Rachel van Rossem has some wonderful photos from conference. Take a look...
http://imageevent.com/shutterbugdesign/2010communityofchristworldconferenc?z=2&l=0&c=4&n=1&m=24&w=4&x=0&p=1
20 April 2010
16 April 2010
The End is Near…
It’s almost over already! So much to say and no time to formulate all my thoughts! So here it is randomly…
To the Elders…….“Thanks for serving in key roles. If you quit, we would have to close the doors. The counsel of 12 want to find ways to support your ministry.” (Apostle Rick Maupin)
“We can not go to local bookstores for Christian Ed material that align with our message, identity, 
“There is a continual need for generosity of time, talent, finances. Find ways to share your stories in your congregation.”
“I have been struck by preparation made for conference. It has made a difference from any other conference and been a blessing to the church. Thanks to those who exercised leadership through discernment that led to the most remarkable conference…Please join the 12 in proclaiming the good news of what God is doing through this community.” (Dale Laufman
Because 164 was approved, most of the resolutions pertaining to homosexuality did not come before the conference since the document provides clear direction to address the issues and provides ways fro resolve. The motions which did not come to the conference included G1, G2, G4, G5, G6, G9, G12, G13, G14, G16, G18, G21, G22, G23, G25, G26, G27, G7, G8, G19, G20. (I have no idea how on earth we would have got through all of those motions in one week…phew!)
G-10 Human Trafficking…I have a lot to learn!!!
New quorums of 70!!! We’ve grown from 7 quorums to 10!!
1 out of 5 contributors gives 4 out of $5. The number of contributors is down by 35%. 20% are giving 80% of World Mission Tithes. The average age of the 80% of contributors is 69. It’s expected to be the same at the local level. 20% give an average of $2200US/year. 80% give and average of $220US/year. We need to tailor messages to individuals as there is no average contributor. We need to share about conference in our congregations…not about numbers but what has happened this week. Giving should not be a matter of how much but rather its about starting to give regularly. Dedicate 4 Sundays of SS or worship to discuss generosity. If we all increase our giving even 50 cents per week, an extra dollar or two, an extra several hundred dollars a year, it will make a difference.
Our new apostle…Susan Skoor!! Yeah! Our first Field Gathering with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Jim Poirier is her assistant and Kris Judd is the Field Missionary Coordinator.
National Conferences…still a foggy picture. Not sure when, where, how often, agenda, structure, format, budget, money, etc. Push to hurry along…pull to slow down and do it right.
What we’ve passed in 164 are the broad strokes, principles, vision. Specifics and implementations still to be determined. Communication is critical!
“We witnessed a miracle as we discussed the document. People came with the intent to disrupt conference and/or leave the church. There was a spirit of cooperation, courtesy, listening with no disruption. I talked afterwards to a man who was determined to disrupt the conference. His heart was softened. He even apologized for voting against the document. The change in attitude is what excites me the most about this conference. We could talk, hear differences in gentle tones. Some are still deeply in pain.” (Susan Skoor)
Questions Susan wants you to consider for National Conferences…
In your nation, what are the possible issues to consider at national confernce that might result in a change in policy?
What special preparation or dialogue is needed ahead of time in congregations prior to conference?
What is the time line that you would envision for preparation for conference?
How should it be convened? Delegate conference? Electronic? Face-2-face?
How will it be funded?
14 April 2010
Wednesday
Yesterday in the mass meeting of the Elders, President Dave Schaal brought greetings. He expressed a deep appreciation for each person's willingness to say yes to minister as an elder. Today in the Elders' Quorum, a representative from the Human Rights Committee answered questions about the motion regarding Human Trafficking. The goal is to empower the church to be involved in bringing justice, to inform the church about the issue, and move the church to make a difference. It's estimated that in the US this issue may involve as many as 10-100,000 people.
We discussed briefly G-15 World Trade Day. Many comments were made in support of the general intent of the motion but also many concerns about this being an American focus and not a world issue. It was noted that there are many other tragedies in the world.
We also had some discussion regarding G-24 Structural Support for a Mission of Holistic Ministry. Concerns were raised for overburdened and unequipped field staff but a motion with good intent.
The legislative sessions today continued with discussion on the inspired document. "SPEAK SLOWLY, SPEAK CLEARLY AND LEAN INTO THE MICROPHONE", was the message we've heard over and over as everyone struggled to hear and understand every word. Comments both for and against were respectfully shared and heard without applause and without murmuring. Some struggle with sections of the document, some struggle with individual words, and some struggle to understand how implementation of the directives will actually work. Again, Dave Schaal reminded us that inspired counsel outruns our ability to understand and interpret it and that we need to live into the words of counsel.
The document in its entirety was passed with a majority. We sang "Breathe on Me Breath of God". Then President Schaal stated that it was Steve's request that we not focus on him but instead focus on God and the leaders of the church that have brought us to this point. As Steve was escorted back into the chamber, we sang the new words for "We Thank You, O God, for Our Prophets"...
We thank you, O God, for our prophets
Who lead us in witness today;
We thank you for calling your people
To share in the prophetic way;
We thank you for all of life's blessings
Bestowed by your generous hands;
We feel it a pleasure to serve you,
And respond to your call in all lands.
When voices of strife and division
Are threat'ning earth's peace to destroy,
There is hope shining brightly before us,
As we share love and hope, peace and joy.
We doubt not the mercies of heaven;
We've claimed them in days that are past;
All those who will labour for Zion
Will surely be blessed at last.
Our call as a prophetic people
Is to walk in the Way of the Christ.
Welcome all who would join in the journey
Seeking joy in God's life-giving light.
By prayer may we always be open
To bear further truth God would give.
We dare to act boldly for justice,
And share so that others might live.
When Steve was again on the rostrum, he started by saying that he missed us and was glad to be back! He expressed his gratitude for how the conference body respectfully discussed the document. He also recognized that not all were comfortable with the words or the message. But he stated that, "What holds us together...is greater than anything that separates us. We can move forward as a church. God is not only with us but has high expectations and is grateful that we trust the spirit to lead us into uncharted territory. But isn't that always the challenge."
We ended the day early and headed to the Stone Church for Mary Jacks Dynes field reception. It was a feast! We were filled physically with wonderful food. Mary was thanked and gifted by several of the Mission Centres for her ministry and leadership. Mary also presented the Mission Centre Presidents and Financial Officers as well as Bishop Jim Poirier and Kris Judd, Missionary Coordinator with special thank yous. And we feasted on connecting with one another. Mary played an awesome recording of a blending of the two national anthems, a song that most of us had never heard before. There were smiles of pride from persons on each side of the border as familiar words and notes were sprinkled throughout the song! It was truly a beautiful melody, medley and piece of music that each nation could be equally proud of and spoke about the two nations standing side by side in a special relationship.
Tonight, conference participants had a special opportunity to be involved in an extreme makeover from 6:30 til 9 pm. Through a successful Jesus and Me (JAM) program at the Hawthrone Branch of the Boys & Girls Club, JAM was invited to expand to more clubs. Their huge building needed a lot of work. They were hoping for 100 volunteers to help tonight. Work has been going on all week to clean up the building, add a splash of new paint, add electrical wiring, etc. I had the chance to work side by side with Cindy Larsen's Graceland roommate as well as Terry Fielder, Dave Barth, and a couple of others from Michigan!!
All in all, a great day!
We discussed briefly G-15 World Trade Day. Many comments were made in support of the general intent of the motion but also many concerns about this being an American focus and not a world issue. It was noted that there are many other tragedies in the world.
We also had some discussion regarding G-24 Structural Support for a Mission of Holistic Ministry. Concerns were raised for overburdened and unequipped field staff but a motion with good intent.
The legislative sessions today continued with discussion on the inspired document. "SPEAK SLOWLY, SPEAK CLEARLY AND LEAN INTO THE MICROPHONE", was the message we've heard over and over as everyone struggled to hear and understand every word. Comments both for and against were respectfully shared and heard without applause and without murmuring. Some struggle with sections of the document, some struggle with individual words, and some struggle to understand how implementation of the directives will actually work. Again, Dave Schaal reminded us that inspired counsel outruns our ability to understand and interpret it and that we need to live into the words of counsel.
The document in its entirety was passed with a majority. We sang "Breathe on Me Breath of God". Then President Schaal stated that it was Steve's request that we not focus on him but instead focus on God and the leaders of the church that have brought us to this point. As Steve was escorted back into the chamber, we sang the new words for "We Thank You, O God, for Our Prophets"...
We thank you, O God, for our prophets
Who lead us in witness today;
We thank you for calling your people
To share in the prophetic way;
We thank you for all of life's blessings
Bestowed by your generous hands;
We feel it a pleasure to serve you,
And respond to your call in all lands.
When voices of strife and division
Are threat'ning earth's peace to destroy,
There is hope shining brightly before us,
As we share love and hope, peace and joy.
We doubt not the mercies of heaven;
We've claimed them in days that are past;
All those who will labour for Zion
Will surely be blessed at last.
Our call as a prophetic people
Is to walk in the Way of the Christ.
Welcome all who would join in the journey
Seeking joy in God's life-giving light.
By prayer may we always be open
To bear further truth God would give.
We dare to act boldly for justice,
And share so that others might live.
When Steve was again on the rostrum, he started by saying that he missed us and was glad to be back! He expressed his gratitude for how the conference body respectfully discussed the document. He also recognized that not all were comfortable with the words or the message. But he stated that, "What holds us together...is greater than anything that separates us. We can move forward as a church. God is not only with us but has high expectations and is grateful that we trust the spirit to lead us into uncharted territory. But isn't that always the challenge."
We ended the day early and headed to the Stone Church for Mary Jacks Dynes field reception. It was a feast! We were filled physically with wonderful food. Mary was thanked and gifted by several of the Mission Centres for her ministry and leadership. Mary also presented the Mission Centre Presidents and Financial Officers as well as Bishop Jim Poirier and Kris Judd, Missionary Coordinator with special thank yous. And we feasted on connecting with one another. Mary played an awesome recording of a blending of the two national anthems, a song that most of us had never heard before. There were smiles of pride from persons on each side of the border as familiar words and notes were sprinkled throughout the song! It was truly a beautiful melody, medley and piece of music that each nation could be equally proud of and spoke about the two nations standing side by side in a special relationship.
Tonight, conference participants had a special opportunity to be involved in an extreme makeover from 6:30 til 9 pm. Through a successful Jesus and Me (JAM) program at the Hawthrone Branch of the Boys & Girls Club, JAM was invited to expand to more clubs. Their huge building needed a lot of work. They were hoping for 100 volunteers to help tonight. Work has been going on all week to clean up the building, add a splash of new paint, add electrical wiring, etc. I had the chance to work side by side with Cindy Larsen's Graceland roommate as well as Terry Fielder, Dave Barth, and a couple of others from Michigan!!
All in all, a great day!
13 April 2010
Tuesday's Thoughts / Remembrances
So much has happened in the last day and a half. I wonder how I can possibly tell it all in just a few sentences. In a few minutes, I need to rush back to the conference chamber for more discussion.
Yesterday in a non-legislative session, we listened to one another on the topic of baptism. All of the details are not clear yet about how we might accept baptisms from other denominations. There is so much to consider like what would be the acceptable age of baptism in another faith? The First Presidency stated that inspired counsel outruns our ability to understand implementation of the counsel. We were reminded "It's not the form of the sacrament...but the divine outpouring of God's grace..." We are promised by the First Presidency that there would be a time of education and training prior to confirmation. Until a detailed policy is in place, our current policies stand. New directions may not be ready until September 2011. Yesterday, 3 unique perspectives were shared from Germany, Fr. Polynesia, and Nicaragua with regards to baptized persons who considered joining Community of Christ. Then opinions were shared from delegates. One comment that stands out in my mind was that it seems too bad that membership is attached to the issue of baptism. An interesting question was raised..."Why can we accept baptism from another church but not confirmation?"
We were encouraged to experience the presence of God, to express diverse view points, to liste to each other with open hearts and minds in order to help members grow in discipleship, to help each other understand the complexities of the issues and to let others be who they are.
One person described our experience thus far as a powerful week of entering into discussions. Some are on one side of the fence while others are on the other and still some sit on the fence. But no matter which side of the fence you're on, we need to get rid of the fence. We have a proverb that states, "Good fences create good neighbours." It's time we get rid of the fences.
This morning in our non-legislative session, we listened to various people describe to us some complex issues that are foreign to me. Rashni talked about the status of women in India. Ben from Australia shared his pain over cohabitation in an accepting culture and how it rubs up against our standards for priesthood. Robert Wanga from Africa spoke about spouse inheritance. Douglas Graves from California share his experience of acceptance / non-acceptance of homosexuality in Community of Christ. Michelle from Haiti expressed just how taboo it is to even have a discussion about homosexuality, even with your spouse.
