You are invited to help at the Samish Island Work Week. Beginning the afternoon of Friday April 28 through Friday May 5th. The camp will provide meals throughout the week beginning the evening of the 28th. Cabin housing is free to volunteers.
 
The tasks to be accomplished are as follows:

• Mowing, edging, and trimming grass
• tree cutting
• trail maintenance
• pressure washing
• painting
• cleaning
• And more!

​If you are interested in helping or have any questions please call or email the campground manager Christine Campbell at 360-510-5724  samishislandcamp@gmail.com  or Bill Campbell, Samish Island Campground Association President at 253.709-8444. kayzeta@gmail.com

Dear Friends:
 
Attached is a letter from Team Leader Rod Downing, providing a schedule of upcoming events at World Conference and beyond, in which the North American Climate Justice Team will take an active role.  Note that we will not sponsor a webinar during April or May, because of our involvement in World Conference. 

Additional information about the June 11 webinar will be sent at a later date.

Blessings,
Susan Oxley

Dear Friends,
​
We are so happy to be sending you this virtual postcard from our Community of Christ World Conference in Independence Missouri, USA!

So far we are having a wonderful time sitting with our friends from across Canada West and reuniting with friends from far away.
 
We’ve especially enjoyed the words of home and encouragement in the messages shared by church leaders and we encourage you to check out all the recordings online at cofchrist.org
 
We will share more here after we return. We hope you enjoy these few snapshots from our time so far.
 
 
With joy, 
Gwyn, Kat, & Shannon

​"We are pilgrims on a journey - CCS # 550

1. We are pilgrims on a journey, here together on the road; we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
2. Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too.
3. I will hold the Christ-light for you in the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.
4. I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I'll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through.

World Conference 2023 starts on Saturday, April 22!  I know some people are already on the journey to conference.  I will be flying on April 20th and I look forward to seeing Independence again!  
 
I choose the hymn above before I went on the website and saw the hymn list.  The hymnal is 10 years old this year!!!  I love to just read the hymns as poetry.  The hymns that are on the website for conference are available in multiple languages.
 
I read through the legislation on the Community of Christ website again today.  Whether you are making an actual journey to conference or you are staying home, check out the conference website.  Wherever you are, you are part of Community of Christ.  Join together in prayer, study, discernment, financial and courageous support.  
 
As CCS 550 sings "we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load... I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through.

Joshua 1:9
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

As I stand at the podium at Analog Books, looking out over the sea of expectant faces, I feel a tinge of nervousness. Surrounded by walls of books on every side, I wonder what passage I could possibly read from my newly born book, that hasn’t already been written in some form? As I take a deep breath, and take time to truly look into the faces of beloved family, friends, and students, I see a spark of love shining through. It reminds me of another time of looking into the eyes of Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh. It was that moment that sparked the idea for the book I now hold in my hands, A Lotus on Fire: How a Buddhist Monk Ignited My Heart.

I met Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) at a large retreat out in Vancouver in 2011, just after my mother passed away from cancer in 2011. I arrived with a raw and open heart, hoping for a quiet space to be with the sadness and loss I felt. At one point towards the end of the retreat, I had the opportunity to sit very close to this gentle and revered monk. Our eyes met, and a feeling of love such that I had never known welled up in me. It felt like I was looking into the eyes of the Buddha, or Christ.

When I got home, I felt like I needed a way to process and reflect on this life-changing glimpse of “enlightenment” I’d received. I got out my journal and started to write. I wrote in the format of Letters to my Teacher (Dear Thay), describing my feelings, and asking the deep questions of my heart. Each question led to some insight and answers, but always uncovered deeper questions. Over time, these letters began to connect some of the dots for my life experience, revealing some overall patterns and themes. I wondered if these heartfelt letters in my journal could somehow become a book?

So began the long process of writing, and re-writing, in between teaching yoga, raising our teenage boys, leading church, and all the other activities of life. I finished the first draft in 2019, and started looking for an editor. Several months later, I was invited to be part of the online leadership team for Awakening Spirituality, an online outreach group for our church, dedicated to being a safe and welcoming place for all different kinds of spiritual seekers. On the leadership team, I met Susan L. Scott, a long time church member whose own roots run deep in the RLDS tradition. Susan is also an author and editor passionate about inspiring and helping people like you and I to write and share our own stories. She calls this “Spiritual Life Writing”, stories at the intersection of spirituality and everyday life. She became my mentor and editor for the rest of my book journey. I shared my excitement with my dear friend Lana Cullis, and she too became a mentor and companion for me.

