Join us for Junior Camp “Discover Peace", August 16-19, 2021. Registration deadline: August 8 (with a minimum of 8 campers registered).

Campers will meet each evening at 6:30 pm (BC) and 7:30 pm (AB/SK) for about an hour and a half. We will be using church resources to “Discover Peace”. Registered campers will receive an activity pack with the supplies needed for crafts and activities.

Share your good news, we want to celebrate with you!

If you or anyone in your congregation celebrated an anniversary (60+ years), birthday (90+ years) or graduation (high school or college/university) since the last mission conference in September 2020, send us the details and 1 or 2 pictures maximum. Make sure you include names and dates.

We have requested this information from all congregation pastors. Please check with your pastor to be sure you are not duplicating what is planned to be sent to us.
​
Please send the requested information to Sandra Rodriguez (sandra@communityofchrist.ca) by no later than Friday, July 30.

Here we are at the end of July already! I ask again: How did that happen? The summer is just going by too quickly.

Meanwhile, there are still important events and dates for me to remind you about at least one more time.

A Taste of Samish Online Reunion: The most imminent event to be aware of RIGHT NOW is the “Taste of Samish Online Reunion” that gets underway on Thursday, July 29. First up at 8 a.m. Pacific time is a Meditation opportunity with Vickie MacArthur, followed by “Morning Gathering” with Kat Goheen at 10 a.m. and a discussion session with Apostle Janné Grover at 11 a.m. For full details see the event announcement here and the full schedule there. (Yes – those two words are links.) There is a Zoom link for all sessions of the reunion that has been circulated to everyone who registered by Wednesday evening. If you have registered, but did not receive your link, please contact the event director, Kat Goheen at: jkgoheen@shaw.ca If you still need to register, go to the Reggie registration system.

Samish Island Campground Association Canada West/BC Caucus Meeting: This annual meeting is scheduled as the last event of the Samish Online Reunion. It will start at 1:30 p.m., Pacific Time, on Sunday afternoon, August 1. The meeting will be of specific interest to all members and friends in British Columbia who call the Samish Island Campground their camp home. The two main aspects of the meeting are to elect one new Board member, and to hear about what has been happening at the Samish Campground during the last two years of no camps and reunions. This will include a brief financial update. Follow this link to the meeting materials: BC Caucus Meeting. And use the link for the Samish Online Reunion sessions to log on to this meeting. If you have any questions before the meeting, please email me at steve@communityofchrist.ca.

Posting for Mission Centre Presidency Volunteers: The application deadline date for the Volunteer Mission Centre Presidency has been extended to Monday, August 9. For details you can find the posting here as well as the detailed position description. Please have a look. Consider the opportunity for yourself. Or be sure you bring it to the attention of someone you think might do well in one of the three positions.

Remember Leadership in Your Prayers: In your prayers and meditations over the next couple of weeks, please remember the leadership needs of the Canada West Mission Centre, as identified in the paragraph above. Pray that those who might feel “called” to these roles will respond. Perhaps pray that those who may not be sure if this is right for them will express their interest in trust and faith. Pray that those selected for leadership will be blessed with God’s direction and vision. Mission centre leadership requires confidence to discern Christ’s Mission for Canada West’s Mission. May your prayers support all these needs.

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca​

This annual meeting is scheduled as the last event of the Samish Online Reunion.
 
The meeting will be of specific interest to all members and friends in British Columbia who call the Samish Island Campground their camp home.
 
The two main aspects of the meeting are to elect one new Board member, and to hear about what has been happening at the Samish Campground during the last two years of no camps and reunions. This will include a brief financial update.
 
Follow this link to the meeting materials: BC Caucus Meeting. And use the link for the Samish Online Reunion sessions to log on to this meeting. If you have any questions before the meeting, or need the link sent to you, please email Steve Thompson at steve@communityofchrist.ca.

When I was a young boy of 10 or 12 years of age, I would go over to a friend’s house to play. He had an older brother – seemed much older, and apparently wiser, but he was probably just in high school at the time. In one series of visits to their home I recall that, after he said, “Hi,” he would ask me, “So what do you think of the world situation?” I do not recall exactly how I responded, but I do remember wondering, “Exactly what IS the world situation?”