We were asked to share with one other person what our hopes and fears are surrounding issues of behaviour and relationships and what questions we need answers for. On question presented to the whole group was, "If this document should pass, what harm might come to some areas of the church?" The response was that hopefully the likelihood of harm would be reduced. Apostle Andrew Bolton spoke eloquently about how this document makes the statement that we will not stand for victims of any sort. We will not tolerate crucifixion of any kind.
Yesterday in a non-legislative session, we listened to one another on the topic of baptism. All of the details are not clear yet about how we might accept baptisms from other denominations. There is so much to consider like what would be the acceptable age of baptism in another faith? The First Presidency stated that inspired counsel outruns our ability to understand implementation of the counsel. We were reminded "It's not the form of the sacrament...but the divine outpouring of God's grace..." We are promised by the First Presidency that there would be a time of education and training prior to confirmation. Until a detailed policy is in place, our current policies stand. New directions may not be ready until September 2011. Yesterday, 3 unique perspectives were shared from Germany, Fr. Polynesia, and Nicaragua with regards to baptized persons who considered joining Community of Christ. Then opinions were shared from delegates. One comment that stands out in my mind was that it seems too bad that membership is attached to the issue of baptism. An interesting question was raised..."Why can we accept baptism from another church but not confirmation?"
We were encouraged to experience the presence of God, to express diverse view points, to liste to each other with open hearts and minds in order to help members grow in discipleship, to help each other understand the complexities of the issues and to let others be who they are.
One person described our experience thus far as a powerful week of entering into discussions. Some are on one side of the fence while others are on the other and still some sit on the fence. But no matter which side of the fence you're on, we need to get rid of the fence. We have a proverb that states, "Good fences create good neighbours." It's time we get rid of the fences.
This morning in our non-legislative session, we listened to various people describe to us some complex issues that are foreign to me. Rashni talked about the status of women in India. Ben from Australia shared his pain over cohabitation in an accepting culture and how it rubs up against our standards for priesthood. Robert Wanga from Africa spoke about spouse inheritance. Douglas Graves from California share his experience of acceptance / non-acceptance of homosexuality in Community of Christ. Michelle from Haiti expressed just how taboo it is to even have a discussion about homosexuality, even with your spouse.
We were asked to share with one other person what our hopes and fears are surrounding issues of behaviour and relationships and what questions we need answers for. On question presented to the whole group was, "If this document should pass, what harm might come to some areas of the church?" The response was that hopefully the likelihood of harm would be reduced. Apostle Andrew Bolton spoke eloquently about how this document makes the statement that we will not stand for victims of any sort. We will not tolerate crucifixion of any kind.
11 April 2010
Listen & Fear Not
What a day! Where do I begin??? I can hardly do justice with my notes. I can only skim the surface. Our binders this year are bigger than ever. They’re heavy…perhaps a metaphor for the issues that we face at this conference.
This morning’s meditation time was led by Dave Brock. It was a come and go sort of event…come for as long as you like…whenever you like…leave when you are ready. I wish I had been there for all of it as it was a great lead to the communion service. It focused on our brokenness and how God is there for us and with us through it.
There was only one communion service this year. Usually there are three services all the same to choose from. Apostle Bunda Chibwe was the speaker. His message was simple but wonderful. He talked about how the earth groans (Haiti, global warming) and how God weeps along with parents in all nations who want the best for their children…our fears (war, economics, the church, etc.) and how our fears multiply. But Isaiah was reminded of the reasons to trust God. We are a prophetic people today who face many of the same fears. But God was present with them and is present with us. We need not fear. Hear God’s message. “Fear not.” Nothing can separate us from God. God invites us to listen and feel divine peace. God’s presence challenges us in surprising ways sometimes. We will become all that we have potential to be if we will become Community of Christ. Fear not!
This afternoon we spent time listening and becoming aware of God’s presence led by Carolyn Brock. And this evening, President Veazey spoke about his vision for the church. We began by celebrating…25 years ago the ordination of women was approved…30 years ago Outreach International began to address poverty…150 years ago Joseph Smith III accepted leadership of the reorganized church. A $4 million contribution has been made to the church recently for training leaders including young adults! We have much to celebrate!
Steve challenged us to consider what kind of church we want to be. What kind of church does God want us to be? We need to understand the full meaning of baptism in Christ where there is no longer male or female, social class, nationality…We are one in Christ. We clothe ourselves in new forms of expressions. Earthquakes, oppression, etc. effects us all globally. Perhaps the spirit is prompting us to look beyond the issues on the surface to discuss deeper meanings.
We need to understand baptism, conditions of membership and moral behaviour/relationship issues. We can receive greater blessings from our discussions and decisions. What is the spirit trying to do with us through our struggles? Perhaps it is challenging us to examine our use of scripture…to interpret it responsibly. If the Bible tells us to harm or oppress others, it’s wrong. Perhaps the spirit is telling us to find better ways to make decisions, to find healing over moral issues. What if the spirit is urging us to become a signal community to be able to talk about important issues. “It is for divine purpose that you have been given the struggles as well as the joys of diversity. So must it always be in the peaceable kingdom.” (D & C 162:4b)
Answers can only be found if we move forward but first we must remember the meaning of our baptism. We can not allow our diversity to divert us from our mission. While we debate, people are dying of physical, spiritual, moral needs. Will we go forward or turn back?
10 April 2010
World Conference
We're off and rolling! Tonight was the official opening of the conference with the unfurling of flags from each country where the church is represented. The opening address by Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary, National Council of Churches was outstanding! I hope that his words will be posted on the web later.
How do I express what it's like to stand in a crowd of 5,000 people and sing some of our best loved hymns? How do I put words to the anticipation that everyone has for this week and all our deliberations? How do I tell you what it feels like to reconnect with so many wonderful people from all around the globe? I can't. I sure wish that you were here.
It's going to be a very busy week (as it always is). But this year, the binder is even bigger! Some said they wished they had brought a little suitcase on wheels just for the book we have to lug around! The schedule is different this year. We will have a Spiritual Formation sessions. We had to choose what session we would attend. Mine is on journalling. All are on listening to the spirit and cultivating an awareness of God's presence and message for us. Our delegate session begins at 8:00 on Monday followed by caucus meetings! And that's about all I know about the schedule at this point...too much information to keep in my little brain.
Be sure to watch the web streaming each evening. The time varies so check out the schedule at http://www.cofchrist.org/.
(I may not be able to post each day since the internet is so unreliable from our room. I'll do my best.)
MJ
How do I express what it's like to stand in a crowd of 5,000 people and sing some of our best loved hymns? How do I put words to the anticipation that everyone has for this week and all our deliberations? How do I tell you what it feels like to reconnect with so many wonderful people from all around the globe? I can't. I sure wish that you were here.
It's going to be a very busy week (as it always is). But this year, the binder is even bigger! Some said they wished they had brought a little suitcase on wheels just for the book we have to lug around! The schedule is different this year. We will have a Spiritual Formation sessions. We had to choose what session we would attend. Mine is on journalling. All are on listening to the spirit and cultivating an awareness of God's presence and message for us. Our delegate session begins at 8:00 on Monday followed by caucus meetings! And that's about all I know about the schedule at this point...too much information to keep in my little brain.
Be sure to watch the web streaming each evening. The time varies so check out the schedule at http://www.cofchrist.org/.
(I may not be able to post each day since the internet is so unreliable from our room. I'll do my best.)
MJ
12 March 2010
Oblation Helps in Chile Earthquake Recovery
Immediate Oblation aid of $10,000 was sent to help church members recover from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore of Maule, Chile, February 27. There have been more than 90 aftershocks and a tsunami was generated that devastated coastal areas and evacuated other islands in the Pacific. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was the fifth strongest quake since 1900. More Oblation aid will be sent as church leaders onsite assess the need.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously. Contribute online at www.CofChrist.org/give/.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously. Contribute online at www.CofChrist.org/give/.
05 March 2010
Daily Bread Stories Requested
Share your story in the 2011 Daily Bread. Writers can reach out to Community of Christ and share stories of blessing and being blessed. From simple to transformative, your story will speak to someone. Share your story of 1,200 characters with spaces (about 200 words), and we’ll do the rest. Due date: March 31, 2010. Send stories to Daily Bread, ATTN: Lu Mountenay, International Headquarters, or lmountenay@CofChrist.org.
Be sure to see Sarah Christian's story this month! You too can be an author!!!
Be sure to see Sarah Christian's story this month! You too can be an author!!!
Prayers Needed for Australe Islands
The Australe Islands of French Polynesia were hit hard by Tropical Cyclone Oli in early February. Members there request your prayers. Hundreds were evacuated from their homes. Some took refuge in a Community of Christ church building that is still standing. A reconnaissance team reported widespread devastation of homes, buildings, and personal property. Church members in French Polynesia, working with the government, continue to collect clothes, food, and money to send to help the people of the Australes. Oblation aid was offered. French Polynesia Mission Centre President Mareva Arnaud responded with gratitude and heartfelt thanks, but said it was not necessary. The generosity of local members is providing for the needs at this time. A lot of rebuilding over a long period of time will be required. Thank you for sharing this information and offering prayers.
Haiti Oblation Update
Oblation Fund contributions for Haiti were over $500,000 as of February 14. Your donations are providing shelter, food, and medical care following the devastating earthquake. An assessment team, a joint effort by Community of Christ and Outreach International, has returned. They report that amidst the rubble and loss, people continue to give thanks to God, worship together, and move forward with hope. See a video report from their work and get additional updates at www.CofChrist.org/news/2010/jan/Haiti-updates.asp. Assistance for Haiti will continue through the rebuilding efforts. Thank you for generously supporting Oblation.
Background of Counsel to the Church via Steve Veazey
President Steve Veazey shared testimony and talked to Apostle Linda Booth about the counsel to the church. Get insight into the revelatory process as you continue to prayerfully consider this counsel. Pastors in English-speaking areas will receive a DVD. World Church suggests that we get a group or class together to watch the DVD. The interview is also be available to read or watch via webstream at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/counsel.asp.
03 March 2010
Exploring World Religions
We are excited to announce that Encounter’s Exploring World Religions summer intensive has a new location. We will now be operating this program at the University of Toronto’s Multi-faith Centre. The Multi-faith Centre is a beautiful and modern space, centrally located and with much valued air conditioning for the hot July season!
In addition, due to the economic climate we are extending the window for early bird registrations so that the discounted price of $515 will continue until April 15 (price includes all meals, transportation, classes, etc. for the whole week). This program is unique in North America in the ability to explore 11 religions both academically and experientially in one focussed week. We hope you will make this the year to take part in an event that really will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Information for the week is attached. The schedule and the description may prove the most useful for getting a sense of the week.
Hope to see you this summer…at the Sikh gurdwara, sharing a meal at the mosque and participating in Zen meditation.
Sincerely,
Brian Carwana
Director, Encounter World Religions Centre
519 822 0039
brian@worldreligions.ca
http://www.worldreligions.ca/
Contact Mary Jean Belrose for registration, schedule and further information.
In addition, due to the economic climate we are extending the window for early bird registrations so that the discounted price of $515 will continue until April 15 (price includes all meals, transportation, classes, etc. for the whole week). This program is unique in North America in the ability to explore 11 religions both academically and experientially in one focussed week. We hope you will make this the year to take part in an event that really will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Information for the week is attached. The schedule and the description may prove the most useful for getting a sense of the week.
Hope to see you this summer…at the Sikh gurdwara, sharing a meal at the mosque and participating in Zen meditation.
Sincerely,
Brian Carwana
Director, Encounter World Religions Centre
519 822 0039
brian@worldreligions.ca
http://www.worldreligions.ca/
Contact Mary Jean Belrose for registration, schedule and further information.
Oblation Helps in Chile Earthquake Recovery
Immediate Oblation aid of $10,000 was sent to help church members recover from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore of Maule, Chile, February 27. There have been more than 90 aftershocks and a tsunami was generated that devastated coastal areas and evacuated other islands in the Pacific. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was the fifth strongest quake since 1900. More Oblation aid will be sent as church leaders onsite assess the need.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously.
02 March 2010
Earthquake in Haiti—Assessment Team Returns Home
23 February 2010
As we start to write this simple report we recognize that words alone will not be able to fully paint a picture of our assessment trip. We can share something of the devastation and destruction we saw. We can share something of the stories we heard, stories of both bad and good news. We can share something of the dust in the air and of the smell of the many bodies still lost in the vast piles of rubble. We can share but we cannot help you experience the true picture of devastation that has come to these people.
The general destruction of buildings that we witnessed will have a big impact on the Haitian people for many years to come. The destruction of housing means people are, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, living in makeshift accommodations. A coming concern is the rainy season beginning at the end of March followed by hurricane season beginning on 1 June. The rains and storms will make the housing situation worse and more dangerous.
