July 20, 27 and August 3, 10 Hang Out...-Online
July 29-August 1 A Taste of Samish "Toward the Peaceful One"-Online
August 1 ​Canada West/BC Caucus Meeting SICA-Online
August 16 ​Creating Connection Book Club-Online
August 16-19 Junior Camp "Discover Peace"-Online
September 9-12 Mission Conference-Online
​
​​View full Canada West Events Calendar
Dates are subject to change. Please register early to avoid cancellation of your event on Reggie.

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: jkgoheen@shaw.ca 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 steve@communityofchrist.ca.

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
steve@communityofchrist.ca​

Canada West Mission Centre is pleased to provide the following online events:
​

• July 20, 27, August 3 and 10:  Hang Out

Hang Out is a casual get together for youth in Junior High (finished grades 7-9) and Senior High (finished grades 10-12). We'll meet weekly on Tuesdays at 7pm (BC) and 8pm (AB/SK) for an hour or two. We have planned some activities but the youth decide what we will do. Each week attendees will have the opportunity to earn points with prizes to be awarded after our last night.

• August 16-19:  Junior Camp “Discover Peace”

Campers will meet each evening at 6:30 pm (BC) and 7:30 pm (AB/SK) for about an hour and a half. We will be using church resources to “Discover Peace”. Registered campers will receive an activity pack with the supplies needed for crafts and activities. Registration deadline:  August 8

Unfortunately, there are many scammers looking for opportunities to take advantage of non-suspecting individuals in many different ways. We want to warn you about one such scheme that may be circulating among or from Community of Christ members, friends and Mission Centre Leadership right now. 

If you should receive an email that appears to be from someone you know or trust such as CWM leadership, or congregation leadership, other close friends or relatives, etc., stating something like, “Can you do me a favour?”, be extremely cautious. These messages are likely a “phishing” email.

If you reply, the next email asks you to purchase a gift card on their behalf. The message may say they need the card immediately, but they are too busy to do it, and they will pay you back as soon as possible. ​These emails are not legitimate. They are being sent by malicious entities who are impersonating people in your contacts list to gain your trust and exploit you. These kinds of fraudulent emails attempt to gain your trust in order to access your personal and/or credit card information, or to get money (in the form of gift cards).


DO NOT click any links or reply to such messages. Delete these emails immediately!

What to do next:

If you believe you have received this type of phishing email:

1. Contact the person whose name appears in the email via phone to find out if the request is valid.
2. If not, they should notify their contacts to be on the lookout for fraudulent emails from them.
3. If you are a victim of fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Be very suspicious regarding online communication, especially when being requested to purchase gift cards or transfer funds. Remember, scams come in many forms. Click here to see a list of other possible scams published by the Government of Canada.

Note: This notice was originally published by Canada East Mission Centre in April 2021. Canada West acknowledges with appreciation their original drafting. This is being re-published by Canada West due to a series of “phishing” emails that circulated earlier this week.

Our "Yellow Session" of e-learning classes close enrollment on July 31.

The following credit classes will close enrollment on July 31 or until the class is full:​​

• Ministry of the Priest (MP304): 8 weeks, July 31-Sept. 24 
• Ministry of the Elder (MP305): 8 weeks, July 31-Sept. 24 
• Introduction to Priesthood (MP300): 8 weeks, July 31-Sept. 24
• Attention 70's: Contact your quorum president to find out about a scripture class being provided this session for Seventy's. 

Classes cost $7.50 each and should be paid via eTransfer to: ​Sam Smalldon cwm_mcfo@communityofchrist.ca
 
To enroll, go to developmetrics.org and click on the "Canadian Registration Form".

​Should you have any questions, please contact David Lloyd. 

Share your good news, we want to celebrate with you!

If you or anyone in your congregation celebrated an anniversary (60+ years), birthday (90+ years) or graduation (high school or college/university) since the last mission conference in September 2020, send us the details and 1 or 2 pictures maximum. Make sure you include names and dates.

We have requested this information from all congregation pastors. Please check with your pastor to be sure you are not duplicating what is planned to be sent to us.
​
Please send the requested information to Sandra Rodriguez (sandra@communityofchrist.ca) by no later than Friday, July 30.