Today, as I am certain it was in the middle of the 1960’s, the “world situation” is constantly changing, occasionally positive and promising, but regularly negative and challenging. I will share just four things from recent news headlines that have been at least partially defining the “world situation.”

First: Wildfires and smoke in Western Canada. Pretty much the entire town of Lytton, BC, was consumed by a forest fire a couple of weeks ago. At last count over 350 fires were active in British Columbia. Smaller numbers in Alberta this summer, but larger numbers again in northern Saskatchewan, as well as in some areas in the United States. If you have not been affected directly by a fire, but live anywhere in Western Canada, you have probably been affected by smoke in the air, which has originated in those fires. I am not aware of church members directly affected by the fires. Prayers, of course, are in order for all residents in the path of fires and for all those involved in fighting them.

Second: Deadly Floods in Western Europe. The World Church “announcements” web page reiterates the situation of over 100 people dead in Germany and another 1,300 missing. The national ministry coordinator for Germany reports that Community of Christ members are thought to be safe. The coordinator for Belgium notes families may be without water, electricity, mobile connections, and had little food. Prayers are requested for everyone affected. No mention in the announcement of financial aid being needed or extended from the church at this time.

Third: India is being affected by continuing growth and persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community of Christ has sent over US$102,000 to assist the seven mission centres in the country with providing help to over 4,300 families with “masks, soap, and other supplies as well as rice and other cooking items.” Prayers are requested at this time for church members and other residents of India during this devastating time.

Fourth: Haiti is dealing with political and social turmoil which has arisen following the assassination of their President. This is simply added to the continuing crises arising from surging COVID-19 cases, growing poverty, violence, and general political unrest. The president of the Great South Haiti Mission Center has requested “prayers for Haiti and for Community of Christ in Haiti as everyone navigates the days to come.” Aid will be provided by Community of Christ as the needs of members and friends are identified. Canada West has an indirect connection to the church in Haiti because their Apostle is also our Apostle, Art Smith.

These are just four situations that are prominent in our news sources at the moment. Others could also be mentioned. There may even be a good news story or two that could be shared.

My point in writing today is to point out that the “world situation” is comprised of events that affect real people in real ways – in some case real people who may be close to us and real ways that we may be able to assist with.

Please remember to contribute to the church’s Oblation funds (“Reduce Hunger, End Needless Suffering”) to assist the three situations described above that originate from the church’s announcements page. There are a number of organizations accepting donations to assist those affected by the fires in BC and elsewhere – please consult your local community service organization listings. If you are aware of any church members or friends who have particular needs arising from the fires, please contact your Pastor or your Congregation Financial Officer, or the Mission Centre President (steve@communityofchrist.ca) or Financial Officer (sam@communityofchrist.ca).

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca

In a video launched in June, Community of Christ President Steve Veazey addresses the process of returning to in-person church as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes in some areas. However, Veazey reminds congregations of the blessings of the Holy Spirit through connections made in online services and urges continuation of those efforts. 

“I hope we will embrace equally in-person experiences and digital participation where technology allows. It is important to extend our fellowship by providing fresh and meaningful ways to form Christ-centered communities. Groups that place equal value on in-person and online participation will lead us toward the Holy Spirit’s goal for us.”

Watch the video available on YouTube.

You are Invited!

Register now for a Taste of Hills of Peace online reunion "Let Peace Dwell Here" which begins this Sunday, July 11.​

Last week I highlighted the “Taste of Hills of Peace” online reunion which happened this week. Those attending enjoyed a very good few days with Apostle Janné Grover and other guests. I also briefly highlighted the upcoming “Taste of Samish” online camp and promised more information this week. The following was provided by camp director Kat Goheen.