As we met with church people there was a universal welcome for us and a real appreciation that we had come to visit with them. They saw this as confirmation that they were indeed part of a larger community. We were able to share with them the concerns of the whole Community of Christ and how these concerns were being shown by generous financial gifts. Your giving to Oblation has reached more than half a million dollars that will aid our brothers and sisters in Haiti directly.
We were able to spend some initial oblation aid on temporary shelters for worship, food, water and medical care. The mission centre financial officer and his team are working to share more oblation aid to meet the ongoing needs of church people. This will continue and increase over the coming few weeks.
There are a few things that will stay in our minds for a long time:
The sight of the Haitian people, not just sitting back and losing hope, but working to improve what little they still had. The dust, the piles of waste and the vast piles of rubble were being moved by manual labour. People were starting to rebuild homes that had been destroyed and church members were already starting to consider how they could repair/rebuild their churches.
The Sunday morning worship at the Petionville congregation, with the damaged church building and destroyed school as a backdrop to vibrant praise and worship. Then, as the sun struck the destroyed school, the smell from the bodies buried in the school wafted over the group who were worshipping. Even in the grip of death they wanted to worship and to look forward.
The Friday national day of prayer at the Petionville congregation with 600 people gathered for a time of prayer, but also praise. The scene a little different from the Sunday worship for now you could see oblation dollars at work as the congregation was shaded from the sun by a huge tarpaulin.
As we left the Petionville congregation to make our way to the airport for our flight home we saw many churches with large congregations worshipping outside (as the buildings were not safe) blocking pavements and roads. But who cared as there was need for this opportunity as a nation to pray.
The faith of the people that we met can be expressed best in the words we kept hearing, "due to the grace of God". In this they are giving thanks to God for their survival and for the ongoing blessings that God brings them.
Bunda Chibwe
David Waring
Steve Graffeo
As we start to write this simple report we recognize that words alone will not be able to fully paint a picture of our assessment trip. We can share something of the devastation and destruction we saw. We can share something of the stories we heard, stories of both bad and good news. We can share something of the dust in the air and of the smell of the many bodies still lost in the vast piles of rubble. We can share but we cannot help you experience the true picture of devastation that has come to these people.
The general destruction of buildings that we witnessed will have a big impact on the Haitian people for many years to come. The destruction of housing means people are, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, living in makeshift accommodations. A coming concern is the rainy season beginning at the end of March followed by hurricane season beginning on 1 June. The rains and storms will make the housing situation worse and more dangerous.
As we met with church people there was a universal welcome for us and a real appreciation that we had come to visit with them. They saw this as confirmation that they were indeed part of a larger community. We were able to share with them the concerns of the whole Community of Christ and how these concerns were being shown by generous financial gifts. Your giving to Oblation has reached more than half a million dollars that will aid our brothers and sisters in Haiti directly.
We were able to spend some initial oblation aid on temporary shelters for worship, food, water and medical care. The mission centre financial officer and his team are working to share more oblation aid to meet the ongoing needs of church people. This will continue and increase over the coming few weeks.
There are a few things that will stay in our minds for a long time:
The sight of the Haitian people, not just sitting back and losing hope, but working to improve what little they still had. The dust, the piles of waste and the vast piles of rubble were being moved by manual labour. People were starting to rebuild homes that had been destroyed and church members were already starting to consider how they could repair/rebuild their churches.
The Sunday morning worship at the Petionville congregation, with the damaged church building and destroyed school as a backdrop to vibrant praise and worship. Then, as the sun struck the destroyed school, the smell from the bodies buried in the school wafted over the group who were worshipping. Even in the grip of death they wanted to worship and to look forward.
The Friday national day of prayer at the Petionville congregation with 600 people gathered for a time of prayer, but also praise. The scene a little different from the Sunday worship for now you could see oblation dollars at work as the congregation was shaded from the sun by a huge tarpaulin.
As we left the Petionville congregation to make our way to the airport for our flight home we saw many churches with large congregations worshipping outside (as the buildings were not safe) blocking pavements and roads. But who cared as there was need for this opportunity as a nation to pray.
The faith of the people that we met can be expressed best in the words we kept hearing, "due to the grace of God". In this they are giving thanks to God for their survival and for the ongoing blessings that God brings them.
Bunda Chibwe
David Waring
Steve Graffeo
22 February 2010
Jack's Prayer of Thanksgiving
Jack Howard gave the following beautiful prayer on Sunday during our worship service...
Dear heavenly father,
Thank you for blessing us with homes, food and water. Thank you for giving us a family. Thank you for giving us Thanksgiving. Thank you for our church and the opportunity to invite new people into our church. Thank you for the gift of love, peace, joy and forgiveness. Thank you for teaching us your plans you have for us. Thank you for teaching us about your holy son. Thank you for electricity so we can see. Thank you for everything you provide us with.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Dear heavenly father,
Thank you for blessing us with homes, food and water. Thank you for giving us a family. Thank you for giving us Thanksgiving. Thank you for our church and the opportunity to invite new people into our church. Thank you for the gift of love, peace, joy and forgiveness. Thank you for teaching us your plans you have for us. Thank you for teaching us about your holy son. Thank you for electricity so we can see. Thank you for everything you provide us with.
In Jesus name, Amen.
11 February 2010
Prayer Request
Cheryl Campbell's granddaughter Lorissa has been on our prayer list. She is having Brain surgery today February 11th. Cheryl asks that we please pray for her and her doctors.
08 February 2010
Assessment Team in Haiti Now
Your generous giving to the Oblation Fund will provide more than $364,000 of direct aid to Haiti. Apostle Bunda Chibwe, David Waring, and Steve Graffeo are currently on the ground in Haiti doing an initial assessment of damage and distributing the first round of Oblation aid.
Apostle Jim Slauter, president of the Council of Twelve spoke with the team last night via satellite phone. "It was good to talk with Bunda and Steve and they report the trip is going well. They shared how graphic and humbling it is to see the devastation in person and also how uplifting it is to hear the stories of faithful disciples whose lives remain filled with hope," said Jim.
More details, photos, and video will be shared when the team returns home from Haiti. Your continued prayers and giving to the Oblation Fund are greatly appreciated. Through February 28, all donations to the Oblation Fund will go directly to Haiti for rebuilding lives, homes, schools, churches, and communities.
Apostle Jim Slauter, president of the Council of Twelve spoke with the team last night via satellite phone. "It was good to talk with Bunda and Steve and they report the trip is going well. They shared how graphic and humbling it is to see the devastation in person and also how uplifting it is to hear the stories of faithful disciples whose lives remain filled with hope," said Jim.
More details, photos, and video will be shared when the team returns home from Haiti. Your continued prayers and giving to the Oblation Fund are greatly appreciated. Through February 28, all donations to the Oblation Fund will go directly to Haiti for rebuilding lives, homes, schools, churches, and communities.
06 February 2010
We Share…Aid for Haiti and Giving for World Conference
message from World Church
Thank you for sharing generous contributions of nearly $250,000 that will directly support the rebuilding of lives, homes, schools, and communities for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. As relief and rebuilding continues, the opportunity to give directly to Haiti through the Oblation Fund has been extended through February 28.
The outpouring of love, support, and prayers for our sisters and brothers in Haiti has been amazing. We turn this same spirit of love and prayer to the upcoming World Conference in April when we will gather together for worship, discernment, discussion, and fellowship.
No matter where you live, your giving can make World Conference possible for members around the world. Be part of the World Conference Special Offering on Sunday, February 21. Use the World Conference special-offering envelope on Sunday, February 21. Use your Mission Tithes offering envelopes between now and March 31 to contribute. Write "World Conference" on the World Ministries portion of the envelope.
Thank you for your generous giving! May we be blessed with the assurance that God goes with us always as we strive to share our mission and message with the world.
Thank you for sharing generous contributions of nearly $250,000 that will directly support the rebuilding of lives, homes, schools, and communities for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. As relief and rebuilding continues, the opportunity to give directly to Haiti through the Oblation Fund has been extended through February 28.
The outpouring of love, support, and prayers for our sisters and brothers in Haiti has been amazing. We turn this same spirit of love and prayer to the upcoming World Conference in April when we will gather together for worship, discernment, discussion, and fellowship.
No matter where you live, your giving can make World Conference possible for members around the world. Be part of the World Conference Special Offering on Sunday, February 21. Use the World Conference special-offering envelope on Sunday, February 21. Use your Mission Tithes offering envelopes between now and March 31 to contribute. Write "World Conference" on the World Ministries portion of the envelope.
Thank you for your generous giving! May we be blessed with the assurance that God goes with us always as we strive to share our mission and message with the world.
29 January 2010
Photos of Petionville Church and School in Haiti
29 January 2010
Many images of earthquake damage in Haiti show the utter devastation people are experiencing in their lives and communities. We received several photos of the church and school in Petionville after the earthquake. These "before and after" photos illustrate the scope of the damage to the church and school in Petionville.
The Church Before the Earthquake
After
After
The balcony on the right side of the photo gives a consistent reference point between the two photos.
These photos clearly show how much work is ahead as the people in Haiti begin to rebuild their lives, homes, schools and communities. As of January 24, your generous donations to the Oblation Fund totaled more than $185,000. All contributions to the Oblation Fund through February 7 will go directly to our church members and their communities in Haiti. Donate now at www.CofChrist.org/give.
French Polynesian Aid to Haiti Makes the News
One gift starts a news-making chain reaction of generosity as French Polynesians give to aid Haitian brothers and sisters. Watch this video now at www.CofChrist.org/news/2010/jan/Haiti-updates.asp.
A downloadable version is also available so the video can be shared more easily in congregations.
Many images of earthquake damage in Haiti show the utter devastation people are experiencing in their lives and communities. We received several photos of the church and school in Petionville after the earthquake. These "before and after" photos illustrate the scope of the damage to the church and school in Petionville.
The Church Before the Earthquake
After
The entire lower level has been crushed.
The School Before the Earthquake
After
The balcony on the right side of the photo gives a consistent reference point between the two photos.
These photos clearly show how much work is ahead as the people in Haiti begin to rebuild their lives, homes, schools and communities. As of January 24, your generous donations to the Oblation Fund totaled more than $185,000. All contributions to the Oblation Fund through February 7 will go directly to our church members and their communities in Haiti. Donate now at www.CofChrist.org/give.
French Polynesian Aid to Haiti Makes the News
One gift starts a news-making chain reaction of generosity as French Polynesians give to aid Haitian brothers and sisters. Watch this video now at www.CofChrist.org/news/2010/jan/Haiti-updates.asp.
A downloadable version is also available so the video can be shared more easily in congregations.
27 January 2010
God Has Called and Gifted Each One - Sermon by Carson Moor
Well, good morning. I’ve decided the easiest way to begin is that I’ll start with a fact. Now, I’m fairly confident many of you aren’t aware that Honduras’s flag is the only flag in the world that makes any mention of its surrounding countries. Personally I didn’t know this either, but the 4 small encircling stars represent the nations that share a border with Honduras; Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua and the 2 blue lines represent the two oceans that Honduras has, the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Now within this country operates World Accord whom directly fund and help manage a group of people called Programa de Reconstruccion Rural, which simply means, the Rural Reconstruction Program which happens to be centered in a campground like location called La Buena Fe, which means, The Good Faith. This location could be said to be the centre off all of World’s accords work in the country. This is where the school supplies are kept, the valley’s Clinic with 2 nurses is, where many people call home, and various meetings and celebrations take place. This can also be said for me, I too called La Buena Fe my home for the 2 weeks while I was there in mid November. This location is where your money donated to World accord goes for Honduras “and they do it with something that is basically worthless in our society – pennies. But overseas, pennies can move mountains”
I must admit on my journey down to Honduras, I was quite hesitant. I didn’t think I’d be too much help, not knowing many construction skills or techniques. But I still went forward with it, with an open mind and an open heart. When I arrived, I met up with our group, Al Wyegood, the gentleman who works in Honduras most of the year leading the world accord projects. Jens Schrobank, his assistant and equal, and then the Ontario crew, Doug, Dave, Jim, Eric, Mary, and Ryan, who happened to be the closest to me in age by about 8 years. We hopped in an old yellow school bus and drove through the country towards La Buena Fe. After receiving a tour of the premises, our first night ended. On the second day, the Sunday, we were given a tour of the valley and Mountains that World Accord and P.R.R operated in. We saw old schools and churches that were built, and met some people who’ve had their lives changed by these actions. After a long day of touring the area, the next day arrived and we traveled to the build site with me being slightly apprehensive.
The school room was to be built in the mountain town of “Canculuncos” a forty five minute truck ride from La Buena Fe. In this small village, more than 50% of the inhabitants were children, who just all happened to be under the ages of 13, but most of them were roughly 5 to 8 years old.
