News

Black History Month Events

February is Black History Month in Canada, Germany, and the United States. Black History Month is celebrated in October in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The church is providing graphics for members, congregations, and mission centers alike to use online throughout the month.

You can download them here.

Additionally, the Diversity and Inclusion Team is hosting online sessions that may be of interest to you and your congregations. See below.

Exploring the Impact of Black People in American History

February 16

3:00 p.m. CST USA

The Diversity and Inclusion Team will host a 60-minute session highlighting the often-unknown history of Black individuals who have significantly contributed to the culture and enterprises of the USA. A Questions & Answers session will follow the presentation.

Contact Heather Frey for the Zoom link.

Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: The Worth of Persons Dialogue

February 23

7:00 p.m. CST USA

The Diversity and Inclusion Team will host a session where participants will explore the Enduring Principle "Worth of All Persons" and its impact on diversity and inclusion within our community.

Contact Heather Frey for the Zoom link.

Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: Unity in Diversity Calls for Action

March 23

7:00 p.m. CST USA

The Diversity and Inclusion Team will host a session where participants will explore the Enduring Principle "Unity in Diversity" and its impact on diversity and inclusion within our community.

Contact Heather Frey for the Zoom link.

Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: Recognizing that All are Called

April 27

7:00 p.m. CST USA

The Diversity and Inclusion Team will host a session where participants will explore the Enduring Principle "All are Called" and its impact on diversity and inclusion within our community.

Contact Heather Frey for the Zoom link.

Exploring Selected Enduring Principles in the Current Cultural Climate: Embracing the Blessings of Community During Challenging Times

May 18

7:00 p.m. CST USA

The Diversity and Inclusion Team will host a session where participants will explore the Enduring Principle "Blessings of Community" and its impact on diversity and inclusion within our community.

Contact Heather Frey for the Zoom link.

Donate Items to Salvation Army Pasadena

Persons who would like to donate items to Salvation Army Pasadena may contact Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson at (515) 217-2500 or gjohnson@cofchrist-psi.org. Please no large or bulky items or individual items more than 80 pounds.

New or gently used items. No used undergarments and no torn items (except denim where apparently it’s fashionable). Thank you.

Reminder: Glenn’s car is a small economy car, so no excessively large loads without advance arrangements.

Welcoming The Stranger in PSIMC

“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1-2.

Recent international attention has been focused on immigrants in the United States being targeted for deportation utilizing unprecedented means and methods. “Sensitive locations” such as churches, schools, and hospitals which were once shielded by the first Trump administration from enforcement raids no longer have that same status.

Understandably, this has created uncertainty, anxiety, and fear among both citizens and non-citizens who fear being swept up in such raids in their homes as well as sensitive locations. However, the United States constitution and established federal law and precedent provides all persons with certain legal rights under the 4th Amendment that can help to alleviate the stress and fear generated by these threats.

Pastors and congregations now have access to a supply of “red cards” that explain these rights in multiple languages and provide a way for persons to slide the card under the door to assert these rights if immigration agents knock on the door. These cards may be made available at your congregation or presented to our members and other individuals as needed.

Links to PDF files in a variety of languages that you can print are provided at the end of this article. Printed cards in multiple languages are also available by contacting Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson at gjohnson@cofchrist-psi.org

The protection and welcoming of immigrants is a value deeply rooted in Biblical tradition. As Community of Christ, we uphold the worth of all persons and welcome all people. Our statement on immigration can be found here. To review a series of relevant Biblical passages, please see this compendium from Yale Divinity School.

PRINTABLE PDF RED CARDS

Church Donates to LA Area Fire Relief

As an initial response to the wildfires in Southern California, Community of Christ has donated $10,000 from Oblation to several disaster relief organizations working in the area. The Pacific Southwest International Mission Center has also donated an additional $5,000. The initial $15,000 total includes:

  • $7500 to World Central Kitchen, who offers meals to those who have been evacuated and;

  • $7500 to the Wildfire Recovery Fund, whose disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents.

International Headquarters remains in close communication with the Pacific Southwest International Mission Center leadership team to monitor the situation. Currently, the largest of the fires, the Palisades fire, has burned over 23,000 acres of property, homes and businesses.  Thousands of residents have been evacuated. 

Paul Harding, Mission Center Financial Officer reports:

"We continue to monitor the ongoing fire risk in Southern California. Some members have had to temporarily evacuate, but they have all returned home and as far as we know at this time everyone is safe. Wildfires in California are not unusual, but the scale of devastation and timing of these fires are not typical. We have been touched by numerous inquiries and offers of support from church members and friends around the country. We will continue to pray for those affected and for those who continue to fight the ongoing fires in the area." 

If you would like to contribute to relief efforts such as the Southern California fires, you can donate to the Climate Impact Fund at www.etithing.org. In addition, giving to Worldwide Mission Tithes supports oblation needs around the world.

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.