In early 2021, we finally had a fully edited manuscript. Initially, like a lot of new writers, I hoped to find a traditional publisher to publish my book. This is no easy task, as most large publishers won’t even look at you without an agent, and smaller publishers don’t want to take a chance on you unless you already have a huge following, and a large social media platform. The submission process alone was like writing an entire book all over again. So I spent the next 6 months sending out book proposals, and either getting a polite “thanks, but no thanks,” or no answer at all. It felt like my manuscript disappeared into a big black hole!

In September 2021, my life changed drastically. I was hit by a car while crossing in a crosswalk, and sustained serious injuries to my left shoulder and left knee, requiring two surgeries, two weeks in hospital, and three months in bed (and lots of prayer!) My life literally flashed before my eyes, and I spent most of the next year recovering. When I finally felt well again, I knew I needed to find a way of getting my book out into the world right away. My story mattered, as do all our stories!

I decided to self-publish and become an “Indie-Author” as we’re called. It’s still a lot of hard work, but it gave me more control over the creative design of the book, including title, front and back cover design, and inside formatting, and complete copyright and ownership. I found an experienced graphic artist up in Calgary, who designed the stunning cover for A Lotus on Fire, and also did all the formatting inside the book, so I could upload easily to Amazon to publish both the paperback and E-Book versions.  An official book launch was planned for March 22 at Analog Books here in Lethbridge.

As I now stand at this podium, holding A Lotus on Fire in my hands, I can feel the faith of many generations converging in this moment. I sense the courageous faith of my parents and many generations of RLDS, now Community of Christ. I feel the teachings and meditation practices of Thich Nhat Hanh, and his Vietnamese Buddhist lineage traced right back to the Buddha himself. I feel the great love of the Living Buddha, and the Living Christ flowing through me, to be a tiny spark of love wherever I am.

A Lotus on Fire is available in both paperback and E-Book on Amazon. To find out more about Vickie and A Lotus on Fire, please see Vickie’s website: www.vickiemacarthur.ca

This is Holy Week. We breathe in this space when Jesus was closer to his disciples than ever before, yet so far away as they clung to him and would keep him from following his call. Holy Week is a space for learning how to stay awake and watch, and how to act. We find ourselves right now in the liminal space between the extraverted, frenetic joy of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the deep, upwelling, inner joy of encountering resurrection past the grave.
 
Both of those kinds of joy were evident in our CWM staff retreat last weekend. As Gwyn, Shannon, Debra, Sandra, and I got to know each other in one another’s full presence for the first time, we were able to share our hopes for this work as well as the struggles we encounter. Our joy came from being accepted as we are and our felt freedom to be fully heard, to be encouraged, to experience beautiful hospitality. Like the disciples, we came together and ate. We walked together. We prayed together, for us all.
 
None of us can see the future of our beloved Mission Centre. All of us care so deeply about the well-being of this particular expression of Christ’s love on earth! In your journey through Holy Week, we encourage you to find community, break bread together, listen deeply to one another, and remember the new life that Jesus has shown us. May we all travel well in darkness so that we may be embraced in resurrection light!  

​Yours in Christ,
Gwyn, Kat, and Shannon
gwyn@communityofchrist.ca
​kat@communityofchrist.ca
smcadam@communityofchrist.ca

Please register online for World Conference through our www.cofchrist.org website. If you would like your registration fee to be paid for by the Mission Centre, please send your reimbursement request to CWM_MCFO@communityofchrist.ca and Dar will get the funds sent back to you as quickly as possible. 

Written by Stephen Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre Historian
steve@communityofchrist.ca

​Historians Corner
Vol. 1 | No. 1
​
Welcome to the first edition of “Historians Corner.” The intention of this once-a-month column (maybe twice-a-month once we get started) is to highlight brief nuggets from the history of Community of Christ and especially from the church in Western Canada. These “brief nuggets” will be just that - brief. Perhaps frustratingly brief from both a writer’s and a reader’s perspective. There is simply not enough space here in the Weekly Wire for a lot of detail. But there are many places to find details about church history and we will try to refer you to those resources when possible if you wish to know “the rest of the story” (as broadcaster Paul Harvey used to say).

