Young Adult Retreat @ Samish Island August 14-18

What does it mean to Love on Purpose? Young adults from across the USA are invited to explore intentional love during a young adult retreat hosted by western USA mission centers. This event is open to all young adults who want to spend a few days in community, service, and shared experience.

August 14–18, 2026
Samish Island Campground, Washington

Registration is $200.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984159432274?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you would like to help support young adults attending this retreat, you can donate here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/3ERR7AA9P43BY

For questions, contact Travis Rees at trees@cofchrist-gpnw.org.

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PSI Peace and Justice Retreat with Apostle Joey Williams

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Planning is underway for our 2026 Peace and Justice Retreat at Camp Buckhorn with guest minister Apostle Joey Williams. The retreat will be held at Camp Buckhorn April 24-26, 2026. The planning committee has selected the theme: “A Place at the Table … A Part in the Song” drawn from Community of Christ Sings 285 “For Everyone Born.” 

Register today for A Place at the Table … A Part in the Song April 24-26, 2006, at Camp Buckhorn. For those who may not have met Apostle Joey Williams before, we thought we would share this from his world church biography:  

APOSTLE JOEY WILLIAMS

Guest Ministry

Joey S. Williams is a minister for Community of Christ, is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. He is assigned to Field 5.

Joey is a passionate musician, educator, and advocate for justice and peace. His previous roles include President of Seventy, director of Hospitality and Formation Ministries specialist at International Headquarters, Mission Centre President for the Western Europe, British Isles, and Eurasia mission centres, translator/interpreter, and youth minister for Western Europe and Central Mission.

Joey holds a Master of Arts in Romance languages from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also taught French, and a Master of Arts in religion from Community of Christ Seminary. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in music through studies at Eastman School of Music, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, and Graceland University, and continued his vocal studies at the Conservatoire de Paris.

As president of seventy for the Eurasia Quorum, Joey committed to creating spaces where diverse voices could flourish. His motto of “Make NOIZ!” reflects his enthusiasm for building inclusive community through music and rhythm, and he looks forward to continued service by sharing his passion for people and peace.

The retreat will provide an opportunity to explore the connection between sacred song and peace and justice. These connections will allow us to better explore enduring principles such as Unity in Diversity, Pursuit of Peace, Worth of All Persons and Blessings of Community. Sharing in old and new songs together we will utilize tradition, scripture, reason and experience in exploring our interior beliefs about the meaning and importance of peace and justice in our lives today.

Financial assistance the Mission Center, congregations, or individuals will be available. Cost should never be a reason not to participate.

Questions? Contact PSI Peace and Justice Minister Glenn Johnson at gjohnson@cofchrist-psi.org.

REGISTER
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Las Vegas 40th Anniversary Recap in Photos

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What a gift to celebrate faithfulness, welcome, and community in Las Vegas.

On February 21, the Las Vegas Congregation of Community of Christ marked two significant milestones—40 years in their West Oakey Blvd. building and more than 90 years of ministry in Las Vegas—joined by Stassi Cramm, president of Community of Christ, and Stephen Cramm. President Cramm also once served this congregation as associate pastor, making the celebration especially meaningful.

Throughout the day, symbols of welcome told the story of this community’s heart. The Peace Tree—an olive tree planted years ago by Ed Van Meter—stands as a living sign of peace, invitation, and rootedness in the neighborhood. Inside, newly installed glass doors open the chapel with transparency and warmth, reminding us that welcome is both a posture of the heart and an intentional act.

In her message, President Cramm reflected on Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and reminded us that discipleship isn’t about demanding signs or guarantees before we act. Faith is formed as we walk together—showing up for one another, loving without condition, and trusting the Spirit to lead us step by step. These are the Blessings of Community, especially visible in this congregation’s long, steady witness.

We give thanks for the Las Vegas Congregation’s decades of ministry and for the ways invitation and welcome continue to shape Christ’s mission in the Pacific Southwest International Mission Center and beyond.

Photos by Glenn Johnson

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March 22 Spring Break BBQ + Worship at Canoga Park

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Mark your calendars and make plans to join us on March 22 for a special Spring Break Outdoor Worship and BBQ for ALL at the Canoga Park Congregation. Many will be starting spring break at this time, so we’re planning a gathering to mark the occasion!

