There are no mission center events scheduled for the coming week.
Please uphold all involved in the Seminary Focus Session in prayer throughout the week of Jan. 26.
“MESSAGE”
Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, 2020
Kirtland Community of Christ, 9017 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Donations will be appreciated to cover the costs of materials, facility rental, and Saturday lunch. All other meals, housing, and transportation will be the responsibility of participants. Please register online or print & submit a paper registration form if you plan to attend any portion of the conference so adequate food and materials can be prepared.
Registration will be limited to 150 people. The event will be advertised beyond the Michigan Mission Center if space is available after December 31, 2019. Bus transportation with stops in Gladwin, Bay City, and Brighton is being planned for $60 per person. The bus will travel to the Red Roof Inn in Willoughby, OH where rooms are available for $69.99 + tax per night.
Michigan Mission Center members may apply for up to $250 to help cover the costs of travel, lodging, and meals for this field level experience. Reimbursements will be provided upon submission of receipts.
See the full schedule and find registration and bus information online.
New guidelines for serving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper (Communion) were shared by the First Presidency in 2019. Six meetings are being organized around the mission center for priesthood members to have an opportunity to learn more about the guidelines, ask questions, and share with one another. Please plan to join a gathering that fits your schedule.
Monday, Feb. 17 - 7:00pm at Crossroads Community of Christ.
Facilitator: Gary Gordier
Saturday, Feb. 22 - 10:00am at Harrison Community of Christ.
Facilitator: Sue Leyder
Saturday, Mar. 21 - 10:00am at Gaylord Community of Christ.
Facilitator: Bill Curtis
Saturday, Mar. 28 - 1:00pm at Rose Lake Community of Christ.
Facilitators: Dave Premoe & Rick Ludy
Apostle Lach Mackay approved the recommendation of the Allegan Congregation to disorganize (close) effective Dec. 31, 2019. Many thanks and much appreciation is given for all who have offered ministry and led mission over the years in and through the congregation.
Congregation members provided recommendations for distributing remaining cash assets to support mission center ministries, the Spectacular delegation, youth camp ministries, Journey House Campus Ministry Center, South Bend Community of Christ, Grand Valley Community of Christ, and Bridge of Hope Tithes. The generosity of the congregation will continue to bless ministries and the mission of the church both locally and globally.
Your prayerful support of members who have transitioned to other congregations to continue their discipleship is appreciated.
2020 Mission Center Directory
The 2020 Michigan Mission Center directory is now available online. Please contact the mission center office at mmcoffice@cofchristmi.org to report any updates or changes for the directory.
If you would like a printed copy of the directory mailed to you, please complete the order form at the link below and submit payment in the amount of $5 per copy to cover the costs of printing and shipping.
A workshop to explore poverty in our communities and the challenges and opportunities for congregations. Each congregation representative will leave the workshop with an individualized toolkit of resources local to their congregation. Each session will be presented by members who are licensed social workers and subject matter experts. Participants should bring a laptop but will need no prior experience with community resources.
Contact Linda Stanbridge, Mission Center Invitation Support Minister, at linda@cofchristmi.org with any questions about the event. Please register online if you plan to attend:
April 4 @ Otter Lake Community of Christ from 9:45a-4:00p
September 19 @ Capital Area Community of Christ from 9:45a - 4:00p
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.
Each year, Michigan Interfaith Power & Light creates a Lenten Calendar to help you reflect, learn and take action on some dimension of sustainability and your faith. This year, we have created a Plastic Fast.
As a spiritual practice, fasting sharpens our intentions. Like a pebble in our shoe, the nagging feeling of hunger—or the discomfort of forgoing something we usually take for granted—is a persistent reminder to commit and recommit to inner transformation. While many of us grew up “giving something up” for Lent, only to gleefully indulge in the forbidden item when the season passed, we hope that this fast will be more than a temporary exercise in deprivation and will help you make lasting changes in your everyday practices and mindset.
Why plastic?
• If we continue to produce and discard plastic at the expected rates, our oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
• As a byproduct of fossil fuels, plastics are the fastest growing and second largest source of industrial greenhouse gas emissions (according to the Center for International and Environmental Law).