Of course though, as we tried to do our work, a lot of the kids would come to the work site and sit and watch. That’s all they’d do. Just sit and watch as I personally mixed mortar and concrete with one of the participants from Ontario. We mixed it by hand and shovel each day for each load, and every once in a while, we’d get a hand from the kids. In our down time we would attempt to communicate and get to know one another, and I happened to get very good by talking with my hands and body and I even picked up a modest amount of Spanish.
Another task I performed while building the school was the transportation and more importantly, the lifting of blocks above my head onto the scaffolding. Since I was clearly the tallest person there, I was more than suited for the job, but I certainly wasn’t the strongest. Many of the young children could easily carry more supplies than me and more often than not, they’d brush by me speeding by with two hundred pound bags of cement. They never seemed to tire or quit and the kids were so enthusiastic about helping; because how many of you can say that you helped build a school for you and your brothers and sisters?
The construction of the single school room proceeded without any problems except for oddly, an overall lack of participation from the surrounding community. The kids who helped us during the first week were mainly there to just watch us foreigners but we’d recruit them to help. But there was a deal made between World Accord and P.R.R and the village of Canculuncos, which stated that World Accord would supply 7 volunteers (Us) and the Community was to match that with 7 able bodied men.
Al and Jens, our two hosts in Honduras went to talk with the Mayor of Canculuncos, and informed him if he didn’t supply us with our 7 volunteers, he could finish the school himself, and we’d be gone the next day. To no surprise, as we drove to the build site the next day, there had to be over 15 adults, alongside their sons and daughters, making roughly 30 some odd volunteers to help build our school. It was just a fantastic sight to see. After their arrival, the building of our school went faster and without any more problems.
Also, during the second week of my adventure, on the Tuesday, we had a gift for the community. A group of older ladies from back in Ontario have been knitting hats and vests for kids in Honduras and the Ukraine. When we came down, I was the only traveler from Western Canada, but the rest of the group each had a hockey bag with them, packed full of vests and toques. On the Tuesday, we proceeded to hand out the knitted clothing to the children of the village and those kids were so incredibly happy. They were dancing, and yelling and smiling, and they were just so pleased to be given such gifts. These warm gifts were a necessity though, because in Honduras, the weather drops from 35 degrees Celsius to about 5 or 10 degrees Celsius at night, and for these kids, the knitted wool clothing was a very welcomed gift.
With a trip like this though, attempting to half way around the world, build a school and make a difference you almost have to expect some challenges to await you. For us, the two main problems we found was the initial lack of participation from Canculuncos and the language barrier. Eventually though, the language barrier became one of the best and more enriching aspects of my experience, as I was taught to communicate with others on a different level, as well as how to listen more effectively. But these skills or gifts, did I have them all this time or that I picked up while there?
For me this trip was more than just an opportunity or the chance of a life time. It was a gift, something to help me get started on my life and to help me realize more importantly, just what I’m capable of, and especially what others can and will do. While I was down there, I remember something Al Wyegood told our group during our last night together. He said “These people are so happy to have you here to help them. They know they’re position right now, and when you extend to them a hand up, they take it and they work for it, and they make it happen.”
I must admit on my journey down to Honduras, I was quite hesitant. I didn’t think I’d be too much help, not knowing many construction skills or techniques. But I still went forward with it, with an open mind and an open heart. When I arrived, I met up with our group, Al Wyegood, the gentleman who works in Honduras most of the year leading the world accord projects. Jens Schrobank, his assistant and equal, and then the Ontario crew, Doug, Dave, Jim, Eric, Mary, and Ryan, who happened to be the closest to me in age by about 8 years. We hopped in an old yellow school bus and drove through the country towards La Buena Fe. After receiving a tour of the premises, our first night ended. On the second day, the Sunday, we were given a tour of the valley and Mountains that World Accord and P.R.R operated in. We saw old schools and churches that were built, and met some people who’ve had their lives changed by these actions. After a long day of touring the area, the next day arrived and we traveled to the build site with me being slightly apprehensive.
The school room was to be built in the mountain town of “Canculuncos” a forty five minute truck ride from La Buena Fe. In this small village, more than 50% of the inhabitants were children, who just all happened to be under the ages of 13, but most of them were roughly 5 to 8 years old.
Of course though, as we tried to do our work, a lot of the kids would come to the work site and sit and watch. That’s all they’d do. Just sit and watch as I personally mixed mortar and concrete with one of the participants from Ontario. We mixed it by hand and shovel each day for each load, and every once in a while, we’d get a hand from the kids. In our down time we would attempt to communicate and get to know one another, and I happened to get very good by talking with my hands and body and I even picked up a modest amount of Spanish.
Another task I performed while building the school was the transportation and more importantly, the lifting of blocks above my head onto the scaffolding. Since I was clearly the tallest person there, I was more than suited for the job, but I certainly wasn’t the strongest. Many of the young children could easily carry more supplies than me and more often than not, they’d brush by me speeding by with two hundred pound bags of cement. They never seemed to tire or quit and the kids were so enthusiastic about helping; because how many of you can say that you helped build a school for you and your brothers and sisters?
The construction of the single school room proceeded without any problems except for oddly, an overall lack of participation from the surrounding community. The kids who helped us during the first week were mainly there to just watch us foreigners but we’d recruit them to help. But there was a deal made between World Accord and P.R.R and the village of Canculuncos, which stated that World Accord would supply 7 volunteers (Us) and the Community was to match that with 7 able bodied men.
Al and Jens, our two hosts in Honduras went to talk with the Mayor of Canculuncos, and informed him if he didn’t supply us with our 7 volunteers, he could finish the school himself, and we’d be gone the next day. To no surprise, as we drove to the build site the next day, there had to be over 15 adults, alongside their sons and daughters, making roughly 30 some odd volunteers to help build our school. It was just a fantastic sight to see. After their arrival, the building of our school went faster and without any more problems.
Also, during the second week of my adventure, on the Tuesday, we had a gift for the community. A group of older ladies from back in Ontario have been knitting hats and vests for kids in Honduras and the Ukraine. When we came down, I was the only traveler from Western Canada, but the rest of the group each had a hockey bag with them, packed full of vests and toques. On the Tuesday, we proceeded to hand out the knitted clothing to the children of the village and those kids were so incredibly happy. They were dancing, and yelling and smiling, and they were just so pleased to be given such gifts. These warm gifts were a necessity though, because in Honduras, the weather drops from 35 degrees Celsius to about 5 or 10 degrees Celsius at night, and for these kids, the knitted wool clothing was a very welcomed gift.
With a trip like this though, attempting to half way around the world, build a school and make a difference you almost have to expect some challenges to await you. For us, the two main problems we found was the initial lack of participation from Canculuncos and the language barrier. Eventually though, the language barrier became one of the best and more enriching aspects of my experience, as I was taught to communicate with others on a different level, as well as how to listen more effectively. But these skills or gifts, did I have them all this time or that I picked up while there?
For me this trip was more than just an opportunity or the chance of a life time. It was a gift, something to help me get started on my life and to help me realize more importantly, just what I’m capable of, and especially what others can and will do. While I was down there, I remember something Al Wyegood told our group during our last night together. He said “These people are so happy to have you here to help them. They know they’re position right now, and when you extend to them a hand up, they take it and they work for it, and they make it happen.”
24 January 2010
Prayer updates
Please be particularly intentional in your prayers for Stacey Larsen as he undergoes chemo on a 2 week cycle over this next year to hopefully combat the advancing cancer.
Also, please pray for Shirley Jones who is suffering from a compression fracture after a fall. Shirley is also in the middle of moving to Cochrane.
Also, please pray for Shirley Jones who is suffering from a compression fracture after a fall. Shirley is also in the middle of moving to Cochrane.
21 January 2010
Counsel Q&A from HQ
This is the first in a series of Question & Answers that will be released to the church.
PREPARING FOR WORLD CONFERENCE
1. Why was the counsel to the church released in January instead of at World Conference?
The prophet-president can bring inspired counsel to the church anytime. By receiving this counsel several months before Conference, the church has more opportunity to continue in prayer, discussion, education, and discernment with World Church leaders about important issues before and during World Conference.
2. Will the World Conference consider the counsel to the church for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants?
Yes, the 2010 World Conference will consider the counsel for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
3. How can delegates prepare for making decisions at World Conference?
• Be as informed as possible about issues to be considered at the Conference, including the counsel to the church, quorum changes, and legislative items.
• Intentionally share in prayer, discussion, and discernment activities, using the support resources the church provides. “Yearning for God: Discernment and Spiritual Practice” is available on the church Web site for download, with PowerPoint presentations, articles, and more.
o www.CofChrist.org/discernment/yearning.asp
o Read the Herald and the church Web site for more information and updates.
4. What kind of experiences at Conference will help delegates consider the counsel to the church and the resolutions?
• The World Conference schedule is designed to model ways to prayerfully approach counsel to the church and other issues.
• Experiences will include worship services, spiritual-formation and discernment activities, and non-legislative discussions with all delegates. The quorum, order, and caucus sessions will include spiritual practices to prepare the delegates to deliberate together.
• Delegates who actively engage in all aspects of the World Conference will be best prepared to sense the Spirit’s presence, be open to God’s direction, and effectively join in decision-making.
5. How can friends, members, and congregations who will not be at Conference continue to support the World Conference?
• February 21 is a day of prayer, fasting, and special offering to support Conference.
o Use the World Conference special-offering envelopes, if you have received them. Please designate your offering for World Conference.
o If you have not received a special-offering envelope, check with your congregational or mission center financial officer about how to designate an offering to support World
Conference.
o You can contribute online at www.CofChrist.org/give.
• Join in with the World Church Leadership Council each day in intentional prayer for World Conference.
• Register off-site to participate. Visit www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/registration2010.asp. Click on the links. When you reach the form, under “Registration Type” choose “Off-site Supporter.”
• Share in prayer, discussion, and discernment activities using the support resources the church provides. “Yearning for God: Discernment and Spiritual Practice” is available on the church Web site for download, with PowerPoint presentations, articles, and more.
o www.CofChrist.org/discernment/yearning.asp
• Read the Herald and the church website for more information and updates.
• Participate in worship services via live webcasts from www.CofChrist.org. See the schedule at
www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/schedule.asp. Get daily updates, photos, official minutes, and more
during the Conference at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010.
CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
6. What will the church’s practice of baptism be if the counsel is approved?
The church will continue to teach and practice baptism by immersion by authorized Community of Christ priesthood. Candidates must be at least eight years old.
7. Will the Presidency provide policies for accepting individuals into Community of Christ membership who have been baptized in other Christian settings?
Yes. If Conference approves the counsel, the Presidency will release a timeline and policies.
• The timeline will be released at Conference.
• The timeline will describe a period of preparation and training for staff, priesthood, pastors, and other church leaders before implementing new policies.
• Current policies remain in place until new policies are available.
8. Are there different processes for confirmation for those baptized by Community of Christ priesthood and those baptized in other Christian settings?
• No, the process will be the same.
9. Some people who have been baptized in other Christian settings want to be rebaptized before being confirmed into Community of Christ. Will this be allowed?
• Yes, the church will continue to allow rebaptism by immersion for those who are joining the church and want to be rebaptized.
10. If Conference approves this counsel, what does that mean for Doctrine and Covenants Sections 17 and 20 and others that address baptism and confirmation?
The most-recent counsel, if approved, provides the authoritative direction for the church today on baptism, rebaptism, confirmation, and related matters.
• Approval of this counsel does not remove sections from the Doctrine and Covenants.
HUMAN SEXUALITY AND CHURCH POLICIES
11. If the counsel is approved, what happens to all of the resolutions that have come to the Conference involving sexual orientation, ordination, and marriage?
• Issues raised by the legislation will be addressed early in the week in all-delegate nonlegislative discussions, so the Conference can hear from many perspectives.
• The Presidency will provide a statement on the status of each resolution related to sexual orientation, marriage, and ordination at the appropriate time.
• Approval of the counsel would provide a way to deal with some issues on a national or field level, and conferences can provide additional consideration where appropriate and possible.
12. If the counsel is approved, will the boundaries for performing marriages and ordinations change in some parts of the church, while not changing in other parts of the church?
• First, the World Conference must consider and consent to principles for ethical behavior and relationships as presented in the counsel.
• The counsel provides a process for interpreting those principles in various contexts throughout the world:
o Church officers, acting in their callings as already provided in church law, to create and interpret policies to meet the needs of the church today in harmony with the principles contained in the counsel.
o Where possible and appropriate, convene national or field conferences to provide
opportunities for broader dialogue, understanding, and support.
o The possibility of decentralized (more localized) policies in some nations is provided
in the counsel
OTHER QUESTIONS
13. Counsel says it is not proper for the Conference to decide specific policies for all nations when those decisions likely will cause serious harm in some. Please explain.
• Understandings and legalities on many issues vary greatly throughout the world. In some cultures and nations it is difficult or even “taboo” to speak about some issues, especially in public.
