Last week Kat, and her daughter Savannah, spent the week in Naramata, BC. They were there to offer music ministry at a United Church of Canada family camp. They had a great time and shared many songs and stories.
Mission Conference 2024 is coming up soon from September 27-29, and we’re excited to hear from you. We’re gathering congregation reports for 2023/24, and we want to celebrate all the milestones that made this year special – milestone birthdays and anniversaries, graduations, and any other big moments.
If you or your congregation have any new business motions, we’d love to hear those too. Submit your stories and proposals by the deadlines below. Let’s celebrate our achievements and plan for the future together! Deadlines:
As early as Wednesday July 10th six Canada West youth and Gwyn Beer, from your mission centre president team, began their journey to Iowa for SPECTACULAR. They are a part of a delegation with others from the northwest USA. They led the Prayer for Peace at our Community of Christ Temple on Friday. We will certainly have more stories to tell afterwards!
A moment with your Mission Centre President by Shannon McAdam, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President In just 74 days we will begin our week of activities leading up to Mission Centre Conference! Where does the time go? In case you haven’t marked it on your calendar yet, here are some key days to note down:
As I look both backward and forward in my preparations, I am inspired and compelled by our theme Bright Hope. What does hope mean to you? I recall a quote from Krista Tippett: “Hope is a muscle” and just like any muscle, we have to exercise it to keep it healthy. “The hope that I see to be transformative and modeled in very wise people who have shifted something in their world,” says Tippett, “it's not wishful thinking. It's not assuming that things will turn out all right. It's an insistence, looking at the world straight on as it is and rejecting the idea that it has to be that way, and then throwing your light and your pragmatism as much as your spirit at it.” (Read the full article at: https://www.gq.com/story/krista-tippett-on-being-interview) How can we “throw our light” at our world and make it a better place? And by the way I think our world begins in our families, congregations, neighbourhoods, cities. Our mission centre spans many different lives and experiences, urban, rural, and everything in between. How can we equip and support one another to be light bearers in the world in our unique contexts? This is the work of our mission centre as I see it. So I ask that you consider how you can support this project of equipping one another to be light bearers:
I hope I get to see you in 74 days! Canada West Mission Centre Conference
Theme: Bright Hope September 27-29 Join us in person at Edmonton congregation or via Zoom Please find this week's article in our main blog page
A moment with your Mission Centre President by Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It is with sadness we acknowledge the cancellation of Kid's Camp for yet another year. The camping program has been, and may continue to be, the connection our young people have to each other and the Community of Christ. My grandchildren have all loved going to family camp and subsequently Junior (Kid's) and youth camp. Relationships made at camp between the youth have continued through social media connections, Spectacular, Mission Conference etc. Relationships made with God and learning about the Community of Christ at camp continue for a lifetime.
Yes, there is work involved too, but most importantly camp is FUN! It starts with Family Camp. PLEASE consider bringing, sending, paying for your children, grandchildren, adoptive family etc. and come to camp! We need you to step up. Now, more than ever, we need to support our Hills of Peace campground and the camping program! By: Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Another learning from my Camino:
I planned my last 100 kilometers of walking so that I could arrive in Santiago de Compostela on April 22, doubling up on earlier days to leave only 20 kilometers to walk on the last day. My goal was to arrive in time for Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral without being overly exhausted. That last night my friends told me, over paella, that the big mass of the day was at noon, which I didn’t know! I left well before dawn so that I could arrive in Santiago in time to stow my pack at the post office and get a seat at mass. It was incredibly rushed, but worked out, along with meeting my dear Welsh friend! After mass, we queued up and got our Compostela certificates and ate a late lunch…and then, the rush settled. I had arrived. Nowhere left to walk – my next trip was a bus to Portugal, and a plane home. My friends, who were devout Catholics, felt an extra glow about passing these landmarks. But for me, it was overshadowed with grief. While my feet were more than ready to come home, I had enjoyed the journey and was sad to see it end! My new Spanish friend gushed to me, “Kat, the Camino is life!” I replied, “Yes, but the Camino is over, and life continues…” With a direct look he spoke to my heart: “Your Camino is only beginning.” I don’t know who needs to hear this. Maybe a job contract is ending, an illness is closing in, a church building is being sold, a camp is being cancelled. What kind of ending is this? What kind of beginning? The love we hold is not lost, and it can be a training ground for deeper relationships and wisdom to emerge. Let us learn from our experiences and claim the depth of soul they bring! By Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It has been my joy and privilege to share in a few happenings over the last few days that have reinforced the idea that We Are One.