• Throughout its life-cycle—from production through the hundreds (if not thousands) of years after its disposal—plastic harms wildlife and human health. Among humans, this harm is experienced first and worst by communities of color, low-income communities and other vulnerable populations.
A big shout out of gratitude to Nicky Marcot (@everydayhopemama on Instagram) for putting this Fast together!!
2020 Faith Climate Action Week Kits are now available! These kits contain all the resources needed to put your congregation's love for the earth into action during Interfaith Power & Light's Faith Climate Action Week, April 17 – 26.
Faith Climate Action Week is IPL's annual program of climate-themed worship services and sermons that spans ten days of activities in celebration of Earth Month. This is IPL's premier event to create a mass movement of people of faith making the moral call for climate action. This year's Faith Climate Action Week theme, "Love Made Visible" is partially inspired by 19th century Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran who said, "Work is love made visible". IPL invites your congregation to make their love visible by engaging in Sacred Activism to protect the people we love and care about who are most impacted by climate change.
The kit includes a Sacred Activism Guide on the importance of people of faith taking part in civic engagement, plus suggestions and tips for activism challenges including planning a prayer vigil, taking part in a rally or march, conducting a voter registration drive in conjunction with your local election officials, and more. Use the Sacred Activism Art Guide included in the kit to create eye-catching banners, placards, street paintings, and more with faith-based messaging.
Collect pledges to vote with the climate in mind using the provided printed Faith Climate Voter Pledge postcards and stickers for all who pledge. The kit also includes a "For Love of Trees" booklet with a tree planting ceremony, blessing, music, poem, and more.
This Earth Day let's joyfully do the sacred work of making the moral call for climate action.
Blessings,
Rev. Susan Hendershot
President
Interfaith Power & Light
Peace Club Resources Available
The Young Peacemakers' Club Handbook and other helpful resources are available to help you launch your local Peace Club. Thanks to Andi Melham, director of Children's Peace Center and our Spring Conference guest, for the free materials!
We hope to have peace clubs ready for youth campers soon after they return from camp this summer. This will maintain their new friendships and connection to Community of Christ. Contact Erica Nye at erica@cofchristmi.org for resources.
Disciple Development
Disciple Development Funding Available
2018 Disciple Development Fund (DDF) Guidelines for individual requests are as follows:
Eligibility:
All Community of Christ members within the Michigan Mission Center shall be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Disciple Development Fund. Any costs for tuition, registration (including meals and lodging), books, materials, travel expenses, or other fees associated with a disciple development experience sponsored or authorized by Community of Christ or its affiliates and partners are eligible for reimbursement within the limits set forth below.
Application & Selection:
An individual shall submit an application for funding assistance to the DDF Committee detailing the experience she/he will be attending, the costs of the experience, funding received from other sources, and the amount of funding requested from the DDF. An individual may apply for funding in multiple categories. Requests will be considered in the order they are received. The following limits will apply to funding requests.
An individual may receive up to:
A – $1,000 within one academic year for costs associated with Community of Christ Seminary courses.
B – $250 for each Community of Christ World, USA, or Field conference, retreat, training, or other experience.
C – $50 for each Michigan Mission Center conference, retreat, training, or other experience.
D – $50 for each Temple School course.
E – $500 for each disciple development experience sponsored by a Community of Christ affiliate or partner as approved by the mission center officers.
All staff and volunteers working with children and youth during Community of Christ activities are required to be registered children and youth workers. Completion of the two hour child protection training is a required step in the registration process. Find out more online about Community of Christ Child Protection principles and policies.
If you would like to attend or host a child protection training, please contact Dan Nowiski at dnowiski@cofchrist.org.
A child protection core training will be held at the Coleman Community of Christ (407 E Adams St, Coleman, MI 48618) on Sunday, Feb. 23 starting at 2:00pm. This training is required for anyone wanting to become a registered child and youth worker in Community of Christ.
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.
