Nov. 22, 2024 Peace and Justice Series: Swords into Plowshares

“Swords into Plowshares” is the first installment in our Peace and Justice Issues Series from Pacific Southwest International Mission Center. The resource is designed to be used by congregations to shape discussion around important issues of peace and justice. Each issue in the series will explore a different peace and justice topic.  

Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson, who is working towards a Master of Arts degree in Peace and Social Transformation from Community of Christ Seminary / Graceland University, is available to meet with congregations online or in person to lead discussions based on the resources. As additional resources are released, we will feature them here in the update. Feel free to contact Glenn at gjohnson@cofchrist-psi.org if you have any questions or would like to get Glenn on your schedule.

En Español

A medida que formulamos un programa de ministerios de paz y justicia para el centro de misiones, una serie de estrategias y enfoques están entrando en foco para nuestros esfuerzos de paz y justicia en el Centro Internacional de Misiones del Suroeste del Pacífico. Todos estos se basan en la vida y las enseñanzas de Jesucristo. La semana pasada, en la actualización, incluimos un enlace a un nuevo enfoque que llamamos la "Serie de Problemas de Paz y Justicia". Estos están diseñados como recursos congregacionales.

Los recursos incorporarán el Modelo de Concienciación, Defensa y Acción, que es un modelo común para las actividades de paz y justicia. Los pacificadores participan en la creación de conciencia, abogan por el cambio y toman medidas que conducen a un futuro más pacífico.

La serie se basa en una Fundación de Principios Duraderos. Los nueve principios duraderos de la Comunidad de Cristo guiarán nuestra exploración de cuestiones y decisiones para la programación de paz y justicia. Como recordatorio, los nueve principios duraderos son:

Gracia y generosidad.

Sacridad de la Creación.

Revelación continua.

Valor de todas las personas.

Todos están llamados.

Elecciones responsables.

Búsqueda de la paz (Shalom).

Unidad en Diversidad.

Y bendiciones de la comunidad.

También estamos prestando atención a las Seis Lentes para Entender la Voluntad de Dios introducidas por el Presidente Veazey hace varios años. Elegir las mejores vías y enfoques para el ministerio de paz y justicia implica discernir la voluntad de Dios para nuestro ministerio congregacional y las prioridades del centro de misión. Como recordatorio, las Seis Lentes para Descubrir la Voluntad de Dios son:

Razón y conocimiento.

Tradición.

Experiencia personal y comunitaria.

Revelación continua.

Escritura.

Y consentimiento común.

Debajo de este vídeo, proporcionamos un enlace. Recientemente lanzamos Swords into Plowshares como la primera entrega de nuestra serie Peace and Justice Issues. La serie está diseñada para proporcionar un breve documento de estudio que se puede utilizar para explorar e introducir cuestiones de paz y justicia en un entorno congregacional. A medida que construimos este recurso, también esperamos proporcionar una presentación de PowerPoint para acompañar el resumen del tema, así como una guía de estudio para adultos para el libro The Nonviolent God de J. Denny Weaver, así que mira la actualización para obtener recursos adicionales en el tema Swords Into Plowshares, así como nuevos temas que seguirán en la serie.

Invito al liderazgo congregacional a que se ponga en contacto conmigo para que pueda visitar su congregación en persona o a través de Zoom para ayudar a presentar estos recursos. Que seas continuamente bendecido en el nombre de Jesús, el pacífico. ¡Paz!

English Transcript

As we formulate a peace and justice ministries program for the mission center, a number of strategies and approaches are coming into focus for our peace and justice efforts in Pacific Southwest International Mission Center. All of these are founded in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Last week in the update, we included a link to a new approach we’re calling the “Peace and Justice Issues Series.” These are designed as congregational resources.

The resources will incorporate the Awareness, Advocacy, and Action Model, which is a common model for peace and justice activities. Peacemakers engage in awareness building, advocate for change, and take actions that lead to a more peaceful future.

The series is based on an Enduring Principles Foundation. The nine enduring principles of Community of Christ will guide our exploration of issues and decisions for peace and justice programming. As a reminder, the nine enduring principles are:

Grace and Generosity.

Sacredness of Creation.

Continuing Revelation.

Worth of All Persons.

All Are Called.

Responsible Choices.

Pursuit of Peace (Shalom).

Unity in Diversity.

and Blessings of Community.

We are also paying attention to the Six Lenses for Understanding God’s Will introduced by President Veazey several years ago. Choosing the best avenues and approaches for peace and justice ministry involves discernment of God’s will for our congregational ministry and mission center priorities. As a reminder, the Six Lenses for Discovering God’s Will are:

Reason and Knowledge.

Tradition.