I took a van load of friends/neighbour ladies to a choir concert put on by the Provost Lutheran Choir. The choir however was made up of people from several different denominations from the communities of Provost, AB, and Macklin, SK. It was held in St. Norbert's Catholic Church - Rosenheim. The church is now an historic site hosting only a couple of special events throughout the year and the district of Rosenheim is just out in the lovely countryside between towns. Sunday- the Senlac Community of Christ congregation met with the Macklin/Provost United Church congregations at the United church in Macklin where I provided the service for that day. This has happened several times now and all of us are enjoying our worship together and getting to know each other better. Sandwiched in between these events, we were able to take in the wonderful celebration of life service for Linda Klughart, our beloved Seventy from SK, who passed away in January. This was accomplished through the wonderful collaboration of technology and ministry from across Canada and the USA. Thank you to all involved! It certainly reinforced to me the idea that not only are we 'One Canada', but with the inclusion of 'all voices'... we are 'creating connections' as one world in God's desire for us to come together in unity and love. A Moment with your Mission Centre President by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President What a great weekend and rewarding experience to be at HOP work camp this past weekend- May 31-June 2!
The weekend started on Friday May 31 for some by attending Lauren Levitt's (Senlac Congregation) graduation exercises from Lakeland College in Lloydminster. Others went straight to the Hills of Peace to get started. Saturday was a lovely day weatherwise and the three page list of jobs as well as some not listed were able to be completed by late afternoon. There is no picture of the workers because- well, we were all working! It was the largest turn out for numbers (20 plus) we've had in a while and many willing workers got things done so efficiently. In addition to work though, we had great food, even greater fellowship, and generally a good time! You should have been there! LOL You can be there this summer, by coming to Family Camp August 3-8, or volunteering or registering for Kid's camp June 30- July 5, or Youth camp Aug. 10 - 15, or the Men's retreat Sept 13-15. The possibilities before us offer great potential for MORE FUN, FELLOWSHIP, FOOD ETC. Come be a part of it!! You will love it and we will love to have you there. By Gwyn Beer, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Shirley Smith was invited to come visit Bob and Bev Riley. Originally planned as a weekend visit, Shirley saw the opportunity to reach out to church members in other areas.
In Chilliwack, Shirley stayed for a longer visit with Bob & Bev Riley, Rick & Pat James, Shonnet & Lawrence Allen, and Janine McCully. Shirley shared her desire for the Chilliwack congregation, a higher level of outreach mission. Shirley had a desire to meet with members of the Vancouver congregation to discuss mission. However, Vancouver is currently going through a discernment process, and only a few visits happened. A ferry ride got me and Shirley to the Victoria church. It has been sold and possession is June 1st, and the congregation has been dissolved. Shirley and I met with Carl and Shirley Bolger, and they told us of all the work that has happened to get the Victoria church ready for the new owners. The congregation was delighted to sell the property to a business that is closely oriented to our mission initiatives. The building will be used by Lifetime Network! We joined the Victoria congregation in worship, on Sunday May 12, for their last communion service in the building. Shirley gave an inspiring message to those in attendance about the future of the church, with dedicated saints and their stories. Fellowship over a lunch happened and Shirley went to visit family for the afternoon and evening. The congregation held a final service of remembering and sharing on May 26. We were given beds, and so much hospitality, with the Nepomuceno-Donohue family. Dana, John, Georgia, Sydney, Frankie and James were asked by Debra to house all 3 of us for 2 nights. Add Fiona the French bulldog, and 2 leopard cats, and the house was a full, warm, loving place. Shirley, Debra and I were treated royally, and much fun and fellowship happened. Shirley and I travelled up island and met with Sally Glaiser, who orchestrated an outside visit with Charlotte and Carmen Dobbs. Our time together was very special for me, as Charlotte (nee Harper) and I had grown up together through church family affiliations. Shirley talked with Sally about mission and was filled in on the congregation's plans to stay connected through a series of gatherings. The first will be a gathering at Sally’s home in late June. The Victoria group, while no longer a formal congregation, will allow an organic flow to future gatherings. Shirley reconnected with Don and Evelyn Jenkins, and I made connections with my Alberta relatives we had in common. Shirley spent the night with Ed and Audrey Salahub, who are now in Nanaimo after a move from Meadow Ridge. We travelled next to Campbell River to meet with Darlene Zimmerman. The connection to Darlene came when she responded to the Seventy letter