By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

“Welcome to Haven, a place of spiritual refreshment, light in a time of darkness.”

This is part of the introduction every Wednesday night for our online Haven meditation, now in its fifth year. The structure is simple: music, a poem, subtle hospitality, and meditation. Cameras and microphones off, each person can be themselves and slow down for thirty minutes before bed.

Five years ago, I was co-pastor in Vancouver, spending all my pastoral resources navigating lockdowns and hybrid worship requirements. I was dismayed to realize deep into the fall of 2020 that our congregational life had shrunk to Sunday mornings, with our vibrant “Listening for the Soul” groups having been put on extended hold, and other monthly potlucks and holiday gatherings suspended. But what more could I do? How could I ask for extra leadership from others, also weary from endless pivoting?

The still, small voice showed me that I could offer an evening online gathering after my weekly Wednesday rehearsal. I could make it sustainable with a simple structure. I could offer what fed me in my spiritual direction training: beauty through poetry, music, and silence. Heart over head. I realized that when nights were longest was when I needed this ministry myself, so I offered Haven first to Vancouver congregation, then also to the Mission Centre, then also to Creating Connections. Now, as then, we meet from the end of Daylight Saving Time in November until Lent, with a break over Christmas holidays.

Every week, my experience of seeing screens enter the room is one of joy and subtle hospitality. I hold space and feel deep gratitude in my heart for each one who enters, not seeing their faces and probably never meeting most in person. Even more than Sunday worship, I release the experience of each person, not knowing how any element will land and trusting Spirit to do the work of healing and holding through this virtual yet intentional experience. What brings them here? That’s not my business!

Join us for Haven on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. MT / 9:30 p.m. CT / 10:30 p.m. ET, and feel free to invite others. Send me a message at [email protected] and I’ll send this year’s link to you.

Blessings to you in this season of the year!

The Hills of Peace Campground Board of Directors is excited to share that the new website is now live at www.hillsofpeace.ca! This refreshed site highlights the natural beauty and unique spirit of our campground while making it easier than ever to learn about the space, connect with the board, and share Hills of Peace with others.


The new website includes:

• Online booking inquiries for the public and for like-minded or local groups seeking a peaceful retreat venue. (Community of Christ members and congregations will continue to use the internal booking process through the mission centre.)
• Detailed information on amenities, including lodging, meeting spaces, dining facilities, outdoor recreation, and accessibility considerations.
• Photo galleries, maps, travel directions, contact forms, and donation pathways to support the ongoing care and mission of the camp.

In addition to the website, you’ll notice a refreshed logo and brand for Hills of Peace. This rebrand reflects the culture, landscape, and sense of welcome that so many of us experience here—rooted in belonging, simplicity, and the sacredness of creation.

As we look ahead to retreat seasons, family reunions, youth camps, and rental opportunities, we invite you to explore the new site and share it with your networks. Your support helps us extend hospitality to groups and individuals across the prairies who are seeking a place of quiet, community, and renewal.

Thank you for your continued care for Hills of Peace—its ministry, its memory, and its future. Should you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

With gratitude,
Hills of Peace Campground Board of Directors

By Rick James of Chilliwack, BC

On Tuesday, October 7, Pat and I travelled to Vancouver Island. We were invited to stay with Dana Donohue and John Nepomuceno for the week and spent Wednesday getting to know them and their wonderful children—Georgia, Sydney, Frankie, and James.

On Thursday, I called Carl Bolger, and we were invited to join him and Shirley for a visit on Friday. Carl then invited us to a Saturday breakfast at a local restaurant with Jim and Elaine Watson, Donna Martin, and a friend from Carl’s apartment complex.

On Sunday, we had Thanksgiving dinner with John, Dana, their family, and Mitch’s parents, a friend of Georgia’s. During the week, we also visited Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria near the Parliament buildings—hence the two photos shared here.

I called John Canty and talked briefly, as he had just had an operation and wasn’t ready for visitors. I also called Sally Glasier over the weekend and explained that on Monday, October 13, we’d be travelling to Nanaimo and could stop by. She invited us in, and we spent an hour with her and her two grandsons. After leaving Sally, we continued to Nanaimo to the home of Ed and Audrey Salahub. I called Renae Christianson and left a message but didn’t receive a response.

We left on October 16 to return home, hoping that those we visited knew how much we appreciated the time together. It’s our intention to return in the spring and visit even more members and friends. In the meantime, I am requesting the email addresses of those on the Island and in the interior so we can stay connected.