Personal and Community Experience.

Continuing Revelation.

Scripture.

and Common Consent.

Below this video, we are providing a link. We recently released Swords into Plowshares as the first installment in our Peace and Justice Issues Series. The series is designed to provide a brief study document that can be used to explore and introduce peace and justice issues in a congregational setting. As we build out this resource, we also expect to provide a PowerPoint presentation to accompany the issue brief as well as an adult study guide for the book The Nonviolent God by J. Denny Weaver, so watch the update for additional resources in the Swords Into Plowshares topic as well as new topics that will follow in the series.

I invite congregational leadership to contact me so that I may visit your congregation in person or via Zoom to help introduce these resources. May you continually be blessed in the name of Jesus, the peaceful One. Peace!

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PSI Mission Center Conference - November 23, 2024

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Attached is the brochure for our upcoming conference.

We have tried to provide relevant financial reports as well as budget documents to make informed decisions during the conference. Also, the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for Camp Buckhorn is another critical decision to be made by the conference. We are blessed by those who have volunteered to be considered as well as those who have accepted invitations to be appointed to serve on the board.

You are invited to connect and participate in the conference beginning at 10:30 a.m. Pacific. Join in the decision-making experience!

Follow the buttons below to view the conference packet and to join via Zoom.

Continued blessings,

Larry McGuire
Mission Center President
Community of Christ Pacific Southwest International Mission Center

ATTN: Young Adults: Join The Circle!

Calling all young adults and youth/young adult leaders!

Parker Johnson, PSI Communications Specialist has created a new online community for young adults called The Circle.

This space is intended to provide young adults- as well as leaders working with youth and young adults- with a “third space” to gather.

“Third space” is a sociological term and essentially refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place").

The Circle is intended to be a space for networking, socializing, theologizing, planning, collaborating, mentorship, and even asking if you can crash on someone’s couch while you’re on a road trip.

Community of Christ members are some of the kindest, most generous people many of us have ever met, and one of the most valuable aspects of membership/affiliation with the church is access to its passionate people.

A few housekeeping items to be completely transparent from Parker:

🆓 This space is 100% FREE.
🌳 The Circle is an initiative offered by Cottonwood Creative, a cross-border marketing agency I started in 2021. I use my agency’s resources to give back wherever I can to social impact organizations and my own denomination: Community of Christ.

If you'd like to join, just complete the form to get started!

Peace and Justice Series: Swords into Plowshares

“Swords into Plowshares” is the first installment in our Peace and Justice Issues Series from Pacific Southwest International Mission Center. The resource is designed to be used by congregations to shape discussion around important issues of peace and justice. Each issue in the series will explore a different peace and justice topic.  

Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson, who is working towards a Master of Arts degree in Peace and Social Transformation from Community of Christ Seminary / Graceland University, is available to meet with congregations online or in person to lead discussions based on the resources. As additional resources are released, we will feature them here in the update. Feel free to contact Glenn at gjohnson@cofchrist-psi.org if you have any questions or would like to get Glenn on your schedule.

2024 Women's Retreat Recap

Women’s Retreat | October 26-27, 2024 | Buckhorn Campground

Twenty-five women gathered at Buckhorn to experience a Cup of Calm. We choose the theme Cup of Calm based on the perceived need for women to come together and experience peace and rest at our sacred Buckhorn Campground. Shauna welcomed everyone registering with a collection of mugs filled with chocolate, small notebooks, and custom bookmarks as gifts to be taken home.  

Breaking with tradition, we started the retreat on Saturday morning with a do-it-yourself brunch with ziplock omelettes, muffins, and oatmeal. The afternoon was free to hike, visit with friends, participate in crafts, read or relax. There were multiple crafts available including Cup of Calm creations. Tea cups, coffee cups, shells, small rocks, small pine cones, and artificial flowers were available to those interested in creating their own Cup of Calm. 

Saturday night after dinner we gathered and sang our favorite hymns. Sunday morning we concluded our retreat with a Communion service followed by lunch.

Saturday and Sunday, Sharon McClain offered small groups the opportunity to participate in Forest Therapy walks. Sharon has become certified in this type of therapy and it was very well received.

The feedback from those in attendance was very positive. Everyone enjoyed the relaxed and unscheduled times that allowed visiting and sharing and the awareness of the Holy Spirit blessing us. 

Marsha, Shaunna, & Denise

See photo below of the Cup of Calm craft activity.

A Conversation With the Women PeaceMakers

Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson is inviting interested persons to join him at the following event. Please email Glenn at gjohnson@cofchrist-psi.org if you are planning to attend the event. 

