It is with great pleasure that the Scholarship Committee announces the 2025/2026 scholarship recipients. Please join us in congratulating the following students:
Claire Mussell – Canoga Park Congregation
Kevin Slack – Escondido Congregation
Anna Sweeting – Canoga Park Congregation
Katrina Casillas – Victor Valley Congregation
Jaslyn Holloway – Friend of Community of Christ
Audrey Troop – Chula Vista Congregation
May their educational pursuits be blessed!
The practice of praying for peace is a powerful witness of Community of Christ’s commitment to the pursuit of peace on and for the Earth.
Community of Christ’s Formation Ministries Team invites all to participate in the Prayer for Peace via live-stream on the church’s Facebook page and Youtube channel at 1:00 p.m. Central US Time (11:00 a.m. Pacific) each Wednesday. The weekly worship is also open to the public at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA.
* Join on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CofChrist
* Join on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CofChrist/streams
The Center for Living Water and Formation Ministries collaborate to make these events possible.
Additionally, resources for individuals, families, and worship leaders will be provided on https://cofchrist.org/daily-prayer-for-peace/. Users can explore additional materials to prepare a Prayer for Peace service, including scriptures of justice and peace, prayers for peace, and more. Prayer for Peace worship elements also will be available on HeraldHouse.org.
All staff are encouraged to add this weekly event to their calendars and participate in this important practice. Join us in this transformative journey as we come together in prayer for a peaceful world.
Saturday, June 21 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Escondido Congregation
1140 S. Maple
Escondido, CA
A day of activities and friends based on the story of “the creation” of our wonderful world.
Join artist Haidee Slack as she guides participants in painting a scene from the creation story.
For kids in K-12 grade (Ages 4+ welcome with an adult.)
Wear old clothes - paint can get messy!
To ensure enough supplies for everyone, please RSVP to Suzy Hawthorne at 760-815-0584.
A new, free online lecture series, Peace Perspectives is now available.
The Zoom sessions will open at 12:45 p.m. for a preliminary discussion with introductions and prayer from the host. Lectures in this series:
15 February: Nonviolence, with members of the Community of Christ Peace and Justice committee: Andrew Bolton of the United Kingdom, Rick Sarre of Australia, and David Anderson of the US.
1 March: World Hunger will be addressed by plant scientist Dr. Earl Watt and the Outreach International team. The event also will serve as fundraiser.
5 April: Max Pitt and Dennis Labayan (tentatively scheduled) will discuss State of World Population.
18 May: History of Lamoni will be presented by Eric Elliott, a history professor at Graceland University. This lecture will provide background for the Untold Lamoni Stories to begin in March 2026.
21 June: World Refugee Day will feature Rich Higdon and his Afghan interpreter, Akhtar.
5 July: For Day of Freedom, Gabriel Chrisman will talk about his big-wheel bicycle.
16 August: A lecture linked to World Humanitarian Day is anticipated but not confirmed.
27 September: Stassi Cramm, president-designate of the Community of Christ, will present The Role of Nonviolence in Living Christ’s Mission for International Day of Peace.
11 October: For International Day of Women for Peace, a lecture by Sherri Kirkpatrick is anticipated but not confirmed.
1 November: For All Souls Day, A Celebration of Founders, Jim Doty will discuss Glaud Rogers, Ruma Swartzentruber will talk about her father, Ririfatu Maritanagi, and others are anticipated.
7 December: Events planned for Human Rights Day include a Christmas Tea, with a special speaker.
The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation is hitting the road once again on a church history tour this 6-15 October! Join Barb Walden and Peter Smith as they experience Community of Christ history through eight states and Canada. The “Drawn from the Nations of the World” tour will trace our faith community's roots as a global family exploring the history of early church members who were instrumental in Community of Christ's story and identity. The 10-day journey will take place 6-15 October starting in Independence, Missouri, USA, and finishing in Kirtland, Ohio, USA. To learn more about this tour and to reserve your seat on the bus, follow the link below.
Ian and Eli are documenting their progress on the Simi Valley front yard remodel project via Instagram. Please like and follow them through their journey. More Posts to Come. Thanks for your support!
I’m pleased to announce that Denise Leichter will be our director for Reunion 2025, and that Bishop Carla Long will be our guest minister. Our theme is “Choose Hope” and our relationships with each other in our cherished place to gather will allow us to work on hope with new listening and with practices of deep integrity. Our formative space living together will shape our lives to be God’s people of hope in worship, recreation, food fellowship, singing, learning and loving our time to be together.
Please meet Audrey coming from Graceland University. She will partner with Clayton for the Jr./Sr. High class. She will also be part of our music ministry and have a campfire night. Our Young Adult numbers are growing, and that will add to Audrey’s community.
Welcome Audrey to a great week at Buckhorn for Reunion!
