Registration Update:

Over 60 campers have already registered for 2020 summer camps.  Invite a friend and encourage them to register for camp this summer!

Events this week:

There are no mission center events scheduled for the coming week. 

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, Feb. 22 - 10:00am at Waterford Community of Christ.
Facilitator: Cynthia Omans

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

TBD - Southwest MI
Facilitator: Kevin Anderson

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.

Bread for the World - 2020 Offering of Letters

2020 Offering of Letters to Congress: Better Nutrition, Better Tomorrow

Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters to Congress engages churches, campuses, and other faith communities in writing personalized letters to Congress. Each year, for the focus of the campaign, we choose specific legislation or a legislative emphasis that can make a real difference to people struggling with hunger and poverty.

People write letters, usually as a group, and present them as an offering to God before mailing them to Congress. Hundreds of Offerings are held each year, resulting in tens of thousands of letters to Congress. Supported with prayer, these letters are a bold witness to God’s justice and mercy. Year after year, they continue to have a significant impact on the decisions made in Congress.

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.
 

Lenten Fast 2020 - Plastic

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

Into to Scripture, SS 400, will be held at the Crossroads Congregation at 3615 Mertz Rd. (M24) on Sat. Feb., 15 and Sat. Feb., 22 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Order your book from Herald House, bring a lunch and we'll see you then! Vicki Beebe will be the guide through this class.

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 can be directed to Winnie Johnston, Youth Camp Coordinator, at (231) 340-1849.

Summer camp for young adults ages 

This is an event held at Blue Water Campground, Lexington, Michigan, USA. It is sponsored by Michigan Mission Center, Canada East Mission Centre, Mid-Atlantic Mission Center and Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center.

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 $40 USD.

Post in the group (click the image above) or contact Linda with questions at linda@cofchristmi.org

Register for 2020 Family Camps

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!

Housing at the campgrounds is limited. Applications received by Mar. 15 will be considered following the mission center policy on housing. Notification of housing assignments will be sent by Mar. 30.

Family Camp at Sanford Campground – June 26 to July 1, 2020
Directors: Erica Nye, Adam Bouvertte, Dan Nowiski
Guest Ministers: Charmaine & Tony Chvala-Smith, Community of Christ Seminary and Theology

Family Camp at Blue Water Campground – June 27 to July 4, 2020
Director: Tim Ross
Guest Minister: John Wight, Senior President of Seventy

Family Camp at Park of the Pines – July 10 to 17, 2020
Director: Ruth White
Guest Minister: Scott Murphy, First Presidency

Family Camp at The Woodlands – July 29 to August 2, 2020
Directors: Kevin White & Lori White
Guest Minister: Mike Hoffman, Graceland University Campus Minister

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.

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.

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.

Detroit Hope

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 ministries in the past!

Mission center officers are administering the Detroit Hope Emerging Congregation at this time.  Please contact Dan Nowiski if you have questions or would like to be involved with this ministry.

Campground Sales Update - November 2019

Blue Water Campground Board

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 Pines Campground Board

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.

Update: Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for your donations during or 100 People Who Care Campaign from July through December 2019. During the campaign $6,200 was raised for the Park Endowment Fund! This is amazing for our first 6 months of fundraising. The Endowment Board has approved $1,100 to be provided to the Park thereby meeting the goal of the Endowment! This is awesome and we are delighted to be able to make this payment.
We will be holding an annual 100 People Who Care campaign, so please consider an annual donation to the Endowment Fund so we can continue to grow the balance and increase funding to the Park. You don't need to wait for the campaign to begin - simply make a donation when you are able, or, consider a small monthly donation if you cannot make a lump sum donation. Click on this link for more information.winnie-bill.wixsite.com/park-of-the-pines/endowment-fund

Again, thank-you!!!

Young Adult Weekend

What: Weekend for Young Adults
When: March 6-8, 2020
Where: Park of the Pines
How Much: $55
Join us for a weekend of relaxation, games, food, some community service and even a fun class or two. Noelle Gaffka will be joining us as our guest. Sponsored by the Inland Congregation

To register please contact Isaac Mead-Renius (623) 205-8039.

Sanford Campground Board

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 Woodlands Campground Board

Memorial Weekend Clean-Up

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. Or visit the Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/events/1009358322777812/

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.

A Guiding Question

Join the Conversation. During 2020, the worldwide church is invited to journey with this guiding question: “Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful one?”

As we dive into World Conference Resolution 1319 this question can help us begin conversations to"discuss the role nonviolence plays in the pursuit of 'peace on and for the Earth' (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church."

Current resources to study and discuss include:
• Short introductory video
• Podcast episode with Stassi Cramm
• Herald article series (first article is posted online
• Elements of the 2020 Reunion materials (posting in mid-February)
Watch social media throughout the year for more opportunities to explore this question!

Take Our Lesson Series Survey

Attention pastors, Christian education directors, and Sunday school teachers: Please complete a short online survey seeking feedback for the downloadable Community of Christ Lesson Series. Your responses help shape the direction for future lesson sets for children, youth, and adults. Please respond by February 28. www.surveymonkey.com/r/T2P5RH3

Note: You may be invited to participate in a demographic survey conducted by Survey Monkey after submitting your responses to the lesson series survey.  This second survey is not required and is not sponsored by or shared with Community of Christ.

Art & Soul: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice

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.

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

2020 Reunion Resources

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

Young Peacemakers Club

A Young Peacemakers Club sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Community of Christ for youth in grades 1-6 will meet the 2nd Saturday of each month from 1:00-3:30pm. Focuses will be on peace for me, peace for us, peace for everyone, peace for the planet. Activities may include bible study, meditation, games, crafts, snacks

Meeting locations:
Feb. 8 - Bay City Community of Christ
Mar. 14 - Farwell Community of Christ
Apr. 11 - Coleman Community of Christ
May 9 - Mt. Pleasant Community of Christ

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.

Interim Northview Location

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.