 

A Conversation With the Women PeaceMakers

EVENT DETAILS: 

Date and Time

  • Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location

Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Peace and Justice Theatre at the University of San Diego

Cost

Free

Details

Learn from three changemakers building peace in their communities around the world at the annual Women PeaceMakers event, hosted by the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. A reception with light refreshments and snacks will follow the main event.

This year's Women PeaceMakers include:

Dr. Bochra Laghssais is a Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies specializing in Peace, Conflict, and Development at Jaume I University in Spain. Her extensive research focuses on the adversities, vulnerabilities, agency, and empowerment of Amazigh Indigenous women in Morocco and in the diaspora, and she has collaborated with organizations such as the U.S. Peace Corps Morocco and Project Soar Morocco on girls' education and empowerment.

Dr. Mariia Levchenko is an esteemed peacebuilder and international affairs expert, recognized for her pivotal contributions with the 2023 Luxembourg Peace Prize. Currently serving as the Project Manager at the Berghof Foundation, she specializes in social cohesion work in Ukraine and peacebuilding in Ethiopia. Dr. Levchenko's work, spanning over a decade, focuses on dialogue facilitation, strategic planning, and empowering civil society across multiple continents.

Temi Mwale is evolving visions for racial equity, community healing and transformative justice. Rooted in the fight for liberation, her work as a community organizer, educator, and artist is an uncompromising commitment to abolition, reparations, and collective care. Temi is the founder of 4FRONT, a community-led youth organization on a mission to heal communities by building peace, knowledge and power. For over a decade, Temi has driven grassroots change in her neighbourhood while connecting communities across the UK and globally. Her mission goes beyond dismantling oppressive systems; she strives to build a world that uplifts, empowers and heals those most affected. Her storytelling—through writing, poetry, documentaries, and public speaking— reveals the deep scars of systemic harm, urging people to confront injustice while inspiring hope and action for transformation. At the heart of her work is the commitment to defining what true justice, healing, and repair look like for the community.

This event is free and open to the public.

Check-in begins at 5:30 PM. Theater seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please factor in 15 minutes to walk or take the tram from the West Parking Structure to the theater.

Since 2002, the Women PeaceMakers Fellowship at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice has brought together peacebuilders from around the world. Together with partners, the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice develops and champions evidence-based, justice-centered solutions to ending cycles of violence. 

Find directions, parking and other details online here.

Questions? Accessibility needs? Email ipj@sandiego.edu.

Sponsor(s)

PSI Youth - Let's Gather with SPMC Youth for a Christmas Retreat!

Make plans to join with SPMC youth at Happy Valley Conference Center December 6 - 8 for their annual Christmas Youth Retreat! This is for youth grades 6 - 12 and the cost for PSI youth is $150/camper + the cost of transportation.

Contact Clayton Troxell at ctroxell@cofchrist-psi.org if you are interested! Register with SPMC using the button below.

Peace and Justice Minister Visits Las Vegas Congregation

Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson supported the Las Vegas Congregation for their Communion Worship and Congregational Conference on Sunday, October 3. 

Click the photos below to enlarge.

Photo 1. Glenn’s message focused on peace using the theme “The Kin-Dom of God Belongs to Children”.

Photo 2. Pastor Ed Van Meter shows the Peace Pathway to Glenn Johnson. At the center of the circular walk in front of the church is a beautiful olive tree symbolizing peace. 

Generosity Cycle 2024

This Sunday begins our annual exploration of the Generosity Cycle. Each year, we consider our relationship to God’s generosity through this practice which leads us into the Advent season. Over the next six weeks, the worship resources will provide guidance for congregations to focus on generosity in worship through the four phases of the Generosity Cycle: Invite, Discover, Respond, and Reflect. These themes provide a context to more deeply understand our giving as an important aspect of discipleship.

I would encourage congregational leaders to utilize these materials in your experiences of worship over the next six weeks, and to consider personal exploration through readings in the Daily Bread. (https://cofchrist.org/daily-bread/#!/)

Additional information about the Generosity Cycle can be found here — https://cofchrist.org/generosity-cycle/

Register for Fall B CIMM Sessions

Upcoming Online Classes through CIMM:

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through the Graceland University/Community of Christ Seminary has opened the following classes for enrollment:

Fall B (October 21 - December 15):

  • Introduction to Scripture: $25

  • Ministry of the Deacon: $25

  • Children and Youth Worker Core Training: $25 (no CEU credit)

  • Chirstian Ministry Certificate Course: Community of Christ Theology (with Adam Bouverette): $100

Most classes include non-degreed continuing credits. To enroll or for more information on these classes and the certificate programs, please visit our website at: www.graceland.edu/CIMM

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RECAP: Redwoods Peace Colloquy In Review by Glenn Johnson

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Click any image below to enlarge.