• Requiring the entire church to address certain issues would create serious conflict and possible fracturing of the church in various parts of the world.
• Some countries have laws that could put the church organization in jeopardy if the local church teaches views of human sexuality and marriage that are contrary to the official national policy.
• It is extremely difficult for large multinational, multicultural, and multilingual groups like World Conference to have the background, cultural awareness, and time to effectively resolve issues that involve such fundamental differences of perspective, especially when using parliamentary procedure.
• Because of increasingly rigid United States border-protection rules, it is more and more difficult to have a World Conference that has desired levels of representation from all nations where the church is established. The church needs to develop a different approach to decision-making that recognizes fundamental cultural differences and evident global realities.
• Issues of sexual orientation are highly visible in national politics and religious debate in Western cultures such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, etc. However, it is not appropriate for these issues to dominate the World Conference agenda simply because they are contentious issues in nations that have better access to mission center legislative and World Conference decision-making opportunities.
• The counsel provides a way to deal with issues in a more localized (decentralized) way, asking the Conference to consider fundamental principles while allowing church leaders to fashion appropriate policy and procedures for vastly different national contexts. Dialogue on issues is more relevant and applicable at the national or field level, and conferences can provide for that conversation where appropriate and possible.
(To Be Continued)
Haiti Update
20 January 2010
Communication with church leaders in Haiti remains difficult in the wake of the January 12 earthquake. Apostle Bunda Chibwe spoke with Michel Rosier, Haiti Mission Centre Financial Officer, on the phone yesterday. "Michel is certain that 20 members have died and estimates that about 250 members are in hospital," said Chibwe.
There are also reports of 13 buildings destroyed, 19 buildings that sustained damage, and 9 buildings that have no damage. Details about our members and the places where they worship and go to school will continue to be updated as new information is received.
As of yesterday, $51,348 has been donated to the Community of Christ Oblation Fund. This entire amount and all additional contributions through February 7 will go directly to our members for relief, recovery, and rebuilding. The January 13 donation to the Red Cross was a single donation to aid the immediate relief efforts. All further financial assistance will be disbursed directly to our members and their communities through the Presiding Bishopric.
While there is a great desire to collect physical items for our brothers and sisters in Haiti , at this time it is not feasible to get care packages of any kind into the country. Your support of the Oblation Fund and your continued prayers are the most effective ways to provide comfort and assistance to those in need.
Donate online at www.CofChrist.org/give/, through regular Mission Tithes envelopes or send a check or money order to Presiding Bishopric, ATTN: Oblation Fund, 1001 West Walnut, Independence , MO 64083 .
20 January 2010
Letter of Counsel about the Presiding Quorums
The following was presented by President Steve Veazey regarding the Counsel of Twelve...
The church’s president is responsible for deciding the timeliness of transitions in the presiding quorums and the people called to various World Church leadership roles. Given the impact on individuals, families, and church jurisdictions, I carefully weigh many factors. I also consult other presiding officers to gain perspective. But, when final decisions are needed, my overriding concern is for the Holy Spirit’s direction. Therefore, I present the following counsel about the presiding quorums in response to the witness and confirmation of the Spirit.
To the church:
1. Mary Jacks Dynes has served as an appointee minister since 1993 and as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 2002. In response to the Spirit’s guidance and in harmony with Mary’s own sense of direction for her life, she will be released from the Council of Twelve at the 2010 World Conference. This step will free her to be assigned to other ministerial opportunities after which she will be afforded the honor of retirement from church appointment in 2011.
Mary provided apostolic leadership in the Canada/North Central USA Mission Field. Her ministerial skills, teaching ability, and evangelistic spirit blessed the church in her field. Mary also uses her extensive educational background to teach evangelism and mission courses in the Community of Christ seminary. During the more-recent years of her apostolic ministry Mary served under challenging personal circumstances as she grieved the death of her beloved companion, David. Remarkably, Mary found ways to enter her personal sorrow and discovered new dimensions of ministry to add to her other capacities. Mary may leave the Council of Twelve knowing that her service as an apostle has been a blessing to the church and is acceptable to God.
On leaving the Council of Twelve, Mary is encouraged to continue to hone her abilities in ministries of evangelistic witness, teaching, preaching, and spiritual-formation practices. As she pursues these ministries, she will discover great meaning and joy in the ministry opportunities yet before her.
2. Leonard M. Young has served as an appointee minister since 1982 and as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles for the last ten years. In response to the Spirit, Len has requested to be relieved of responsibility as an apostle. This request is acceptable, and he will be released from the Council of Twelve at the 2010 World Conference. Also, he is called to serve as an evangelist and a member of the Order of Evangelists.
As an apostle, Len sensed the Spirit’s direction as he shared the gospel of peace in various places, including the Northeastern United States, the British Isles, and Europe. He served in Europe with a special focus on church development in Eastern Europe. The churches in Russia and Ukraine have grown under his leadership and are poised for even-greater expansion. His work has been a blessing to the church and is acceptable to God.
On leaving the Council of Twelve, Len will help the church create new ways to live out its call to be a prophetic people. His focus will be on developing processes of common consent and group discernment for use at World Conference and in other settings. If he will apply his gifts in writing, administration, spiritual sensitivity, and church leadership with his skills in parliamentary processes, the church will be blessed with new possibilities for discernment and decision-making. After completing this assignment, he should be afforded the honor of retirement from church appointment in 2011.
3. Richard C.N. James is called from his role as a president of seventy and North Atlantic Field (Europe/USA) missionary coordinator to serve as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Richard’s rich church heritage, deeply rooted in his native land of Wales, and his passionate evangelistic vision for the international church will serve him well in apostolic ministry. His keen sense of fairness and justice, his familiarity with the growing church in Eastern Europe, and his ability to discern missionary opportunities among immigrant populations in various nations are vital aspects of his calling. Richard may embrace his new role with the assurance that he is called to the Twelve to enrich considerations of the whole Council, as well as offer his gifted leadership in his field assignment.
4. K. Scott Murphy is called from his role as director of Human Resources Ministries for the World Church to serve as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Scott’s ministerial gifts, spiritual sensitivity, education background, and organizational leadership skills equip him to serve effectively in this calling. His previous ministerial roles in local church settings and his appointee assignments as mission center president and director of Human Resources provide him a unique background of experience and perspective. His sense of call to move the church into mission through spiritual awakening and transformation will be a blessing to the church in his field assignments and to the overall evangelism strategies of the Twelve. As a person of deep humility, Scott may be assured that he is called to apostolic leadership for such a time as this in the life of the church.
On behalf of a grateful church, I want to express deep appreciation to those being released from the Council of Twelve. I also request that the World Conference prayerfully consider and approve the calls of the persons named in this counsel so their ordinations can occur in a timely fashion.
Stephen M. Veazey
President of the Church
The church’s president is responsible for deciding the timeliness of transitions in the presiding quorums and the people called to various World Church leadership roles. Given the impact on individuals, families, and church jurisdictions, I carefully weigh many factors. I also consult other presiding officers to gain perspective. But, when final decisions are needed, my overriding concern is for the Holy Spirit’s direction. Therefore, I present the following counsel about the presiding quorums in response to the witness and confirmation of the Spirit.
To the church:
1. Mary Jacks Dynes has served as an appointee minister since 1993 and as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 2002. In response to the Spirit’s guidance and in harmony with Mary’s own sense of direction for her life, she will be released from the Council of Twelve at the 2010 World Conference. This step will free her to be assigned to other ministerial opportunities after which she will be afforded the honor of retirement from church appointment in 2011.
Mary provided apostolic leadership in the Canada/North Central USA Mission Field. Her ministerial skills, teaching ability, and evangelistic spirit blessed the church in her field. Mary also uses her extensive educational background to teach evangelism and mission courses in the Community of Christ seminary. During the more-recent years of her apostolic ministry Mary served under challenging personal circumstances as she grieved the death of her beloved companion, David. Remarkably, Mary found ways to enter her personal sorrow and discovered new dimensions of ministry to add to her other capacities. Mary may leave the Council of Twelve knowing that her service as an apostle has been a blessing to the church and is acceptable to God.
On leaving the Council of Twelve, Mary is encouraged to continue to hone her abilities in ministries of evangelistic witness, teaching, preaching, and spiritual-formation practices. As she pursues these ministries, she will discover great meaning and joy in the ministry opportunities yet before her.
2. Leonard M. Young has served as an appointee minister since 1982 and as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles for the last ten years. In response to the Spirit, Len has requested to be relieved of responsibility as an apostle. This request is acceptable, and he will be released from the Council of Twelve at the 2010 World Conference. Also, he is called to serve as an evangelist and a member of the Order of Evangelists.
As an apostle, Len sensed the Spirit’s direction as he shared the gospel of peace in various places, including the Northeastern United States, the British Isles, and Europe. He served in Europe with a special focus on church development in Eastern Europe. The churches in Russia and Ukraine have grown under his leadership and are poised for even-greater expansion. His work has been a blessing to the church and is acceptable to God.
On leaving the Council of Twelve, Len will help the church create new ways to live out its call to be a prophetic people. His focus will be on developing processes of common consent and group discernment for use at World Conference and in other settings. If he will apply his gifts in writing, administration, spiritual sensitivity, and church leadership with his skills in parliamentary processes, the church will be blessed with new possibilities for discernment and decision-making. After completing this assignment, he should be afforded the honor of retirement from church appointment in 2011.
3. Richard C.N. James is called from his role as a president of seventy and North Atlantic Field (Europe/USA) missionary coordinator to serve as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Richard’s rich church heritage, deeply rooted in his native land of Wales, and his passionate evangelistic vision for the international church will serve him well in apostolic ministry. His keen sense of fairness and justice, his familiarity with the growing church in Eastern Europe, and his ability to discern missionary opportunities among immigrant populations in various nations are vital aspects of his calling. Richard may embrace his new role with the assurance that he is called to the Twelve to enrich considerations of the whole Council, as well as offer his gifted leadership in his field assignment.
4. K. Scott Murphy is called from his role as director of Human Resources Ministries for the World Church to serve as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Scott’s ministerial gifts, spiritual sensitivity, education background, and organizational leadership skills equip him to serve effectively in this calling. His previous ministerial roles in local church settings and his appointee assignments as mission center president and director of Human Resources provide him a unique background of experience and perspective. His sense of call to move the church into mission through spiritual awakening and transformation will be a blessing to the church in his field assignments and to the overall evangelism strategies of the Twelve. As a person of deep humility, Scott may be assured that he is called to apostolic leadership for such a time as this in the life of the church.
On behalf of a grateful church, I want to express deep appreciation to those being released from the Council of Twelve. I also request that the World Conference prayerfully consider and approve the calls of the persons named in this counsel so their ordinations can occur in a timely fashion.
Stephen M. Veazey
President of the Church
Counsel to the Church
On Sunday, January 17 President Steve Veazey shared the following...
While sharing with the church in prayer, discussion, and discernment about important issues, I received an increasingly strong sense of divine direction about conditions of membership and other pressing questions. A significant aspect of my experience was God’s Spirit drawing me to consider various scripture passages. After I thoroughly explored many passages, the Holy Spirit focused my attention on Galatians 3:27—29:
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
While I studied this passage, the Spirit helped me see much broader dimensions of God’s grace working through Christ to transform human relationships in a divided world. As a result, I have an even-greater testimony than before of the power of the gospel of Christ to birth a new creation among those who dare to live its message in sacred community.
As the significance of what was unfolding became more obvious, the Spirit led me to consider a series of Doctrine and Covenants sections. Each addressed spiritual and relational dynamics of being a prophetic people. (For example, see Sections 10:6, 147:7, 149:4, 161:5, 162:2, and 163:7.) These include distinguishing between more-universal spiritual principles and particular expressions of them within the confines of human history and understanding. Being a divinelyled prophetic people involves—as a necessity—reevaluating at times some existing understandings and customs to allow added insight and interpretation under the Spirit’s guidance.
With that background in mind, I present the following counsel to the church in response to the guidance of God’s Spirit. I offer this counsel in humility, fully aware of my limitations and weaknesses, which I always carry as a burden. I also present these words with full conviction of their truthfulness as an expression of the spirit of wisdom and revelation that flows from God’s eternal being.
To the church:
1 All who actively engaged in prayer, discussion, and discernment about important issues in the church’s life are commended for your faithful response. Your disciplined effort to open your lives more fully to God’s Spirit in response to the call to be a prophetic people has become a blessing to the entire church. Your spiritual yearning for light and truth has created a favorable environment for the Spirit’s movement to provide inspired counsel as authoritative guidance for the church.
2 a. Instruction given previously about baptism was proper to ensure the rise and cohesiveness of the church during its early development and in following years. However, as a growing number have come to understand, the redemptive action of God in Christ—while uniquely and authoritatively expressed through the church—is not confined solely to the church.
b. God’s grace, revealed in Jesus Christ, freely moves throughout creation, often beyond human perception, to achieve divine purposes in people’s lives. In harmony with God’s will, the Holy Spirit leads some people already committed to Jesus Christ through Christian baptism to further focus their response through church membership.
c. Individuals previously baptized of water in an attitude of humility and repentance and as an expression of faith in Jesus Christ may become church members through the sacrament of confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
d. Confirmation should follow a time of intentional preparation that includes exploring the church’s mission, beliefs, and understanding of discipleship expressed through covenant with God and others in sacred community.
e. During the confirmation prayer include an acknowledgement of the grace and authority of Jesus Christ through which baptism occurs. Also, bear witness to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, which weaves people’s giftedness into beautiful patterns of community to enrich their discipleship and to strengthen the fabric of the church.
3 a. All church members are urged to examine the depth of your baptismal commitment. Having been baptized and confirmed, become fully immersed in the servant life of Christ.
b. Live the meaning of your baptism daily as you grow in the skills and qualities of discipleship. Actively and generously support the ministries of the church, which was divinely established to restore Christ’s covenant of peace, even the Zion of your hopes.
c. The Eternal Christ invites those who have yet to experience the blessings of baptism to “Follow me in the way of righteousness and peace.” Be baptized of water and the Spirit and discover your spiritual home as a fully functioning member of the body.
Some have continued to express concerns about how the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper should be conducted. In other places, the meaning and potential power of this sacrament has been lessened by a lack of understanding and preparation. Because of these circumstances, the following counsel is given as confirmed by the Spirit:
4 a. Serve the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to all committed followers of Christ as a visible witness of loving Christian fellowship and shared remembrance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Individuals may choose whether or not to receive the emblems according to their faith and understanding in harmony with guidelines provided by the First Presidency.
b. This pastoral provision does not lessen additional meanings associated with this sacrament in the church’s life. When the church gathers for Communion, highlight the opportunity for members to reaffirm their baptismal covenant, to reconcile strained relationships, and to commit together to the church’s mission of promoting communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.
c. Explore all the ways the Lord’s Supper can spiritually form the church community into a true and living expression of the life, sacrifice, resurrection, and continuing presence of Christ. Inherent in this sacrament is the divine call for the church to be a sacramental offering for the blessing, healing, and peace of creation.
Serious questions about moral behavior and relationships continue to arise in many nations. These issues are complex and difficult to understand outside their particular settings because of strikingly different cultural histories, customs, and understandings of scripture. For example, the 17 January 2010, Counsel to the Church, page 3 issues include female submission, female genital mutilation, child brides, forced marriages, and sexual permissiveness. They include cleansing and exploitation of widows, harsh conflicts over same-gender attraction and relationships, and varying legal, religious, and social definitions of marriage, to name just a few.
Over the last several years the need to resolve various moral and justice issues has intensified and become more complicated because of the growing international diversity of the church. The church has been told in previous counsel that we have been given the struggles and joys of diversity for divine purposes. (Doctrine and Covenants 162:4) In response to my prayerful pleas for light regarding God’s purposes being worked out through our difficult struggles over various issues, God graciously blessed me with the following counsel:
5 a. It is imperative to understand that when you are truly baptized into Christ you become part of a new creation. By taking on the life and mind of Christ, you increasingly view yourselves and others from a changed perspective. Former ways of defining people by economic status, social class, sex, gender, or ethnicity no longer are primary. Through the gospel of Christ a new community of tolerance, reconciliation, unity in diversity, and love is being born as a visible sign of the coming reign of God.
6 a. As revealed in Christ, God, the Creator of all, ultimately is concerned about behaviors and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people and that protect the most vulnerable. Such relationships are to be rooted in the principles of Christ-like love, mutual respect, responsibility, justice, covenant, and faithfulness, against which there is no law.
b. If the church more fully will understand and consistently apply these principles, questions arising about responsible human sexuality, gender identities, roles, and relationships; marriage; and other issues may be resolved according to the God’s divine purposes. Be assured, nothing within these principles condones selfish, irresponsible, promiscuous, degrading, or abusive relationships.
c. Faced with difficult questions, many properly turn to scripture to find insight and inspiration. Search the scriptures for the Living Word that brings life, healing, and hope to all. Embrace and proclaim these liberating truths.
7 a. A world-wide prophetic church must develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to distinguish between issues that should be addressed by the World Conference and those that are best resolved nationally or in other ways.
b. Fundamental principles of ethical behavior and relationships should be addressed by the World Conference. The Conference should not decide specific policies for all nations when those decisions likely will cause serious harm in some of them.
c. However, timely resolution of pressing issues in various nations is necessary for the restoring work of the gospel to move forward with all of its potential. Therefore, let the proper World Church officers act in their callings—as already provided in church law—to create and interpret church policies to meet the needs of the church in different nations in harmony with the principles contained in this counsel.
d. Where possible and appropriate, convene national or field conferences to provide opportunities for broader dialogue, understanding, and consent. In those gatherings, let the spirit of love, justice, and truth prevail.
The Council of Twelve and the Council of Presidents of Seventy have given ample attention to the previous instruction calling for the greatest collaboration possible among the leading missionary quorums. Because of their diligent efforts to create even-closer relationships to strengthen the church evangelistic and community-building mission, I now am free to offer the following counsel:
8 a. The importance of evaluating and aligning ministerial roles and relationships to reach individuals and nations most effectively with the liberating truths of the gospel is always incumbent on the church.
b. For this purpose, the number of quorums of seventy and presidents of seventy may be adjusted at times to respond to evangelistic strategies in apostolic fields. The First Presidency, in concert with the Council of Twelve and the Council of Presidents of Seventy, will provide procedures for determining the number, makeup, and roles of quorums of seventy and presidents of seventy.
c. Let the evangelistic ministries of the church accelerate.
While finishing this counsel, I paused for a time to rest with God in prayer and meditation, seeking added confirmation and clarity. From that devoted time with God, these closing words of challenge and promise unexpectedly sprang forth and found their place in this document:
9 a. Beloved children of the Restoration, your continuing faith adventure with God has been divinely-led, eventful, challenging, and sometimes surprising to you. By the grace of God, you are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church.
b. When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.
c. This covenant entails sacramental living that respects and reveals God’s presence and reconciling activity in creation. It requires whole-life stewardship dedicated to expanding the church’s restoring ministries, especially those devoted to asserting the worth of persons, protecting the sacredness of creation, and relieving physical and spiritual suffering.
d. If you truly would be Community of Christ, then embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ.
e. The challenges and opportunities are momentous. Will you remain hesitant in the shadows of your fears, insecurities, and competing loyalties? Or will you move forward in the light of your divinely instilled call and vision?
f. The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead.
The burdens of the prophetic office have increased dramatically since the last World Conference. However, my dedication to the church, my love for our people, and my conviction regarding the church’s divine calling have not waned, but have grown stronger.
With deep trust in the spiritual competency and maturity of the church, I turn the words of this counsel over to you for prayerful consideration and continued discernment. As we continue our journey together, may the gracious Spirit that blessed me similarly bless those who seek divine affirmation of this counsel.
Stephen M. Veazey
Prophet-President of the Church
The Temple
Independence, MO
January 17, 2010
While sharing with the church in prayer, discussion, and discernment about important issues, I received an increasingly strong sense of divine direction about conditions of membership and other pressing questions. A significant aspect of my experience was God’s Spirit drawing me to consider various scripture passages. After I thoroughly explored many passages, the Holy Spirit focused my attention on Galatians 3:27—29:
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
While I studied this passage, the Spirit helped me see much broader dimensions of God’s grace working through Christ to transform human relationships in a divided world. As a result, I have an even-greater testimony than before of the power of the gospel of Christ to birth a new creation among those who dare to live its message in sacred community.
As the significance of what was unfolding became more obvious, the Spirit led me to consider a series of Doctrine and Covenants sections. Each addressed spiritual and relational dynamics of being a prophetic people. (For example, see Sections 10:6, 147:7, 149:4, 161:5, 162:2, and 163:7.) These include distinguishing between more-universal spiritual principles and particular expressions of them within the confines of human history and understanding. Being a divinelyled prophetic people involves—as a necessity—reevaluating at times some existing understandings and customs to allow added insight and interpretation under the Spirit’s guidance.
With that background in mind, I present the following counsel to the church in response to the guidance of God’s Spirit. I offer this counsel in humility, fully aware of my limitations and weaknesses, which I always carry as a burden. I also present these words with full conviction of their truthfulness as an expression of the spirit of wisdom and revelation that flows from God’s eternal being.
To the church:
1 All who actively engaged in prayer, discussion, and discernment about important issues in the church’s life are commended for your faithful response. Your disciplined effort to open your lives more fully to God’s Spirit in response to the call to be a prophetic people has become a blessing to the entire church. Your spiritual yearning for light and truth has created a favorable environment for the Spirit’s movement to provide inspired counsel as authoritative guidance for the church.
2 a. Instruction given previously about baptism was proper to ensure the rise and cohesiveness of the church during its early development and in following years. However, as a growing number have come to understand, the redemptive action of God in Christ—while uniquely and authoritatively expressed through the church—is not confined solely to the church.
b. God’s grace, revealed in Jesus Christ, freely moves throughout creation, often beyond human perception, to achieve divine purposes in people’s lives. In harmony with God’s will, the Holy Spirit leads some people already committed to Jesus Christ through Christian baptism to further focus their response through church membership.
c. Individuals previously baptized of water in an attitude of humility and repentance and as an expression of faith in Jesus Christ may become church members through the sacrament of confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
d. Confirmation should follow a time of intentional preparation that includes exploring the church’s mission, beliefs, and understanding of discipleship expressed through covenant with God and others in sacred community.
e. During the confirmation prayer include an acknowledgement of the grace and authority of Jesus Christ through which baptism occurs. Also, bear witness to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, which weaves people’s giftedness into beautiful patterns of community to enrich their discipleship and to strengthen the fabric of the church.
3 a. All church members are urged to examine the depth of your baptismal commitment. Having been baptized and confirmed, become fully immersed in the servant life of Christ.
b. Live the meaning of your baptism daily as you grow in the skills and qualities of discipleship. Actively and generously support the ministries of the church, which was divinely established to restore Christ’s covenant of peace, even the Zion of your hopes.
c. The Eternal Christ invites those who have yet to experience the blessings of baptism to “Follow me in the way of righteousness and peace.” Be baptized of water and the Spirit and discover your spiritual home as a fully functioning member of the body.
Some have continued to express concerns about how the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper should be conducted. In other places, the meaning and potential power of this sacrament has been lessened by a lack of understanding and preparation. Because of these circumstances, the following counsel is given as confirmed by the Spirit:
4 a. Serve the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to all committed followers of Christ as a visible witness of loving Christian fellowship and shared remembrance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Individuals may choose whether or not to receive the emblems according to their faith and understanding in harmony with guidelines provided by the First Presidency.
b. This pastoral provision does not lessen additional meanings associated with this sacrament in the church’s life. When the church gathers for Communion, highlight the opportunity for members to reaffirm their baptismal covenant, to reconcile strained relationships, and to commit together to the church’s mission of promoting communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.
c. Explore all the ways the Lord’s Supper can spiritually form the church community into a true and living expression of the life, sacrifice, resurrection, and continuing presence of Christ. Inherent in this sacrament is the divine call for the church to be a sacramental offering for the blessing, healing, and peace of creation.
Serious questions about moral behavior and relationships continue to arise in many nations. These issues are complex and difficult to understand outside their particular settings because of strikingly different cultural histories, customs, and understandings of scripture. For example, the 17 January 2010, Counsel to the Church, page 3 issues include female submission, female genital mutilation, child brides, forced marriages, and sexual permissiveness. They include cleansing and exploitation of widows, harsh conflicts over same-gender attraction and relationships, and varying legal, religious, and social definitions of marriage, to name just a few.
Over the last several years the need to resolve various moral and justice issues has intensified and become more complicated because of the growing international diversity of the church. The church has been told in previous counsel that we have been given the struggles and joys of diversity for divine purposes. (Doctrine and Covenants 162:4) In response to my prayerful pleas for light regarding God’s purposes being worked out through our difficult struggles over various issues, God graciously blessed me with the following counsel:
5 a. It is imperative to understand that when you are truly baptized into Christ you become part of a new creation. By taking on the life and mind of Christ, you increasingly view yourselves and others from a changed perspective. Former ways of defining people by economic status, social class, sex, gender, or ethnicity no longer are primary. Through the gospel of Christ a new community of tolerance, reconciliation, unity in diversity, and love is being born as a visible sign of the coming reign of God.