“Toward the Peaceful One” is the theme of our Taste of Samish online camp, July 29-Aug 1. This Thursday-Sunday experience hopes to offer not just a taste of the campground that we love, but also of the in-person events we love to do there: Reunion, youth camps, Kimtah, and Nurturing Spirit. The full days begin with meditation, two with Vickie MacArthur and one with dancing! We then have an intergenerational worship gathering. Janné Grover will offer a discussion class on Thursday and will offer preaching ministry on Thursday evening and Sunday morning at our communion service. Our elementary and middle-school aged kids will have fun with our games and fellowship during our early afternoon canteens with Laura Harrop and Kat Goheen. We have another class offering on Friday morning with Rod Downing and the North American Climate Justice Team, and classes on the enneagram with Lanette Vawter and Kat Goheen on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Vickie MacArthur will lead us through a sabbath experience of yoga nidra on Friday afternoon. Reunion wouldn’t be the same without our community campfire, which Dan Beer will stick-handle on Friday, and we’re pleased to announce that Alexis Beer will host our Talent Show on Saturday night. Both of them would appreciate your recorded submissions! Our teens will share with Sean Langdon, Alexis Beer, and Shannon McAdam at our Teen Late Nights.

Our schedule is spacious, yet generous, and hopefully provides food for thought and for soul. Please make room in your calendar to join us for our taste of Samish! Click here to register! Contact Kat Goheen (jkgoheen@gmail.com) with any questions.

Other events are also still upcoming. The following information is repeated from last week.

Campground Association Meetings: Meetings will be held in association with both online reunions for members from their respective areas to receive updates on “their” campground, receive financial information, and elect Board members for the next term.

For information about the Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Alberta time on Thursday, July 15, please click here: HOP All Members Meeting. This meeting will be of interest to members of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Email steve@communityofchrist.ca to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting.

Similar information for the BC Caucus Meeting of the Samish Island Campground Association will be available next week. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. BC time. This meeting will be of interest to members in British Columbia.

In addition to these events, check information in the CWM Summer Programming 2021 announcement about the “Hang Out” for Junior High and Senior High youth on July 20, 27, and August 3 and 10, as well as the “Discover Peace” camp for Junior aged children scheduled for August 16 to 19.

Please Register NOW for the events you wish to attend. We are planning for all events to be of interest to, and very worthwhile for, everyone.

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.
​
Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca

Yes! Be forewarned!
This is an appeal for financial donations in support of the
Hills of Peace Campground!
 
The pandemic and its related restrictions have resulted in two years of programs being cancelled at Hills of Peace. No programs means no revenues. It is as simple as that. Although there have been no programs, many expenses continue. We still need a Camp Caretaker to visit the camp regularly to monitor for damage or repairs and to perform regular maintenance. We are still faced with the expenses of power, insurance and for occasional repairs as required.
 
As a result of decreased expenses, plus the covering of our annual insurance premium by an allocation by the Bishop of Canada from the funds from the sale of the Meadow Ridge property, the original 2021 operating budget of $60,000 has been reduced significantly. The target of this fundraising initiative is $25,000 – the estimated revision to our annual budget.
 
Please consider making a donation to the Hills of Peace Campground. This is especially directed to members and friends in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In addition, residents of other areas may also have memories of good experiences here. We welcome whatever you might wish to donate in support of Hills of Peace. Please be generous! Note that a request has also been made to each of the Alberta and Saskatchewan congregations to support this initiative.
 
We wish you a good summer. We look forward to welcoming all friends of Hills of Peace back to the campground next summer.
 
When you are ready to send donations to Hills of Peace, use one of the following methods:
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1. Interac e-Transfer via email to: cwm_hop@communityofchrist.ca
2. Send a cheque to: Aymie Neudorf, Treasurer, Hills of Peace Campground, #319, 5303 Universal Cres., Regina, SK S4W 0L1
3. Use the CanadaHelps.org page for the Canada West Mission Centre and select “Hills of Peace – Operating Fund”

Thank you for your support!

All Community of Christ members in Alberta and Saskatchewan are invited to attend the upcoming Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting (or “Annual General Meeting”). It will be held on Thursday evening, July 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting will include updates on what has been going on at the campground during the shut-down of the past two years, a financial update, including presentation of the 2021 budget, plus the election of new Board members for the upcoming term.

The agenda for the meeting is available here: HOP All Members Meeting Agenda.

Please contact Steve via email (steve@communityofchrist.ca) or send him a text to 780-904-4389 to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting.

Last week “Summer Beckons” was my theme. I invited you, somewhat in passing, to be sure to look for information about the online camps coming up for Canada West. This week I want to be sure you have access to full information about them – because they are coming up SOON! Links to registration processes are provided in the event details for which links appear below for each event. Register NOW!

