News

Christmas Day Camp In Review: A Great Success!

Escondido's Children's Day Camp: A Great Success!

Suzy Hawthorne created hands on activities to deepen the meaning of the Christmas story. The day started with learning about the advent candles and what they represented. Each child was given an advent calendar to take home. A star was to be placed on the calendar each day. We placed 14 stars to catch up with the date.

Then we discussed Christmas traditions: singing carols, reading the Christmas story, sending card, decorating cookies, wrapping presents, decorating a tree, putting up a nativity scene, lighting advent candles and then they proceeded to complete those tasks. The gift wrapped was a Rubix style cube with the Nativity story. Cards were created with stamps and personalized. Cookies were decorated, songs sung and stories read.

When discussing the trip Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem, the children were given tasting plates with the types of food they would have carried on the journey. Smoked fish, dates, bread, goat cheese, pomegranates, almonds, olives and water. The group was divided into two teams. They packed their backpacks with water, food, cloth for swaddling the baby when he arrived and started on their journey (around the Escondido church).

For lunch, we had pizza, fruits and vegetables. We ended the day with a birthday cupcake and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

After lunch, they made a Christmas cookie tree and decorated it.

They played Nativity bingo and searched for the stars hidden in the sanctuary. Each activity had a matching story that told the Nativity story from a different perspective. When we talked about the three kings, there was a treasure box that contained gold flakes, frankincense, and myrrh. They were able to hold the gold container and touch and smell the frankincense and myrrh pieces and learn about their significance.

They last activity was painting a “stained glass” Nativity set. Each character had its own stand and each child personalized their Nativity.

It was a very enjoyable day. Lots of laughter and sharing with each other while learning about Christ's birth. Wonderful friendships were established and they look forward to being together again. 

- Marsha Rastle

We Remember: Honoring the Memory of those We've Lost and Tips for Managing Grief During the Holidays

In the midst of our Advent season, with lights, music, storytelling, and remembering; it can also be a time of profound and lingering grief. December 21st is named the “longest day” by the Alzheimer Foundation, but many others live with longest of days grieving on many other days.

As a community we want to remember loved ones that we have lost this year and name the mourning and the celebrating of lives of true blessings. The list of names come from our Shelby system, so if we have missed a name, contact me to work with Tonia for updated information and a new list by year end.

I am attaching a wonderful article about numerous ways to manage grief for your personal viewing or to share with others. Great grief comes from great love, and both great grief and great love started in a manger story that still guides us today. We honor the gifts of lives recorded, and Larry and his PSI Leadership Team continue to hold everyone in prayer and gratitude. 

Denise Leichter

Experiencing the holidays without a loved one can be profoundly challenging. While the winter holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s, are traditionally times of joy and togetherness, they can also heighten feelings of loneliness, grief, and seasonal depression. If you or someone you know is coping with loss during this time, here are some thoughtful and practical strategies to help guide you through the next few weeks.

Honor Old Traditions that Bring You Joy

Keeping your loved one’s memory alive by continuing cherished traditions can provide comfort during the winter holidays. For instance, if your dad always dressed up as Santa or your aunt made her Hanukkah latkes, you can honor their memory by continuing these practices. You might consider passing the Santa costume to another family member or cooking together. These actions can bring a sense of continuity and connection, especially during Christmas and Christmas Eve.

Create New Traditions

While honoring old traditions is essential, creating new ones can also be healing. It’s natural to feel guilt or sadness when initiating new practices, but these new traditions do not replace the beautiful moments you shared with your loved one; instead, they add new layers to your holiday experience. For example, you might start a new holiday activity, such as volunteering, creating a memory book, taking a day trip, or organizing a new family gathering during the winter holidays.

Set Boundaries

There is no "right" way to participate in the holidays. You may feel pressured to attend all celebrations, but it's crucial to prioritize your emotional well-being. Determine what feels right for you and communicate your needs to family and friends in advance. Finding a balance between engaging with loved ones and honoring your limits is critical to managing grief and seasonal depression during the holidays.

