2024-2025 Charlotte Jones Scholarship Recipients Announced

The CJS Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the 2024/2025 Scholarship recipients. 

Congratulations to:

  • Amy Austin - Ventura Congregation

  • Kiara Suarte - Victor Valley Congregation

  • Junius (TJ) Dion - Canoga Park Congregation

  • Ava Harris - Simi Valley Congregation

  • Jack Macone - Canoga Park Congregation

  • Claire Mussell - Canoga Park Congregation

  • Rosemary Ross - Southern Utah Emerging Congregation

  • Kevin Slack - Escondido Congregation

  • Anna Sweeting - Canoga Park Congregation

2024 Redwoods Peace Colloquy (Sept. 6 - 9)

🗓️ Sept. 6-9, 2024

📍 Washington, D.C.

💵 $180/person (does not include hotel)

Join us September 6-9, 2024, as we explore the theme Racism and Gun Violence: People of God Respond! You can learn all about this event by clicking the link below.

This event is rooted in our Mission Initiative to Pursue Peace on Earth, as well as our Enduring Principle that claims the Worth of All Persons. Join us as we learn together and take collective and sacred action.

PSIMC Staff Openings

Pacific Southwest International Mission Center has two open staff positions. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For details please see the postings for Mission Center Youth Minister and Mission Center Peace and Justice Minister.

“Working for Community of Christ is highly satisfying and an excellent way to live one’s beliefs in the service of others,” said Mission Center President Glenn Johnson. “I want to encourage members to have the confidence to apply for these important and much needed positions.”

Peace,

Glenn Johnson
Community of Christ
Pacific Southwest International Mission Center, President
(515) 217-2500

May 20 Movie Club "The Last Repair Shop"

We are excited to invite you to join and participate in Movie Club! Everyone, all ages are welcomed!

On the first of every month, the movie (or movies) for that month will be announced. Most will be available on Netflix. You can check other streaming services you have to see if the movie is available or that you may have in your own library of movies. You, your family, and friends have the month to personally watch the movie.

The 3rd Monday of the month from 7 - 8 p.m. Pacific we will meet via Zoom to have a conversation about the movie, lessons learned, and how the lessons and the movie relate to our Enduring Principles. As you watch, was there a particular scene, dialogue, or moment that stirred something in you? We will be offering a variety of movies. Looking forward to this community experience and our discussions.

Please submit movies you would like to see shared with our movie community! If you have questions or ideas for future movies, please contact Mary Andy @ mandysan@gmail.com.

Next movie: “The Last Repair Shop” - available on YouTube.

See you on May 20 @ 7 p.m. Pacific.

NEW RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE: Racial Justice Week

Click to enlarge and print.

Our theme this year is “Welcome the Stranger,” and we will be learning about racial justice and immigration. The dates for this event are June 2 - 9, 2024.

One element of the week will include daily email prompts. If you’d like to sign up to receive those daily emails, you can do so using the link below. We look forward to learning and growing in racial justice together!

RSVP Today for SPEC 2024

SPEC is an experience like no other! There are so many opportunities to make connections and lasting friendships throughout the week. Along with healthy competition of team and individual sports, a variety of classes and worship services are planned. SPEC is held on the campus of Graceland University for who have completed grades 9 - 12. Our theme this year is “Be.”

Make plans to “BE” at SPEC July 13-20 for an incredible SPEC ’24. Please note: due to travel, campers should plan to be away from July 12 - 20. Registration and pricing information will be available soon. 

Please remember, you will need to register officially on the SPEC registration site when it opens. Sending Crystal this information will help us in planning, but it is not your actual registration. We will announce the registration site details soon. 

The Mission Center provides transportation. If you need financial assistance with registration, some fundraising has taken place so ask Crystal about assistance available. You can contact Crystal via email here.

Summer CIMM Classes Open for Enrollment

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission through the Graceland University / Community of Christ Seminary has opened the following classes for enrollment:

SUMMER A SESSION, 6 MAY - 30 JUNE

  • "Introduction to Scripture": $25.00 USD

  • "Children and Youth Worker Core Training": $25.00 USD (two weeks; no CEU credit)

SUMMER B SESSION, 1 JULY - 2 AUGUST

  • Ministry of the High Priest: $25.00 USD

  • Ministry of the Evangelist: $25.00 USD

  • Children and Youth Worker Core Training: $25.00 USD (two weeks; no CEU credit)

Most classes include nondegreed continuing credits. To enroll or for more information on these classes and the certificate programs, please visit their website. 

Theology and Ministry Colloquy

Examen is an annual conference focused on exploring dynamic theological topics and providing practical resources and tools for contextualized ministry.

This October, we will be exploring Intersectional Theology as a way to explore the integrated and overlapping cultural and social realities that impact and shape our theological and ministerial experiences. At the 2024 Theology & Ministry colloquy, we will be spending intentional time exploring the intersectional theological issues of racial justice and climate justice.