A Taste of Hills of Peace: starts THIS SUNDAY EVENING (July 11). The theme for the online reunion is “Let Peace Dwell Here.” Our guest minister is Apostle Janné Grover who will join us “virtually” from Independence, Missouri. Janné will be speaking at the opening service on Sunday evening and leading a discussion each morning from Monday through Thursday. In addition, the North American Climate Justice Team of Community of Christ will make a presentation on Monday evening, David Barth will bring us up to date on World Accord on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday evening will be a “sharing and connecting” opportunity for all attendees. On Thursday morning there will be a closing worship following Janné’s class. For more information click on these links: Taste of Hills of Peace Details and Taste of Hills of Peace Schedule

A Taste of Samish runs from July 29 to August 1. The theme is “Toward the Peaceful One” and Apostle Janné Grover will also be a guest minister for this event (although she will not be leading the daily class discussions here). Additional guest ministry will be provided by Sean Langdon, Leadership Support Minister (among other titles!) with the Greater Pacific Northwest Mission Centre, and Vickie MacArthur from Lethbridge, Alberta. There will be a variety of programming that cannot really be well summarized in the space available here. More information will be published next week. Meanwhile, check the schedule here: A Taste of Samish.

Campground Association Meetings: Meetings will be held in association with both online reunions for members from their respective areas to receive updates on “their” campground, receive financial information, and elect Board members for the next term.

For information about the Hills of Peace Campground Association All Members Meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Alberta time on Thursday, July 15, please click here: HOP All Members Meeting. This meeting will be of interest to members of congregations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Email steve@communityofchrist.ca to advise of your interest in attending and Steve will send you Zoom link information for the meeting.

Similar information for the BC Caucus Meeting of the Samish Island Campground Association will be available next week. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, August 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. BC time. This meeting will be of interest to members in British Columbia.

In addition to these events, check information in the CWM Summer Programming 2021 announcement about the “Hang Out” for Junior High and Senior High youth on July 20, 27, and August 3 and 10, as well as the “Discover Peace” camp for Junior aged children scheduled for August 16 to 19.

Please Register NOW for the events you wish to attend. We are planning for all events to be of interest to, and very worthwhile for, everyone.

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca

Are you interested in learning more about the history and current situation of the Indigenous peoples of Canada?
 
“Indigenous Canada” is an online course offered by the University of Alberta that “explores the Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.”
 
The course consists of 12 lessons that take approximately 2 hours each to work through. The materials are a combination of videos to watch and articles to read. There is also a quiz at the end of each lesson for you to evaluate your understanding. You can sign up for the course for free and the quizzes become “just for fun.” Or you can pay a fee of $60 that will get you a certificate from the University of Alberta – and then the quizzes actually mean something!
 
So here’s the pitch: Steve Thompson is inviting you to register for the program to start in the first week of July. Steve will set up a Zoom discussion meeting about the materials late in each week (in consultation with those who sign up). Although you must register as an individual, Steve’s intent is to enable an opportunity to review and discuss what we have seen and read which hopefully will reinforce the materials and encourage better understanding. To be clear: Steve is NOT an instructor for this course. He will be a student along with those also taking the course.
 
Here is where you can find all the information about the course: “Indigenous Canada”, you will have to register first in the Coursera system that manages these kinds of public, academic, online programs. After you register with Coursera, THEN you register for “Indigenous Canada” – and it will be up to you whether you pay the fee or opt to “audit” the course strictly for your interest and enjoyment without paying the fee.
 
Please let Steve know if you register for the program (whether paying a fee or not). Email Steve at steve@communityofchrist.ca or send him a text at 780-904-4389. He can also assist you with the processes of registering with Coursera and then for the program if you need any such help. Please register before June 30 so we can plan accordingly.
 
Steve is looking forward to sharing this unique and valuable experience with as many others as possible!

It is June 30. How did that happen? Wasn’t New Year’s just a week ago – or maybe two?
 