that Shirley and Linda had created and we mailed out. We spent time with Darlene admiring her artwork. I thanked her for her support of World Accord for years by donating paintings that were auctioned off. I am a proud owner of one painting from a World Accord auction at Samish. We left Darlene, and returned to Nanaimo to a motel for the night as we had an early ferry ride out of Dukes Point. Shirley and I joined a CWM advisory meeting at 6 pm. I gave my report and left Shirley online. I went and met my school friend Janet Miller, for a long overdue visit. Shirley and I got up early to make a ferry ride to the mainland. From the ferry terminal, we went to the Abbotsford Airport where I left Shirley for her flight home. Thank you, Shirley, for a trip that reached out to many of our members on Vancouver Island. A Moment with your Mission Centre President by Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Another Camino Connection
Since you carry what you bring on this 780 km trail, it’s important to carefully evaluate what goes in your pack. I wanted to get my pack down to 15 lbs, leaving a couple of pounds for food and water. I was very careful, only taking three shirts and two pairs of pants along with the necessary sleeping bag, rain poncho, and thin puffer coat. My only book was my guidebook! Still, after my knee started shooting pains outside Pamplona, I ruthlessly left equipment at my next Albergue (pilgrim hostel), cutting out pages of my guide, leaving socks behind, and trading a heavier shirt for a new quick-dry one, losing at least half a pound of equipment. I couldn’t continue to walk with the weight that had hurt me. This exercise reinforced the sacredness of creation as I learned what mattered most and how to share what was extra with those who came behind me. There’s a wonderful retreat coming up at Samish Island Retreat Centre on May 30-June 2 called, “What is Enough? Making Space for What Matters.” I learned on my Camino that I didn’t need nearly as much stuff as I keep around me at home (although I was happy to have proper shampoo and conditioner again!). Let’s explore our true capacity and needs without needing to pare down quite so much. Registration will stay open until May 25 and we have room for about 10 more to participate. Consider coming to this retreat to reconsider how heavy your ‘pack’ is in good company! A Moment with your Mission Centre President Team by Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President I recently returned from my pilgrimage in Spain. My daughter was out of town when I got home so I texted her this picture, holding the promise that not only was my gear back at home where it belonged, but I was too. Please receive the same promise from this image! It is good to be home and back among you again after being away for five weeks.
Last November I made the comparison between preparing for summer camping and preparing for pilgrimage. When you go on pilgrimage you need to get time off, you need to make other arrangements for your commitments, you need to plan financially to afford the costs of the pilgrimage, you need to prepare physically for what you’ll need and gather your resources, you need to prepare emotionally to be in a different space with different people. At the end of my pilgrimage, I find that the analogy holds. Another similarity between the two is finding intimacy with God and community in the process of stepping into the unknown. We can find God anywhere, but God is so present when we intentionally limit our distractions and turn our hearts toward spiritual union. It’s easier to hear God’s still small voice in nature with people of like mind, and both camping and pilgrimage provide that! We have Canada West camps at Hills of Peace and Samish Island this summer, along with our high school SPEC experience. They are tended lovingly by wonderful directors, guest ministry, cooks, and teachers. All that is left is for you to clear your schedule, handle your commitments, figure out your finances, and physically and emotionally prepare to embark on an adventure together in some of our favourite sacred places. And register!!!! A Moment with Your Mission Centre President by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Last week I was privileged to attend a dance competition my granddaughters were participating in. These competitions are pretty intense–there were over 1000 entries of various age groups and styles of dance over a 6 day period. Two things that impacted me were:
This brings me to an article shared by Bob Riley which also exemplifies the good of others and the desire to do good for others.Very inspiring indeed! In Bob's own words: 'Sometimes as a small church we might think we are having no impact on bringing peace into the world. We forget that other persons, organizations and businesses, just as small or smaller than us, maybe just one person, are adding their drop of peace to the container with us until it is overflowing.' Follow Nicola Chiacchio’s round-the-world tour for peace on a three-wheeled bike. Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President Easter People... Witness... Believe... Act... Love I want to thank the creators of the Worship Resources. I am one of many of our congregation that leads worship. The team that puts together the information in the Worship Resources make our services meaningful.
