 Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m CT
Square Pizza – 208 W. Maple Ave Attention all Canadians attending World Conference! You’re warmly invited to join us for an informal evening of connection and celebration as we welcome our new Apostolic team and new Seventy team! We’ll gather over great conversation, introductions, and pizza starting at 6:00 p.m CT on Wednesday, June 4th. Pizza will be provided, so please register by Wednesday, May 28th so we can ensure we have enough food. Canadian Gathering at World Conference Registration Questions? Email [email protected] This evening is generously covered by the Canadian Church. Donations are welcome and can be included with your registration (Please note: no money will be collected at the restaurant.) We look forward to seeing you there!
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 Throughout April, we invited you to Be 1 of 20—to become one of 20 new monthly donors supporting Hills of Peace. We're thrilled to share that 25 people stepped up to give regularly and sustain the future of our beloved camp!
We’d also like to take this time to thank our existing 5 monthly donors who contribute $803/month ($9,636/year)! Here’s the breakdown of generosity received during April:
Our new total of all monthly donation commitments going forward: $1,523/month ($18,276/year) Your generosity surpassed our goal and showed that when we come together, we can do more than we imagine. Thank you for choosing to walk with us in this journey of community, sacredness of creation, and stewardship. Here's to a thriving future at Hills of Peace! If you’d still like to participate, you can sign up at any time to become a monthly contributor by visiting the link below: Donate through Canada Helps  Sunday, May 18
11:15 a.m. PT/ 12:15 p.m MT/1:15 p.m CT Join us for a short, SPEC-style, contemporary online worship full of music and testimonies to help our Canada West campers raise funds for their trip to SPEC, happening July 10–19. This special event will help support the 12+ campers and 2 chaperones attending SPEC from CWM this year. Funds raised will help cover travel, registration, and participation in this powerful youth experience focused on sports, the arts, worship, and building lifelong connections. To join the worship: Email [email protected] for the Zoom link and more info. To donate: Visit CanadaHelps.org and direct your donation to: [email protected] Please specify “CWM SPEC 2025 Fundraiser” in the message or notes field. Every gift helps send our youth to this incredible gathering—thank you for helping make it possible!  Come lend a hand while enjoying the beauty of Samish Island Campground & Retreat Centre!
Join us anytime between April 27 and May 4 for our annual work week. Whether you can help for a day, a few days, or the whole week, we welcome all volunteers—no matter your skill level. Lodging and meals are provided at no cost in exchange for your labour. RSVP to mail to: [email protected] so we can plan meals accordingly. Thank you!  Happy Hills of Peace Month, everyone!
For so many of us, Hills of Peace isn’t just a place—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where we’ve made life-long friends, laughed around campfires, and found community, rest, and glimpses of God. Whether you’ve been to camp recently or it’s been decades, Hills of Peace has a way of sticking with us and even sustaining us. But places like this don’t sustain themselves. They rely on the people who love them to keep them going. That’s why this April, we’re inviting 20 new people to become recurring donors—not just to give, but to belong, to help carry this place forward for the next generation. Of course, you don’t have to be one of the twenty to give—everyone is encouraged to support Hills of Peace in whatever way they can. No gift is too small. What matters is showing up, month after month, as part of something bigger than any one of us. Wondering what your gift would be supporting? 🎵 $5/mo. ($60/yr.) helps create meaningful camp experiences—whether it’s keeping the campfire burning for storytelling and songs or maintaining peaceful outdoor spaces. 🥾 $10/mo. ($120/yr.) supports the upkeep of trails, gathering areas, and nature spaces so campers can explore, reflect, and connect with the outdoors. 🚰 $25/mo. ($300/yr.) contributes to essential systems such as water, sewage, electricity, and internet connectivity. 🧰 $50/mo. ($600/yr.) helps maintain cabins, meeting spaces, and other essential facilities, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all who visit. 👷 $100/mo. ($1200/yr.) strengthens the future of our campground by supporting facility upgrades, equipment maintenance, and new opportunities for connection and retreat. Will you be one of twenty to help Hills of Peace continue to be a place of love, belonging, and grace? Sign up today and watch your gift grow throughout the year! Become a Monthly Donor Please ensure you select “monthly” on the donation form to set your gift to automatically charge each month. Alternatively, you can donate to Hills of Peace Camp through Canada West Mission Centre as part of your monthly tithes and offerings. If you use CanadaHelps, select “Hills of Peace Camp” as the fund and “Monthly” as the frequency. If you use Pre-Authorized Transfer (PAT), you can update your giving preferences using this form. Be sure to specify “Hills of Peace” under Mission Centre Ministries. With gratitude for your support, Parker Johnson (he/him) and Lisa Neudorf (she/her) Hills of Peace Board Members  Canada West Mission Centre is still looking for one or two Canadian chaperones (25 and older) to join the Northwest Delegation at Spectacular (SPEC) this July. If you’re a registered Child and Youth Worker and have a heart for youth, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