In Edmonton we are now in about day 5 or more of “Heat Warnings” from Environment Canada. My weather app says it is 36° C and it supposedly “feels like” 39° C. My thermostat tells me it is 32.5° C on the main floor of our house. It is much warmer on the second floor. (Sleep much?) I am working in my somewhat cooler basement – but even it is not quite the cool respite that it was over the weekend as the heat gradually makes it way down our stairs.
 
I am sure that at some point during the -40° C cold snap last January I promised not to complain about the heat of the summer. But we are just human. There are different risks. The extremes of temperature are simply equally difficult to deal with. We are in Canada. We just do it. And we complain just because we can and we know no one can do anything about the cold or the heat. It is a socially shared climate experience every year.
 
It is June 30. Tomorrow is July 1 – Canada Day. And that is normally a pre-cursor to all the fun and events of the heart of the summer. No school. Summer vacations. Days at the pool or the beach. Back yard barbeques. Ice cream. Various fairs and festivals. The mid-way. Mini-Donuts! Special events. Community celebrations. Fun!
 
Oh – and church camps. And reunions or family camps. Trips full of anticipation to and from the campgrounds. Good times. Great ministry. Spirit-filled worships. Crazy campfires. Old skits that we laugh at just the same. Old friends. New friends. Hot weather! Rainy days! Swimming. Mosquitoes. Horseshoes. Canteen. Laughter. Fellowship. Love. “Isn’t this just like Zion?” “Have we experienced just a touch of the Kingdom of God on earth this week?” Can we just stay here and enjoy this for another few days? No – it’s time to go home. See you next year! It is a wonderful, shared social and spiritual experience every year.
 
Except last year. And except this year. But things are looking up for next year!
 
Look elsewhere in this Weekly Wire for information about online summer events planned for the next few weeks. They will be a good time. They will be memorable. They will not be the same. Like you, I look forward to NEXT summer and getting back to the normal that usually beckons at this time of year.
 
Meanwhile, have a fun and blessed summer THIS year! Enjoy the blessings of God that have been bestowed upon you in whatever form. Enjoy the sun and the heat – and inevitable rain. God’s creation is wonderful in all of its glory. Give thanks. Sing a camp song or a favourite hymn just for the fun of it!
 
As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.
 
Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca

This is the third and last in a series of columns that may be difficult for some people to read because of the content they bring forward.

Two weeks ago I wrote about the remains of 215 children found in unmarked and undocumented graves near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. As Canadians, it is difficult to be confronted with news like this. Yet we must find a way to deal with the continuing impacts of Indian Residential Schools if our country is ever to approach the ideal of reconciliation between our First Nations and the rest of Canada.

Last week I wrote about the Muslim family run down in an apparent hate crime in London, Ontario. Such events reveal suspicions of “the other” in our society, outwardly demonstrated as racism and hate, that we prefer to believe does not exist. We must find ways to improve our own understanding of cultural differences to be able to support efforts towards peace in our communities.

This week I will address the topic of June as “Pride Month”. This is widely recognized in Canada and the United States to encourage greater understanding in society of the challenges faced by members of LGBTQ2SIA+ community as well as to recognize contributions to society by members of that community. Like the previous two topics, this is subject matter that is not completely understood by many segments of society and is still completely and vehemently opposed in some segments.

Let’s start by spelling out that acronym, LGBTQ2SIA+. It seems this is presented in slightly different forms, and more letters seem to get added to it every once in a while. This particular version was taken from the announcement about the  Beyond the Walls Service for this coming Sunday, that will focus on “LGBTQ Pride.”  That shortened acronym is very commonly used. The longer acronym includes these terms: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, 2 Spirit, Intersex, Androgynous and Asexual, and the “+” is to include additional sexual orientations and gender identities. These details were provided on the Kids Help Phone website. Please go to that website for further definitions of each individual term.
 
For a brief history of Pride Month please consult this article on “Everything You Need to Know about Pride Month.”

So – why do we care about Pride Month in Community of Christ? It is not so much because of the month itself (as important as it is), it is because we care about our church members and friends who identify as members of the LGBTQ community. Community of Christ went through a painful and divisive internal debate through the late 20th century and early 2000s about the place of LGBTQ persons in the church and especially in priesthood and leadership. The debate culminated in “national conferences” in 2012 and 2013 in several countries, including Canada and the United States, which resulted in the affirmation and acceptance of LGBTQ persons as priesthood, and as couples in same-sex marriages. For information and insight into current LGBTQ issues relevant to Community of Christ, consult the Harmony website.

