particular needs arising from the fires, please contact your Pastor or your Congregation Financial Officer, or the Mission Centre President ([email protected]) or Financial Officer ([email protected]).

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
[email protected]

In a video launched in June, Community of Christ President Steve Veazey addresses the process of returning to in-person church as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes in some areas. However, Veazey reminds congregations of the blessings of the Holy Spirit through connections made in online services and urges continuation of those efforts. 

“I hope we will embrace equally in-person experiences and digital participation where technology allows. It is important to extend our fellowship by providing fresh and meaningful ways to form Christ-centered communities. Groups that place equal value on in-person and online participation will lead us toward the Holy Spirit’s goal for us.”

Watch the video available on YouTube.

You are Invited!

Register now for a Taste of Hills of Peace online reunion "Let Peace Dwell Here" which begins this Sunday, July 11.​

Last week I highlighted the “Taste of Hills of Peace” online reunion which happened this week. Those attending enjoyed a very good few days with Apostle Janné Grover and other guests. I also briefly highlighted the upcoming “Taste of Samish” online camp and promised more information this week. The following was provided by camp director Kat Goheen.

“Toward the Peaceful One” is the theme of our Taste of Samish online camp, July 29-Aug 1. This Thursday-Sunday experience hopes to offer not just a taste of the campground that we love, but also of the in-person events we love to do there: Reunion, youth camps, Kimtah, and Nurturing Spirit. The full days begin with meditation, two with Vickie MacArthur and one with dancing! We then have an intergenerational worship gathering. Janné Grover will offer a discussion class on Thursday and will offer preaching ministry on Thursday evening and Sunday morning at our communion service. Our elementary and middle-school aged kids will have fun with our games and fellowship during our early afternoon canteens with Laura Harrop and Kat Goheen. We have another class offering on Friday morning with Rod Downing and the North American Climate Justice Team, and classes on the enneagram with Lanette Vawter and Kat Goheen on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Vickie MacArthur will lead us through a sabbath experience of yoga nidra on Friday afternoon. Reunion wouldn’t be the same without our community campfire, which Dan Beer will stick-handle on Friday, and we’re pleased to announce that Alexis Beer will host our Talent Show on Saturday night. Both of them would appreciate your recorded submissions! Our teens will share with Sean Langdon, Alexis Beer, and Shannon McAdam at our Teen Late Nights.

Our schedule is spacious, yet generous, and hopefully provides food for thought and for soul. Please make room in your calendar to join us for our taste of Samish! Click here to register! Contact Kat Goheen ([email protected]) with any questions.

Other events are also still upcoming. The following information is repeated from last week.

Campground Association Meetings: Meetings will be held in association with both online reunions for members from their respective areas to receive updates on “their” campground, receive financial information, and elect Board members for the next term.

For information about the Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Alberta time on Thursday, July 15, please click here: HOP All Members Meeting. This meeting will be of interest to members of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Email [email protected] to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting.

Similar information for the BC Caucus Meeting of the Samish Island Campground Association will be available next week. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. BC time. This meeting will be of interest to members in British Columbia.

In addition to these events, check information in the CWM Summer Programming 2021 announcement about the “Hang Out” for Junior High and Senior High youth on July 20, 27, and August 3 and 10, as well as the “Discover Peace” camp for Junior aged children scheduled for August 16 to 19.

Please Register NOW for the events you wish to attend. We are planning for all events to be of interest to, and very worthwhile for, everyone.

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
[email protected]

Yes! Be forewarned!
This is an appeal for financial donations in support of the
Hills of Peace Campground!
 
The pandemic and its related restrictions have resulted in two years of programs being cancelled at Hills of Peace. No programs means no revenues. It is as simple as that. Although there have been no programs, many expenses continue. We still need a Camp Caretaker to visit the camp regularly to monitor for damage or repairs and to perform regular maintenance. We are still faced with the expenses of power, insurance and for occasional repairs as required.
 
As a result of decreased expenses, plus the covering of our annual insurance premium by an allocation by the Bishop of Canada from the funds from the sale of the Meadow Ridge property, the original 2021 operating budget of $60,000 has been reduced significantly. The target of this fundraising initiative is $25,000 – the estimated revision to our annual budget.
 
Please consider making a donation to the Hills of Peace Campground. This is especially directed to members and friends in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In addition, residents of other areas may also have memories of good experiences here. We welcome whatever you might wish to donate in support of Hills of Peace. Please be generous! Note that a request has also been made to each of the Alberta and Saskatchewan congregations to support this initiative.
 
We wish you a good summer. We look forward to welcoming all friends of Hills of Peace back to the campground next summer.
 