You don’t need previous SPEC experience—just a willingness to show up, connect, and support our youth during an amazing 10-day experience that will be full of fun and adventure with an incredible group of youth and adults. As a chaperone, you'll be assigned a small group of youth to check in on regularly—making sure they’re where they need to be, cheering them on, and offering support when it’s needed most. There are many ways to get involved. Debra Donohue, who previously served as a chaperone, shared, “I coached one of the softball teams, was the support person for youth performing in the talent shows, and I wrote some funny skits that our staff performed as a fun way to share the do’s and don’ts with our delegation. There are lots of other roles to participate in, like helping with the nightly delegation worship.” Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It was an amazing experience… one of the best things we do for our youth. It will change you for the better.” Your expenses for the trip will be fully covered by Canada West Mission Centre. What we ask in return is your presence, energy, and willingness to walk alongside our youth during this one-of-a-kind experience. You'll come home tired—but grateful you said yes. If you’d like to learn more or are ready to volunteer, please contact Gwyn Beer at [email protected]  We are planning a retreat that will take place at the Hills of Peace in late June and would love your input. Would you be interested in attending? What type of retreat would you prefer—a Spiritual Retreat or a Women’s Retreat?
This gathering is inspired by Lisa Neudorf’s experience at the Nurturing Spirit Retreat at Samish Island, where she was reminded of the importance of community and connection. To help shape this event, we’re asking for your feedback. We’ve created a short, four-question survey to gather your preferences. Your input is important and will help determine the direction of this retreat. Survey closes at midnight on Sunday, March 16 PDT. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts—your input is greatly appreciated!  Canada West Mission Conference will take place September 12–14 in Chilliwack, BC, with the theme "Love in Action."
A special highlight of the weekend will be the ordination of Gwyn Beer to the office of Seventy by Karin Peter, Senior President of Seventy. Watch for registration and billeting details coming soon!  The Canada West Camping Committee is seeking dedicated individuals with a deep connection to Hills of Peace camping to help shape its future. We’re forming a dedicated team to support and strengthen our camps, and we need experienced volunteers who are passionate about camping ministry to join us.
If you have experience with Hills of Peace programming—as a volunteer, staff member, or long-time camper—and have a heart for camping ministry, we’d love for you to be part of this team. This committee is a hands-on group focused on strengthening and supporting our camps. While camp directors will be involved in conversations, this committee is specifically for those who are not currently serving as camp directors but have experience with camp programming and a passion for its future. The committee will meet twice per year—once in late winter or early spring to prepare for the upcoming camping season, and once in the fall to debrief, troubleshoot, and confirm camp directors for the following year. An initial online meeting will be scheduled soon. The committee will provide guidance and support for camping at both Hills of Peace and Samish Island, ensuring strong programming, assisting with staff recruitment, maintaining the summer camp calendar, and overseeing budgeting and training needs. Members will also help facilitate feedback from campers and staff, sharing insights to improve future camps. If you are passionate about camping and want to help it thrive, we’d love to hear from you! To express interest or ask questions, please email Shannon McAdam at [email protected]  Canada West Mission Centre (CWM) is looking for registered Child and Youth Workers (25 and older) to chaperone youth as part of the Northwest Delegation as they travel to Spectacular (SPEC) at Graceland University. Whether you’re coming on your own, as a couple, or with friends, this is your chance to support youth on a life-changing trip.
As a chaperone, you’ll travel with the delegation, attend SPEC, help lead team activities, take part in nightly devotions, and be there to support the youth as they need. You’ll experience the energy, excitement, and deep connections that make SPEC so special—all with your expenses covered by the mission centre. The adventure begins in Independence, MO, where the delegation spends time bonding, forming teams, and leading the Prayer for Peace at the Temple. There’s also a chance they might spend an afternoon at a waterpark before heading to Graceland for Spectacular. Once on campus, the days are packed with sports, the arts, worship, and special events like a campfire on the quad and a final-night dance. This is more than just a trip—it’s a chance to connect, grow, and share in an experience that stays with you long after it’s over. You’ll leave tired, but grateful you said yes. If you’d like to join the delegation or have questions, please contact Gwyn Beer [email protected]  Camping is one of the most meaningful and community-building activities in Canada West Mission, bringing people together in faith, friendship, and fun. To help strengthen and support our camping programs, we are forming a Camping Committee and inviting those who love camping and are actively involved to take part.