Official acceptance of conference motions and church policy from ten years ago does not automatically result in all members of Community of Christ personally supporting the role of LGBTQ persons in the life of the church. It is worthwhile pointing out that there are still individuals, and perhaps even congregations in some areas, who are not supportive of ordaining women to priesthood offices, and that direction came nearly 40 years ago. Non-support in both issues is rooted in personal beliefs and traditional positions. Scriptures also have been debated. Regardless of personal positions, it is expected that members on both “sides” of these issues (and there may be more than 2 sides, and there may well be more than these 2 issues!) will conduct themselves respectfully when encountering opinions different from their own. Understanding, even if it is not accompanied by acceptance, can only be achieved through communication. Keep those communication channels open!

All three of the issues discussed in the last three weeks are issues because some members of the majority in society carry suspicion and even fear of “the other” (usually a minority) in society. Such fear and suspicion is based in racism, or hate, or homophobia, and likely a lack of desire to even try to understand “the other” whoever “the other” might be. May each of us do our best to understand, to communicate, and to extend the principle of the worth of all persons in all of these complex issues and relationships. No one suggests that this is easy or simple work. But all of us have a role to play in “moving (us) toward Jesus, the Peaceful One.”

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca

Pride Month is about belonging.

Harmony, (formerly GALA), has compiled a list of Community of Christ-affiliated Pride Month events scheduled throughout the month of June 2021. This list will continue to be updated as new events are included. Please contact Harmony President, Parker Johnson, to share any events within your areas and get them added to the list.

Experience this sense of belonging by clicking the button below and check out the Pride month content/events for this year!

Available for 5 more days. Orders will start shipping July 6th!

This year, Harmony is selling Pride 2021 t-shirts to commemorate not only the Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ Rights Movement but most recently our community's tenacity, courage, and resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These are tough times, and the marginalized have disproportionately struggled. 

Click on the button below to see more details about the shirt sale (including where proceeds will go, how to order, purpose of the campaign, etc.)

Last week I introduced three topics to be discussed in this space:

Topic 1: June is “Pride Month.” I will come back to Pride month next week. In the meantime, please consult Harmony’s “Pride Month 2021 Activities” page. Pick a couple of activities that catch your interest. And be sure to check out the “Resilient” t-shirt offer!
Topic 3: Remains of 215 children found in unmarked and undocumented graves near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. See last week’s column.
​
Topic 2 in last week’s list was: Muslim family run down in apparent hate crime. This is today’s topic. To be sure you have the details of event in mind, you may wish to read this article published the day after the event: Muslim family killed…driver charged with murder. The article contains link to other articles published since then.

In very brief summary, on the evening of Sunday, June 6, a young man, 20 years of age, ran down a family of five people out for a walk in their neighbourhood in London, Ontario. The family was dressed in a manner that identified them as Muslim. This is what made them the target of the driver of the truck. Four people are dead and a young boy was taken to hospital. The tragedy has been described as “terrorism” and as a “hate crime.”

What should be the response of the Community of Christ to events such as this?

In no uncertain terms, we must condemn this senseless act that took 4 lives and has irreversibly affected the life of a young boy. To attack a family due to visible clues as to their religious faith is shocking to any of us. We are a church that upholds an enduring principle of the “worth of all persons.” We have a mission initiative that encourages us to “pursue peace on earth.” This event violates much that we hold dear in our Christian faith.

We must express our support for those in our community who are of the Muslim faith. Send a message of condolences and support to the mosque in your city or neighbourhood. Better yet, go visit them and express your support directly. I have not yet done this in response to this incident. At the time of the mass shooting in the mosque in New Zealand two years ago, I went to the local mosque to express my support for them and was received very well and with much appreciation.

Education is always a good option. Learn about the Muslim faith to increase our understanding of their beliefs and practices. Again, perhaps visit the local mosque. Maybe pick up a good book or two about Islam from the library (once libraries are open again!). Or –my favourite– participate in an event offered by the Encounter World Religions Centre.

