 The Annual All-Members Meeting of the Hills of Peace Campground Association will be held on Monday, September 15, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MT/ 6 p.m - 7 p.m PT/ 8 p.m - 9 p.m CT. It will be a “Zoom” based meeting.
All members of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as “non-resident” and “general” members of Community of Christ, are eligible to attend and have voice and vote. Members from other jurisdictions are also welcome to attend. The agenda will include review of minutes of the 2024 meeting, review of 2024 Financial Statements and 2025 budget, and election of new Board Members as well as other business. Meeting documents will be forwarded to all Pastors of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan before this weekend. We will also make them available here (see below). Please plan to attend to be updated on everything affecting the Hills of Peace Campground and to have your voice heard on items subject to discussion and/or vote.
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Hope Into Action–Where do we go from here? HOP Men’s Retreat: Sep 19-21 - Registration now available9/3/2025  Join us for our annual Men’s Retreat at Hills of Peace, a weekend of good food, fellowship, and meaningful conversations. Our guest minister, Chris Phelps, will guide sessions on the theme Hope Into Action – Where do we go from here? as we reflect on the recent World Conference and consider how to put resolutions into practice in our own lives.
Highlights of the weekend include engaging sessions, closing camp activities, the fun and food after Saturday’s campfire, and (of course) the much-anticipated pie. Worship on Sunday morning will close our time together. The retreat is open to all ages high school and up. Cost: $170. Questions? Contact Dan at 306-540-2359 or [email protected]  From Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President
Greetings! It is delightful to tour around Atlantic Canada while proclaiming Community of Christ values through my T shirts! I hope you can find creative ways to share joy, hope, love, and peace wherever your summer finds you.  This year we have a historic opportunity to shape the future of Community of Christ in Canada together. Apostle Shannon McAdam has submitted the resolution proposing the creation of a unified Canadian Mission Centre, bringing congregations together from coast to coast.
The resolution reads: Canada Mission Centre creation Resolved, that Canada West Mission Centre desires to join with Canada East Mission Centre as one Canada Mission Centre effective January 1, 2026, upon approval by the appropriate governing bodies under Community of Christ bylaws; and be it further Resolved, that the Canada West Mission Centre budget be subsumed into the Canada Mission Centre budget, which shall be approved at a Canada Mission Centre conference to be held before February 28, 2026; and be it further Resolved, that Canada Mission Centre leadership shall be sustained at a Canada Mission Centre conference to be held before February 28, 2026. Submitted by Field Apostle Shannon McAdam We invite you to be part of this important moment. Please register today to participate either in person in Chilliwack, BC (September 12-14) or online via Zoom. Conference highlights include:
 By Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President From all accounts, Youth Camp at Hills of Peace was a great week filled with fun, fellowship, and bonding together. All were welcomed and included as part of the whole. Campers enjoyed a variety of interest classes, including drama, home electrical basics, outdoor cooking, and tie-dye crafting, as well as in-depth discussions on a range of topics. Friendly camp cup competitions added to the spirit of fun and connection. There were many incredible highlights along with spiritually enriching moments. A special highlight was the baptism and confirmation of Jada Middleton on Tuesday morning—a sacred and simple service at the lake, followed by confirmation in the large chapel. The week included both new campers and those who return every year to this sacred, beloved space. This was equally reflected in the talented and dedicated staff. The camp theme was Lead. We are witnessing the growth of capable young leaders—not only for the future, but for right now. To reiterate the themes of our summer camps: CHOOSE HOPE in ACTION and LEAD!  By Marian Thompson, Family Camp Director Family Camp at Hills of Peace was held August 2–7, 2025, with 59 campers in attendance for the long weekend. After the weekend there were some people leaving and some joining, so we averaged 45–50 for the remainder of the week. This is an increase from the last three years. We were privileged to have Apostle Shannon McAdam as guest minister along with Vonda DenBoer and Kristin Parmera from World Accord. An impromptu silent auction raised $4,328 for World Accord. The main thing I would like to highlight this year came from trying something new. After the COVID years, Hills of Peace had trouble getting enough children to run a Junior Camp, even though we had staff in place. We decided to choose hope by running a camp within a camp. We were able to lower the age by one year because at night the children returned to their parents to sleep. This had the added benefits of not needing counsellors and drawing the parents of the children to stay for the week along with their children. The parents had long stretches of the day to participate in the Family Camp program. Junior Camp director Gwyn Beer, along with a variety of helpers, provided a special program for all the junior campers. There were nine children between ages 7 and 11, with two only able to stay for the weekend and two joining at the end of the weekend. The campers joined with the Family Camp until after breakfast, morning camp chores, and part of an intergenerational morning activity. They then had their own activities until joining the Family Camp for swimming time in the afternoon. Part of the Junior Camp program involved learning how to be campfire leaders. The children built the campfires (some were very creative due to rain), helped lead the adults in songs, and participated in skits. Junior Camp was a big success as part of Family Camp! Much positive feedback was given by all for this new model. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to get together with old friends and make some new ones. We felt blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit as we built community through worship, work, and play.  This year’s Canada West Mission Centre Conference is not just another gathering. We will have the historic opportunity to vote on the future of Community of Christ in Canada — a decision that will shape our shared mission for years to come. Your voice matters, whether you join us in person at the Chilliwack congregation or online via Zoom — but in either case, you must register to take part.
