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Join Us for Beach Church December 7

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We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting Beach Church on December 7. We will attend church and then go to Dave & Busters for lunch and gaming, covered by youth ministry.

The address for beach church is here, Moonlight State Beach. We will meet near the lifeguard tower and start at 10 a.m. This will be a communion service. Please bring chairs or blankets to sit on and check the weather before coming. After the 45-minute service we will chat and/or walk the beach before leaving for Dave & Buster's located at 2501 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Our reservation is at Noon. We will be able to order from a limited menu and receive $20 game cards to play!

You’re welcome to join just for the Dave and Buster’s experience if you’d like.

Please RSVP via email to Clayton Troxell, and include details about who may be joining. (In case some may want to attend and eat but maybe won’t need a game card.)

See you then!

POSTPONED: Registered Youth Worker Retreat @ Buckhorn

The Registered Youth Worker Retreat to be held at Buckhorn November 21 - 23, 2025, has been postponed to March 13 - 15, 2026.

This event will include training, talks about the value of a youth program, opportunities to share stories, how to perform a campfire, what volunteer staff get out of their involvement, and roundtable discussion about goals for the future. The cost for the weekend will be $100/person.

Santa Barbara Congregation Creates and Donates Manna Bags

The Santa Barbara Congregation is participating in the generosity journey with message and action. We created 30 manna bags with hygiene, health, and snacks for the homeless. They are being delivered to Showers of Blessings for the guests to receive these bags of love after their showers, clean socks, and laundry drop off. There is a new Neighborhood Medical Van onsite, too. We honored Seventy Arla Martindale in our time together and reflected on her generous discipleship until her last days. She will be missed, and we are grateful that we can share with others.

Final Reminder: Bylaws Survey Closes Nov. 14

Dear Members and Friends of Community of Christ,

 

We invite you to participate in an important survey about the bylaws of our church, in response to World Conference Resolution 1335. The bylaws of the church are formal rules that govern the church’s operations and decision-making processes in accordance with its mission and beliefs. Your input is essential as we consider possible updates to ensure that our governing documents as a global church reflect our shared values and vision for the future.

 

This survey offers you the opportunity to share your perspective on key aspects of our church’s structure and governance. We welcome your thoughts on topics such as World Conference delegate calculations and processes, the language we use to describe our gathered communities around the world, and how the principle of common consent is working across the church.

To help you prepare your responses, you may want to review our current bylaws using the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ngys5ca05kguy9nfzjrli/Community-of-Christ-Bylaws-2023.pdf?rlkey=nw44rvw0j8n15416nyw0028b6&st=5ek3kgac&dl=0

 

We understand that your time is valuable. You may choose to answer all the questions or focus only on the topics that matter most to you. Completing the full survey is estimated to take approximately 30 minutes. Every response will help shape a more inclusive and effective set of bylaws to guide our community in the years ahead.

 

Thank you for your willingness to share your voice and for your continued commitment to Community of Christ.

TAKE THE SURVEY
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Youth and Young Adult Leader Gathering: Nov. 21

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We’re hosting our second online Youth/Young Adult Leader Gathering—a space to connect, share, and encourage one another in ministry.

Key Details

  • Date: Friday, 21 November 2025

  • Times: 12:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. (Central USA Time) – join whichever works best

  • Where: Online via Zoom (link provided after registration)

  • Who: Leaders serving children, youth, and early young adults

  • Languages: Translation provided as needed

  • Register by: Monday, 17 November 2025

  • Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/KejzQX003Z

Your Role

  • Share this invitation with your youth and young adult leaders

  • Encourage them to register and participate

We look forward to connecting and sharing together in this ministry space!

Blessings,

Humberto Tinsman

New Online Resource for Advent and Christmas

Worship in Community of Christ takes many forms. For many, traditional gatherings continue to provide strength and connection. At the same time, new and emerging communities are discovering creative ways of coming together. 


We are excited to introduce a fresh resource designed for new expressions of gathering. When We Gather is a new resource designed to support multiple ways of gathering—whether you are worshiping in familiar settings or exploring new possibilities in homes, sanctuaries, parks, or online spaces.


