 By Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It was my pleasure and privilege to be in London, ON, at the Woodfield Congregation for the Canada East Mission Centre Conference last weekend. The theme was “Celebrate Mission,” and together, we learned how both the East and West Mission Centres celebrate mission through congregational activities serving the communities where we live. We also conducted our business productively and respectfully. We shared delicious food, and most importantly, we shared in fellowship. I got to know many friends from Canada East—some I had met before, some I felt a connection with, and many new acquaintances who are now friends. We enjoyed a few adventures and a lot of fun! As we move forward with One Canada, I look forward to seeing more of each other and working side by side to celebrate the great things happening in mission across Canada, inspiring each other in new mission endeavours. WE CELEBRATED!!
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 By Stephen Thompson, Canada West Mission Centre Historian
Occasionally, historic documents simply fall into my hands, and I’m always delighted to receive them. In September, Karen Passmore from Lloydminster, Alberta, contacted me to ask if I would like a history of the church in Lloydminster, compiled by her mother, Doris Laverty (1923–2021). Naturally, I said, “Send it, please!” This four-page history is even illustrated with hand-pasted photos of people and buildings. Though too long to share in full here, I’m pleased to summarize Doris’s writing below. On November 2 and 5, 1965, meetings were held at the home of Wes and Doris Laverty in Lloydminster, Alberta, with Seventy Eric Rowe present. They expressed their desire to worship together, and by November 14, 1965, at 10:30 a.m., the first worship service was held with Elder Alf Gregory presiding and 38 interested people in attendance. Doris listed each family present, including names that those familiar with the area will recognize: Burton, Cornish, Gregory, Johnson, Laverty, Mercer, Oates, Perkins, Stepenoff, and Woods. After renting spaces for some time, the group decided to purchase their own building. They acquired the Jehovah’s Witness Hall at 5508 45 St. for $8,100, with their first meeting held on September 5, 1971, and a consecration service attended by over 100 people on September 12. The building was formally dedicated on June 25, 1978, with a message from Bishop Ken Fisher. By 1984, the congregation sought a larger space and purchased another former Jehovah’s Witness Hall at 3111 51 Ave. for $140,000, moving in on November 1. Through generous donations and fundraising—including the Women’s Department’s hard work hosting suppers, teas, and crafting goods—the new building was furnished. The first service in this location was held on November 11, 1984, with Elder Fred Piedt presiding, followed by a consecration service on December 9 with a message from Seventy Glen Campbell. Final payment for this facility was made on June 30, 1990, with its dedication on January 12, 1992, led by Apostle Phil Caswell. Over the years, due to age, health challenges, and members moving away, the congregation declined. By 1996, only a few members attended, and the final service was held in April 1997. The church property was sold on July 1, 2001, for $129,000. (As Alberta District President at the time, I worked with the Realtor, Bernie Passmore, who is married to Karen Passmore, who passed on this history to me.) Doris’s account also highlights key people and events in the congregation’s life, including the January 12, 1992, service honouring their first pastor, Elder Alf Gregory, along with other dedicated pastors. Doris’s efforts remind us of the importance of recording and preserving our local church histories. I encourage all congregations to appoint a historian to capture these memories and events each year. We are deeply grateful to Doris for her dedication in documenting the life of Lloydminster’s Community of Christ.  Join the Chilliwack congregation from November 8-10 as we celebrate our mission and heritage. We will be marking 50 years in our building and 125 years in the Upper Fraser Valley. While you're here, take some time to explore and discover the special treasures we've collected over the years. Of particular note are the signs gifted to us by the Winnipeg, MB congregation when they closed, as well as the sign from the original Rosedale church, circa 1924. There will also be many photos and books to guide you on a journey back in time. You may even find something that sparks your own memories.  By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President. "Silence is ultimately something that comes from the heart, not from any set of conditions outside us." - Thich Nhat Hanh “Silence, solitude, and stillness...the perfect combination” – retreat participant This past weekend twenty-four souls gathered on a Friday evening at Samish Island Campground and Retreat Centre to descend into silence until Sunday morning. Autumn is a magical time at Samish Island, with deer munching on apples that have fallen from trees that are scattered across the grounds; trees slowly shedding beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves; and eagles and herons soaring above. As the wind swept through the area, so too did the spirit sweep us into deeper connection. And as rain fell, so did tears and our masks, clearing away layers of protection around our hearts. There was sitting meditation, walking meditation, art, deep relaxation, and music, all practices that supported us through the silence. Many people were anxious about spending a whole weekend in silence, and all came out of silence with gifts and realizations. Some felt like a prodigal child returned to love. Some felt that they’d sunk into deep grace. Some experienced healing. Some felt challenged to act, speak and think in new ways. If you have the opportunity to spend some time in silence, we would encourage you to take it, even if for just an afternoon. If you can spend some of that silent time in nature, even better. You may be surprised by the richness that is found when you allow silence time to soothe you. Join us for a day filled with history, music, and fellowship!