In our early church history “we” were “the other” in a number of communities in which our church was established. Members were persecuted and actively encouraged to “leave town.” There were even some notable violent incidents in which people died. (Contact me if you would like details about such events.) The persecution and violence against church members was unjustified at that time. The suspicion, hatemongering, and even violence raised against Muslims in our communities is also unjustified.

In our communities many of us can identify people living not far from us who originate from almost any region of the world and practice almost any religion (or none!). The more we can live in peace with each other in our communities, the better the opportunity for the world as a whole to live in peace as well.

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reduce opportunities for the church to provide in-person pastoral-care ministries and to gather physically for fellowship, worship, and community formation. After extended consideration, the Presidency is providing principles and guidelines for offering the sacraments through online means during the pandemic. These principles and guidelines may be refined in the future as the church lives into its experiences with online ministries.
​
It is our hope that providing for the sacraments to be shared through online experiences will continue the pastoral-care ministries the church is called to extend into human life, even during this time of physical distancing. It also will provide the church learnings for how to share the sacraments in a world that is becoming more borderless through online connections. May blessings abound as you offer these gifts.

So Many Topics, So Little Space

Quite often as I sit down to write this weekly blurb I have difficulty knowing what to talk with you about. This week there are three topics that need mentioning. I can really only do justice to them one at a time. I will discuss one today and discuss the other two in the next two weeks.

Topic 1: June is “Pride Month.” There is too much to discuss in a paragraph. But rather than let the month slip away too far, please consult Harmony’s “Pride Month 2021 Activities” page. Pick a couple of activities that catch your interest and log on. And be sure to check out the “Resilient” t-shirt offer! I will come back to this topic in 2 weeks.
Topic 2: Muslim family run down in apparent hate crime in London, Ontario. Check your local newspapers for coverage of this horrific story. I will come back to this story next week.
Topic 3: Remains of 215 children found in unmarked and undocumented graves near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Here we go…

Indigenous lives matter. Just before the weekend of May 29, Canadians were shocked to learn that the lives of 215 children did not matter at the time they died while attending an Indian Residential School in Kamloops, BC. The remains were found in unmarked graves on the grounds of the former school. For just one of many media stories about this tragedy see: Remains of 215 children found (story includes text and short videos from CTV News). The school was operated by the Catholic Church from 1890 to 1969.

The discovery, while distressing to most Canadians, was sad confirmation to most First Nations persons of the family and community stories that had been shared among them over the past many decades. Stories that told of children taken away to residential schools but who never returned. Parents and other family members may not even have been told exactly what had happened to the children.

As members and friends of Community of Christ, what are we to do in response to this news? It is as difficult a question for us as it is for most Canadians. This adds another layer of complexity to the processes of reconciliation which, at some level, have been under way since the conclusion of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015. As in most uncomfortable human situations, the first step is compassion, communication, and education, all of which can lead to greater understanding.

Let me suggest these actions as reasonable options:

• View one, two or more videos about the work and conclusions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (Google search for: truth and reconciliation commission Canada)
• Read the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• If you are really into reading, consider reading one or more of the reports of the TRC or the follow-up reports by other organizations published in the years since the TRC completed its work. A comprehensive list of links can be found here: Reports.
• Actually get to know an Indigenous person or family – or several. Consider contacting your local Native Friendship Centre – or similar community organization – and inquire how you might be able to participate in their public activities.

For a bit of inspiration, I further recommend to you the story and the recording of how the First Nations country and folk singer, Don Amero, approached his task of singing “O Canada” before the Jets-Canadiens hockey game on Wednesday, June 2 in Winnipeg. In addition to singing a “stunning, mournful anti-anthem” rendition of the song, he was flanked by an elder holding tobacco and an eagle feather, and a woman cradling a pair of baby moccasins. Powerful stuff! If a professional hockey team can enable a touching and meaningful recognition of this tragic event, surely we can afford at least a moment of silence at a church service this weekend (if you have not already had one).

Reconciliation is one of those things that requires some large enabling actions on the part of national and First Nations governments. But the most meaningful part of reconciliation must occur “on the ground” between individuals and communities. I commend to you the challenge to find your way to contribute to this incredible national imperative.

As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca