Since in-person gatherings are currently not permitted, the MCP Team will be hosting second quarter pastor meetings via Zoom. There will be two opportunities to connect with us on Sunday, May 17 and two opportunities to connect on Monday, May 18. At this time Apostle Lach Mackay is planning to join us for all four sessions. Please see below and click the link to register for the day and time that is best for you. You will then receive information to connect by phone or computer for that meeting.

These meetings are planned to take place for one hour. We will share the same information at each. Hopefully we will have updated guidance from the First Presidency and State of Michigan regarding the timeline and steps for returning to in-person gatherings and what may be possible for camping and gathering ministries this summer. We will share any information we have and then take time to listen to your questions and receive your feedback and concerns. If you have any immediate needs or would like to submit questions in advance, please contact Dan Nowiski at dnowiski@cofchrist.org or (989) 506-1843 .

All spring congregation conferences (business meetings) should be cancelled or postponed until in-person gatherings are permitted. If there is an immediate need to conduct a conference by phone/internet, please notify Dan Nowiski for requesting permission from the First Presidency and establishing details on meeting rules and procedures.

We look forward to connecting with you during one of the Zoom meetings on May 17 or 18!

Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 1:30-2:30 PM

Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 3:30-4:30 PM

Monday, May 18, 2020 from 9:30-10:30 AM

Monday, May 18, 2020 from 6:30-7:30 PM
 

God Without Borders - Online Sharing Opportunity

Are you looking for a safe space to share about the Holy Spirit acting in your life? Join us to share and hear personal stories in a small group setting via Zoom. No sermons, no judgment.

This new expression will meet Mondays @ 1:00pm EDT Click here to join!

Please direct questions to Dianna Vanderkarr at cdthankyou@gmail.com.

Congregations are encouraged to consider using the Open Table model for building relationships with people seeking to transform their lives from poverty to relationship in and with the community.

Open Table’s faith-based model draws together the community and relationship life of congregations around the country. It provides technical support, training, structure, process.
Each Table is composed of a group of volunteers that make a year-long commitment to act–through relationship—as a team of life specialists, encouragers, and advocates. Over the course of a year, the Table works together to set goals, foster accountability, and implement a plan to create change. Table members invest what they have learned on their life journeys and connect to their personal networks in their congregations and community to bring skill building, services and door opening to the plan.

2020 Summer Youth Camps - Update

Community of Christ has cancelled all large group gatherings through June 30, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional guidance expected in mid-May will inform decisions about camps scheduled for July and the possibility of rescheduling camps later in the summer. Options to reschedule these events at a later date will be considered based on activities permitted and availability of the campground and camp staff.

Camps sponsored for each grade level are listed below. Campers will register by their expected grade in fall 2020. When youth register by June 1, 2020 there is no fee to attend camp. After June 1, 2020 restrictions and fees may apply. Space is limited at camps based on the number of beds and licensing restrictions, so please register as soon as possible to reserve a spot.

Camp dates and locations are available on the Michigan Youth Camps website. 

Questions about Michigan youth camps can be directed to Winnie Johnston, Youth Camp Coordinator. Winnie can be reached by phone at (231) 340-1849.

2020 Family Camps - Update

Community of Christ has cancelled all large group gatherings through June 30, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional guidance expected in mid-May will inform decisions about camps scheduled for July & August. Options to reschedule these events at a later date will be considered based on activities permitted and availability of the campground and camp staff.

Community of Christ members and friends often gather together in fellowship and learning experiences called reunions or family camps. This relaxed and casual atmosphere provides space for spiritual growth, personal discernment, incredible amounts of fun, deeper commitment, new and renewed relationships, and so very much more!

Dates and locations are available on the Family Camps website.

Campground Sales Update - March 2020

A six month listing agreement extension with Michigan Whitetail Properties, LLC was entered into effective December 22, 2019 to market and sell the Woodlands with an asking price of $1,250,000. The realtor has reported on marketing efforts, inquiries about the listing, and parties visiting the property. No offers for purchase of the property have been received. Ongoing dialogue and exploration will continue to determine how to best market the property and accomplish a sale after the expiration of the current listing agreement on June 21, 2020.

Additional information about the campground sales process and previous updates can be found online at CofChristMI.org/campground-sales.

Join us as Seminary Director, Zac Harmon-McLaughlin leads us through the changing landscape of Christianity of many western nations.

Post-Church Church: A Transformative Community of Christ Ecclesiology

Every Monday night @ 7pm via ZOOM June 8, 15, 22, 29.

As the demographics of Christianity rapidly change, many people are asking the question, “What will the church look like in the future?” In the last 30 years, the fastest growing segment of the population have been a group known by one of the following names, “unaffiliated”, “nones”, or “spiritual but not religious”.

In this online lecture series we will explore some of the demographic data, societal implications, Community of Christ Ecclesiology, Ambiguity & Curiosity, Principle based Theology, Modernity & Post-Modernity, and ultimately, what a Transformative Community of Christ Ecclesiology looks like as the world changes.

This is a free event. We welcome any donations you would like to share. You can donate to the seminary here: www.graceland.edu/giving. When there direct your gift to “other” then write in “Community of Christ Seminary. Your donations will go toward continuing the important mission of Graceland University’s Community of Christ Seminary.

Register Here: www.graceland.edu/seminary/online-lecture-series

Community of Christ donors are the best!

The total contributed 5 May on Giving Tuesday NOW in the USA and Canada, including matching funds, was $100,062 (USD).

This online effort was launched globally in response to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your participation and to those who tried the new text-to-give function through 1-844-964-1444.

We encourage you to continue to give as you are able to Worldwide Mission Tithes and Local Mission Tithes. www.cofchrist.org/give

Spiritual Formation Ministries and Project Zion Podcast have teamed up to give us a gift of peace in the midst of troubling times. These guided practices can help you connect with the Divine no matter where you are or what’s going on around you.

This week's practice is Centering Prayer.

Take a listen! www.projectzionpodcast.org/a7-awaken-to-gods-presence-finding-calm-in-the-storm-centering-prayer/

You can find the entire spiritual practice series "Awaken to God's Presence" on the Project Zion Podcast website. www.projectzionpodcast.org/category/awaken-to-gods-presence/

As we close out the financial period from 1 July–31 December, 2019, church leaders have provided an update on Bridge of Hope. Including budget support and additional contributions, $71.1 million has been received. Thank you to all those who are working so hard toward reaching our $120 million goal!

The Northview congregation in Grand Rapids is livestreaming our services via Zoom at 9:45am each Sunday. If you are interested in joining us, please send me an email at kklungle@aol.com and I'll send you the Meeting ID and Password to you.