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 steve@communityofchrist.ca.

Are you readily recognized as a leader in your congregation or in other aspects of the life of Community of Christ?  Do you have a strong personal testimony of the place of Jesus Christ in your life as Christian disciple and leader? Are you an enthusiastic advocate for Community of Christ? Would you like to have a strong influence on the direction of Community of Christ in the Canada West Mission Centre and Canada as a whole? If so, have we got an opportunity for you!
 
Applications are invited from interested and qualified persons for a volunteer position on the Canada West Mission Centre Presidency. Up to three persons will be selected to serve on this team. One team member will be identified as the “Mission Centre President of Record” for purposes of official contacts with Community of Christ International Headquarters. One or two others will be recognized as “Co-Mission Centre Presidents.”
 
Here is where you may find a detailed Position Description.
 
Applications are to be submitted to Apostle Art Smith (asmith@cofchrist.org) by Monday, August 9, 2021.

Please NOTE the extension of the application deadline from that previously published.

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 posting and position description for the Volunteer Mission Centre Presidency.

​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 in 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.

Come join us for a monthly “get together” for casual discussion of books from a wide range of genres. Open to all book lovers (some books may not be suitable for younger readers).

When: Third Monday of every other month at 7 PM (BC), 8PM (AB/SK), 9PM (MB). Our next meetup is on August 16.

Our book for this session is:
The Way of Kings: Book One of the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson​

​Sundays

BC Community of Christ Online Gathering
Hosted by the Vancouver Congregation
Sunday mornings
9:30am Pacific Time - Visiting and gathering 
10am Pacific Time - Service
Contact Chris Phelps at cphelps@shaw.ca for Zoom links.

Creating Connection Book Club 
Third Monday of every other month at 7PM (BC), 8PM (AB-SK), 9PM (MB). To join please visit the Creating Connection Meetup group. For details about the next session click here.

​Virtual Visiting Fellowship (discontinued for the summer)
Tuesday mornings at 11am CDT (Manitoba), 10am MDT (Alberta and Saskatchewan), 9am PDT (BC). Please send an email to steve@communityofchrist.ca to participate.

​Creating Connection presents: An Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit
Wednesdays from 3pm to 4:30pm Pacific Time. To join please visit the Creating Connection Meetup group.

Creating Connection presents: Coffee and Conversation
Thursdays from 10:30am to noon Pacific Time. To join please visit the Creating Connection Meetup group.

Virtual Visiting Fellowship (discontinued for the summer)
Thursday evenings at 9pm CDT (Manitoba), 8pm MDT (Alberta and Saskatchewan), 7pm PDT (BC). Please send an email to steve@communityofchrist.ca to participate.

For a list of Online Ministries please click here.

This occasional feature is intended to ensure that people across the mission centre are aware of the passing of persons in other congregations in a timely manner.
 
Information provided here is restricted to the name of the deceased person, the city where they lived (or congregation they attended), and the date of death (if it is provided). If an online version of a detailed obituary is available, the name of the person will be underlined indicating that it is a link to that source of information.
 
If you are aware of other church members who have passed away and whose names do not appear here or in our archive, please advise sandra@communityofchrist.ca.
 
Please support in thought and prayer the family and friends of the following persons who passed away this year:

• Sarah Beckman, Paddockwood, SK-February 14, 2021
• Carson Moor, Calgary, AB-February 19, 2021
• Harry Walton, Edmonton, AB–March 9, 2021​
• Jane James, Abbotsford, BC (Meadow Ridge Congregation)-May 3, 2021
• Gladys Jenkins, Edmonton, AB-May 29, 2021
• Doris Laverty, Lloydminster, AB (Ribstone Congregation)-May 30, 2021

​
For a list of persons who have passed away in previous years, please click here.

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 (steve@communityofchrist.ca) or Financial Officer (sam@communityofchrist.ca).

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
steve@communityofchrist.ca

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 (jkgoheen@gmail.com) 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 steve@communityofchrist.ca 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
steve@communityofchrist.ca

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: cwm_hop@communityofchrist.ca
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 (steve@communityofchrist.ca) 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.