Senior High Camps (Grades 10, 11, 12, Just Graduated)
June 20-26 at Sanford – Director Ben Crowley
June 27-July 3 at Park of the Pines – Director Jamie Lis
July 5-11 at Blue Water – Director Rich Allen
Junior High Camps (Grades 7, 8, 9)
July 12-18 at Blue Water – Director Shannon Mueller
July 19-25 at Sanford – Director Amber Billman
July 19-25 at Park of the Pines – Director Megan Hacker
Junior Camps (Grades 3, 4, 5, 6)
June 21-25 at Blue Water – Director Alley Lentz
July 5-9 at Park of the Pines – Director Falissa Richter
July 11-15 at Sanford (Late Junior – Grades 5,6) – Director Lisa Moler
July 15-18 at Sanford (Early Junior – Grades 2,3,4) – Director Lisa Moler
Blue Water Campground – 7291 County Farm Rd, Lexington, MI 48450
Park of the Pines – 4094 Beach Rd, Boyne City, MI 49712
Sanford Campground – 3500 N West River Rd, Sanford, MI 48657
Questions about Michigan youth camps can be directed to Winnie Johnston, Youth Camp Coordinator. Winnie can be reached by phone at (231) 340-1849.
Summer camp for young adults ages 18-30. This is an event held at Blue Water Campground, Lexington, Michigan, USA.
Enjoy amazing fellowship, team building and leadership training as well as theological and spiritual exploration. Identify and develop spiritual gifts. Campfires, service projects, recreation and more.
Registrants must be a minimum of one year out of high school and at least 18 years of age to register. Registrants may not dual register for Senior High Camp and Young Adult Camp. Financial support available, suggested donation $60 USD.
If you are interested in serving as an aquatic supervisor (lifeguard) for Community of Christ summer camps in 2020, please contact Winnie Johnston at winnie@cofchristmi.org (231) 340-1849. Individuals must be 18 years or older by the date of camp. Funds are available to cover the costs for training/certification of those who agree to volunteer at one or more camps.
Journey House
The Journey House offers community-based student living for up to twelve residents at 1628 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. The facility is a substance free environment with flexible leases available starting at $399/month. Stop by for a tour of Journey House! For an appointment or any questions, call (517) 337-1845 or e-mail johousecmc@gmail.com.
The annual retreat for high school students hosted at Journey House in East Lansing will take place Dec. 29-31, 2017. Students can arrive on Friday evening or Saturday morning and stay until noon on Sunday. A tour of the Michigan State University campus, games, and new years festivities will be planned throughout the weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to get a glimpse of college life and build relationships with peers and current college students. The weekend is free and all meals are provided. Space is limited so, please contact Journey House ASAP at (517) 337-1845 or johousecmc@gmail.com to reserve your spot!
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, Mar. 17
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Capital Area Community of Christ
Officers: President - Dave Caceres, VIce President - Carole Dudley, Secretary - Richard Hawks, Financial Officer - Jack Benac
Journey House Spring Semester Activities
Sunday Dinners @ Journey House starting about 7:00pm.
Homemade meals provided by the East Lansing Community of Christ following the 6:00pm worship experience.
Taco Mondays @ Journey House from 6:00-7:30pm.
Please join us as we share a taco themed meal together. All are welcome. If you would like to volunteer one evening to prepare the meal contact us at johousecmc@gmail.com. Desserts and or additionals food items are encouraged, feel free to just bring them along
Pasta Wednesdays @ Journey House from 6:00-7:30pm.
Please join us as we share a pasta themed meal together. All are welcome. If you would like to volunteer one evening to prepare the meal contact us at johousecmc@gmail.com. Desserts and or additionals food items are encouraged, feel free to just bring them along
Thursday Lunches @ the MSU International Center from 11:30 –1:30 pm.
You are welcome to join us at the MSU International Center food court and eat and share with us. Look for 1-2 tables with a “Journey House” sign. If needed, we will buy lunch for you and your friends and look forward to seeing you!
Guitar Class @ Journey House - Day & Time TBD.
Contact Richard Hawks at (517) 230-3925 or r.hawks@comcast.net for more information.
Check out the Journey House website www.JourneyHouseLiving.org for calendar updates, contact information, and additional details.
