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

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.

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.”

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.

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.

• The church and its leadership value, interpret, and understand previous sections of the Doctrine and Covenants in their historical contexts. These sections share principles that continue to inform and inspire the church even if they do not describe some of its current practices.

• 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 .

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

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

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.

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

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/.

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...

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!

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:

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...

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

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!!

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.

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.

2009 Budget Report

The final report for the 2009 revenue budget targets is below. We did extremely well and exceeded our targets in both operating fund and world fund contributions.


Thanks to everyone for being so conscientious and responding so generously. Also, thanks to Sam for doing up these monthly target reports and helping us to keep on track.

TED

Calgary Congregation

Final Report on 2009 Monthly Budget Targets

January 7, 2010

This report shows revenue received up to the end of December 2009 against the budget for the year in each category. Both operating fund and world fund contributions exceeded our budget targets while capital fund contributions were short of our budget target.


Operating Fund
The receipted contributions for our operating budget in December were $9,118. This makes our annual revenues for the year $59,897. This is 9% higher than our 2009 budget of $55,000 by $4,897.

Capital Fund
There were no receipted contributions towards our capital budget in December 2009. This makes our annual revenues $4,415 which is shy of our budget of $10,000 by $5,585. However, one bright note for the capital fund is that it has increased this year by the $35,000 transfer received from the Canada West Mission in lieu of annual rental payments for the next five years.

World Church Fund
The receipted contributions for our world church budget in December were $1,402. This makes our annual revenues for this year $29,444. This 33% more than our 2009 budget of $22,000 and this responds to the request for increased support required for World Church programs.


A more detailed report of all revenues and expenditures for 2009 will be drafted by the end of January. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Respectfully submitted,

Sam Smalldon,
Calgary Congregation
Finance Officer (CFO)

One of Chef Roy Topley's New Favourite Web Sites!

Ever stare at your pantry wondering what to make for supper and come up blank? Here's a great resource to help you get creative. Just type in individual ingredients that you have on hand and Supercook comes up with all kinds of suggestions for you. You can choose Starters, Entrees or Desserts. You can even choose to type in exclusions. Hardly leaves any excuse to eat out!!!

http://www.supercook.com/

New Pastor Counsellor!

I'm really pleased to confirm that Natalie Ball has agreed to be a Counsellor to the Pastor. This is a truly significant choice to have someone of Natalie's stature and spiritual maturity to take this position. It more than accomplishes the wishes of the Congregation to have a female on the Counsellor team. It also brings the perspective of one of our youth to the leadership of this Congregation.


Pastor Ted Navey