Rooted in the rhythm of the Liturgical year, When We Gather follows the weekly worship themes, while offering adaptable practices for diverse contexts. The collection draws from a wide range of expressions—poetry and prayer, spiritual practices, discussion topics and activities, music, art, and ideas for children and youth—shaped differently with each season. Some pieces are deeply rooted in faith language, while others draw on everyday spiritual expressions. Together, they invite you to shape gatherings that reflect the unique spirit of your community.

October 20 - December 14, 2025 CIMM Course Offerings

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) announces the Ministry and Priesthood classes for the Fall 2025:

October 20 – December 14, 2025

  • CIMM0400 – Introduction to Scripture – Facilitator: Daniel Nowiski

  • CIMM0302 – Ministry of the Deacon – Facilitator: (TBA)

  • CIMM0450 – CYW Core Training – Facilitator: (TBA)

Students can register by visiting our website at www.graceland.edu/cimm.

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Donate to the Baja Education Fund

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It’s back to school time!

For many years we have supported youth in the Tecate and El Sauzal congregations by providing funds for school supplies and uniforms. This is beyond what we include in the mission center budget to support these congregations, and we ask for donations to meet this important need.

This year we provided funds for a total of 95 students between the two congregations, with a total cost of $24,430.

If you or your congregation would like to make a contribution to support this ministry, there are multiple ways you can do that.

  1. Make an individual donation using e-Tithing by clicking the link below and selecting “PSIMC Baja Education Fund.” https://app.securegive.com/cofchrist/pacific-southwest-international-msn-ctr-/donate/category

  2. Donate in your congregation and designate your check or envelope for “Baja Education.”

  3. Send a check to the mission center and note that it’s for Baja Education. See address below:


Community of Christ
PO Box 754
Griswold, IA 51535

These funds for education are so important in the lives of the youth in Baja. Please consider making a donation today.

FCNL Organizes Faith-Based Response to Historical Indian Boarding School Policies

FCNL Organizes Faith-Based Response to Historical Indian Boarding School Policies

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37

 

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) this year released a “Statement Supporting the Establishment of a Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States”. From the 1860s through the 1960s, U.S. federal policies mandated the assimilation of Native American children through Indian boarding schools, many of which were operated by Christian religious organizations. These policies forcibly separated children from their families and communities, punished them for speaking their languages or practicing their cultures, and often subjected them to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Tragically, many children never returned home, and numerous Native communities still do not know the fate or burial sites of their lost members. Despite good intentions cited at the time, these actions contradicted the Christian values of family unity and respect.

 

Faith-based organizations are now acknowledging their role in these historical harms and are calling for the establishment of a federal Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies. They argue that only full and transparent investigation, in partnership with Indigenous communities, can bring truth to light and begin the process of healing. The Department of the Interior has started an oversight investigation, but religious groups stress that much remains unknown and that the government’s involvement needs to be thoroughly examined and documented. The proposed commission would seek to uncover the full scope of injustices, make recommendations for addressing their enduring impacts, and support reconciliation between the federal government, faith groups, and Native communities. The full text of the letter which has been signed by many faith-based organizations is found here.

New Online Tool: USA Field Website

The USA Field now has a dedicated website for information and resources available at https://cofchristusa.org/.

The website includes:

  • Leadership Hub: Information on World Church leaders serving in the USA.

  • Engage Communities in Action: Explore relevant opportunities to engage with work being done in the USA.

  • Events: Experience faith, fellowship, and inspiration at a future USA event.

  • Statements: Messages of guidance, peace, and witness from USA apostles.

  • Ministry Resources: Links to tools to support ministry, worship and community.

VISIT WEBSITE

Online Series: Peace Perspectives

The free online lecture series, Peace Perspectives continues.

The Zoom sessions will open at 12:45 p.m. for a preliminary discussion with introductions and prayer from the host. Remaining lectures in this series:

27 September: Stassi Cramm, president-designate of the Community of Christ, will present The Role of Nonviolence in Living Christ’s Mission for International Day of Peace. 

11 October: For International Day of Women for Peace, a lecture by Sherri Kirkpatrick is anticipated but not confirmed.

1 November: For All Souls Day, A Celebration of Founders, Jim Doty will discuss Glaud Rogers, Ruma Swartzentruber will talk about her father, Ririfatu Maritanagi, and others are anticipated. 