6 a. As revealed in Christ, God, the Creator of all, ultimately is concerned about behaviors and relationships that uphold the worth and giftedness of all people and that protect the most vulnerable. Such relationships are to be rooted in the principles of Christ-like love, mutual respect, responsibility, justice, covenant, and faithfulness, against which there is no law.
b. If the church more fully will understand and consistently apply these principles, questions arising about responsible human sexuality, gender identities, roles, and relationships; marriage; and other issues may be resolved according to the God’s divine purposes. Be assured, nothing within these principles condones selfish, irresponsible, promiscuous, degrading, or abusive relationships.
c. Faced with difficult questions, many properly turn to scripture to find insight and inspiration. Search the scriptures for the Living Word that brings life, healing, and hope to all. Embrace and proclaim these liberating truths.
7 a. A world-wide prophetic church must develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to distinguish between issues that should be addressed by the World Conference and those that are best resolved nationally or in other ways.
b. Fundamental principles of ethical behavior and relationships should be addressed by the World Conference. The Conference should not decide specific policies for all nations when those decisions likely will cause serious harm in some of them.
c. However, timely resolution of pressing issues in various nations is necessary for the restoring work of the gospel to move forward with all of its potential. Therefore, let the proper World Church officers act in their callings—as already provided in church law—to create and interpret church policies to meet the needs of the church in different nations in harmony with the principles contained in this counsel.
d. Where possible and appropriate, convene national or field conferences to provide opportunities for broader dialogue, understanding, and consent. In those gatherings, let the spirit of love, justice, and truth prevail.
The Council of Twelve and the Council of Presidents of Seventy have given ample attention to the previous instruction calling for the greatest collaboration possible among the leading missionary quorums. Because of their diligent efforts to create even-closer relationships to strengthen the church evangelistic and community-building mission, I now am free to offer the following counsel:
8 a. The importance of evaluating and aligning ministerial roles and relationships to reach individuals and nations most effectively with the liberating truths of the gospel is always incumbent on the church.
b. For this purpose, the number of quorums of seventy and presidents of seventy may be adjusted at times to respond to evangelistic strategies in apostolic fields. The First Presidency, in concert with the Council of Twelve and the Council of Presidents of Seventy, will provide procedures for determining the number, makeup, and roles of quorums of seventy and presidents of seventy.
c. Let the evangelistic ministries of the church accelerate.
While finishing this counsel, I paused for a time to rest with God in prayer and meditation, seeking added confirmation and clarity. From that devoted time with God, these closing words of challenge and promise unexpectedly sprang forth and found their place in this document:
9 a. Beloved children of the Restoration, your continuing faith adventure with God has been divinely-led, eventful, challenging, and sometimes surprising to you. By the grace of God, you are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church.
b. When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.
c. This covenant entails sacramental living that respects and reveals God’s presence and reconciling activity in creation. It requires whole-life stewardship dedicated to expanding the church’s restoring ministries, especially those devoted to asserting the worth of persons, protecting the sacredness of creation, and relieving physical and spiritual suffering.
d. If you truly would be Community of Christ, then embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ.
e. The challenges and opportunities are momentous. Will you remain hesitant in the shadows of your fears, insecurities, and competing loyalties? Or will you move forward in the light of your divinely instilled call and vision?
f. The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead.
The burdens of the prophetic office have increased dramatically since the last World Conference. However, my dedication to the church, my love for our people, and my conviction regarding the church’s divine calling have not waned, but have grown stronger.
With deep trust in the spiritual competency and maturity of the church, I turn the words of this counsel over to you for prayerful consideration and continued discernment. As we continue our journey together, may the gracious Spirit that blessed me similarly bless those who seek divine affirmation of this counsel.
Stephen M. Veazey
Prophet-President of the Church
The Temple
Independence, MO
January 17, 2010
18 January 2010
Yesterday's Prayer of Invocation by Elaine Christiansen
Heavenly Father, on this glorious day, we invite you to guide us to the precious gifts you have given each one of us. Even though we are all very different, our love for one another and our love for you unites us. Too often we loose sight of what is really important in life. We ask you to help us let go of our day to day worries and be present with you.
We invite you to help us appreciate the differences in others and recognize that there is unity in the midst of our diversity. It takes all the pieces to make a complete body.
God loves all of us exactly the same regardless of what we can or can't do. I brought my son Matt with me today so that he would feel closer to God and feel the love that everyone here has for him. Even though he has many physical and mental limitations, God sees only the goodness in his heart and soul.
Thank you God for blessing us all in different ways and give us the wisdom not to take anything for granted.
I ask this in Jesus name.
Amen.
We invite you to help us appreciate the differences in others and recognize that there is unity in the midst of our diversity. It takes all the pieces to make a complete body.
God loves all of us exactly the same regardless of what we can or can't do. I brought my son Matt with me today so that he would feel closer to God and feel the love that everyone here has for him. Even though he has many physical and mental limitations, God sees only the goodness in his heart and soul.
Thank you God for blessing us all in different ways and give us the wisdom not to take anything for granted.
I ask this in Jesus name.
Amen.
15 January 2010
Oblation Funds for Haiti Matched by CIDA
The Government of Canada has announced that it will match dollar for dollar contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations in support of humanitarian recovery and reconstruction efforts in Haiti up to a total of $50 million.
We now have approval from CIDA that all contributions to the Oblation Fund from now until February 12, 2010 will qualify for matching under this program.
See Contact Made with Church Leaders in Haiti and read to your congregation or copy and hand out. Thank you for your continuing support
Greg Goheen
CWM Financial Officer
We now have approval from CIDA that all contributions to the Oblation Fund from now until February 12, 2010 will qualify for matching under this program.
See Contact Made with Church Leaders in Haiti and read to your congregation or copy and hand out. Thank you for your continuing support
Greg Goheen
CWM Financial Officer
14 January 2010
Haiti Update from World Church
14 January 2010
As of 11 a.m. (Central Time) we have only been able to make very limited contact with our church leaders or members in Haiti. “We are using every means possible—phone, cell phone, email, HAM radio, person to person, etc— to make contact with our people, but so far these efforts have resulted in little success.” said President David Schaal.
The response of the church around the world has been amazing and immediate. Thank you for your donations to the Oblation Fund and for the prayers you have so fervently lifted up on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We are trusting that many more people will yet respond, given the immensity of the need. We have nearly 25,000 members and 300 congregations in Haiti. Our best estimates are that 15 congregations and 7,500 people may be directly impacted by this disaster.
We also recognize there are numerous people who want to volunteer and help in a physical way. In the immediate future that kind of assistance is not practical due to lack of infrastructure and support for volunteers. At this time, teams of trained search and rescue professionals and trained relief workers are what is needed most.
As soon as possible the church will be sending a team of people that will assess the needs of our church members and friends. After the assessment is reviewed we will let the church know what specific skills and volunteers are needed, as well as how to volunteer.
Please continue to keep the Haitian people and those working to offer relief in your prayers. Donations to the Oblation Fund can be made at www.CofChrist.org/give/.
As of 11 a.m. (Central Time) we have only been able to make very limited contact with our church leaders or members in Haiti. “We are using every means possible—phone, cell phone, email, HAM radio, person to person, etc— to make contact with our people, but so far these efforts have resulted in little success.” said President David Schaal.
The response of the church around the world has been amazing and immediate. Thank you for your donations to the Oblation Fund and for the prayers you have so fervently lifted up on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We are trusting that many more people will yet respond, given the immensity of the need. We have nearly 25,000 members and 300 congregations in Haiti. Our best estimates are that 15 congregations and 7,500 people may be directly impacted by this disaster.
We also recognize there are numerous people who want to volunteer and help in a physical way. In the immediate future that kind of assistance is not practical due to lack of infrastructure and support for volunteers. At this time, teams of trained search and rescue professionals and trained relief workers are what is needed most.
As soon as possible the church will be sending a team of people that will assess the needs of our church members and friends. After the assessment is reviewed we will let the church know what specific skills and volunteers are needed, as well as how to volunteer.
Please continue to keep the Haitian people and those working to offer relief in your prayers. Donations to the Oblation Fund can be made at www.CofChrist.org/give/.
13 January 2010
Haiti Earthquake
The Montreal congregation is a Haitian congregation. Undoubtedly, they are all hurting as they anxiously await news from family back home.
CEO of World Accord, David Barth states, "World Accord is accepting donations for Haiti Earthquake relief efforts. Online http://tiny.cc/RYopA and "Donate Now" or call 1-800-525-3545."
And this message was posted yesterday on the World Church web site...
CEO of World Accord, David Barth states, "World Accord is accepting donations for Haiti Earthquake relief efforts. Online http://tiny.cc/RYopA and "Donate Now" or call 1-800-525-3545."
And this message was posted yesterday on the World Church web site...
Community of Christ Sends Aid to People Devastated by Earthquake in Haiti
13 January 2010
The nation of Haiti experienced the devastating power of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, January 12. Apostle Bunda Chibwe, assigned to the Africa/Haiti Mission Field, had brief email contact with Haiti Mission Centre Financial Officer Michel Rosier late Tuesday evening.
“At this time Michel has not been able to assess the shelter, food, and clothing needs of the people or the damage to our churches and schools. We know the need and the damage is extensive, but we do not know specific details,” said Apostle Chibwe. "We will continue to share information about our brothers and sisters in Haiti as it becomes available."
This afternoon, Presiding Bishop Steve Jones announced that $25,000 from the church’s Oblation Fund will be donated to the Red Cross to offer immediate survival aid to the Haitian people. In addition, all contributions to the Oblation Fund between now and February 7, 2010 will be used for relief to Haiti. The situation will continue to be evaluated and additional funds will be made available as needed.
In the face of overwhelming events it is even more important that we stop and pray. Our prayers, joined with the prayers of our brothers and sisters around the world, provide a powerful support to the Haitian people. We will continue to pray for those who have lost family, friends, and homes, for those coming to the country to provide relief, search and rescue, medical attention, and other needs, and for the nation and its leaders as they begin to assess damage and look toward rebuilding.
Please add Haiti to your prayer list!
12 January 2010
Lonesome in a Crowd
Marilyn had a phone visit with Gladys Lipsett recently. Gladys was lamenting about missing her friends at church. Her thoughts are posted here to help all of us understand that folks who have passed away leave an emptyness in many people's lives for a very long time because of the precious relationships that were experienced in years previous. Here is what she wrote:
Some of us are so busy that we do not realize how lonely other folks are and how rich we are to have had the opportunity to recognize even slightly how we have been enriched by many people. Doesn't it sadden and warm your heart?
Marilyn
We welcome your further thoughts. Click "Comments" and share in the conversation. Or, if you'd like to send a message to Gladys, click on the little envelope with an arrow below and enter Marilyn's e-mail address ronrichea@yahoo.ca. All messages will be shared with Gladys via Marilyn.
I think of all of the grand times we had at Doris bates home where we met so often, what a lovely lady she was!!! Also Blanche was so dear to Meta and myself. Dot McLeod and I often went to Zeller's to have lunch after going to do our banking. Poor Dot...As we concluded our chat, Gladys said, "Tell the people at church that I am going to surprise them one day and come out to a worship service, but right now it is too cold to think about"--- smile!!
Then there was Dora Bayerle that filled in for all of my lonely times. We went so many places even visiting veterns at the Colonel Belcher Long Term Hospital, feeding one fellow and brightening up his day. She was so faithful. I miss her so much.
All of these memories seem to flood over me when I open the doors of our church. I miss my friends so much.
I will see them again someday when when we won't have to say goodbye ever again.
Love Gladys
Some of us are so busy that we do not realize how lonely other folks are and how rich we are to have had the opportunity to recognize even slightly how we have been enriched by many people. Doesn't it sadden and warm your heart?
Marilyn
We welcome your further thoughts. Click "Comments" and share in the conversation. Or, if you'd like to send a message to Gladys, click on the little envelope with an arrow below and enter Marilyn's e-mail address ronrichea@yahoo.ca. All messages will be shared with Gladys via Marilyn.
11 January 2010
Listen to God’s Voice – Morning Message by Kelly Grant – Jan. 10
Isaiah 43:1-7
Listen to God’s Voice!
God cannot help us unless we allow Him to! Yet – all too often many of us could be accused of trying to out-God God. We often believe that we know exactly what we want - what we need and the best way to get it. In fact, we get so busy doing what we do the way we do it, there is no opportunity for God to get into our lives at all! Are we really listening to his voice?
God will let you do whatever you want to do until you realize that God can do it better.
If you want to run the show, God will let you. If you want to pull all the strings, that's up to you. If you want to insist that what you are doing is the way it should be done, even when you are not getting anywhere, go right ahead. God will let you run yourself ragged, if you choose to. Unfortunately, you may not always be aware that you are in God's way. You think you are demonstrating your independence. You think that it is all up to you and that you must do it or it won't get done. God knows better! God knows that He cannot fail! However God has no need to prove to you what He can do.
How do you know when you are running your program rather than allowing God's divine plan to unfold? It's very simple! If you are struggling to make things happen and they are not happening, it's you, not God, running the show.
