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
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