 By Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President 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!
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 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  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  There’s still time to register for this year’s Samish Island Reunion! Come spend a week in community at the beautiful and serene Samish Island Campground. You can expect to laugh and sing, build connections with old and new friends, engage in meaningful conversations, enjoy family-friendly activities, eat delicious food, and explore nature. Come together to share faith, joy, music, peace—and Choose Hope.
When: July 19–26, 2025 Where: Samish Island Campground, Washington Directors: Alexis Beer (Canada West), Sandy Decker & John Van Der Walker (Inland West) Guest Minister: Seventy Kahealani Dan Faatuarai Drollet Originally from French Polynesia, Kahealani serves as the World Service Corps Mission Coordinator for France and Belgium. He is also a Co-Mission Centre President for Western Europe. Questions? Contact Alexis at [email protected] Please note: Cost information is available on the registration form. Subsidies are available for all children and youth attending camp. Please register before July 10 to ensure the kitchen is adequately prepared for the number of campers.  Join us at Hills of Peace from August 2–7, 2025 for an unforgettable week of community, fun, and spiritual growth! Family Camp and Junior Camp will run in tandem this year to help make the transition easier for our young campers.
Both camps will run their own programming with everyone coming together for the evenings and nights. Please keep in mind that in order for a child to attend Junior Camp, they must have an adult in attendance at Family Camp. So we require everyone to be registered using the Family Camp form.  Grades 3–6
Theme What’s Up? Campers, it’s time to look up! This summer’s Camp Mungai theme, What’s Up?, invites you to pause from screens, look around, and discover the incredible world—and people—all around you. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, laughter, and connection on beautiful Samish Island. Mornings will include theme classes designed to help you grow, while afternoons bring games, crafts, canoeing, and a beach day. Evenings mean singing around the campfire, telling stories, and making memories with friends new and old. Directors: Sue Wheeler – 206-947-0068 Jen Fischer – 925-918-1659 Cost: $305 by July 25 Please contact the directors directly if registering after this date.  June 20–22
Hills of Peace Campground Don’t forget to register for this year’s Women’s Retreat at Hills of Peace! Join Shannon McAdam and Vickie MacArthur for a peaceful, spirit-filled weekend of rest, reflection, and community as we celebrate the light of the Summer Solstice together. You’re invited to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore simple spiritual practices that help you heal, ground, and shine your light in the world. Registration deadline is Monday, June 9 Retreat Fee: $170 Includes accommodations, meals, snacks, and all materials. Questions? Contact Lisa Neudorf at [email protected] or 1-877-411-2632  Theme: Hope in Action
At Junior Camp, hope is more than a feeling—it’s something we do with our hands and our hearts. It’s movement and messiness and moments that matter. Each day at Hills of Peace, Junior Campers (ages 7–11, going into grade 2 through grade 6) will choose their own adventure. From nature walks to water games, from campfire songs to crafting creations, campers will explore what it means to live out “Hope in Action”—together. They’ll be guided by joyful, caring leaders and surrounded by the beauty of the land, where God’s spirit moves through every tree and painted sky. They'll play hard, laugh loud, and discover that being hopeful means being brave, being kind, and being exactly who God made them to be. At night, they’ll rejoin their families for Family Camp and rest in their own cabins, wrapped in the safety of love and belonging. But during the day? It’s their time to shine, explore, and connect. There’s something sacred that happens at camp. It reminds us we belong to God and to one another. And for our youngest campers, that sacred thing just might look like building birdhouses, going for a swim, and learning to lead with love. Come. Choose adventure. Choose action. Choose hope. Director: Gwyn Beer Registration: use the forms for Family Camp coming in June to the camping page.  