7 December: Events planned for Human Rights Day include a Christmas Tea, with a special speaker.

Register Today for CIMM's Christian Ministries Certificate Program

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) launched the "Christian Ministries Certificate" a little over two years ago as a learning opportunity following the MEADS program at headquarters. Through the Community of Christ Seminary, students are provided a mid-point of education between the Ministry and Priesthood courses and the Seminary master's programs.

The Christian Ministries Certificate provides seminary-vetted instructors in a community of learners online covering the following topics:

  • Introduction to Christian Theology

  • Peace and Justice

  • Spiritual Formation

  • New Testament

  • Hebrew Scriptures

  • Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture

  • Ministries of the Church

  • Missional Leadership

  • Community of Christ Theology

  • Practical Ministry

  • World Religions

  • ...and more to come

Completion of any 10 classes awards the certificate, which can be presented at a Mission Center conference. Students take one course per 8-week period on their own weekly schedule. Summers are off for the camping season. If a student misses a class, they can choose to take another later on.

We encourage you to consider ministers in your area and proactivly approach individuals who may not only benefit their personal ministry, but bring expanded understanding to your mission center leadership. Some mission centers have chosen to subsidise the $100 fee of the classes for some ministers.

Students who wish to enroll should do so by starting with any upcoming Christian Ministries class. We are starting our second round of these courses August 25 with Dr. David Anderson teaching the "Christian Theology" class.

Visit our website, www.graceland.edu/cimm for more information on the Christian Ministries Certificate and registration. Please let me know if you have any questions about this ministerial leadership program, or any other CIMM learning opportunity.

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!

JOIN THE CIRCLE

Online Community Gatherings with Gardena (2nd/4th Wednesdays)

All are welcome to join the Gardena Congregation’s regular (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) online community gatherings.

This is an open forum. We have an assigned facilitator, and they select a meaningful topic. Sometimes we simply have a prayer service. Sometimes we discuss current events. Topics discussed in the past include Gaza, housing, violence, responsible gun ownership, gardening, and more.

Usually the facilitator will share for about 15-25 minutes and then we talk about it.

JOIN VIA ZOOM

Weekly Prayer for Peace Live-Stream Details

The practice of praying for peace is a powerful witness of Community of Christ’s commitment to the pursuit of peace on and for the Earth.

Community of Christ’s Formation Ministries Team invites all to participate in the Prayer for Peace via live-stream on the church’s Facebook page and Youtube channel at 1:00 p.m. Central US Time (11:00 a.m. Pacific) each Wednesday. The weekly worship is also open to the public at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA.

 *   Join on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CofChrist
 *   Join on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CofChrist/streams

The Center for Living Water and Formation Ministries collaborate to make these events possible.

Additionally, resources for individuals, families, and worship leaders will be provided on https://cofchrist.org/daily-prayer-for-peace/. Users can explore additional materials to prepare a Prayer for Peace service, including scriptures of justice and peace, prayers for peace, and more. Prayer for Peace worship elements also will be available on HeraldHouse.org.

All staff are encouraged to add this weekly event to their calendars and participate in this important practice. Join us in this transformative journey as we come together in prayer for a peaceful world.

October 6-15 Historic Sites Bus Tour Information

The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation is hitting the road once again on a church history tour this 6-15 October! Join Barb Walden and Peter Smith as they experience Community of Christ history through eight states and Canada. The “Drawn from the Nations of the World” tour will trace our faith community's roots as a global family exploring the history of early church members who were instrumental in Community of Christ's story and identity. The 10-day journey will take place 6-15 October starting in Independence, Missouri, USA, and finishing in Kirtland, Ohio, USA. To learn more about this tour and to reserve your seat on the bus, follow the link below.

Learn more

Weekly Monday Morning Coffee Group

Join us weekly on Mondays at 7:30 a.m. This is a great covenant and sacred group community - all are welcome! 

About this Group

This is a dynamic group meeting every week for laughter, learning, and love for each other. Please join us, all our welcome in this safe space, for sharing and spiritual growth.

JOIN US VIA ZOOM

Meeting ID: 870 5122 1903 
Passcode: 568336 

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.

VIEW DRAFT STATEMENT