Starting with the theme for the date, the suggested scripture, additional scriptures, hymn suggestions and décor suggestions, I have been guided to create a service that our congregation will participate in and enjoy. There are sermon helps for those who are delivering the message. There are class suggestions and help to lead a group in discussion. There are Sacred Space: A Resource for Small Group Ministry that can help with small groups to “Share Around the Table.” There are even “Thoughts for Children.” What an amazing team via World Church that put together written materials, video sermons, communion messages and classes! I have a deep appreciation for all who have done so much to develop all of this. I am excited about the reunion/family camp and youth camp materials that have just been released. A theme based on the climate emergency resolution passed in the 2023 world conference. "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative” will be my reading for the next little while and I will then work on helping to impart this concept at Family Camp. The work of the church is helped by all those who are creating this material to be used by all who choose to use it. The wonderful material we receive is a gift. God bless those who helped in any way with these materials. Written by Shannon McAdam Canada West Mission Centre Co-President When our Mission Centre President team heard of the date for our dear Dar Shepherdson's memorial service, we knew that we wanted to attend if possible. So I had the privilege of flying to Toronto last weekend for the memorial service and also was able to attend the Canada East Special Mission Centre Conference.
Dar’s memorial service was very touching. The theme was “A Generous Life” which describes Dar so well. There were memories shared by Dar’s son, our Apostle Art Smith, former Bishop of Canada Jim Poirier, Sam Smalldon, and President Designate Stassi Cramm. It was both moving and inspiring to hear stories of Dar’s life and impact not just in Canada but around the world. You can watch a recording of the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UprwJKEQNM0 Earlier in the day I watched the Canada East Special Mission Centre Conference proceedings. They had two motions of resolutions to send for consideration for World Conference in 2025. You can read them on their conference website: https://www.communityofchrist.ca/cem-conference.html It was great to see how similar our conferences are. Just like our conference, they had both in-person and zoom delegates who were able to speak and vote. The Scarborough congregation were excellent hosts. I enjoyed both seeing familiar faces and meeting many new people. Our President of Seventy, John Glaser, was in attendance as well, always so encouraging of everyone. Many folks from Canada East send greetings to those of you they know here in the West, and we all were reminded of just how connected we are, regardless of geography. We are all finding new ways to be church in our communities and live Christ’s mission. I am looking forward to continuing to strengthen ties across the country so that we can all learn from each other’s innovations and experiences and celebrate mission. Written by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It was my pleasure and privilege to join with and speak at the Edmonton congregation last Sunday. Spent Saturday adventuring with my dear cousins Marian and Steve Thompson and Marg Levitt. I also look forward to being with the Regina congregation via zoom in the next couple of weeks.
It is always delightful to meet together and share in our like mindedness. Keeping connections keeps me grounded and encouraged to continue the ministry before us. Whether our meeting is in person or electronically we are cognizant of the loving support and companionship that is so important not only on our faith journey but in our lives in general. A number of our members throughout the church in Canada have passed on in the last few weeks and we are very grateful to have had their ministry, presence and support in the past even through our time of grieving. We look forward to joining with CEM in a celebration of life for our dear brother Dar Shepherdson on Saturday, April 13, at 2:30 pm MDT. Click here to register and attend via Zoom. He will continue to be remembered with great fondness and joy for the time we had with him, the ministry he provided, and with deep respect and gratitude for the work he did as the bishop for Canada. We loved you Dar! Written by Gwyn Beer Canada West Mission Centre Co-President John 13:34-35 NRSV 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ We have just gone through Easter. Three days in the tomb and he rose up from the dead. He took away my sin. God sent his son to us through Mary who with Joseph, raised the baby Jesus to manhood. Jesus began preaching and teaching about God’s love for us. He gathered disciples to help spread his father’s love to all.