Registration is more than a formality — it’s how we plan for meals, meeting space, and smooth conference logistics. Our cooks, hosts, and tech teams can only prepare if they know who’s coming. Please help us by registering today. Weekend highlights Friday, Sep 12: 80’s trivia and dress-up night hosted by World Accord, followed by a young adult/older youth activity Saturday, Sep 13: Dinner with The Maybelles and photo fun Sunday, Sep 14: Beyond the Walls will stream live from Chilliwack with John and Leandro. The highlight of the service will be the ordination of Gwyn Beer to the office of Seventy by President of Seventy Karin Peter. See the full schedule and register today on the Conference Hub.  From Shannon McAdam
Becky and Shannon both got to spend a lovely week with our CWM family at Hills of Peace in Alberta. There were many memorable classes, worships, and campfires. Even the chipmunks enjoyed hanging out at the chapel! We hope you are finding time this summer to connect with those dear to you and choose hope!  A postcard from Kat Goheen
Greetings from Naramata! The sun, the water, and the wind have blessed this community this week. How wonderful to share music with yet another community of good will. Blessings to all of you enjoying Family Camp and Kimtah/Atsaken!  The world feels heavy right now, doesn’t it? Every headline screams at us. Social media tells us how to feel about everything—who to love, who to hate, what side to pick. It’s loud. It’s exhausting. And honestly, sometimes it feels like everything is broken.
So what do we do with that? How do we hold on to what matters when the ground keeps shifting? That’s what this weekend is about. Here and Now. It’s about stepping away from the noise for a couple of days and asking real questions together: • Do my values line up with my actions? • Am I living in a way that feels true and authentic? • How do we show up for each other in ways that actually help? You don’t need to have answers. You don’t need to have your life together. You just need to show up and be willing to connect with others asking the same types of questions. We’ll share meals, conversations, and space to breathe. We’ll laugh. Maybe cry a little. Our guest minister, Rev. Dr. Linda Stanbridge from Michigan, will join us with stories and wisdom for these messy, beautiful, uncertain times. If you’ve been longing for something real—connection that doesn’t require perfection - this is for you. Come. Just as you are. This year’s theme: Here and Now Ages: 18 - 45 Contact: Andy MacArthur [email protected]  Youth Camp is just around the corner — August 9–15 (can you believe it?!)
The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to kick off an amazing week of fun, friendship, and reflection at Youth Camp 2025. This year’s theme is LEAD — we’ll be exploring what it means to lead our lives with joy, hope, love, and peace. From powerful sessions to epic games, campfires to chill hangouts, it’s going to be a week you’ll never forget. And don’t miss our iconic Banquet Night, themed "Star-y Night" — come dressed as your favourite lead character and get ready to shine! Spots are filling fast, so grab your crew and register now! Let the countdown to the best week of the summer begin!  Postcard from Shannon McAdam
A wonderful time was had at Samish Island Campground last week for the Canada West and Inland West combined reunion! We had two baptisms - one at the beginning of the week and one at the end. As someone mentioned in our closing service, having baptisms at camp helps remind us all of our commitments to being disciples. May this photo from Monday’s baptismal service inspire your commitment to discipleship as well.  Postcard from Shannon McAdam
Last week I got to be part of the staff at our annual youth sports and arts camp that brings young people together from across the church. My highlight was seeing 15 youth from Canada fully engaged in the event! They were worship leaders, kind sportspeople, avid learners, and were part of making an inclusive camp. Hope in action!  Postcard from Shannon McAdam.