By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President If camping is what we do best as a church, then SPEC is what we do best in camping! In only fifty days, our Grade 9–12 youth travel to Independence, MO, to tour the Temple, play endless volleyball, and prepare for a week of sports, worship, and music on the Graceland campus. We have a record number of CWM campers from BC, AB, and SK going to SPEC this year, which is fabulous news! As a Mission Centre, we are supporting part of each camper’s registration to the tune of $425 CAD, as well as full fees for two chaperones, which is a little more sobering. To that end, we held a high-energy fundraiser at the Vancouver congregation on May 18 that featured a SPEC morning worship led by the youth, many SPEC testimonies, and a taco lunch and jewelry sale by donation. Our youth cleaned up the meal and dishes afterwards, just like KP at camp! We raised over $1,500 from those present, and over $2,000 from online donations, and one very generous donation before the event. BC was well-represented in our online Zoom-room and we were pleased to have the entire MacArthur clan from Lethbridge helping out in person. Here is a joyous report from Shannon McAdam about how the youth pulled together to bring us a wonderful time of worship and celebration of everything that SPEC is to them: “The view 'from the pew' was so inspiring! I had arrived thinking my help was needed to facilitate the Zoom, but I was informed it was being handled by a young person! And then I watched with great hope in my heart as another young person set out hymnals, and yet another was making sure all the microphones worked and the sound was set up. Then I was overjoyed to see Charlotte—one of our SPEC youth—take the lead in 'presiding' over the worship experience. She dealt with tech instabilities with grace and led the music with confidence. Young folks shared in readings—one even wrote a poem for the occasion! We also had youth join virtually from Vancouver Island and Northern BC. I felt such a sense of possibility and hope seeing these younger folks stepping up to take the lead in making this event a success. I was moved to tears on several occasions and can't wait to see them all again at SPEC this summer!” If you feel you missed the boat, don’t worry! You can support the donation drive anytime at Canada Helps or by e-transfer, making sure to specify “CWM SPEC 2025 Fundraiser.” As always, please don’t let this special drive take away from your planned giving, but if you have extra capacity, please share! Let’s show our youth that we care about them through this tangible gift of love.  Theme: Choose Hope
There’s something sacred that happens at camp. Maybe it’s the cool morning air that’s been carried across the prairies. Maybe it’s the way the lake holds the sky, or the laughter around the dinner tables, or the stories shared under the tent by the canteen. Whatever it is, it reminds us—we belong to God and to one another. This summer at Hills of Peace from August 2 - 7, we invite you to Choose Hope. In a world that often normalizes cynicism or apathy, here we choose a different way. A hopeful way. One that makes room for joy and rest and renewal. Family Camp is for all ages and stages of life—young kids with muddy knees, tired grown-ups needing grace, elders with stories to tell. You’ll be welcomed by love, inspired by hope, and invited to share as a community in worship, play, learning, and stillness. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll find a space where you are seen, known, and needed. This year the junior camp kids will head off for their own daily adventures as part of their separate camp experience, returning for rest with families each evening. Throughout the week you’ll have space to reconnect—with yourself, your people, and the God who’s still speaking. Come. Choose Hope. There’s a place for you here. Director: Marian Thompson Guest Ministry: Apostle Designate Shannon McAdam Watch the camping page for registration information to come in June  August 3–7, the Samish Island campground will once again be filled with the energy and laughter of youth and staff gathering for Camp Atsaken (Grades 7–9) and Camp Kimtah (Grades 10–12).
Running in tandem, these camps offer theme classes, games, outdoor adventure, swimming, and evening campfires—all in a supportive and inclusive community. This year’s themes are: Hope... It's the Future (Atsaken) Segue (Kimtah) Registration deadline is July 18, so book your spot soon and don’t miss out!  It’s time to get back to Youth Camp! Join us at Hills of Peace for a week filled with connection, creativity, and fun in community.
This year’s theme, LEAD, invites youth to explore what it means to lead lives shaped by joy, hope, love, and peace. Campers will engage in daily activities and reflection grounded in the mission prayer—supporting spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical growth. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or joining for the first time, this is a place to grow, discover, and have a blast! Ages 12–18 Theme: LEAD Fee: $450 per camper Early Bird Discount: Register and pay in full before July 1 to receive $25 off Financial assistance and Bring a Friend details are available on the registration form  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!  Bring your family and join us July 19–26 at the beautiful Samish Island Campground for a week of connection, reflection, and fun in the sun! We’ll explore the theme Choose Hope with guest ministry from Kahealani Dan Faatuarai Drollet.
You can expect to laugh and sing, gather for worship and fellowship, build connections with old and new friends, enjoy meaningful conversations and family-friendly activities, eat delicious food, and explore nature. Come together to share in faith, joy, music, and peace, and Choose Hope. Questions: Contact Alexis at [email protected]  Come for the work. Stay for the joy.
