News

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 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/

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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.

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.