Our journey begins with a guided tour of Chilliwack, where we’ll visit significant historical sites tied to our congregation’s legacy. Take note of what you learn, as we’ll end the tour with a fun history quiz back at the church! After a tasty spaghetti dinner, we’ll gather for a hymn sing, journeying through the beloved hymnals that have shaped our worship. Music is a cornerstone of Community of Christ, and we can’t wait to celebrate these treasured melodies with you. RSVP for the Spaghetti Supper: [email protected]  Join us for a special one day conference Sat, January 25, 2025 at 9am in BC, 10am in AB, and 11am in SK and MB. We will meet online to elect delegates for World Conference and connect with one another, sharing warmth and light in the dark of winter.
Those who would like to be delegates for World Conference (which will be held May 30-Jun 6, 2025) should email Shannon ([email protected]) by January 10, 2025. She will be creating the delegate list in the order that names are received. Once she’s received 32 names, subsequent names will be added to a list of alternates.  By Sam Smalldon, Bishop of Canada, MCFO/CEM/CWM
I believe many of us understand the advice to give of our time, our talents, and our treasures. However, I also sense that not all of us fully recognize why this is such a valuable thing to consider. I hope that we all wish to be happy, that we all strive to become better, and that we all feel the desire to share what we have first received. From my understanding, anything we want to do more of or improve at requires practice and effort. Generosity, in my opinion, is like that—it’s a muscle we need to exercise. It may surprise many to hear that generosity isn't primarily about money. Rather, it’s a way of living, a way of being. My hope is that we are all on a journey of growth, and that along the way, we will each consider becoming more generous. To help explore these ideas and how we might become more generous, I’ve found three resources that speak to the importance of finding happiness through generosity, and why practising our generosity muscles is so important.  By Bob Riley and members of the pastorate team.
Chilliwack Community of Christ is celebrating 125 years of heritage in the Upper Fraser Valley. What began with five baptisms in Camp Slough in 1899 has grown into a congregation that is part of a Christian denomination active in nearly 60 countries around the world. We are also celebrating 50 years in our current facility, which is used by both our congregation and other charitable organizations that serve the community. We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us on November 9th and 10th. Our heritage includes individuals on the front lines, as well as men and women serving in non-combat and non-military roles. Over the years, our members and their descendants have contributed to the local community in roles such as Mayor, Fire Chief, First Responders in the fire department, and as Chilliwack Search and Rescue personnel. Others have volunteered as board members of charity groups and as Chaplains to police forces. Many of us have worked in agriculture, resource industries, construction, blue-collar, and professional endeavours. Currently, members and friends of Community of Christ are knitting toques and mitts for distribution to Canadians who are struggling at this time. Our goal this year is to produce 250 toques. In conjunction with this, there is a sock drive aiming for 250 pairs of socks to accompany the toques. Last year, the distribution of hundreds of handmade toques was facilitated by police and security forces during their rounds among the homeless. Without the assistance of any paid staff, or by seeking grants and donations, we have contributed thousands of dollars directly to local charities such as Chilliwack Supportive Housing. We also regularly support the Canadian NGO World Accord, an organization headquartered in Ottawa that finds effective ways to improve the lives of people in developing countries. Individual members also contribute to other agencies such as Chilliwack Soup Kitchens, Food Banks, Ruth and Naomi’s shelter, and other Canada-wide groups. We thank those who came before us, who have led the way and taught us how, as Christians, we can be a positive influence, seeking peace, hope, love, and joy in our communities. We continue to strive for unity in our diversity, both locally and across the country. Join us on November 9th and 10th, 2024. Special Guests: Art Smith and Laura Horning. Events will include:
RSVP for the Spaghetti Supper: [email protected]  A moment with your Mission Centre President. By Becky Middleton.
It was lovely to be together for Mission Conference at September's end, and what a wonderful conference we had! Both of our guest ministers, Vonda and Leandro, were very impressed with how we "took care of business" in an amiable, non-confrontational manner. There was also lots of great visiting, delicious food, good fun, interesting storytelling, a game or two, and a fantastic concert by Edith Wallace for those of us fortunate enough to be there in person! The two main items of business that require more contemplation from ALL of us are:
In November, there will be an online poll to gauge your status of support (or lack thereof) for the priesthood policy proposal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Art Smith or one of the Mission Centre President team. In January, Apostle Art Smith plans to formulate a committee to implement the moving forward as one Canada Mission Centre. If you are interested in serving on that committee, please contact Shannon McAdam or one of the Mission Centre President team. Change calls for discernment, contemplation, and service. Exciting times!  A postcard from the Canada West Mission Centre President Team.
What we loved about conference: Becky: Being together! Great fellowship, food and fun! FABULOUS!! Kat: Wearing George Allen’s name tag! Gwyn: Renewed relationships and new relationships. “Make new friends, but keep the old…” Shannon: Seeing so many familiar faces in person, and walking the ravine with old and new friends. |
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