Reflect on Your Feelings

The holidays can amplify emotions, making it difficult to simultaneously process feelings of grief and happiness. Allow yourself to experience moments of joy without guilt. It’s possible to enjoy holiday traditions while still missing your loved one. Be kind to yourself, and permit yourself to feel a range of emotions without judgment. Don’t forget about grief support groups. Sharing your story with others who are also navigating grief can be cathartic.

Find Healthy Ways to Manage Emotions

Prepare for the holiday season by creating a list of coping strategies you can use when feeling overwhelmed. Mindful breathing techniques, listening to calming music, or taking a walk are all simple yet effective ways to manage stress. Prioritize exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of yourself with healthy ways to grieve and manage difficult moments can help make the winter holidays less stressful.

Share Your Feelings with Friends and Family

Grief can make you feel isolated, but reaching out to friends and family can provide much-needed support. Sharing your emotions with trusted individuals can help you feel less alone and more understood. If the holidays are particularly challenging, consider seeking additional support from a therapist or counselor who can offer professional guidance on dealing with grief, depression, or loneliness.

Give Back

Shifting focus from your grief to helping others can bring a sense of fulfillment and joy. Volunteering or participating in charitable activities can provide a meaningful way to connect with others and create positive holiday experiences. Helping others can also remind you of the good in the world and foster a sense of gratitude.

Be Kind to Yourself

It's essential to be gentle with yourself during the holiday season. Recognize that it's okay to have complex emotions. Grief is a circular emotion triggered by memories, scents, or societal pressures that increase during the holidays when people should be “happy.” Allow yourself the grace to navigate this season at your own pace, finding solace in the small moments of joy and connection during the winter holidays.

How to Help Someone Grieving Over the Holidays

Supporting someone who is grieving during the holidays can be incredibly meaningful. Here are some ways you can offer support:

  • Listen Without Judgment — Sometimes, the best way to help is simply to listen. Allow them to share their feelings without offering solutions or trying to cheer them up.

  • Include Them in Activities — Invite them to join holiday activities, but also understand if they decline. Let them know they are welcome without pressuring them.

  • Offer Practical Help — Grieving can be exhausting. Offering to help with holiday preparations, such as cooking, decorating, or shopping, can relieve some of their burdens.

  • Respect Their Space — If they need time alone, respect their need for solitude. Let them know you are available whenever they are ready.

Thoughtful Sympathy and Memorial Gifts

Exchanging gifts with someone who recently suffered a loss or managing the first holiday alone might require new ideas. Giving a thoughtful gift (or treating yourself to a memorial item that reminds you of someone special) is comforting. Consider these ideas:

  • Personalized Ornaments: An engraved memorial ornament with the loved one’s name or a special message can be a touching holiday keepsake.

  • Memory Books: A beautifully crafted memory book where they can compile photos, letters, and memories can be a therapeutic way to remember their loved one.

  • Keepsake Jewelry: Memorial jewelry, such as a locket with a photo of a loved one or a charm bracelet, can be a cherished memento.

  • Custom Candles: A memorial candle with a personalized message or the loved one’s favorite scent can provide a sense of closeness and peace.

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!

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.

Online Doctrine and Covenants Available

As we approach Christmas, International Headquarters shares a special gift that will enrich our spiritual journey and deepen our connection to the scriptures.

An online searchable version of the Doctrine and Covenants is now available in English, French, and Spanish on CofChrist.org.

Although G-5 Universal Scripture Access was not approved at 2023 World Conference, the First Presidency supported the desire to provide greater access to our sacred scriptures. As a result, the Communications Team has been working since conference to bring this gift to life.

May this gift be a source of inspiration, reflection, and joy during the festive season and throughout the coming year.

Advent, Communion Video Messages Available

Community of Christ officials and others are featured in a diverse and inspiring new release of “Witness the Word” videos, available now on the Community of Christ YouTube channel and through Herald House.   

Three members of the Council of Twelve Apostles share sermons: “Creating Community” from Shandra Newcom; “Christ is Our Hope,” an Advent message from Catherine Mambwe; and “Come, Share the Table/Vengan, compartan la mesa,” a Communion message in Spanish from Angela Ramirez with English translation by Geri Silva.   