Annual Journey House Valentine Banquet
Our Annual Journey House Campus Ministries Valentine Fundraiser Banquet is set for Saturday, February 15th, 2020 from 5pm-7pm at Capital Community of Christ, 1514 W. Miller Rd, Lansing, MI. Please contact us at johousecmc@gmail.com or call us at 517-337-1845 if you have potential silent auction item to donate or if you have a talent you'd like to share during the pre-dinner festivities. A free-will love offering will be collected at the dinner as well. Donations of food for the Valentine potluck themed meal are also welcome. Save the date and bring your friends. All are Welcome!
Support with Kroger Community Rewards
If you have a Kroger Plus Card, you can enroll in the Kroger Community Rewards program and select Journey House to receive a contribution based on your purchases. The organization number for Journey House is PR313. Find out more and link your card to support Journey House here: www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/
If you have a Kroger Plus Card, you can enroll in the Kroger Community Rewards program and select Journey House to receive a contribution based on your purchases. The organization number for Journey House is PR313. Find out more and link your card to support Journey House here: www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/
Upcoming Journey House Fundraisers
Valentine Banquet at Capital Community of Christ - Saturday, February 15th, 2020 at 6pm
Re-Dedication Service at Journey House - Sunday, April 26th, 2020 time TBD
View our Google Calendar for more event details at JourneyHouseLiving.org. If you have questions contact us at johousecmc@gmail.com or call (517) 337-1845.
Journey to Freedom Campaign
As we enter our 20th year at Journey House Campus Ministry Center we are launching a one year fundraising initiative to pay off the mortgage on the house. Throughout the year we plan to host a variety of events and celebrations starting with a 20th Anniversary Benefit Dinner to celebrate our Journey House alumni and ever faithful supporters. The Dinner will be held at the University Club of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI on Saturday, April 27th, 2019. Tickets will be $50 per person with a 5:30pm arrival time and dinner being served at 6pm. Please click the link below to update your contact information if you would like an invitation sent to you and to be informed of future events. Our culminating event will be a Re-dedication Service 20 years after the original Dedication Service that was held on April 30th, 2000. The Re-dedication Service will be held on Sunday, April 26th, 2020 (time to be determined). Please keep us in your prayers as we step out in faith on this huge undertaking. Any inquiries you may have can be sent to johousecmc@gmail.com. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBIaspuvLh0p451x7-Y0J2mN2yfNhZJ_MnwS_XyUg0jjFmMg/viewform
As we enter our 20th year at Journey House Campus Ministry Center we are launching a one year fundraising initiative to pay off the mortgage on the house. Throughout the year we plan to host a variety of events and celebrations starting with a 20th Anniversary Benefit Dinner to celebrate our Journey House alumni and ever faithful supporters.
Please click the link below to update your contact information if you would like an invitation sent to you and to be informed of future events. Our culminating event will be a Re-dedication Service 20 years after the original Dedication Service that was held on April 30th, 2000. The Re-dedication Service will be held on Sunday, April 26th, 2020 (time to be determined). Please keep us in your prayers as we step out in faith on this huge undertaking. Any inquiries you may have can be sent to johousecmc@gmail.com.
Pizza Church for all ages takes place on Wednesdays at 6:00pm at Detroit Hope (16621 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219). Join us for worship, food, and relationship building! Small group worship is held at Detroit Hope on Sundays at 11:30am.
Detroit Hope is currently not accepting donations of food, clothing, or other items. Thanks to all who have supported these ministers in the past!
Mission center officers are administering the Detroit Hope Emerging Congregation at this time. Please contact Dan Nowiski if you have any questions or would like to be involved with this ministry.
The Detroit Hope congregation is now partnering with Brightmoor Connection. This non-profit organization is leasing space in the church facility to provide a food pantry and clothing to community members who are in need. It is exciting to have a new partner helping to achieve our mission and share in the expenses for maintaining our building.
Campground News
Campground Sales Update - November 2019
A one year listing agreement with Michigan Whitetail Properties, LLC was entered into on December 22, 2018 to market and sell the Woodlands with an asking price of $1,425,000. The realtor has reported on marketing efforts, inquiries about the listing, and parties visiting the property. The sales team authorized a reduction of the asking price to $1,250,000 effective September 17, 2019. Most recently the realtor has reported that three parties are expressing serious interest. No offers for purchase of the property have been received.