If you regularly participate in camps—as a volunteer, staff member, or long-time camper—and have a heart for camping ministry, we’d love for you to be part of this team. This committee is a hands-on team focused on strengthening and supporting our camps. While camp directors will be involved in conversations, this committee is specifically for those who are not currently serving as camp directors but have experience with camp programming and a passion for its future. Members should be familiar with the programming at either Hills of Peace or Samish Island to support planning effectively. The committee will meet twice per year—once in late winter or early spring to prepare for the upcoming camping season, and once in the fall to debrief, troubleshoot, and confirm camp directors for the following year. We are planning an initial online meeting in February, with tentative dates as follows: • February 4, 5, or 6 (evening, after 5:45 p.m. Pacific Time) • February 8 (morning) • February 11 (evening) Purpose of the Committee The Camping Committee will: • Provide oversight of camping programming from a Canada West Mission perspective for Hills of Peace and Samish, particularly youth camping • Support CWM participation in SPEC • Maintain the CWM summer camping calendar to avoid overlap • Guide Registered Youth Care Worker applications, training, and renewals • Assist directors in finding staff and future directors for camps • Create tools for feedback from campers and staff and share insights with directors • Oversee budget preparation and reporting to the Mission Centre for Hills of Peace camps • Provide feedback and support for registration software and ensure registration opens online • Share wisdom and best practices from different camping programs If you are passionate about camping and want to help it thrive, we’d love to hear from you! To express interest or ask questions, please email Shannon McAdam at [email protected]  By Gwyn Beer
Are you staying up to date on everything happening with World Conference 2025? The theme, Hope is Here, invites us to gather in faith and celebration. A video series with Jenn Killpack and Susan Naylor has resumed on Facebook and YouTube to help you stay informed about all things World Conference. The first video, released on Monday, January 13, shared important details like the conference dates—beginning the afternoon of Friday, May 30, and concluding on Friday, June 6. Pentecost Sunday, June 8, marks the start of a new season of hope and renewal. You can watch the “In the Know” video series (and future episodes) by visiting the Community of Christ website. Scroll down to the NEWS banner and click “Learn More.” Look for the blue World Conference box to find the videos, including the most recent episode marked “REPOST: In the Know.” This is also your opportunity to put your name forward as a delegate for World Conference. Delegates will be voted on at the Canada West Mission (CWM) Special Conference on Saturday, January 25. I’ve been to World Conference three times as a delegate—first as a 20-year-old Graceland student and again in 2019 and 2023. Every experience has been amazing. If you have the chance, consider going to Independence, MO, whether to participate as a delegate or simply to experience it for yourself. For me, the Spirit is present in my home congregation and at the church campgrounds I’ve been privileged to visit. But the Spirit I felt in the Auditorium and the Temple in Independence, MO, was unmatched. Even when the buildings were quiet and empty, the sacred presence was undeniable.  Join us online for Canada West Mission Centre’s one-day conference on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Starting at 9:00 AM (BC), 10:00 AM (AB), and 11:00 AM (SK and MB), this is a wonderful opportunity to connect as a community, find encouragement in the heart of winter, and elect delegates for World Conference (May 30–June 6, 2025).
Interested in being a delegate? We’d love to hear from you! Email Shannon McAdam at [email protected] by January 10, 2025, to join the list—spots are still open, and your voice matters. We’ll also take time to consider at least two priesthood calls, making this an important and meaningful gathering. Let’s come together to reflect, connect, and look forward to what’s ahead!  Take 20 minutes just for you! Haven is a weekly contemplative gathering for this dark season, offering moments of music, poetry, and silence to calm the mind and soul. Join us every Wednesday at 7:30 pm PT / 8:30 pm MT / 9:30 pm CT / 10:30 pm ET on Zoom. We hope you can join us for our last 2 sessions on Feb 12 and 26. Kat will be leading a labyrinth walk in New Westminster on the 19th so we will be taking a break that week.
To receive the Zoom link, please contact Kat at [email protected]  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] |
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