For this first instalment, we are going to go back to the very early days of the church. The organizational meeting for the church was held on April 6, 1830, - one hundred and ninety-three years ago this month. (Yes - our bi-centennial is fast approaching!) The formal organization of the church was the culmination of a series of events over the previous five to ten years; we will not attempt to summarize those events here.

The meeting was held “in the Smith log cabin in Manchester Township, Ontario County”1 in western New York state. No minutes of the meeting were made. Accounts of the actions taken at the meeting were written some time later. We know the six people who attended were: Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sr., and Joseph Knight, Sr.1 The Prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr., addressed the other five men in the spirit of revelation as recorded in section 21 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. As originally organized, the church was known as the “Church of Christ.” It did not become the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” until 1838.1 Subsequent name changes were to “Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” in 1860 and to “Community of Christ” in 2001.

The Council of Twelve has tentatively determined two locations for remote sites. One will be hosted in Honduras and the other will be hosted in D.R. Congo. One additional remote location will be hosted at Graceland University to accommodate students who are taking their final exams during World Conference week.

Special attention is being given to health and safety. This will require some precautions not experienced at conference before.

Based on what we know at this time, people will be strongly encouraged to wear masks when indoors at World Conference to protect the most vulnerable in our gathering. We will provide larger spaces for delegation seating using the main floor and the balcony and encourage people to spread out during other indoor events.

We are also strongly encouraging participants to take several self-initiated and self-monitored precautions to include testing for COVID before arriving, staying home if one tests positive or has fever or symptoms, and getting up-to-date on vaccinations to protect one’s self. Thanks for your understanding! 
​
We look forward to sharing with our global family!​

Just a few weeks ago all three of us got to attend the Nurturing Spirit retreat put on by Creating Connection in BC. While perhaps the most immediately memorable moment was waking up Sunday morning to a foot of snow, the impact of the stories and wisdom shared there will linger in our hearts for a long time. In connecting about the very human topic of caring for ourselves, we got to listen to the vulnerabilities and struggles of those gathered. As folks shared of challenging times they’ve experienced in marriages, in parent-child relationships, and in workplaces, what stood out were the imperfections of life that connect us. There was a certain beauty in the vulnerable and gracious sharing that took place.
 
What a relief to be reminded that no one is perfect! It was a joy to sit with one another in truth instead of behind the armour we sometimes wear to protect ourselves and appear perfect. How beautiful to see our scarred and wrinkled fleshy faces, made in God’s image, rather than the smooth masks we often hide behind. Experiences like these can remind us that we offer kind and genuine ministry when we lead from our truths and scars, rather than in spite of our truths and scars.
 
As we draw closer to world conference many issues facing the church rest heavy on our hearts, not because of the legislation but because behind that legislation there are individuals who are impacted by the results of the decisions that are made. Could our policies reflect a pastoral and generous acknowledgement of our humanity and imperfection? When we consider decisions let us remember that imperfect humans like ourselves can feel more or less included in our church family as a result of those decisions.
 
Remembering that none of us are perfect, like Jesus reminded the crowd when they were about to cast stones, can help us be more compassionate to one another, and, more importantly perhaps, to ourselves. Hiding our struggles and our truths perpetuates shame and fear. Sharing our true selves brings in light, communal support, and reminds us all that we are not alone.

We have been told that our president Steve Veazey is retiring. At World Conference in 2025, we will elect a new prophet/president. We have been asked to move forward in discerning who that will be. It has been suggested that we follow a month of prayer then a month to share.

March is Prayer, April is Share….

There is an excellent video from Steve Veazey about the process that he is hoping we will all participate in. It is available to you on the church website here.

So… March is prayer, the start of the process. You are being asked to join with others and you can write and submit your prayer.

When Kat, Shannon and I shared about Steve, Shannon
said how he has shifted focus to us being a prophetic people instead of a people with a prophet. I am hoping to let the spirit take me on a journey to get to know those who might be able to lead this church. I hope to discern my future and the future of this church.

Here is my prayer for discernment, what will your prayer be?
​
Dear God, Give me the patience to slow down, breathe in and feel your spirit. I pray for inspiration and wisdom. I pray that if and when I share, I will give value to the conversation about our future. Amen

If you would like to explore the World Conference Resolutions for April this year, you can listen to these summaries of the sessions that have been held online over the past month. Observations and questions about each resolution are being gathered and shared at the links below. If you are inspired to join in on the remaining sessions, they will be held ongoing through the week of March 13 and you can register at the first link below. Please continue to hold World Conference in your prayers!
 