Our distinguished guest and featured keynote for this colloquy is Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Dr. Dr. Kim is Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion. Kim is the author or editor of 22 books, including Intersectional Theology. Grace has appeared on PBS, BBC, MSNBC, C-Span, and more. She was included in the Englewood Review of Book’s list of “Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading”. Sojourners recently included Dr. Kim as on of “8 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2023”. Grace’s presence and insights are sure to inspire meaningful discussions and exploration of this critical subject.

Online Doctrine and Covenants Available

As we approach Christmas, International Headquarters shares a special gift that will enrich our spiritual journey and deepen our connection to the scriptures.

An online searchable version of the Doctrine and Covenants is now available in English, French, and Spanish on CofChrist.org.

Although G-5 Universal Scripture Access was not approved at 2023 World Conference, the First Presidency supported the desire to provide greater access to our sacred scriptures. As a result, the Communications Team has been working since conference to bring this gift to life.

May this gift be a source of inspiration, reflection, and joy during the festive season and throughout the coming year.

Advent, Communion Video Messages Available

Community of Christ officials and others are featured in a diverse and inspiring new release of “Witness the Word” videos, available now on the Community of Christ YouTube channel and through Herald House.   

Three members of the Council of Twelve Apostles share sermons: “Creating Community” from Shandra Newcom; “Christ is Our Hope,” an Advent message from Catherine Mambwe; and “Come, Share the Table/Vengan, compartan la mesa,” a Communion message in Spanish from Angela Ramirez with English translation by Geri Silva.   

The new release also offers three Disciples’ Generous Response moments. Kees Compier shares a message regarding “The Gifts of Generosity,” Diane Maupin offers thoughts on “Growing Generous Disciples,” and Ken McClain provides a story of “Extravagant Generosity.”   

“Witness the Word” videos are available:  

  • On the Community of Christ YouTube channel “Witness the Word” sermon playlist.  

  • On the Community of Christ YouTube channel “Witness the Word” DGR playlist.  

  • As free digital video file sermon downloads on HeraldHouse.org.  

  • As a free digital video file DGR Moment downloads on HeraldHouse.org. 

  • Soon for sale on DVDs featuring both sermons and DGR moments on HeraldHouse.org.  

To read auto-translated captions in your language, hover your cursor near the bottom of the video frame, click on the Settings button (looks like a gear), click “Subtitles/CC” on the list that pops up, then “Auto-translate” and the language you want to read.

Reunion 2024 Theme Details Released

The Reunion 2024 theme is "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative."

DESCRIPTION

In response to World Conference Resolution 1325 Climate Emergency adopted April 25, 2023, Community of Christ declared a climate emergency. Reunion 2024 is an opportunity for education, formation, and a call to action based on this World Conference Resolution. Through classes, worships, and additional invitations for reunion directors and planning teams, communities will be invited to explore the many intersecting issues of justice and peace that find root in the climate crisis. Created by members of the Community of Christ Earth Stewardship Team, Formation Ministries Team, and members of Climate Justice Teams around the global church, these materials invite us to find our place in the web of life with humility and urgency as we pursue God’s vision of shalom for all creation. The authors of these resources lean deep into the restoration tradition and the call to restore and heal as an imperative for climate action today.

DAILY THEMES

Day 1

The Earth, Lovingly Created - Area of Focus: Introduce the effects of carbon and provide scriptural, spiritual, and theological foundations for our response to the climate crisis.

Day 2

Immersed in Creation - Area of Focus: Protecting our oceans and sacred water sources while growing in awareness plastic pollution, particularly in the oceans.

Day 3

The Stewardship of God’s Goodness - Area of Focus: Noticing how our everyday choices, including what we choose to eat, can impact the planet. This will include a focus on food and methane, while making connections to Christian hospitality, sacrament, and an invitation to God’s table.

Day 4

Finding Our Place - How are people being impacted now by climate disruption? We will explore the connections between the environment, poverty, and racism.

Day 5

The Imperative to Act - While starting simple and small, we will consider concrete possibilities for urgent response while keeping faith in the ceaseless spirit of God’s goodness.

SCRIPTURE FOUNDATIONS

Call for Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas

Community of Christ, along with more than 70 interfaith and nongovernmental organizations in the United States, called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in a letter. Additionally, the British Isles Mission Centre, together with 13 organizations and over 700 church leaders, signed a letter to British Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, urging him to engage in dialogue and de-escalation in response to the violence between Israel and Hamas.

We are profoundly saddened by the senseless loss of life in the region. We extend our heartfelt prayers to the families and friends of the victims and stand steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with organizations devoted to promoting peace.

Update Your Congregation's Information on World Church and Mission Center Websites

We want to ensure that your congregation's or online ministry's presence is accurate on CofChrist.org and cofchrist-psi.org. This includes essential details about your leadership, gathering times, and more.

Providing up-to-date information will ensure visitors to CofChrist.org can find the most current details about your congregation and connect easily with your community.

Here's what you need to do for CofChrist.org:

  1. Review: Visit your congregation's or online ministry's webpage on CofChrist.org.

  2. Update: Complete the online form to submit any changes.

Here's what you need to do for cofchrist-psi.org:

  1. Review: Visit your congregation's or online ministry's webpage on https://www.cofchrist-psi.org/congregations.

  2. Update: Email us with any changes you require.

Thank you for your support!