 By Chris Phelps, SICA Board President Hello and Happy New Year from the Samish Island Campground Association, I am pleased to introduce Brad Martell as the new Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center Campground Director, effective January 2026. Brad will be doing some part-time virtual work throughout December to get oriented to the campground staff and needs, and will begin working full-time on January 1. He and his wife, Lori, will be moving into the residence at Samish in mid-January. We look forward to welcoming Brad into his new role and supporting him in any way we can. Brad A. Martell, PhD, has served as the Inland West Mission Center President and Peace and Justice Director for Community of Christ. He was co-director of the Community of Christ Peace Colloquy and International Peace Award, and also served as adjunct faculty with the Community of Christ Seminary, Graceland University. Brad is an environmental educator and a justice and peace activist. He enjoys creative writing, music, natural history, camping, bird-watching, gardening, and cooking with his spouse, Lori. I would also like to take a moment to thank Christine Campbell and her family — Dwayne, Owen, and Ian — for their dedication to SICRC as Christine’s role as Campground Manager comes to an end. Their willingness to step up during a time of significant transition at the campground has been extraordinary. Christine took on this role during a period of considerable flux, and with the support of her family, worked tirelessly from the end of the COVID shutdown through the end of 2025 to ensure that SICRC remained open and welcoming to thousands of users. In the short term, Jeri Mortimore will continue to be your point of contact for all matters related to scheduling, contracts, and upcoming events in 2026. Over the next couple of months, Jeri will transition these responsibilities to Brad to help ensure a seamless experience as you plan and host events at the campground. Please continue to communicate with Jeri as you have over the past eighteen months, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Speaking on behalf of the board, we are deeply grateful for all that you bring to the Samish Island Campground experience. You are the reason SICRC is the sacred place it is. 
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How a simple idea in a difficult time grew into a lasting ministry: Haven *End date - Jan 2811/26/2025
 * Please note that our last evening together will be January 28.
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:
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  Take 20 minutes each week to breathe, listen, and be still. Haven returns November 5 and continues through February 11, meeting Wednesdays at 7:40 p.m. PT / 8:40 p.m. MT / 9:40 p.m. CT / 10:40 p.m. ET (except December 24 and 31).
A contemplative experience for the dark season, Haven invites you to turn off your camera and enjoy a moment of music, poetry, and meditation. Please contact Kat at [email protected] for the Zoom link. We’d love to feature your poetry during Haven. If you have a short, inspirational poem (up to 20 lines), please email it to Kat and mention if you would like to read it live when you send your poem.  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.  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.  WOW!!! When I look back on my journal entries from my FIRST World Conference, it seems like every sentence ends with an exclamation mark. Yes, at 70 years old, I experienced my first Community of Christ World Conference and it was amazing and wonderful! From visiting with family and friends to meeting new friends from far off lands, it was a week of connection and spiritual experiences. Little moments like having the question of whether the church would support the call of Stassi Cramm to Prophet President read by Apostles in their own native language, to being introduced to Stassi and having her call me Mom, to hearing Art Smith’s amazing prayer as he ordained Shannon as an Apostle, I am incredibly grateful. And finally, the music—sung in so many languages, from so many different places in the world—and the love, peace, hope, and joy that permeated every session, this experience was spiritually inspiring and hopeful!  Kade T. Brown, a member of the Calgary congregation in Canada West Mission Centre, shares his thoughts from attending World Conference at the Kitchener remote site. My experience in Kitchener attending World Conference has been a very powerful one; and here the Holy Spirit has indeed been evident in great abundance. Some highlights for me include the process prior to President Stassi Cramm’s ordination, where common consent was evident as we discussed this call. Contrastingly, holding discussions which could influence decision-making in my former tradition, the LDS or Mormon Church, was not welcomed. So, being able to have discussions as we do here at World Conference is quite refreshing, especially as a newer member of Community of Christ and a newly ordained priesthood member in this church. What a blessing it was to witness, and participate in, true, honest, and real common consent—especially for such a special office as Prophet-President. Representing Canada through virtually being present to escort Stassi Cramm back into the Conference Chamber after our vote—it was an honour to be able to be part of that once the Conference body made its decision. Another highlight of this Conference was Sister Cramm’s ordination. That service was Spirit-filled, and I feel confident that the church’s future will be bright as we listen and work in the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the guidance of Prophet-President Cramm. Furthermore, I very much appreciate the coming together of members throughout the world to discuss other matters of importance as a denomination. Even when we may not agree, I am grateful that we have the opportunity to listen and contribute. In terms of having a remote site for Canada for future Conferences, this is something I definitely think we should continue to have whenever a World Conference is scheduled. This will be beneficial for a few reasons: 1. This lessens the amount of expense for the mission centres, congregations, and/or individuals, enabling more people to become delegates. 2. Additionally, this makes it possible for those who wish to attend without needing to cross borders. 3. The conference experience is different remotely, though it is still a very full and enriching experience. 4. Moreover, having the availability of remote sites means that if a conference needs to be organized (i.e., for a leadership change), it can be more easily. I do recognize the challenges of these remote sites, such as audio or translation, but as this remote site idea takes off to hopefully become part of the plan in preparation for future World Conferences, those challenges will be solved over time if it becomes a recurring option for Conference. Overall, I am very glad that I could attend this Conference in Kitchener, and I am very hopeful about the future of this church—my spiritual home! May Jesus the Christ lead us, guide us, and walk beside us as we journey together! Amen.  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!  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. |
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