The Exploration Session Summaries in audio form can be found on the 2023 World Conference page at cofchrist.org, here:
https://cofchrist.org/news/register-for-exploration-sessions/
 
The Exploration Session Summaries can be found on YouTube at the following link:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6z7pDtiBtvLYvES7ho9Sa5GF-sxAQOz

​Written by Kat Goheen
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

I began studying Discernment Facilitation with Katie Harmon-McLaughlin earlier this year, and it’s been such an enriching experience. Someone recently asked to hear more about this course experience, so this seemed a good way to begin!

Here below is a short summary of my learning from the course so far (under 9 minutes):

​We received the announcement this week that Steve Veazey has begun his retirement process as the president of our church. He will have served as the leader of our Community of Christ for twenty years, having offered us three revelations we have included in our Doctrine and Covenants: 163, 164, and 165. Steve has brought a wealth of pastoral experience to the role and has blessed our church worldwide, both as an apostle and as a president. This is bringing up so much warm feeling for the three of us, and we want to express our appreciation!
 
From Shannon: What stands out to me is Steve’s calm presence and grounded leadership style. I appreciate how he has shifted focus to us being a prophetic people instead of a people with a prophet. I also admire him for being so open about his own discernment processes. I know family is important to Steve, so I hope he gets to enjoy a relaxing retirement with lots of family time.
 
From Gwyn: Steve Veazey is gentleness personified.  I have never personally met Steve but have seen him up close.  My overall impression is that he is a man of quiet persuasion, gentle demeanor and kindness that flows out from him.  Steve has led our church through some heavy conversations and he never seemed to falter.  
 
From Kat: My overwhelming impression of Steve is kindness. I admire Steve’s patience in the face of dissent during business meetings, and the way he greets people amid his busy schedule with deep hospitality. I also admire his vision, remembering his statement eight years ago that the work of spiritual formation is the future of our church. The phrase from revelation that I am truly grateful for is in Doctrine and Covenants 163:9b, ending: “Be vulnerable to divine grace.”
​
We are so grateful that this isn’t goodbye, just a chance to reflect and show appreciation. What part of his legacy is bearing fruit in your life? How can you also be part of the legacy of our church? We will carry this time of transition in prayer and be open to the work that God will continue to inspire in us. 

Written by Debra Donohue
Creating Connection Director

Creating Connection’s ‘Nurturing Spirit Retreat: Connecting through Self Care’ was held last weekend at Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre at Cultus Lake in BC. 

A few people had to cancel due to weather … it snowed over a foot at the campground on Saturday, but we ended up with a lovely group of 24 over the course of the weekend and 25% were first timers! This retreat focused on recognizing the signs of burn out and creating action plans to take care of ourselves so that we live happy lives, and so we have the capacity to care for others.

Alexis Beer, our guest speaker, who has a long list of qualifications and training, did a great job leading us through the topic. Everyone agreed her sessions were interesting, thought provoking, and stimulated lots of conversation.  And let me tell you about the music. It was amazing! Edith Wallace led us in two meditations of sound, a concert Saturday night, and sent us off with a song which we all danced to on Sunday morning.  I think Saturday night may have been my favourite Edith Wallace concert to date.  Check her out on Spotify.

Kat Goheen brought her harp and gently strummed us into another mediation and Shannon McAdam taught us how to use needlepoint as a way to focus our thoughts and be mindful.

We spent time playing Pictionary and our theme was, of course, self care activities.  Gwyn Beer brought a 1000-piece puzzle (which we didn’t quite finish) and there was free time to walk in nature and explore the grounds.

Although Stillwood is not Samish Island, which is so near and dear to many of us, there were several benefits to using this campground.  First, it’s in BC so most of us didn’t have to cross the border, make sure we had up to date passports and purchase travel insurance. Although 3 people came from the US and they crossed the border to be with us.  Second, it’s a large and busy campground so they have staff to do all the cleanup in the buildings and after meals (woo hoo!)  And Third, we didn’t have to pay the US exchange rate which is around 30% right now.

We’re looking at going back next year, but maybe we’ll try to go in March.  The weather is a little more predictable then, or at least one can hope.