Redwoods Peace Colloquy Focuses on Racism and Gun Violence

The theme for the recently concluded 2024 Redwoods Peace Colloquy held in Washington D.C. from September 6-9 was “Racism and Gun Violence: People of God Respond.” Sponsored by the Sierra Pacific Mission Center of Community of Christ, the colloquy was a rich experience that combined lectures from representatives of the Brady Campaign and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), a worship with the message brought by our Apostle, Shandra Newcom, an Interfaith Unity Walk, a devotion at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and more.

A highlight for many came on the final day when participants in the colloquy met with staff members from the House and Senate to ask for various forms of action to end gun violence. The California delegation met with Carson Cameron of Rep. Kevin Kiley’s office (R-CA03). Our California delegation was so large we had to meet with the Congressman’s representative in the hallway of the Longworth House Office Building. Knowing that the congressman had a 100% rating from the NRA, requests for an assault weapon ban or other gun regulations would have been futile.

Our delegation instead focused on a request for funding of “violence interrupter” programs. I explained that a study by John Hopkins University has found that Community Violence Intervention Programs, such as the Maryland Safe Streets initiative can reduce violent gun crimes and other violent crimes by more than 30%. The Friends Committee on National Legislation recommended asking for at least $70 million in funding for this program. These programs focus on increased mental health program utilization among target populations at risk for carrying out acts of violence. In addition, they fund nonviolence events; bring the criminal justice community into relationship at schools and other at-risk locations; help at-risk individuals with IDs and documents; and provide social services referrals.

Our request was an attempt to find common ground with a member of congress to help end gun violence in what has been described by some as a time of disunity and hyper-partisanship. Follow-up is being managed by Sierra Pacific Mission Center President Ruth Seagraves who is a voter in Rep. Kevin Kiley’s district.

Glenn Johnson
Peace and Justice Minister
Pacific Southwest International Mission Center

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2024 Advent Theme and Details

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THEME

The Advent 2024 theme is "Hope is Near."

FOCUS TEXT

The focus text for Advent 2024 is the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55.

Mary’s song of praise to God, the Magnificat, is joyful and prophetic, a sharp confrontation to systems that destroy and oppress, and a hopeful vision for the future. Empowered by the sacred life forming within her, she dares to envision the world as it can be. We are invited to join Mary this Advent Season; in joyful anticipation of what is to come, singing a resistance song against the forces of division and destruction around us as we birth God’s future into being!

RESOURCES

Use these resources as you journey through the season of Advent. 

  • Download the Advent Devotion for Families and Households. Coming soon!

  • View Advent Worship Helps and Lessons for All Ages. Coming soon!

  • Subscribe to Daily Bread for daily Advent reflections.

  • Follow Community of Christ on Instagram and Facebook for reflective content for the season.

WEEKLY THEMES

  • 1 December 2024—Joy Before Us

  • 8 December 2024—Love Overflows

  • 15 December 2024—The Lord is Near (Hope)

  • 22 December 2024—The Magnificat: A Vision of Justice

USA Apostles Release Letter on Gun Violence

USA Team of Apostles Releases Statement in Solidarity with National Gun Violence Awareness Day (June 7)

Friends,

The USA Team of Apostles has released the following statement on gun violence. Please consider how your congregation can faithfully adopt some of the suggestions contained in the letter. Thank you.

Peace,

Glenn Johnson
Mission Center President
Community of Christ Pacific Southwest Int’l Mission Center

INPUT NEEDED: DRAFT Statement on Nonviolence

Draft Statement on Nonviolence

 

Since the 2019 World Conference, the church has explored nonviolence in response to WCR 1319, utilizing the alternative common-consent process.  At the 2023 World Conference, delegates addressed the question: Should the First Presidency continue to develop a statement on the role of nonviolence in the pursuit of “peace on and for the Earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church?

Given the overwhelming support from delegates, the First Presidency has crafted a draft Statement on Nonviolence. The statement is presented to the church for feedback, with a deadline of 28 February 2025. 

Your input is important. Read statement here.

You are invited to provide feedback on the “Introduction,” “Statement on Nonviolence,” and “Further Context” sections. The survey is provided in English, French, and Spanish. Choose the language of your choice in the upper-right corner of the survey available here: https://forms.office.com/r/FQcZpPzchL

In March 2025, the First Presidency will review the feedback and update all three sections as necessary. The latest versions of the “Introduction,” “Statement on Nonviolence,” and “Further Context” will be distributed to the church by 1 May 2025.

The delegates of the 2025 World Conference will consider just the section titled, “Statement on Nonviolence” using elements of the alternative common-consent process. Plan to be part of this historic experience.