June 28 - July 4 I got to bring guest ministry to Loaves and Fishes reunion. It was wonderful to see familiar faces from world conference, meet folks in person I’d only ever met on Zoom, and get to know so many new faces. Of course if you know me it’s inevitable that at some point I end up in the kitchen at camp! Here I am peeling apples!"  By Becky Middleton. The weekend of June 20–22 was a wonderful time of retreat, meditation, sharing, and inspiration for all who attended the Summer Solstice Women’s Retreat at Hills of Peace! The weather determined we adjust the planned schedule—just a bit. We didn’t see the sunset over the lake on Friday, but we did watch dusk fall as we sang on the beach. We also didn’t see the sunrise at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, but the sky lightened with the dawn and our spirits soared with the birdsong. As we enjoyed a day of much-needed steady rainfall, some connected with the earth using umbrellas and rubber boots to explore the grounds in contemplation, while others enjoyed the connection from the warm, dry chapel windows. The rainy weather revealed nature in a different way, with different highlights, expanding our insight into seeing God at work in our lives. We relaxed in deep meditation after lunch, then entered a time of creativity in preparation for our delicious Midsummer Night’s Dream supper, lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff. Our evening of sharing was made extra special by the descending darkness as the power went out—and didn’t return until morning! Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, wrapping up our time together as we shared hope, love, and concerns for one another. The weekend was a complete success, and there is already excitement about next year’s theme and date. Stay tuned—and keep your calendar ready!  Summer is in full swing and our Canada West camps are ready to welcome you! There’s still time to register for these amazing programs:
Hills of Peace (Alberta) Family Camp August 2–7 Junior Camp (ages 7–11) August 2–7 Family Camp and Junior Camp will be at the same time to help ease the transition for our younger campers. Please note: Junior Camp participants must have an adult (over 21) attending Family Camp. Everyone registers through the Family Camp form. Youth Camp (ages 12–18) | August 9–15 Samish Island (Washington) Samish Reunion July 19–26 Camp Atsaken (Grades 7–9) August 3–7 Camp Kimtah (Grades 10–2025 Grads) August 3–7 Camp Mungai (Grades 3–6) August 10–14  Mission Conference 2025 is happening in Chilliwack, BC, from September 12–14, and we want to see you there! If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to register and book your accommodations.
We have a block of rooms reserved at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel, but the hotel will reduce our block on July 14 if we haven’t reached 60% booked. Don’t wait—secure your spot today! And while you’re at it—why not use a little of what you saved on accommodations to bring some socks or a warm toque for someone in need? As part of our commitment to the Chilliwack community, we’re collecting new socks and pom-pom-free toques for our conference service project, Socktember. Please bring your donations to conference or connect with your congregation to send items along. Let’s make a difference together!  Join us September 19th to 21st at Hills of Peace for the Men’s Retreat. Chris Phelps will be our guest minister and this theme will be: Hope Into Action - Where do we go from here?
One of the questions we will be thinking about on that weekend are: How does World Church passing new resolutions impact you, and how will you turn those new ideas into action in your own life? Intrigued? Then why not save the date and plan to spend a couple days at Hills Of Peace. The cost will be $170. I will save a piece of pie with your name on it. Hope to see you there, Dan Esch  By Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Director for Canada West
If you’re a gardener, you understand the value of patience. Long before your plants or trees bear fruit, you spend time weeding, feeding, watering, and lovingly caring for them. Without this consistent effort, your plants may wither and die. The same principle applies to the work we've been doing with Creating Connection. For the last three Community of Christ World Conferences, I’ve had the opportunity to help lead the Creating Connection Lunch and Learn sessions. Each year, the room was filled with excitement and enthusiasm. People were eager to participate in a worldwide Creating Connection initiative. But after each World Conference, interest tapered off, with only a few groups choosing to participate independently. Still, we continued nurturing the seeds we had planted. We kept showing up, presenting Creating Connection at every World Conference, and sharing our message with anyone willing to listen. Now, we’re beginning to see growth. We’re currently collaborating with a group in Australia that has a similar program, exploring ways we can support one another and move forward together. We’ve also been asked to translate our CreatingConnection.ca website into French so more people can access our resources. Earlier this month, at the 2025 Lunch and Learn, we had to add chairs in the aisles to accommodate the crowd. People arrived an hour early and stayed half an hour after the scheduled time. Thankfully, I had video clips from previous presentations ready to share, and we opened the floor for questions. We easily filled two hours with rich conversation and information about Creating Connection. It feels like our trees are finally bearing fruit—and it’s incredibly rewarding. I was tempted to say the hard work is over, but that wouldn’t be quite right. The patient work may be behind us, but now it’s time to roll up our sleeves, harvest the fruit, and ensure we keep this momentum going. Look for Creating Connection presentations at reunions this summer and be sure to check out our refreshed website at CreatingConnection.ca. We’re adding new content every week. One last thing—a request. If you have a story of connection from your community, congregation, camp, or retreat, we’d love to hear it. Please share it with us in the blog section of our website. Your success stories inspire others!  We’re kicking off Canada West Mission Conference 2025 with an 80s Trivia Night Fundraiser! Join us on Friday, September 12, from 6:40 to 8:00 p.m. at Chilliwack Community of Christ, and online, for a fun evening of snacks and friendly competition, all in celebration of World Accord's 45th anniversary.
Costumes are very welcome, and prizes will be given to the top three teams! Proceeds support World Accord and their ongoing work empowering communities. |
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