Hello, my name is Audrey Cole, and I am your Graceland Rep at Buckhorn this summer! I’m from San Antonio, Texas and am going to be starting my senior year in the fall. I’m a third generation Graceland student! My majors are Business Management, Finance, and Transformational Leadership. On campus, I am involved in many clubs and organizations including the Honors program, Enactus, community development club, orchestra, afterglow, choir, and the recently added crochet club. I am a member of the house Shalom and love spending time with them! I have been a house council member all three years and have served as the chaplain, COSA, and senate rep. Next year, I will be a part of the Graceland Student Government (GSG) and will be serving as the speaker of the senate. I can't wait to meet everyone!
Thank you,
Audrey Cole
Graceland University student
Business Management and Finance Major
Please join us at camp! Denise will be reaching out to many people to serve on the planning committee and utilized in implementing our program of deep hope. Don’t wait for her call if you want to serve; you can contact her at Denise@cofchrist-psi.org.
See you at camp!
We’re making some exciting updates to how we communicate across our mission center! In response to feedback from pastors and leaders, we’re shifting toward more intentional and segmented communication—meaning you’ll receive information that’s more relevant to your role and ministry.
This change will help us be more efficient, reduce confusion, and make sure that important updates, resources, and opportunities reach the right people at the right time. Our goal is to support your work more clearly and consistently.
We’re grateful for your ongoing ministry, and we’re committed to making it easier for you to stay connected, equipped, and inspired. Stay tuned for more updates as this new system rolls out!
The Development Committee for Buckhorn is thrilled to announce that with Parker and Paul’s help we have a DONATE BUTTON on the website! Hurray! I tested it with a donation and received an immediate receipt, so we are ready to go for all new and ongoing generosity. Celebrate someone or something with a gift, offer a memorial gift, or just a love offering.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, presence and financial support of Buckhorn. As a business, stewardship and ministry for us and so many others; we appreciate you!
With gratitude,
Denise Leichter, Marsha Rastle & Paul Allen
Join us weekly on Mondays at 7:30 a.m. This is a great covenant and sacred group community - all are welcome!
About this Group
This is a dynamic group meeting every week for laughter, learning, and love for each other. Please join us, all our welcome in this safe space, for sharing and spiritual growth.
Meeting ID: 870 5122 1903
Passcode: 568336
Draft Statement on Nonviolence
Since the 2019 World Conference, the church has explored nonviolence in response to WCR 1319, utilizing the alternative common-consent process. At the 2023 World Conference, delegates addressed the question: Should the First Presidency continue to develop a statement on the role of nonviolence in the pursuit of “peace on and for the Earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church?
Given the overwhelming support from delegates, the First Presidency has crafted a draft Statement on Nonviolence. The statement is presented to the church for feedback, with a deadline of 28 February 2025.
Your input is important. Read statement here.
You are invited to provide feedback on the “Introduction,” “Statement on Nonviolence,” and “Further Context” sections. The survey is provided in English, French, and Spanish. Choose the language of your choice in the upper-right corner of the survey available here: https://forms.office.com/r/FQcZpPzchL
In March 2025, the First Presidency will review the feedback and update all three sections as necessary. The latest versions of the “Introduction,” “Statement on Nonviolence,” and “Further Context” will be distributed to the church by 1 May 2025.
The delegates of the 2025 World Conference will consider just the section titled, “Statement on Nonviolence” using elements of the alternative common-consent process. Plan to be part of this historic experience.
Do You Know How to Find Community of Christ Songs Online?
Glenn Johnson has created a playlist that allows you to select Community of Christ Sings hymns by Community of Christ artists such as the Beyond the Walls Choir. Click here to see the hymns in numerical order.
CCS 457 Healer of Our Every Ill has been recently added to the list here.
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.
Sierra Pacific Mission Center (SPMC) has graciously invited us to share their 2024 Young Adult Retreat schedule. Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to participate
February 9-11 (Oakhurst, near Fresno)
May 17-19 (Happy Valley)
August 23-25 (Sanger/Fresno area)
October 4-6 (San Francisco / Bay area)
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.
The Reunion 2024 theme is "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative."
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.
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.
Immersed in Creation - Area of Focus: Protecting our oceans and sacred water sources while growing in awareness plastic pollution, particularly in the oceans.
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.
Finding Our Place - How are people being impacted now by climate disruption? We will explore the connections between the environment, poverty, and racism.
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.
Genesis 1:1-28
Genesis 2:4-23
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.
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:
Review: Visit your congregation's or online ministry's webpage on CofChrist.org.
Update: Complete the online form to submit any changes.
Here's what you need to do for cofchrist-psi.org:
Review: Visit your congregation's or online ministry's webpage on https://www.cofchrist-psi.org/congregations.
Update: Email us with any changes you require.
Thank you for your support!
The following letter regarding Racial Justice is a commentary by the Apostles serving the USA Fields.
See introduction immediately below followed by a button to view the full letter:
The attached letter is our collective reflection on how the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us as individuals and as a faith community into learning, action, and upholding the worth of all persons. Our journey as a prophetic people of faith calls us to be in healthy dialogue with one another as we listen for the Spirit’s invitation and call. We invite individuals, small groups, congregations, and mission centers to reflect on, and respond to, the ‘Learn More’ and ‘Do Something’ steps we propose.
