We hope you like the look and feel of our new communication tool which replaces Church Updates for Leaders. This newsletter will be emailed weekly and as well, any announcements will be sent separately. Your subscription will keep you informed with all CEM news and information. Be sure to send submissions toinfocem@communityofchrist.ca.
In this newsletter (click on link to jump to selected article):
Forward to a Friend
Now you can forward this newsletter to your friends and let them know about the exciting things that are happening in Canada East Mission. Be sure to add a personal message encouraging them to subscribe to our weekly mailing.
Message from CEM President
From Kerry Richards, CEM President
We will remember with deep emotional feeling these days of the unknown unfolding into almost every corner of our lives. There is fear, anxiety and separation. Some of us have family right beside us and some of us are alone.
My family, all in Florida until yesterday experienced some feelings of desperation for several days to somehow get back to Canada ahead of scheduled flights. Everywhere we called, emailed had no live person answering. Even at the airport there was no attendant anywhere who could help us.
Click here to read the remainder of Kerry's message>>>>
Registration for CEM Conference Retreat Now Open!
Now is the time to think ahead to better days, to a time when we will be able to gather again; embrace each other; live, laugh and work together.
Plan to be at the CEM Conference Weekend Retreat at Ziontario August 28-30. Apostle Ron Harmon will be our special guest along with Apostle Art Smith (you can read more about the weekend plans here). Activities are being planned for all ages. 03/19
In response to the closing of our churches due to the Corona virus situation, I felt compelled to send this song out that Jesus wrote through me in a time that I was feeling lonely and missing my church family. This message brought me back to where I should be many times.
This song keeps me going in life situations. I pray it brings comfort to you as well as we spend this time away from each other.
Click here for the words to: "I'm Always with You">>>> 03/19
None of Us Walks Alone in These Troubled Times
The USA Team of the Council of Twelve offers a message regarding the effect of COVID-19. Please share with those you think would benefit from these words of support. 03/19
Copyright and Online Content
CopyrightIn this video you will learn about the use of online copyright material and posting or streaming content online.
The Online Content section of our website will provide additional information and resources. 03/19
Announcing Expansion of Master of Arts in Religion
Big news!
Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University is officially offering an MAR with three concentrations! Check out the videoto help get the word out and draw people into a life changing experience at the Seminary! 03/12
Reunion Resources Now Available
Reunion 2020 materials are available, posted onlineand in the resource database. PDFs for adult, youth and children's materials are available, plus worship and sharing services. This year's adult lessons are based on A Way of Life: Understanding Our Christian Faith by Tony Chvala-Smith. The book is available through Herald House. While the book is currently sold out, it's being reprinted and will be available this month. Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship also is frequently mentioned.
Use of the PDFs is free, but a fee is charged for the books. 03/12
Lent and Easter Photos Requested
During Lent and Easter this year, we’d like you to capture your memories in photos and send them to us for possible use in next year’s Herald and on www.CofChrist.org. Photos should be a least 1 megabyte, though bigger is better. Please include the photographer’s name, the event, and the location. Send photos to Herald@CofChrist.org. Thank you! 03/12
COVID-19 Related Updates
Our landscape is shifting daily. As of March 13th, we are advised by the First Presidency:
"After considering many factors, the First Presidency advises congregations and mission centers to suspend church gatherings such as worship services, meals, conferences, funerals, and other group activities in response to the projected spread of the COVID‐19 virus."
Click here to read "COVID-19 & the Church">>>> 03/19
Upcoming eLearning Registration (Green Session)
Our "Green Session" of classes will open for Canadian enrollment March 9. Please ensure this information gets into the right hands for communicating to your congregations:
Enrollment Information for eLearning Classes:
The following credit classes will open for a limited enrollment March 13-April 3:
Ministry of the Teacher (MP303): 6-weeks, April 4 - May 15
Introduction to Scripture (SS400): 8-weeks, April 4-May 29
Ministry with Latter-day Seekers: 4-weeks, April 4-May 1
Children and Youth Worker Core Training: Complete at own pace - Class open April 4-July 7
Class cost is $7.50 and should be paid before class via check to:
Attention: Melissa Freer
Community of Christ
355 Elmira Road North, Unit 129
Guelph, ON N1K 1S5
To enroll, go to developmetrics.org and click on the "Canadian Registration Form."
Grand Valley is a great community, and we are active with the other churches in the village through the Ministerial team. We plan community services for Good Friday, fall fair Sunday, Christmas and other events.
On Sunday, Feb 23rd, our congregation reached out once again. Community of Christ acted as the host, organized the service and invited the community. The Presbyterian and United Church were involved. It was a special day to honour First Responders of the community. Special messages were brought by a Paramedic, Fire Chief and OPP, all in their uniforms. Many of the Grand Valley firefighters also attended.
