 By John Hamer, Director of Outreach and Innovative Mission
Immense suffering continues in Gaza and the West Bank even as media attention has shifted. Many of us in Canada want to help but may not know what meaningful action can look like. As part of our commitment to peace and justice, Community of Christ has joined Churches for Middle East Peace, an ecumenical organization that works alongside Palestinian churches, charities, and NGOs seeking to alleviate suffering and support communities in the region. Destiny Magnet, Program Manager for Churches for Middle East Peace, will speak at the Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum, bringing insights from her experience with programs such as And Still We Rise, which creates space for Palestinian women to build community, experience transformation, and take action. Join us to learn more about this work and explore ways in which we can respond. The Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum will include many other presentations, workshops, and intergenerational activities! This is a great opportunity to connect with church members and to invite young people in our network who are more interested in activism than Sunday services. When: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 Where: Reaching Out Centre, 125 Queen Street South, Mississauga ON L5M 1K9
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 By Lanette Vawter, Director of Leadership Development The International Peace Forum is just around the corner, taking place October 16–18! Gathering together is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect in person, build a greater sense of belonging, and renew our commitments to the church and its activities. In Vancouver, we will focus on environmental justice and action as we deepen our commitment to the Sacredness of Creation through formation, public witness, and community building. This is also a meaningful opportunity to invite young people in our networks who are looking for ways to make a difference for our planet. 🌲 Featured activity: Lynn Valley Temperate Rainforest On Friday afternoon, October 16, join us for a one-hour walking tour through the temperate rainforest of Lynn Valley. This will be an opportunity to notice the many ways the forest regenerates itself and how humans can either negatively or positively affect these natural processes. Come and experience the healing properties of the rainforest as well as learning how to live in harmony with it. Other activities throughout the weekend include:
The Vancouver Peace Forum webpage has everything you need to plan your weekend, including information about registration, fees, accommodations, and the full schedule. Inquiries: [email protected] When: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 Where: Community of Christ Vancouver, 3333 Kaslo Street, Vancouver, BC V5M 2M1  The Board of Directors of Community of Christ in Canada invites all members across Canada to participate via Zoom in its Q3 meeting this Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026. As an observer, you’ll be able to learn more about the work of the Board and stay connected with the structures that support our shared ministry, stewardship, and mission in Canada. The Canada Board of Directors functions as the governing body of the not-for-profit corporation for the church in Canada, overseeing policies and conducting business on behalf of the church within the theological and governing policies of the World Church. The Board is accountable to the membership in Canada and works in cooperation with World Church leadership so the church can meet in-country legal and practical requirements. The Board’s agenda includes strategy and policy discussions, review of the draft 2027 budgets, and approval of the Q2 2026 Agency Agreement reports. Previous Board reports and meeting minutes are available on the Community of Christ Corporation Board page. If you have questions in advance, please contact Bishop of Canada Sam Smalldon at [email protected]. Date: Tuesday, September 15 Time: 4:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. MT / 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET Meeting ID: 84290594299 Passcode: 457837  What role has NASA played in helping us understand climate change, and what alternatives can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels? The September climate webinar, hosted by the North American Climate Justice Team, welcomes retired NASA scientist and Community of Christ minister Stephen Dunagan to explore both questions. During his NASA career, Dunagan helped design, calibrate, and test instruments used by the Earth Science community to measure and understand climate patterns. On September 20, he will share insights from that work and examine the current state of clean energy alternatives, including solar, wind, geothermal, nuclear, and hydrogen systems. The webinar will consider how reliable, economical, and sustainable these options are as we look toward a future less dependent on fossil fuels. Date: Sunday, September 20 Time: 2:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. MT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET Where: Zoom (If you registered for a past Climate Justice webinar, no new registration is required. You’ll receive the Zoom link automatically.)  Community of Christ members across Saskatchewan are coming together October 23–25 in Regina for a special weekend of meaningful activities to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate our heritage. Whether Saskatchewan is home, you have family or friends connected with one of our congregations, or you would simply like to be part of this celebration, we would love to welcome you! Our theme is Onward With Love. Throughout the weekend, we will share in spiritual practices, meals, fellowship, a Saturday afternoon community service activity, a hymn sing, Communion worship, and fun activities for all ages. Please register by Sunday, October 18. Be sure to register everyone in your family who will attend and include the ages of children and youth so organizers can plan activities for them. Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and breakfast. All other meals and snacks will be provided. The Regina Congregation building is wheelchair accessible. A detailed schedule will be shared with registered participants closer to the event. When: Friday, October 23, 7:00 p.m.CT – Sunday, October 25, 1:00 p.m.CT Where: Regina Congregation, 4710 8th Avenue, Regina, SK Guest ministry: Stephen and Marian Thompson Director: Gregg Lester Cost: There is no registration fee. Donations are gratefully accepted.  By John Hamer, Director of Outreach and Innovative Mission
The wars in the Middle East have had dramatic effects here in Canada. In his presentation at the Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum, Brian Carwana of the Encounter World Religions Centre proposes to help us step away from the noise of social media in order to better understand the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He will explain the stories of this land and these peoples and explain how key events in the past have led us to this place of conflict. Listeners will learn:
The presentation aims for balance by sharing facts as well as explaining both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian perspectives to help listeners understand different stances and interpretations. Dr. Carwana has given this presentation in many settings including workplaces, community groups, the general public, with both Jews and Muslims present, and the response has been consistently positive. The Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum will include many other presentations, workshops, and intergenerational activities! This is a great opportunity to connect with church members and to invite young people in our network who are more interested in activism than Sunday services.  ur book club returns this fall with the theme Reimagining Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. Join us as we read and explore Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? by Brian D. McLaren together. In this work, American author, public theologian, speaker, and activist Brian D. McLaren explores how Christians can hold a strong and meaningful faith identity while relating to people of other religions with humility, respect, and generosity.