The new release also offers three Disciples’ Generous Response moments. Kees Compier shares a message regarding “The Gifts of Generosity,” Diane Maupin offers thoughts on “Growing Generous Disciples,” and Ken McClain provides a story of “Extravagant Generosity.”   

“Witness the Word” videos are available:  

  • On the Community of Christ YouTube channel “Witness the Word” sermon playlist.  

  • On the Community of Christ YouTube channel “Witness the Word” DGR playlist.  

  • As free digital video file sermon downloads on HeraldHouse.org.  

  • As a free digital video file DGR Moment downloads on HeraldHouse.org. 

  • Soon for sale on DVDs featuring both sermons and DGR moments on HeraldHouse.org.  

To read auto-translated captions in your language, hover your cursor near the bottom of the video frame, click on the Settings button (looks like a gear), click “Subtitles/CC” on the list that pops up, then “Auto-translate” and the language you want to read.

Reunion 2024 Theme Details Released

The Reunion 2024 theme is "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative."

DESCRIPTION

In response to World Conference Resolution 1325 Climate Emergency adopted April 25, 2023, Community of Christ declared a climate emergency. Reunion 2024 is an opportunity for education, formation, and a call to action based on this World Conference Resolution. Through classes, worships, and additional invitations for reunion directors and planning teams, communities will be invited to explore the many intersecting issues of justice and peace that find root in the climate crisis. Created by members of the Community of Christ Earth Stewardship Team, Formation Ministries Team, and members of Climate Justice Teams around the global church, these materials invite us to find our place in the web of life with humility and urgency as we pursue God’s vision of shalom for all creation. The authors of these resources lean deep into the restoration tradition and the call to restore and heal as an imperative for climate action today.

DAILY THEMES

Day 1

The Earth, Lovingly Created - Area of Focus: Introduce the effects of carbon and provide scriptural, spiritual, and theological foundations for our response to the climate crisis.

Day 2

Immersed in Creation - Area of Focus: Protecting our oceans and sacred water sources while growing in awareness plastic pollution, particularly in the oceans.

Day 3

The Stewardship of God’s Goodness - Area of Focus: Noticing how our everyday choices, including what we choose to eat, can impact the planet. This will include a focus on food and methane, while making connections to Christian hospitality, sacrament, and an invitation to God’s table.

Day 4

Finding Our Place - How are people being impacted now by climate disruption? We will explore the connections between the environment, poverty, and racism.

Day 5

The Imperative to Act - While starting simple and small, we will consider concrete possibilities for urgent response while keeping faith in the ceaseless spirit of God’s goodness.

SCRIPTURE FOUNDATIONS

Call for Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas

Community of Christ, along with more than 70 interfaith and nongovernmental organizations in the United States, called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in a letter. Additionally, the British Isles Mission Centre, together with 13 organizations and over 700 church leaders, signed a letter to British Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, urging him to engage in dialogue and de-escalation in response to the violence between Israel and Hamas.

We are profoundly saddened by the senseless loss of life in the region. We extend our heartfelt prayers to the families and friends of the victims and stand steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with organizations devoted to promoting peace.

Update Your Congregation's Information on World Church and Mission Center Websites

We want to ensure that your congregation's or online ministry's presence is accurate on CofChrist.org and cofchrist-psi.org. This includes essential details about your leadership, gathering times, and more.

Providing up-to-date information will ensure visitors to CofChrist.org can find the most current details about your congregation and connect easily with your community.

Here's what you need to do for CofChrist.org:

  1. Review: Visit your congregation's or online ministry's webpage on CofChrist.org.

  2. Update: Complete the online form to submit any changes.

Here's what you need to do for cofchrist-psi.org:

  1. Review: Visit your congregation's or online ministry's webpage on https://www.cofchrist-psi.org/congregations.

  2. Update: Email us with any changes you require.

Thank you for your support!

USA Apostles Release Letter on Racial Justice

The following letter regarding Racial Justice is a commentary by the Apostles serving the USA Fields.

See introduction immediately below followed by a button to view the full letter:

The attached letter is our collective reflection on how the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us as individuals and as a faith community into learning, action, and upholding the worth of all persons. Our journey as a prophetic people of faith calls us to be in healthy dialogue with one another as we listen for the Spirit’s invitation and call. We invite individuals, small groups, congregations, and mission centers to reflect on, and respond to, the ‘Learn More’ and ‘Do Something’ steps we propose.