Listen to God’s Voice ~ don’t assume to know how it will sound ~ or for that matter in what shape or form it will arrive ~
A few yrs ago there was a story/joke traveling the internet – it is a great example A flood was coming and word was sent to evacuate. One farmer sat on his porch and told the rescue team. "I'm waiting for God, He'll save me." Soon the water rose and the farmer was forced to the second story of his house. The rescue boat came but he told them. "I'm waiting for God He'll save me." Soon the farmer was forced to the top of his roof. The rescue helicopter came but he told them. "I'm waiting for God, He'll save me." The water rose and the farmer drowned. On his arrival in heaven he asked God, "Why didn't you save me? I waited for you but you never came." God replied. "Awe my son, I came three times."
Listen to God’s voice ~ and remember each day to put first things first .... it is a mandate for all of our lives. This principle encourages us to acknowledge, accept and embrace God first in all things that we do. First, inquire of God. Then, listen to God. When you hear God, respond. Then trust God to lead and guide you.
Listen to God’s voice (My Temple Testimony – Isaiah 43:1-5)
The book of Isaiah has special meaning to me. Two of the verses in that book were singled out/presented to me during a trip to Independence in June 2003. I had the opportunity to attend a conference at world church. The first morning, Sandy Jensen and I made plans to meet early so that we could sit together for the 8:30 devotionals and keynote speaker. As we headed toward the sanctuary Sam noticed a pile of papers on a chair – they were there for people to take as they headed inside ~ it was the agenda for the day. But people were so busy visiting as entered the sanctuary they were missing them. Sam grabbed the pile and handed me half and we stood at the entryway welcoming and distributing the day’s agenda.
The time flew by and we suddenly realized that time was approaching for the service to begin we quickly headed inside to find a seat. It was packed. Not a seat to be had. So Sam suggested we go up to the balcony. Today climbing stairs is almost impossible - but even back in ‘03 it was a very difficult task. But Sam assured that we would go as slow as needed and rest along the way. We eventually made it to the top and to our delight we discovered that there were many seats to choose from. We also discovered that the view was much better and more room to stretch out, plus the sound was great. We thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
The next day (Wednesday) Sam had an early morning class. So we were not going to meet prior to the 8:30 devotionals. I arrived to the temple early and decided to go in and sit down. As I headed in and started to pass the stairs – I stopped looked ahead... looked at the stairs ... looked up above... and said “Well God I enjoyed it so much yesterday morning, I am going to try the stairs again. Anyway being way up there is my way to be a little closer to You.” Now I could have had my pick of seats on the first floor because I was there quite early. But I felt very compelled to go up to the balcony. I started up the stairs and was just about at the landing - the midway point and was starting to wonder if I had made the wrong choice - as yet again I found the stairs very difficult. When I reached the landing I noticed what a appeared to be a piece of paper on the railing. There was absolutely nobody around except me... for whatever reason I was compelled to go and pick this piece of paper up. The paper in fact was this card which on the front reads “The lord says: I am with you.” Talk about goose bumps!!!
My eyes filled with tears and my heart with gratitude and I opened the card to take a further look to see what it was or whom it belonged to. Typed inside the card was Isaiah 43:1-5
I looked around again and still there was nobody there – Just me. I hung onto the card – which was completely blank – except the printed information. I continued up to the balcony, thinking I might find the owner of the card. But when I arrived I discovered that I was the only person up there.
I am not one to believe in coincidence ~ I believe things happen for a reason. I know that card and those words were meant for me. This trip turned out to be very memorable one - as I experienced many, as I call them, “God Winks”.
Listen ~ as I read Isaiah 43:1-7 ~ listen to God’s voice
Israel, the Lord who created you says, “Do not be afraid – I will save you.
I have called you by name – you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you.
When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.
For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you.
I will give up Egypt to set you free;
I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honour.
Do not be afraid – I am with you! I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north and to the south, “Free my sons and daughters! Let them return from distant lands.
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Wow ~ there are some important points being made in this passage ~
One point is the encouragement for God's people not to fear what man or nature can do to them.
This is the command repeated in verse 1 and verse 5. God says “Do not be afraid”
What is it that moves God to help his people? Well we find the answer in Verse 4, when God says, "You are precious in my eyes . . . I love you." It is Love "God is love" and He fills us with his unconditional love
So, why did God bring into existence people whom he could regard as precious? Verse 7 states that answer very simply: God created us for his glory.
Now suppose for a moment you walk into the home of a person who just arrived from an extremely primitive part of the world. You notice he has a pan in the fireplace and is grumbling. He says, "It doesn't work." And you say, "What doesn't work?" "The water catcher. It doesn't work. There's a hole right up through the roof and it is open to let the rain in but it doesn't work." You would say to that person, "That's not a water catcher. It's a fireplace. You burn wood in there and the hole is for smoke to get out of the house. It's made to keep you warm not collect water."
I’m sure you will agree with me - when you know what something is for ~ you get more out of it. So it is with life. If we know what we were made for, our purpose for existing - then there is far greater hope of getting all out of life that is possible.
God created you. And he did so with a high and noble purpose in mind—that your utterly unique personality might reflect some feature of God's glory that no other person can. You are like a crystal, or a snowflake, designed and shaped like no other. And the reason you exist is to walk in the light of God's glory in such a way that its rays and colors will reflect off of you and cause others to admire God.
We glorify God's beauty and excellence by loving it and delighting in it. We glorify God's power by trusting him with all the hard and threatening things in our life. We glorify God's generosity, kindness and grace by overflowing with gratitude. And we glorify God's wisdom by obeying His counsel. This is love. And our God is a God of infinite love and He will share all that he is with us for our enjoyment and His glory.
But in order for this to be possible ~ you must listen to God’s voce!
Deep and lasting joy comes from being what we were created to be. And we were created to be mirrors of God's glory. My prayer for each of you this morning ~ is that ~ you listen to God’s voice ~and~ that you are able to glorify God by filling the earth with the light of His beauty by reflecting it to others. May God Bless You.
Listen to God’s Voice!
God cannot help us unless we allow Him to! Yet – all too often many of us could be accused of trying to out-God God. We often believe that we know exactly what we want - what we need and the best way to get it. In fact, we get so busy doing what we do the way we do it, there is no opportunity for God to get into our lives at all! Are we really listening to his voice?
God will let you do whatever you want to do until you realize that God can do it better.
If you want to run the show, God will let you. If you want to pull all the strings, that's up to you. If you want to insist that what you are doing is the way it should be done, even when you are not getting anywhere, go right ahead. God will let you run yourself ragged, if you choose to. Unfortunately, you may not always be aware that you are in God's way. You think you are demonstrating your independence. You think that it is all up to you and that you must do it or it won't get done. God knows better! God knows that He cannot fail! However God has no need to prove to you what He can do.
How do you know when you are running your program rather than allowing God's divine plan to unfold? It's very simple! If you are struggling to make things happen and they are not happening, it's you, not God, running the show.
Listen to God’s Voice ~ don’t assume to know how it will sound ~ or for that matter in what shape or form it will arrive ~
A few yrs ago there was a story/joke traveling the internet – it is a great example A flood was coming and word was sent to evacuate. One farmer sat on his porch and told the rescue team. "I'm waiting for God, He'll save me." Soon the water rose and the farmer was forced to the second story of his house. The rescue boat came but he told them. "I'm waiting for God He'll save me." Soon the farmer was forced to the top of his roof. The rescue helicopter came but he told them. "I'm waiting for God, He'll save me." The water rose and the farmer drowned. On his arrival in heaven he asked God, "Why didn't you save me? I waited for you but you never came." God replied. "Awe my son, I came three times."
Listen to God’s voice ~ and remember each day to put first things first .... it is a mandate for all of our lives. This principle encourages us to acknowledge, accept and embrace God first in all things that we do. First, inquire of God. Then, listen to God. When you hear God, respond. Then trust God to lead and guide you.
Listen to God’s voice (My Temple Testimony – Isaiah 43:1-5)
The book of Isaiah has special meaning to me. Two of the verses in that book were singled out/presented to me during a trip to Independence in June 2003. I had the opportunity to attend a conference at world church. The first morning, Sandy Jensen and I made plans to meet early so that we could sit together for the 8:30 devotionals and keynote speaker. As we headed toward the sanctuary Sam noticed a pile of papers on a chair – they were there for people to take as they headed inside ~ it was the agenda for the day. But people were so busy visiting as entered the sanctuary they were missing them. Sam grabbed the pile and handed me half and we stood at the entryway welcoming and distributing the day’s agenda.
The time flew by and we suddenly realized that time was approaching for the service to begin we quickly headed inside to find a seat. It was packed. Not a seat to be had. So Sam suggested we go up to the balcony. Today climbing stairs is almost impossible - but even back in ‘03 it was a very difficult task. But Sam assured that we would go as slow as needed and rest along the way. We eventually made it to the top and to our delight we discovered that there were many seats to choose from. We also discovered that the view was much better and more room to stretch out, plus the sound was great. We thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
The next day (Wednesday) Sam had an early morning class. So we were not going to meet prior to the 8:30 devotionals. I arrived to the temple early and decided to go in and sit down. As I headed in and started to pass the stairs – I stopped looked ahead... looked at the stairs ... looked up above... and said “Well God I enjoyed it so much yesterday morning, I am going to try the stairs again. Anyway being way up there is my way to be a little closer to You.” Now I could have had my pick of seats on the first floor because I was there quite early. But I felt very compelled to go up to the balcony. I started up the stairs and was just about at the landing - the midway point and was starting to wonder if I had made the wrong choice - as yet again I found the stairs very difficult. When I reached the landing I noticed what a appeared to be a piece of paper on the railing. There was absolutely nobody around except me... for whatever reason I was compelled to go and pick this piece of paper up. The paper in fact was this card which on the front reads “The lord says: I am with you.” Talk about goose bumps!!!
My eyes filled with tears and my heart with gratitude and I opened the card to take a further look to see what it was or whom it belonged to. Typed inside the card was Isaiah 43:1-5
I looked around again and still there was nobody there – Just me. I hung onto the card – which was completely blank – except the printed information. I continued up to the balcony, thinking I might find the owner of the card. But when I arrived I discovered that I was the only person up there.
I am not one to believe in coincidence ~ I believe things happen for a reason. I know that card and those words were meant for me. This trip turned out to be very memorable one - as I experienced many, as I call them, “God Winks”.
Listen ~ as I read Isaiah 43:1-7 ~ listen to God’s voice
Israel, the Lord who created you says, “Do not be afraid – I will save you.
I have called you by name – you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you.
When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.
For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you.
I will give up Egypt to set you free;
I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honour.
Do not be afraid – I am with you! I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north and to the south, “Free my sons and daughters! Let them return from distant lands.
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Wow ~ there are some important points being made in this passage ~
One point is the encouragement for God's people not to fear what man or nature can do to them.
This is the command repeated in verse 1 and verse 5. God says “Do not be afraid”
What is it that moves God to help his people? Well we find the answer in Verse 4, when God says, "You are precious in my eyes . . . I love you." It is Love "God is love" and He fills us with his unconditional love
So, why did God bring into existence people whom he could regard as precious? Verse 7 states that answer very simply: God created us for his glory.
Now suppose for a moment you walk into the home of a person who just arrived from an extremely primitive part of the world. You notice he has a pan in the fireplace and is grumbling. He says, "It doesn't work." And you say, "What doesn't work?" "The water catcher. It doesn't work. There's a hole right up through the roof and it is open to let the rain in but it doesn't work." You would say to that person, "That's not a water catcher. It's a fireplace. You burn wood in there and the hole is for smoke to get out of the house. It's made to keep you warm not collect water."
I’m sure you will agree with me - when you know what something is for ~ you get more out of it. So it is with life. If we know what we were made for, our purpose for existing - then there is far greater hope of getting all out of life that is possible.
God created you. And he did so with a high and noble purpose in mind—that your utterly unique personality might reflect some feature of God's glory that no other person can. You are like a crystal, or a snowflake, designed and shaped like no other. And the reason you exist is to walk in the light of God's glory in such a way that its rays and colors will reflect off of you and cause others to admire God.
We glorify God's beauty and excellence by loving it and delighting in it. We glorify God's power by trusting him with all the hard and threatening things in our life. We glorify God's generosity, kindness and grace by overflowing with gratitude. And we glorify God's wisdom by obeying His counsel. This is love. And our God is a God of infinite love and He will share all that he is with us for our enjoyment and His glory.
But in order for this to be possible ~ you must listen to God’s voce!
Deep and lasting joy comes from being what we were created to be. And we were created to be mirrors of God's glory. My prayer for each of you this morning ~ is that ~ you listen to God’s voice ~and~ that you are able to glorify God by filling the earth with the light of His beauty by reflecting it to others. May God Bless You.
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