10:00 am coffee, set up - move tables to lawn
10:30 am Worship with Live Music
11:30 am Live Music, BBQ, & Lawn Volleyball

March 22, 2026

Questions Eric Mussell 818-497-3209

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Save the Date: PSI Reunion @ Buckhorn

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Planning for PSI’s 2026 Reunion at Buckhorn is underway, and we’re looking forward to gathering in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains with you.

More details will be shared as they become available. For now, please mark your calendars and plan to join us.


We will be blessed by President Janne’ Grover as our guest minister.
We will go deeper into LIVING THE MISSION PRAYER for all ages.

We will have Denise Leichter recruiting and leading the reunion staff for an amazing week in community. If you want to serve that week; please let Denise know right away at denise@cofchrist-psi.org.

The Joy of YES! The 2026 PSI Reunion planning and recruiting is starting and there are already so many YES responses for preparing to live in community with the MISSION PRAYER.  

If you have ideas you want to offer as we explore risking something new; please let me know. Do you have anyone that might want to be baptized, or participating in confirmation classes for that sacrament to happen at Reunion; let me know.

Mark your calendars now; you won’t want to miss this year.

With excitement,

Denise Leichter

Las Vegas Congregation Marks 40th Anniversary on West Oakey Boulevard with Visit from President Stassi Cramm

This February, the Community of Christ Las Vegas Congregation will mark a significant milestone: forty years in our beloved home on West Oakey Boulevard. Since first opening our doors in January 1986, this building has witnessed countless moments of worship, fellowship, and service. We are honored to celebrate this anniversary on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2026, with a special emphasis on reconnecting with the past and looking forward to the future.

We have the privilege of welcoming President and Prophet Stassi Cramm as our featured guest and speaker. President Cramm, who once served as pastor of our Las Vegas Congregation on West Oakey, will join us for an open house reception on Saturday morning. Guests will have the opportunity to meet President Cramm and Stephen Cramm, and to hear reflections on the decades of growth and change within our community. Following the meet-and-greet, presentations will be held in our sanctuary, offering insight into our congregation’s journey and the broader mission of the Community of Christ.

Later Saturday afternoon, a private dinner will bring together members of our local congregation along with the scheduled participants in Sunday’s service. While this gathering is reserved for those directly involved in our worship community, there are many inviting restaurants nearby for other guests who wish to continue conversations and fellowship in a more casual setting.

 

Sunday Worship with President Cramm

Our celebration continues with a special Sunday morning planned. Gathering begins at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are invited to take their seats beginning at 10:15 a.m. Prelude music at 10:30 will set a reverent tone before the service officially begins at 10:50 a.m. After the service, all are welcome to linger for additional greeting and fellowship. This worship gathering will honor our forty-year legacy on West Oakey Boulevard and our roots in the Las Vegas Community while renewing our commitment to faith, hope, and service in the years ahead. As President Stassi would say: “Onward!”

 

RSVP

To help us prepare, please RSVP to Pastor Ed Van Meter by calling or texting (702) 232-7785, or by emailing edrvanmeter@gmail.com. Be sure to include the first and last names of those planning to attend and the dates for which you are registering. We look forward to celebrating this remarkable milestone with you, remembering where we have been and inspiring one another as we move forward together.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION

 

Saturday, February 21, 2026

10:00 am Open House

11:00 am Meet and Greet with President/Prophet Stassi Cramm and Stephen Cramm

1:00 pm -2:45 PM Presentations in Sanctuary

 

(3:00 pm Private Dinner for local Congregation and Sunday Service Participants. Many nearby restaurants for other guests).

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

 

Sunday, February 22, 2026  

10:00 am Gathering

10:15 am Seating

10:30 am Prelude Music

10:50 am Service Begins

 Fellowship Follows

 

 

Please RSVP  to Pastor Ed Van Meter @702-232-7785 with the first and last names/dates of those who plan to attend.

You may also send those names/dates by email to edrvanmeter@gmail.com.

 

LOCATION

Community of Christ

Las Vegas Congregation

5401 W Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas NV 89146.

 

DIRECTIONS

From the I-15 in Las Vegas, take Exit 41 for Sahara Ave, head west for approximately 1.5 to 2 miles, turn right (north) onto Decatur Blvd or Rancho Dr, and turn left onto W Oakey Blvd. The destination, 5401 W Oakey Blvd, is located west of the Strip between Decatur and Jones.