Contacts with the State of Michigan have yielded no interest in purchasing the property. The sales team has had initial dialogue about splitting the property into smaller parcels or selling by auction. At this time it is believed that selling the entire property via real estate listing will produce the highest value. Ongoing dialogue and exploration will continue to determine how to best market the property after the expiration of the current listing agreement on December 21, 2019.
Additional information about the campground sales process and previous updates can be found online at CofChristMI.org/campground-sales.
Next Meeting: Sunday, January 26 at 4:00pm at Lapeer Community of Christ.
2019 Officers: President - Rick Herr, Vice President - Tom Banks, Secretary - Darrell Bechtel,
Financial Officer - Jessica Montague
Friends of Blue Water
If you enjoy the beauty of the grounds, if you have fond memories of events, or if worshipful services have stirred your heart, consider joining Friends of Blue Water. Friends of Blue Water are individuals who desire to help improve Blue Water Campground by choosing to make an annual donation. Any size donation will be gratefully accepted but is suggested at $250 per year. The funds will be used for various projects to improve the appearance and functionality of the campground.
Donations can be placed in weekly offering envelopes by writing Friends of Blue Water on the campground line or by check indicating Friends of Blue Water and mailed directly to Jessica Montague, Mission Center Financial Officer, at 1322 Pinehurst Ave, Flint, MI 48507. Together we will take the vibrant and dynamic activities of Blue Water into the future. Thank you for your consideration of Blue Water Campground!
Park of the Pines4094 Springwater Beach Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712
Park of the Pines Board
Next Meeting: Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10:00am at Park of the Pines.
2019 Officers: President- Roger Elkins, Vice President - Darrin Carter, Secretary - Deb Buehner,
Financial Officer - Cathy Hopkins
Park of the Pines Endowment Fund
Church members and friends can make contributions to the Park of the Pines Endowment Fund! The earnings from the endowment fund will be used to supplement the operating fund budget of Park of the Pines. Those wishing to make a contribution may make their check payable to Park of the Pines and write Endowment Fund on the memo line of the check. Then mail to: Cathy Hopkins, 5679 Exodus, Traverse City, MI 49784.
Next Meeting: TBD
2019 Officers: President - Carla Parkes, Vice President - Linda Shindler, Secretary - Roger Elkins
Financial Officer - Cathy Hopkins
Sanford3500 West River Dr., Sanford, MI 48657
Sanford Campground Board
Next meeting: Monday, February 10 at 7:00pm at TBD
2020 Officers: President - Richard Hamilton, Vice President - Julie Frasure, Secretary - Heidi Kleinhardt,
Financial Officer - Jack Tigner
Fundraiser Dinners for Sanford Campground
Upcoming Dinners:
TBD @ Farwell Community of Christ
Feb. 7 at Coleman Community of Christ
Mar. 27 at Bay City Community of Christ
The Woodlands318 S. Sage Lake Rd.Hale, MI 48739
The Woodlands Board
Next meeting: Sunday, Apr. 19 at 3:30pm at TBD
2020 Officers: President - Tim Ross, Vice President - Tom Banks, Secretary - Kathy Erwin,
Financial Officer - Jack Tigner
We will be getting the campground ready for Summer. We will be cleaning, training the mowing team, repairing gates and access roads and anything else that needs done. Camping is free for the weekend. All help is appreciated.
Contact Kathy Erwin (810) 614-6160 or Tim Ross (810) 730-3501 for more information.
Support The Woodlands
As decided by the mission center conference The Woodlands remains operational while listed for sale. Your generous support is needed to meet expenses. Congregations and non-profit groups are encouraged to rent the facilities. Many dates are available in 2020. Contact Kathy Erwin at (989) 473-3160 or whistler4916@gmail.com for more information or to make a reservation.
We give great appreciation to Ervin Haley for his many years of service as the treasurer/financial officer for The Woodlands Board! Contributions from congregations and individuals to support The Woodlands should now be sent to Jack Tigner, PO Box 289, Coleman, MI 48618.
Massey Ferguson 230 Tractor For Sale
The Woodlands Board is selling a Massey Ferguson 230 Tractor.