Our small church has plain glass windows. For the Easter season, the church had cellophane-stained windows, a gift from a talented member made over 20 years ago. Through her talent, she shared her love as a disciple. There are small things that people do almost automatically that are small offerings of LOVE. During this Easter season, my niece Joy has been in hospital. There have been so many expressions of love shared to Joy, her wife Haley and the family that may seem small but are so truly large. In this techno world, texts have come from all over. Cellphones have been placed by her head to hear words of love and encouragement from family in Australia, New Zealand and England. Food and mineral water has been provided to the family waiting for their chance to be in the ICU holding her hand. A ride to the hospital, a couch to rest on, a shoulder to lean on. Someone to check on and look after the family cats. All acts of LOVE. Today, I took down our cellophane-stained windows and the one of Jesus Christ on the cross was the last one. I was overwhelmed by the act of LOVE done for me. I need to be a true disciple, I need to share LOVE for one another. Written by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President The Presiding Bishopric held a Q&A session on Monday, March 25, 2024 reporting on the completion of the Bridge of Hope Retirement Commitment.
The presiding bishops were very clear that the retirement responsibility was completed in February 2024, before the sale of the historic properties and that none of the proceeds from the sale were a part of the retirement commitments. The property sale goes to endowment fund for on going mission of the church. They were also clear that ongoing contributions to Bridge of Hope would be allocated to the endowment fund as well. It was noted that ongoing tithing contributions will continue to be extremely important for the life of the church as at its peak the endowment fund is predicted to supply about 35% of the church's budget. This is significant but certainly not all that is needed. There was much appreciation expressed for the generous contributors of the church as well as the need for encouraging ongoing contributions especially in a younger demographic to sustain and grow the important work of Community of Christ in the world. We are very thankful for our bishops and the complicated, important work they do! In my thought process our "Responsibility for the retirement fund" is cared for. NOW begins the "Hope" portion of the Bridge of Hope. Hope for the continuing mission of Community of Christ going into the future! Written by Shannon McAdam Canada West Mission Centre Co-President A Change in Seasons
I know it may not feel like it everywhere in Western Canada yet, but this past weekend I decided spring is definitely here! I was out for a walk without a jacket and enjoyed the feeling of sun on my face. Looking out at my patio I see bulbs coming up and leaves coming out on my little willow tree. And at work a client reminded me that our Iranian or Persian friends celebrate Nowruz this week – their new year festival that falls on the spring equinox. This year Easter feels like it is arriving at just the right time as “Now the green blade rises” seems to be happening right outside my window! This Lent I have spent time journeying with some church companions and exploring Psalms of lament. What has struck me most is the way the Psalmist writes of both sorrow and joy, right next to each other, in all of these beautiful poems. It has been beautiful to see how similar our human struggles of today are with those of the ancient writer. They write of the difficulty of finding connection and community and long for God’s presence. And while I’ve enjoyed this journey into the depths with these Psalms, they’ve made me very excited for Holy Week and Easter. The breadth of experience from sorrow to joy are all encapsuled in this week that is so central to the Christian story. And just as the bulbs in the cold ground that have been asleep are waking up, so too do we awaken to Christ’s living presence. As the words of hymn 482 share: When our hearts are wint’ry, grieving, or in pain, your touch can call us back to life again, fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been; Love is come again like wheat arising green. May your wintry heart find its awakening in the coming week as you gather in community. Even if you cannot see the green blades yet, I assure you, they will arise again. Written by Becky Middleton Canada West Mission Centre Co-President On March 5, 2024 the First Presidency announced the sale of the Kirtland Temple and The Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo as well as some other historic items. The sale was to the LDS Church for 192.5 million USD. More details can be found at cofchrist.org/faithfully-funding-our-future
The church's announcement regarding the sale of the historic sites in Nauvoo and the Kirtland temple came to the body of the church pretty much simultaneously. This to me is transparency. Anyone in business knows discretion is key until an agreement has been reached. Ongoing decrease of funds especially tithing is what precipitated the sale. The aftermath of the announcement revealed sadness and yes, even anger on the part of some, but excitement and hope for the future on the part of others. These sacred historic sites are and will continue to be accessible to each of us as individuals on an ongoing basis and as a corporate body for many years to come. We still have the historic connection. We don't have the expenses of upkeep to these sites. We do have the asset value which will help to insure the continuation of mission endeavors for the future. Sounds like a win, win to me! |
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355 Elmira Road North, Unit 129
Guelph, ON N1K 1S5 Canada Canada West Mission: 877-411-2632 Canada East Mission: 888-411-7537 |
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