The service was well attended. The church was full and a potluck lunch followed (all contributing). The offering for the day was given to the Grand Valley Fire Department to purchase blankets and other necessities. Did I mention, we had 102 at our service? We were certainly blessed! Many of our congregation participated and all were blessed in the outreach. We thank Joanne Everson for having a dream to provide this service to the Grand Valley community. 03/05
Mission Funding March Newsletter
Message from Your Mission Funding Team
Lent is a journey of discovery. It's an opportunity to empty space in our lives to make room for Christ. It's a chance to reflect on how we follow Christ in a more generous and authentic manner.
Generosity is a muscle that needs to be flexed - a habit that needs to be practised. Lent is the perfect opportunity to begin. The goal is not to do occasional heroic acts but to become the kind of people who naturally do generous things ... who embed generosity as a virtue in our lives. May our Lenten journeys lead us to rediscover the overflowing love of God and in response, renew our commitment to live more generously as together we create God's vision of Shalom for all.
Onward!
Stassi Cramm Dar Shepherdson
Presiding Bishop Bishop of Canada
Click here to learn of news from around the globe and information about upcoming events.
This week:
Church, Congregations, NGO Help in Eruption's Aftermath - help for some residents of the Batangas province in the area south of Manila, Philippines to recover from the eruption of the Taal volcano
Year-end Financial Report for 2019 - Supporting the mission of Community of ChristInternational Youth Forum Dates
Exploring Creativity as a Spiritual Practice - A spiritual retreat exploring the intersection of creativity and spirituality, March 20-22, Independence, MO
Nobel Peace Nominee to Speak at Temple - Priest John Dear will present “The Nonviolent Path as Illuminated by Jesus,” 2-4:00 p.m., 8 March.
And much more! 02/27
Introduction to Spiritual Formation
A MEADS Course
April 27-May 1 via Zoom
$30 / person
Instructor: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
What is spiritual formation? Henri Nouwen writes that spiritual formation is “about the movements from the mind to the heart that re-unite us with God, each other, and our truest selves.” M. Robert Mulholland describes spiritual formation as “the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” While spiritual formation is one of the oldest sources of wisdom in the Christian tradition, it is experiencing fresh popularity in contemporary society as many leave behind institutional expressions of “the church” seeking sacred community and connection in new ways. Within the church, the contemplative tradition is bringing fresh life, energy, vitality, and depth to existing disciples and congregations.
In this course, we will explore the rich tradition of Christian spiritual formation and discern its application for our own lives and contexts. We will explore ancient practices through the lens of an emerging postmodern worldview and will experience invitations to a life of wholeness, integrity, and connection with God, others, self, and creation.
Click here for complete outline and all the course requirements>>>>
Contact Melissa Freer to register. Class size is limited to 25 people. 02/20
Budgeting for CEM Conference Retreat
Our second annual CEM Conference Retreat will be held
August 28-30, at Ziontario
Last year’s event was definitely a hit. This year we hope to make our weekend gathering even more spectacular. By adjusting our date, we will be able to capitalize on warmer weather for outdoor activities including use of the swimming pool. Look forward to hearing about an expanded program of activities in the near future.
Special guests will include Apostle Ron Harmon, President of Seventy John Glaser and our Apostle Art Smith. It will be a weekend for spiritual connection, rekindling friendships, discussions about general, pertinent church issues, and of course, deliberation on CEM specific business.
In order to help make the event cost effective...
Click here to find out how aToonie a week can make a difference and how your congregation can help make the retreat affordable>>>> 02/20
Explore Eight Religions in Four Days
September 24-27
Toronto
Registration: $390 includes meals, course guide and site visits.
Encounter World Religions will host a rich immersion into Baha'i, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Mormonism, Unitarianism and Christianity. Take in excellent classes, meals and camaraderie, while travelling to places of worship where you will encounter these communities, speak with leaders, and observe rituals.
Click here to register>>>>
Spaces are limited. 02/20
One day Connection Retreat, Barrie
Contact Troy Roach, 519.404.3357
March 28
One day Connection Retreat, Brydges St. Congregation, London 8:30-5, https://www.cofchristbrydges.ca/practices.html
CANCELLED
April 25
Oshawa Creating Connection & Meaningful Activities - Premiere Film Screening of the Award Winning Documentary "Erasing Family", 7 pm, Qualped Creative Collective, 22 King Street West, 3rd floor, Oshawa
This is a link to a great video produced by the Community of Christ that everyone should see.To those seeking a spiritual home, Community of Christ is a welcoming, loving, worldwide faith community that values the worth of every person as a child of God, and provides a safe space for you to explore and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and each other.
In Community of Christ, you will receive love and support as you discover renewed purpose for your life through compassionate, Christ-like service that ends suffering and fosters justice and peace.