SHARE WITH YOUR CONGREGATION: Sept. 24 PSI Worship Recording

You are invited to share the PSI Worship Experience video from Sunday, September 24 Oneness with Creation with your congregations, small groups, families, friends, and individuals as a resource to view and have a discussion.  It is moving, challenging, and a call to courageous mission. Paul Bethel shares a hopeful yet challenging message.  Take a moment to reflect on the statement one congregant shared, “We must change our ways or nature will change us.” This video resource can provide opportunity for learning, courageous change, and blessing as you share together in conversation afterwards.  

Please note there is a slight connectivity issue in the early part of the service.  May the times of pause during the video be a time for reflection while continuing to view.

Please note: The password to view this recording is: w^$z&2uK.

SHAMROCK MINISTRY: Close to home

When my 90 year old parents recently had a flood to their home; we needed to move them out.  First to my sisters close by whose kitchen was in a demolition stage of a remodel with lots of added people and noise in the house, and then we needed to think more permanently.

Since Mitch and I own an Assisted Living and a Memory Care home, and he is the Executive Director for both; I thought “easy peasy” as my grandkids say.  Well when you have to consider my dad and his 5% vision in one eye that brings many safety issues to the forefront and my mom’s progressive Dementia; the where and the who and the costs made it a real challenge.  I have a tool that I give to folks for using with evaluating multiple facilities; it is very helpful and I would love to share it with anyone that might need it.

We had talked about them staying in their home with part-time to full-time care, or a move at some point but they were adamant about being together.  Talking, and abruptly needing to do it and relocate and create their new “little house” (moms words) meant going from 1700 sq ft to 400 sq ft with all the add on places and services in the “big facility” as scary and sad.  They are in the first week of adjustments to rhythm and routine, and I am back home after two weeks with them.  Every day there is a new challenge to attend to, and a bit of emerging joy.

There are a lot of documents to put in order and distribute, proxy’s within healthcare systems, VA, banks, etc. 

As soon as I can breathe more deeply; we’ll have a SHAMROCK ZOOM CALL about this topic.  There is powerful ministry for the “wintering years” as we become blessings of love and peace. 

- Denise

June 2023 Financial Update

June 2023 Financial Update

In the June 2023 Financial Update, the Presiding Bishopric shares details about Community of Christ’s current economic situation and other information from the recent meeting of the World Church Finance Board. The next financial board report will be in December 2023.

Learn more at CofChrist.org/news.

Actualización financiera de junio de 2023

En la actualización financiera de junio de 2023, el Obispado Presidente comparte detalles sobre la situación financiera actual de la iglesia y otra información de la reunión reciente de la Junta Financiera de la Iglesia Mundial. El próximo informe de la junta financiera será en diciembre 2023.

Obtenga más información en CofChrist.org/news.

Discerning Future Leadership During our PSI Covenant Worship Services

For the next few months, one of our PSI Covenant Worship services each month will be including time for engaging the “Discerning Future Leadership” materials from Community of Christ. These spiritual formation materials provide an opportunity for the church to consider more deeply the movements of the Holy Spirit.

In the alternating weeks, we will often be considering the process of community discernment more broadly as we enrich our shared experience of discernment together. We encourage you to join in this important process of discerning future leadership.

2023 World Conference Summary

HELP NEEDED: Shamrock Sentinel

Help wanted!

SHAMROCK Ministries is looking for some added help.

We’re looking for someone to send 20- 30 birthday cards one month per quarter.  All supplies provided.

Jean David from the Simi Congregation has been our very gifted and creative graphic designer/type setter for the newsletter since SHAMROCK was birthed many years ago.  Jean has actually worked for, or been a faithful volunteer in diverse ways for the stake and then mission center for about 60 years.  She is just been priceless to work with!  Her eye health is changing, and she can no longer do this for us.

If you have the skill set and desire to talk about this ministry of publishing once per quarter; please check in with Denise. Contact Denise@cofchrist-psi.org with any questions or if you’d be willing to volunteer.