Over eight weeks, we’ll begin each session with prayer before exploring and discussing a set of chapters together. This isn’t intended to be an academic study, but a safe space for reading, reflection, and conversation. Facilitated by Beyond the Walls community members Vickie Thatcher and Don Wiley, sessions will take place Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. MT / 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET. The book is available for purchase online, but we encourage you to check your local bookstore or library first. Sep 10 — Week 1: The Crisis of Identity and the “Third Option” — Chapters 1–5 Sep 17 — Week 2: The Historical Challenge — Unmasking the Imperial Virus — Chapters 6–11 Sep 24 — Week 3: Doctrinal Healing — Creation, Sin, and Election — Chapters 12–14 Oct 1 — Week 4: Reimagining the Divine — Trinity, Christ, and Spirit — Chapters 15–18 Oct 8 — Week 5: The Liturgical Challenge — Rethinking the Christian Year — Chapters 19–21 Oct 15 — Week 6: The Table and the Altar — Eucharist and Interpretation — Chapters 22–23 Oct 22 — Week 7: Subversive Friendship and “With-ness” — Chapters 24–26 Oct 29 — Week 8: The Missional Challenge — Organizing for the Common Good — Chapters 27–29 Hosts: Vickie Thatcher and Don Wiley Dates: Thursdays, Sep 10–Oct 29 Time: 5:00 p.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. MT / 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET  Sr High campers, get ready for Thanksgiving weekend at Ziontario Campgrounds! Spend time with friends old and new while enjoying fall activities, a Thanksgiving feast, movie night, trivia, trail walks, a harvest festival, and even something spooky. 👻🎃 Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, come enjoy a weekend of laughter, games, good food, and time together at camp. Pack for cool fall weather and remember to bring bedding, warm layers, any medications you need, a refillable water bottle, a phone charger, and a canned food item for the food drive. If you haven't already paid your registration fee, you can also pay at camp. Tell your family and friends — we don't want you to miss out! When: Fri, Oct 9, 8:00pm – Sun, Oct 12, 12:00pm Where: Ziontario - 344516 North Line Priceville, ON Camper Grades: 9 - first year university Staff Ages: 21 and up Leader in Training (LIT) ages: 19–20 Directors: Jillian and Joycelyn Dailey Inquiries: [email protected] Registration Deadline: Midnight Sep 25 Staff Registration Fee: $140 Camper Registration Fee: $175 Bring a Friend Discount: Bring a friend to the retreat that hasn't attended a Community of Christ camp before and they can get a $25 discount when they register. Discount code: THANKSFRIENDS Never been to Ziontario? Discover a place where generations of campers have gathered to enjoy camps, retreats, friendship, and fun surrounded by the beauty of nature near Priceville, Ontario. Visit ziontario.ca  As a program of Community of Christ in Canada, Beyond the Walls seeks to highlight the unique expressions of ministry taking place across Canada. In the past year alone, 39 individuals who hold priesthood in the Canada Mission Centre have provided ministry in a Beyond the Walls service. In recent years, the Chilliwack congregation in British Columbia, the Woodfield and Kitchener congregations in Ontario, and the Ziontario campground have hosted Beyond the Walls services, allowing local voices to be heard far beyond their usual audiences while creating opportunities for people in the area to gather for worship and fellowship.
This time, Beyond the Walls travels to Calgary, Alberta, on Sep 13 for a special service with the Leadership Team of Community of Christ in Canada and the Calgary congregation. Director of Leadership Development Lanette Vawter will be our speaker. Whether in person or online through our usual YouTube and Facebook livestreams, we hope you will join us on September 13. Date: Sunday, Sep 13 Time: Doors open at 9:00 a.m. local time. The service begins at 9:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. MT / 11:00 a.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. ET. Location: Calgary Community of Christ 422 11 Ave. SE #112 Calgary, AB  Join us at Erie Beach Campground for a relaxing weekend with family and friends. Enjoy good food, youth activities, outdoor games, free time, a movie, and plenty of opportunities to visit and have fun together.
Bring your favourite cards, board games, crokinole boards, or outdoor games to share. Saturday will also include a silent auction supporting Erie Beach Campground, with campers invited to contribute new or like-new items, baked goods, or canned goods. The weekend wraps up Sunday with the annual Erie Beach Campground Fall Conference and a worship service. When: Fri, Sep 11, 7:00 PM EDT – Sun, Sep 13, 12:00 PM EDT Where: Erie Beach Campground, 830 Towanda Blvd, Blenheim ON How to register: Please contact our registrar Lori Tinline [email protected] Directors: Brian Jackson and Michelle Hannah Inquiries: [email protected] Registration Fees: $80 per individual, $140 per couple and $160 per Family If you are requesting a dorm, please let us know so we can reserve one for you. Registration will also be available at the campground on Friday, Sept 11. |
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