I’ve included a group photo, a walking group photo, a photo of the Edith Wallace concert, doing needlepoint, and my car Sunday morning covered in snow.  If you weren’t there, we missed you and hope you can join us next time.

Watch for details on our next Creating Connection Retreat "Creating Community: Where Spirit, Nature and Justice Meet" June 1-4 at Samish Island. This retreat will be a mindful and exciting combination of Nurturing Spirit and Nurturing Justice.  

We have just entered the season of Lent. My journey through Lent has had many stages. As a child I didn’t know anything about this season of the year, so when I was a young adult and discovered it, I made up for lost time! My most obstinate personal habit of the time went on the chopping block for the 40 days, substituted for a practice meant to draw me toward God. There were a couple of years in a row where I abstained from Diet Coke, which required great willpower at that time!

My practice continued through seminary, where I was surrounded with people from different churches with rich Lenten practices. I confess that my practice took a major hit with motherhood. The perpetual sleep deprivation prompted me to give myself a pass from further deprivation! More recently, COVID felt the same way. It was much more difficult to restrict myself given the external social restrictions already imposed!
​
Part of our study for the Discernment Facilitator’s course through the Seminary this week is on the topic of consolation and desolation. Consolation is anything that leads to increased energy and a feeling of closeness to God, while desolation brings a sense of apathy and isolation from God and others. My current approach to Lent is to be very mindful of where I seek consolation and seek to turn my heart toward God.

May this Lenten season bring an expanded sense of who we are in relation to creation and draw us to find consolation in community and in closeness with God.

​Yours in Christ,
Gwyn, Kat, and Shannon
gwyn@communityofchrist.ca
​kat@communityofchrist.ca
smcadam@communityofchrist.ca

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through Graceland University and the Community of Christ Seminary announces upcoming online classes. Along with Ministry and Priesthood classes, we offer the first “Christian Ministry Certificate” course (similar to past “MEADS” courses). 
 
The following classes are now open for a limited enrollment:

Spring B Session: 

• Introduction to Priesthood Ministry:  8 weeks, March 6-April 30 - $25 
• Ministry of the Teacher: 6 weeks, March 6-April 16 - $25
• Ministry of the Seventy:  8 weeks, March 6-April 30 - $25 (Newly called Seventy, please contact President of Seventy for reimbursement) 
• Christian Ministry Certificate Course: 
  • Peace and Justice: Dr. Nancy Ross – March 6-April 30 – mix of online and one live session per week - $100

Note:  Special consideration with be given students during the week of World Conference.
 
CIMM offers non-credit bearing continuing education units (CEU’s) that focus on priesthood development, leadership development, and theological education. These CEU’s do not lead to a degree. To enroll or view the schedule of upcoming classes click on the button below.

Unfortunately, there are many scammers looking for opportunities to take advantage of non-suspecting individuals in many different ways, especially on this holidays season!

​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 have circulated recently.

​Every day at my workplace this month we’ve learned about a different Black Canadian who is outstanding in one way or another, and it has been an incredible way to celebrate Black History Month. There are so many amazing people who I’d never heard of before, and I wonder why I’ve never learned about them before. If we believe in the Worth of All Persons, why don’t we learn about all types of people?
 
Black History Month is a fitting time to reflect on what it is that makes White culture so dominant that we don’t learn about the contributions of those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour. White Supremacy Culture might sound like a problem from far away or long ago, but it is prevalent in all of our lives, and runs against our belief in the Worth of All Persons.
 
I’ve found this website by Tema Okun to be really helpful in my own learning about what White Supremacy Culture is, how to recognize it (the “marks”), and ways to overcome it. The original article that Okun based the website around is a quick and easy read that I highly recommend. Click here to read the article.
 
For me, one of the most insightful “marks” of White Supremacy Culture that Okun talks about is “One Right Way”. This is the idea that there is only one right way to do things, and can lead to some of the other marks: Perfectionism, Paternalism, and Either/Or Thinking. Okun’s antidotes to “One Right Way” are beautiful and life-giving. These include gratitude, being transparent, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes. These, I think, are also the kinds of things Jesus calls us to. Jesus sought to bring people together rather than dividing them.
 
How will you recognize Black History month? Perhaps take a moment to read some of Tema Okun’s insightful writings and think about what you can change in your home, workplace, or congregation to help dismantle White Supremacy Culture and help bring about God’s Shalom.