It’s that time again! Hills of Peace—our sacred summer home—is waking up from its winter nap, and we want you to be part of the grand opening weekend! But this year’s different (and better)! This isn’t just a “work weekend” for the physically strong or ladder-climbing crew. We’re inviting everyone—yes, everyone! Whether you swing a hammer, sweep a cabin, fill soap dispensers, or simply sip coffee and share stories in the dining hall—we want you there. Your presence matters. We’re even inviting all our congregations across the prairies to hit pause on regular Sunday services and gather at Hills of Peace instead, so we can be together in one place—working, laughing, connecting, and closing the weekend with a sacred moment of pause and communion before we head home. Whether you can come for the full weekend, or just pop in for a few hours, you’re welcome. This is a free weekend! Lodging and meals are provided—your helping hands (or warm presence) are all we need in return. Take photos, bake muffins, share prayers, sweep a cabin, or just breathe deep in this sacred space. There’s a job (or a chair!) with your name on it. Come open the season with us. Reconnect, refuel, and help Hills of Peace shine for another summer of sacred memories. Please RSVP so we can plan meals! https://forms.gle/STPTiXLTNLtVS1gRA Questions? Email Lisa Neudorf at [email protected]  Help Sustain Hills of Peace
We’re now three weeks into Hills of Peace Month, and we’re thrilled to share that 7 generous individuals have signed on as monthly donors, contributing a total of $210 per month—that’s $2,520 a year! In addition, one-time gifts remain strong at $8,650, a wonderful testament to the lasting impact this special place has had on so many lives. What’s Hills of Peace Month all about? It’s a month-long effort to build a more sustainable future for Hills of Peace, a special place where people of all ages have encountered community, rest, laughter, and the sacred for generations. Whether you’ve visited once or return every summer, chances are Hills of Peace has left a mark on you—the crackling campfires, quiet mornings by the water, and the late-night conversations that seem to stretch time. Now it's our turn to give back to this sacred space. Our goal this April is 20 new monthly donors, and we’re just 13 away! Every monthly gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to a future where Hills of Peace can thrive year after year. Here’s what your ongoing support can do: $5/month keeps the campfire songs going and supports outdoor spaces $10/month maintains trails and gathering areas for connection $25/month ensures running water, power, and internet access $50/month keeps cabins and shared spaces safe and welcoming $100/month invests in upgrades, equipment, and long-term sustainability If Hills of Peace has ever meant something to you—or if you believe in creating sacred, nature-connected spaces for others—now’s the time to give. Let’s keep Hills of Peace thriving for the next generation! Link to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/community-of-christ-hills-of-peace/ Note: 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 by way of Canada West Mission Centre (CWM) as part of your monthly tithes and offerings. • If you already use CanadaHelps to contribute to CWM, click here and select “Hills of Peace Camp” as the fund and “Monthly” as the frequency when completing the form. • 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.  More than 15 youth from Canada West Mission Centre are excited to attend SPEC 2025 this July at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. But they can’t do it alone—chaperones are still needed to help make this incredible experience possible. If you’ve ever thought about going to SPEC, now is the time. Our youth are ready—but they need the adults in their lives to show up.
Chaperones don’t just supervise. You’re there to walk with the youth—cheer them on, share meals, help them get where they need to go, and just be there when they need a break or a little encouragement. From the Commons (where the ice cream is always on tap) and Swarm Inn, to the sports fields and dorms buzzing with energy, Graceland University’s campus is full of life, colour, and connection. Morning worship takes place in the amphitheatre in front of the Shaw Centre, and athletic events fill the surrounding fields and stadiums all week long—soccer, baseball, track and field, and even pickleball on the Shaw Centre parking lot. If the arts are more your style, you’ll find music, drama, dance, and visual art spaces alive with creativity. Volunteers—coaches, teachers, judges, cheer teams—are there to support youth in discovering and celebrating their gifts. While most of the week is spent on campus, Lamoni holds some charm too — from delicious pizza and tasty Hutterite treats to the friendly small-town vibe and a few nearby Community of Christ historic sites. You don’t have to be a coach or artist. Just someone who’s willing to show up, and be part of the experience. Travel and other support details are available—just reach out to learn more. If you are interested please contact Gwyn Beer at [email protected]  Samish Work Week pending projects
From April 27 to May 4, volunteers will help with cabin repairs and painting, carpentry, sidewalk patching, mowing, landscaping, weeding, and general grounds cleanup. Bring gloves and energy—there’s something for everyone! Lodging and meals are provided at no cost in exchange for your labour. RSVP to [email protected] so we can plan meals accordingly.  “...you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and shine.”
—Mary Oliver, When I Am Among the Trees Join us as we welcome the Summer Solstice with a weekend of rest, reflection, and sacred community. This retreat is an invitation to let the warmth of the sun and the connection of community revitalize your spirit and shine light into life’s darker places. Slow down. Breathe. Release. Heal. Kindle the light within. Spend June 20–22 immersed in nature on the beautiful grounds of Hills of Peace. Let the land and sky remind you of your connection to all living things. Through gentle spiritual practices and shared rituals, we’ll explore ways to ground ourselves and find strength in the integration of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Guest Facilitators: Shannon McAdam and Vickie MacArthur Contact: Lisa Neudorf – [email protected] or 1-877-411-2632 Registration: $170 Registration Deadline: Monday, June 9 Fee includes accommodations, all meals and snacks, and session supplies. |
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