March 2016
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Financial Update and Special Request
 
Many of you may be aware the World Church recently announced that it is necessary to make budget reductions in the amount of $6.32 million.  Because the budget expenses are 75 percent staff related, there is no option other than to significantly reduce staff again to meet this new budget target. World Church leadership is currently working on what the reduction of budget will look like in terms of liquidated property, discontinued services, and reduced personnel.  The church staff that is left will be skeletal at best.  This is a very difficult time in the life of the church.
 
You are requested to gather with your congregation in prayer for our leadership as they lead the church through these very troubled seas.  A special prayer service or time of prayer during Sunday worship is very appropriate considering the current situation.  Thank you for considering this request, we look forward to hearing from you and about your experiences in joining together in prayer at this critical juncture in the life of the church.
 
The First Presidency and World Church leaders have shared the following financial updates and related information with the church:
Videos Documents

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Witnessing Weekend!


Where: Community of Christ Coeur d’Alene Congregation
1801 North 9th Street
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho  83814
Dates: April 22-24, 2016
For more information see the Retreat Flyer
Plan now for Summer Events
Watch for more information and registration forms at
cofchrist-iwest.org.
Information is now available for SPEC 2016
Northwest SPEC Trip: July 20-30, 2016
July 20-23 in Independence, MO, for delegation bonding, sports practicing, worship, Worlds of Fun, and more. Staying at Family Life Center (FLC).
July 23-30 in Lamoni, IA, at Graceland University for SPEC.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND:
Any boy or girl that is currently in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Inland West Mission Center Camper Fee:
1st Payment: $275 US (Due April 15)
2nd Payment: $250 US (Due May 31)
Congregational Focus
Each month the Inland West Staff remembers selected congregations in prayer.  In March the Pocatello, ID and Spokane Valley, WA congregations will be the focus.
Sock Monkey Sightings!
Biggy joined Brad and others from the Mission Center in the final Leading Congregations in Mission (LCM) Retreat at Samish Island.
Where will Brad Martell be in March?
Brad will be traveling in the Mission Center:
  • Sunday, March 20 – Palm Sunday Message at Deer Lodge, MT
  • Wednesday, March 23 – Pizza Church at Whitehall, MT
  • Friday, March 25 – Good Friday Service at Billings, MT
  • Sunday, March 27 – Easter Message at Billings, MT  
JoAnn Fisher will be providing ministry in Ogden and Salt Lake City, March 4-6 and in Boise on March 20.
 
Let us know how your congregation is making mission real, so we can share in the next NewsBrief! E-mail us!

Pastors, please print a copy of this NewsBrief and have available to those in your congregation without e-mail. Encourage everyone with e-mail to subscribe to NewsBriefs by going to our mission center website www.cofchrist-iwest.org and clicking the link on the Events and News page.
Inland West Blog

We each have our own unique ministry to offer.  Would you be willing to share with us on the Blog?  We have been offering ministry on the Blog for almost a year now.  Brad Martell will provide ministry for the month of April.  Please contact Lavera Wade by e-mail, if you would like to contribute or have on questions.
Check out the blog.
From CofChrist.org

Journey to World Conference

A spiritual formation guide is now available online that will take the church on a journey of preparation from 6 March–29 May. It encourages deeper reflection on specific segments of the words of counsel. The segments also are incorporated into weekly worship services through “One in Christ Moments.”

These preparation materials have been created for individuals, congregations, and the worldwide church to discover what it means to be One in Christ. Whether or not you can attend, your prayerful preparation is important. We prepare our hearts to be open to the Spirit’s leading as we gather to seek God’s guidance and make choices that open pathways into God’s future

These words will come to life only as we speak and live them. We speak and live them by allowing them to take root in our hearts. We invite you to join the journey as we explore what it means to be One in Christ.
World Conference Resolutions
You can read the resolutions that have been submitted to the World Conference. These include the resolutions that will be discussed using the parliamentary procedure and one that will use the new common consent process. 
2016 International Peace Award Recipient
The First Presidency announced Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee (pronounced beau we) as the 2016 Community of Christ International Peace Award recipient. Ms. Gbowee will receive the award during World Conference at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, in the Auditorium Conference Chamber in Independence, Missouri. Read the First Presidency's official statement. 

New Materials!

The path to baptism and confirmation is just the start of the journey in the life of all disciples. This attractive adult book offers a wealth of guidance that will help people understand and deepen their discipleship.

Unlike the similarly named book for children, this 12-lesson offering focuses on leading youth, adults, and seekers into deeper understandings of discipleship.

This is the recommended resource for the 2016 camp and reunion season.
 


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 I-West Mission Center page on Facebook for frequent updates and opportunities for discussion. We'd love it if you'd "like" us! Suggest us to your friends, too.
 
Copyright © 2016 Community of Christ Inland West USA Mission Center, All rights reserved.


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