Gas engine
Wide front
Power steering
3 point hitch
Tires-excellent condition
New in 2019- clutch
950 amp battery
Starter reworked
Low hours
Good solid tractor
Contact Ervin Haley at (989) 678-4291 or ehaley@airadv.net to make an offer or ask for additional information.
World Church News
Contribution for Relief Efforts in Australia
After consulting with Australian church leadership, Community of Christ made a $7,242 AUD ($5,000 USD) contribution to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund this week on behalf of the worldwide church. "We are so grateful for the expressions of love and support received from many across the globe throughout this time," said Ben Smith, Australia Mission Centre president. "It strengthens us."
________________________________________
From the Australia Mission Centre
Friends,
The smoke is everywhere, bringing tears to our eyes; tears representing lives lost and an all-encompassing trauma across a proud nation. I sit around 450km’s away from the nearest fire and yet the air is thick, dark and has a sepia glow. Smoke has touched the lungs of people in Chile and stained ice sheets in New Zealand. Australia is a large land, yet we are all breathing the same air, the same pain, the same suffering.
We are a nation joined by a collective breathe as we gasp for answers, squinting through the blackened bushland for solutions. We are a nation connected by a generosity of heart and community effort. While the fire is on our land, it is clear that the whole world is feeling the effects with us...
Jan Kraybill’s recently released album, The Orchestral Organ, has been nominated in three Grammy categories. Kraybill is organist-in-residence at Community of Christ Headquarters, Independence, MO, USA. The Sunday, January 26, awards ceremony for these categories begins at 2:30 p.m. Central and can be viewed live on Grammy.com. Kraybill will be in the audience.
The nominations:
• Best classical instrumental solo for Kraybill’s performance
• Producer of the year, classical, for Marina A. Ledin and Victor Ledin of Reference Recordings
• Best immersive audio album for technical design by Keith O. Johnson, Marina A Ledin, and Victor Ledin of Reference Recordings. “Immersive” indicates high-quality audio, but the CD is compatible with nearly all players.
Video of the three-hour event will be available to view for 90 days on Grammy.com.
Kraybill’s recording was made on the Julia Irene Kauffman organ in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Kraybill plays and oversees the care of the Kansas City area’s three largest pipe organs: Community of Christ Auditorium’s 113-rank Aeolian-Skinner and Temple’s 102-rank Casavant, and the 102-rank Casavant at the Kauffman Center.
For many years, Kraybill was principal organist for Community of Christ. She holds a doctorate in organ performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance. In 2010 she achieved the distinction of fellow of the AGO, an organist’s highest certification level.
Kraybill also is organist at Village on Antioch Presbyterian Church, Overland Park, Kansas, USA.
A Guiding Question
In 2020, the world-wide church is invited to consider the following question: "Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful one?" We will reflect on and journey with this question from President Steve Veazey's closing message of World Conference 2019. We hope it shapes and guides us as we journey toward World Conference 2022. Watch for more opportunities to reflect on this question throughout the year! www.youtube.com/watch
Project Zion Podcast: Coffee Buzz with Linda Booth
This retreat invites all of us, whether well-practiced artist or curious beginner, to explore creativity as a source of connection with the Divine. Through guided practices with art, images, and writing, space for quiet reflection, open creative time, and joyful togetherness we will consider how creating connects us to the Creator. Previous art experience is not required for participation in this retreat! Everyone who has desire to explore their spirituality through creative expression is welcome and encouraged to attend.
THIS RETREAT DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED to MARCH 20-22, 2020!
Cost: $95.00 (includes all meals and materials)
Registration by March 1, 2020: cofchrist.wufoo.com/forms/z1s6zzqa1mqe8u4/ When: March 20-22, 2020
Where: Community of Christ International Headquarters (The Temple) 1001 W. Walnut St. Independence, MO 64050
For more information contact: cofchrist.org/ +1 (816) 833-1000 xt. 2393
Retreat Co-Facilitators: Brittany Longsdorf and Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
December 2019 Financial Update
In the December 2019 financial update the Presiding Bishopric shared details about the church’s current economic situation and other information from the 7 December meeting of the World Church Finance Board. The next financial board report will be in May 2020.