 

ACCOMODATIONS

The nearest hotel is:

Arizona Charlies Decatur, 740 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas.

Many other options are available.

 

RESTAURANTS

 

Blueberry Hill Family Restaurant

Located in: The Family Center

1280 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

 

Lou’s Diner

431 S. Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Weekly Online Confirmation Courses: Wednesdays @ 8:30 p.m.

The Anaheim Congregation is offering online confirmation courses for adults on Zoom at 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday night. Confirmation is a meaningful step for anyone preparing for baptism or membership with Community of Christ.

Whether you're exploring membership or deepening your commitment to the faith community, we invite you to join us for these sessions. You can learn more about confirmation in Community of Christ here.

For more information or to register, please contact Michele McGrath or Andy Markle at comms@cofchristanaheim.org. 

Register Today for CIMM's Christian Ministries Certificate Program

The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) launched the "Christian Ministries Certificate" a little over two years ago as a learning opportunity following the MEADS program at headquarters. Through the Community of Christ Seminary, students are provided a mid-point of education between the Ministry and Priesthood courses and the Seminary master's programs.

The Christian Ministries Certificate provides seminary-vetted instructors in a community of learners online covering the following topics:

  • Introduction to Christian Theology

  • Peace and Justice

  • Spiritual Formation

  • New Testament

  • Hebrew Scriptures

  • Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture

  • Ministries of the Church

  • Missional Leadership

  • Community of Christ Theology

  • Practical Ministry

  • World Religions

  • ...and more to come

Completion of any 10 classes awards the certificate, which can be presented at a Mission Center conference. Students take one course per 8-week period on their own weekly schedule. Summers are off for the camping season. If a student misses a class, they can choose to take another later on.

We encourage you to consider ministers in your area and proactivly approach individuals who may not only benefit their personal ministry, but bring expanded understanding to your mission center leadership. Some mission centers have chosen to subsidise the $100 fee of the classes for some ministers.

Students who wish to enroll should do so by starting with any upcoming Christian Ministries class. We are starting our second round of these courses August 25 with Dr. David Anderson teaching the "Christian Theology" class.

Visit our website, www.graceland.edu/cimm for more information on the Christian Ministries Certificate and registration. Please let me know if you have any questions about this ministerial leadership program, or any other CIMM learning opportunity.

ATTN: Young Adults: Join The Circle!

Calling all young adults and youth/young adult leaders!

Parker Johnson, PSI Communications Specialist has created a new online community for young adults called The Circle.

This space is intended to provide young adults- as well as leaders working with youth and young adults- with a “third space” to gather.

“Third space” is a sociological term and essentially refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place").

The Circle is intended to be a space for networking, socializing, theologizing, planning, collaborating, mentorship, and even asking if you can crash on someone’s couch while you’re on a road trip.

Community of Christ members are some of the kindest, most generous people many of us have ever met, and one of the most valuable aspects of membership/affiliation with the church is access to its passionate people.

A few housekeeping items to be completely transparent from Parker:

🆓 This space is 100% FREE.
🌳 The Circle is an initiative offered by Cottonwood Creative, a cross-border marketing agency I started in 2021. I use my agency’s resources to give back wherever I can to social impact organizations and my own denomination: Community of Christ.

If you'd like to join, just complete the form to get started!

JOIN THE CIRCLE

Online Community Gatherings with Gardena (2nd/4th Wednesdays)

All are welcome to join the Gardena Congregation’s regular (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) online community gatherings.

This is an open forum. We have an assigned facilitator, and they select a meaningful topic. Sometimes we simply have a prayer service. Sometimes we discuss current events. Topics discussed in the past include Gaza, housing, violence, responsible gun ownership, gardening, and more.

Usually the facilitator will share for about 15-25 minutes and then we talk about it.

JOIN VIA ZOOM

Weekly Prayer for Peace Live-Stream Details

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.

Weekly Monday Morning Coffee Group

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.

JOIN US VIA ZOOM

Meeting ID: 870 5122 1903 
Passcode: 568336 

INPUT NEEDED: DRAFT Statement on Nonviolence

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.

VIEW DRAFT STATEMENT

Curated Playlist: Community of Christ Sings!

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. 

VIEW PLAYLIST

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.

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.