When you are ready to send donations to Hills of Peace, use one of the following methods:
​

1. Interac e-Transfer via email to: [email protected]
2. Send a cheque to: Aymie Neudorf, Treasurer, Hills of Peace Campground, #319, 5303 Universal Cres., Regina, SK S4W 0L1
3. Use the CanadaHelps.org page for the Canada West Mission Centre and select “Hills of Peace – Operating Fund”

Thank you for your support!

All Community of Christ members in Alberta and Saskatchewan are invited to attend the upcoming Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting (or “Annual General Meeting”). It will be held on Thursday evening, July 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting will include updates on what has been going on at the campground during the shut-down of the past two years, a financial update, including presentation of the 2021 budget, plus the election of new Board members for the upcoming term.

The agenda for the meeting is available here: HOP All Members Meeting Agenda.

Please contact Steve via email ([email protected]) or send him a text to 780-904-4389 to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting.

Last week “Summer Beckons” was my theme. I invited you, somewhat in passing, to be sure to look for information about the online camps coming up for Canada West. This week I want to be sure you have access to full information about them – because they are coming up SOON! Links to registration processes are provided in the event details for which links appear below for each event. Register NOW!

A Taste of Hills of Peace: starts THIS SUNDAY EVENING (July 11). The theme for the online reunion is “Let Peace Dwell Here.” Our guest minister is Apostle Janné Grover who will join us “virtually” from Independence, Missouri. Janné will be speaking at the opening service on Sunday evening and leading a discussion each morning from Monday through Thursday. In addition, the North American Climate Justice Team of Community of Christ will make a presentation on Monday evening, David Barth will bring us up to date on World Accord on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday evening will be a “sharing and connecting” opportunity for all attendees. On Thursday morning there will be a closing worship following Janné’s class. For more information click on these links: Taste of Hills of Peace Details and Taste of Hills of Peace Schedule

A Taste of Samish runs from July 29 to August 1. The theme is “Toward the Peaceful One” and Apostle Janné Grover will also be a guest minister for this event (although she will not be leading the daily class discussions here). Additional guest ministry will be provided by Sean Langdon, Leadership Support Minister (among other titles!) with the Greater Pacific Northwest Mission Centre, and Vickie MacArthur from Lethbridge, Alberta. There will be a variety of programming that cannot really be well summarized in the space available here. More information will be published next week. Meanwhile, check the schedule here: A Taste of Samish.

Campground Association Meetings: Meetings will be held in association with both online reunions for members from their respective areas to receive updates on “their” campground, receive financial information, and elect Board members for the next term.

For information about the Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Alberta time on Thursday, July 15, please click here: HOP All Members Meeting. This meeting will be of interest to members of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Email [email protected] to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting.

Similar information for the BC Caucus Meeting of the Samish Island Campground Association will be available next week. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. BC time. This meeting will be of interest to members in British Columbia.

In addition to these events, check information in the CWM Summer Programming 2021 announcement about the “Hang Out” for Junior High and Senior High youth on July 20, 27, and August 3 and 10, as well as the “Discover Peace” camp for Junior aged children scheduled for August 16 to 19.

Please Register NOW for the events you wish to attend. We are planning for all events to be of interest to, and very worthwhile for, everyone.

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
[email protected]

Are you interested in learning more about the history and current situation of the Indigenous peoples of Canada?
 
“Indigenous Canada” is an online course offered by the University of Alberta that “explores the Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.”
 
The course consists of 12 lessons that take approximately 2 hours each to work through. The materials are a combination of videos to watch and articles to read. There is also a quiz at the end of each lesson for you to evaluate your understanding. You can sign up for the course for free and the quizzes become “just for fun.” Or you can pay a fee of $60 that will get you a certificate from the University of Alberta – and then the quizzes actually mean something!
 
So here’s the pitch: Steve Thompson is inviting you to register for the program to start in the first week of July. Steve will set up a Zoom discussion meeting about the materials late in each week (in consultation with those who sign up). Although you must register as an individual, Steve’s intent is to enable an opportunity to review and discuss what we have seen and read which hopefully will reinforce the materials and encourage better understanding. To be clear: Steve is NOT an instructor for this course. He will be a student along with those also taking the course.
 
Here is where you can find all the information about the course: “Indigenous Canada”, you will have to register first in the Coursera system that manages these kinds of public, academic, online programs. After you register with Coursera, THEN you register for “Indigenous Canada” – and it will be up to you whether you pay the fee or opt to “audit” the course strictly for your interest and enjoyment without paying the fee.
 
Please let Steve know if you register for the program (whether paying a fee or not). Email Steve at [email protected] or send him a text at 780-904-4389. He can also assist you with the processes of registering with Coursera and then for the program if you need any such help. Please register before June 30 so we can plan accordingly.
 
Steve is looking forward to sharing this unique and valuable experience with as many others as possible!