Learn more at www.cofchrist.org/financial-updates.
• Read the full report.
• Review the Q&A document.
Reunion Resources for 2020
Community of Christ members and friends often gather in fellowship and learning experiences called reunion or family camp. This relaxed and casual atmosphere provides space for spiritual growth, personal discernment, incredible amounts of fun, deeper commitment, new and renewed relationships, and so much more!
In 2020 we continue our journey with the theme “Living Jesus…Living Peace.” Plan now to join a camp to explore the question, “Why Jesus, Why Now?”. Walk the road to Emmaus again and live into the gospel stories of Jesus’ life.
Recent and ongoing conversations with current reunion directors have helped to shape our experiences. Direct suggestions, ideas, comments, and questions regarding reunion resources to Susan Naylor (snaylor@cofchrist.org), 2020 Reunion project coordinator.
2020 Theme: “Living Jesus…Living Peace”
Daily Themes
• On the Way
• Living Jesus Today
• The Audacity of Shalom
• Toward the Peaceful One
• Living Hope
Learn more at www.cofchrist.org/reunion-resources-2020
Congregation News
Special Evening Service at Brighton! 1/26 @ 5:00PM
The Brighton Congregation is hosting a special evening service this Sunday, January 26th starting at 5:00PM. If you are in the area (or like to travel), we would welcome you to join us as we risk something new. See www.cofchristbrightonmi.org for our location.
Cornish House Information
The Cornish House is a ministry of the Ann Arbor Congregation providing housing for individuals and their friends or family members receiving medical care at the University of Michigan health system. Address: 514 W. Jefferson, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Contact: Sharon Noffsinger at noff@umich.edu or 734-645-7967 with any questions or to ask about availability. The Cornish House is not handicap accessible. There are three bedrooms available (two rooms have two single beds and one room has one bed). A bathroom is available on the second floor with a stall shower. The first floor has a kitchen with usual appliances including microwave, coffee maker, and toaster and fully furnished dining and living rooms. There is no food provided at the house, no laundry, no Wi-Fi or cable TV connection. Visitors can park in the driveway between the church and house. All linens are provided.
The Cornish House is a ministry of the Ann Arbor Congregation providing housing for individuals and their friends or family members receiving medical care at the University of Michigan health system.
Address: 514 W. Jefferson, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact: Sharon Noffsinger at noff@umich.edu or 734-645-7967 with any questions or to ask about availability.
The Cornish House is not handicap accessible. There are three bedrooms available (two rooms have two single beds and one room has one bed). A bathroom is available on the second floor with a stall shower. The first floor has a kitchen with usual appliances including microwave, coffee maker, and toaster and fully furnished dining and living rooms. There is no food provided at the house, no laundry, no Wi-Fi or cable TV connection. Visitors can park in the driveway between the church and house. All linens are provided.
Interim Northview Location
Mark your calendar now for the Farwell Community of Christ's Annual Christmas Bazaar! 20% of All proceeds will be donated to Harley Jean Crawford! The Annual Farwell Community of Christ Christmas Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, November 11th. Come and enjoy a nice selection of baked goods, candies, crafts, quilts and gift items from 9 am to 3 pm. A soup and salad buffet will also be available for your generous donation from 11 am to 1 pm. See flyer at the following link for additional information: drive.google.com/open
Northview Community of Christ is currently meeting on Sundays at 1120 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Worship takes place at 9:45am and Sunday School at 11:00am. The congregation has been blessed by the generosity of St. Jude Catholic Church to allow them space to gather for the coming months at no cost.
The Northview Community of Christ congregation in Michigan sustained serious damage due to a fire that was reported on Monday, November 12. No injuries were reported. Assessment of the extent of the damage is underway. The congregation will not be able to host worship or activities in the building at this time. The Northview congregation appreciates your prayers and support during this difficult time.
Fire officials suspect the blaze may have been intentionally started and law enforcement is investigating. If you have any information regarding the fire, please contact the sheriff’s office at (616) 632-6100 or call the arson prevention hotline at 1-800-44-ARSON. Members should refer any media inquiries to Dan Nowiski at dnowiski@CofChrist.org or (989) 506-1843.
