News

,

RSVP for Mission Center Conference 2025: November 1 (Chula Vista)

,

PLEASE RSVP SO WE CAN PLAN FOR LUNCH

Dear Friends,

Mission Center Conference will be held on Saturday November 1st  and we have made the decision to have the conference at the Chula Vista Congregation in the San Diego area.  We recognize this is a significant shift in location but we are trying to accommodate our members and friends from Mexico to join us for the conference.  We recognize that not all from Baja will be able to attend but this location provides a greater opportunity for those with approved travel documents to participate.  We are planning to begin moving the conference location around so that each of our gathered communities can provide hospitality and we can celebrate being gathered communities across the mission center.  

We also recognize that for some, this is a significant journey so the Chula Vista congregation has agreed that if people want to spend the night to help cut down on travel time in a day, the dorm rooms they have will be available.  If you would like to reserve a dorm room, please let Gina Norton know.  Her email is ginanorton52@gmail.com  or her phone number is 619-851-0327.  

Also, Field Support Minister Blake Smith will be our guest and provide classes in the morning and share during the conference.  He will also provide guest ministry on Sunday morning.  We will share more about the class focus, arrangements for food, and also the tentative agenda for the conference in a couple of weeks.  

Currently, we are planning on beginning at 9:30am with worship and then a class with Blake from 1o:15-noon, lunch, then another session 1-2:30, with the actual conference being called at 3:00pm until 5:00.  Again, this is our tentative schedule but hopefully it helps you in planning travel.  

More will be shared as our plans continue to come together.  Please plan to join us for fellowship, worship, conference decisions, and sharing as gathered community on Saturday November 1st.  

RSVP HERE
DOWNLOAD PACKET

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Mission-Shaped Discipleship Formation: Living in the Flow of God’s Mission
By Blake Smith, USA Field Support Minister

Join us for an engaging and interactive class exploring what it means to be mission-shaped disciples—people who live as participants in God’s ongoing work of love, reconciliation, and renewal in the world. Rooted in the theology of the Missio Dei (“the mission of God”), this class invites you to see mission not as a church program but as the very heartbeat of God’s nature. Through conversation, scripture, reflection, and practical exercises, you’ll discover how the Spirit sends and empowers ordinary people to embody Christ’s hope in daily life.

Whether you’re seeking to deepen your discipleship, re-imagine mission for your community, or simply listen for how God is calling you to be “sent,” this class offers inspiration, practical tools, and spiritual grounding for living out your faith in the world with courage and hope.

New Online Resource for Advent and Christmas

Worship in Community of Christ takes many forms. For many, traditional gatherings continue to provide strength and connection. At the same time, new and emerging communities are discovering creative ways of coming together. 


We are excited to introduce a fresh resource designed for new expressions of gathering. When We Gather is a new resource designed to support multiple ways of gathering—whether you are worshiping in familiar settings or exploring new possibilities in homes, sanctuaries, parks, or online spaces.


Rooted in the rhythm of the Liturgical year, When We Gather follows the weekly worship themes, while offering adaptable practices for diverse contexts. The collection draws from a wide range of expressions—poetry and prayer, spiritual practices, discussion topics and activities, music, art, and ideas for children and youth—shaped differently with each season. Some pieces are deeply rooted in faith language, while others draw on everyday spiritual expressions. Together, they invite you to shape gatherings that reflect the unique spirit of your community.

,

As Seen in the Mission Center

,

Cameron Austin and Ellis Troxell team up to collect the morning offering at Simi Valley Congregation October 8.

Photos provided by Glenn Johnson.

,

Donate to the Baja Education Fund

,

It’s back to school time!

For many years we have supported youth in the Tecate and El Sauzal congregations by providing funds for school supplies and uniforms. This is beyond what we include in the mission center budget to support these congregations, and we ask for donations to meet this important need.

This year we provided funds for a total of 95 students between the two congregations, with a total cost of $24,430.

If you or your congregation would like to make a contribution to support this ministry, there are multiple ways you can do that.

  1. Make an individual donation using e-Tithing by clicking the link below and selecting “PSIMC Baja Education Fund.” https://app.securegive.com/cofchrist/pacific-southwest-international-msn-ctr-/donate/category

  2. Donate in your congregation and designate your check or envelope for “Baja Education.”

  3. Send a check to the mission center and note that it’s for Baja Education. See address below:


Community of Christ
PO Box 754
Griswold, IA 51535

These funds for education are so important in the lives of the youth in Baja. Please consider making a donation today.

FCNL Organizes Faith-Based Response to Historical Indian Boarding School Policies

FCNL Organizes Faith-Based Response to Historical Indian Boarding School Policies

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37

 

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) this year released a “Statement Supporting the Establishment of a Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States”. From the 1860s through the 1960s, U.S. federal policies mandated the assimilation of Native American children through Indian boarding schools, many of which were operated by Christian religious organizations. These policies forcibly separated children from their families and communities, punished them for speaking their languages or practicing their cultures, and often subjected them to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Tragically, many children never returned home, and numerous Native communities still do not know the fate or burial sites of their lost members. Despite good intentions cited at the time, these actions contradicted the Christian values of family unity and respect.

 

Faith-based organizations are now acknowledging their role in these historical harms and are calling for the establishment of a federal Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies. They argue that only full and transparent investigation, in partnership with Indigenous communities, can bring truth to light and begin the process of healing. The Department of the Interior has started an oversight investigation, but religious groups stress that much remains unknown and that the government’s involvement needs to be thoroughly examined and documented. The proposed commission would seek to uncover the full scope of injustices, make recommendations for addressing their enduring impacts, and support reconciliation between the federal government, faith groups, and Native communities. The full text of the letter which has been signed by many faith-based organizations is found here.

New Online Tool: USA Field Website

The USA Field now has a dedicated website for information and resources available at https://cofchristusa.org/.

The website includes:

  • Leadership Hub: Information on World Church leaders serving in the USA.

  • Engage Communities in Action: Explore relevant opportunities to engage with work being done in the USA.

  • Events: Experience faith, fellowship, and inspiration at a future USA event.

  • Statements: Messages of guidance, peace, and witness from USA apostles.

  • Ministry Resources: Links to tools to support ministry, worship and community.

VISIT WEBSITE

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

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.

Steve Veazey Releases Video Concerning His Planned 2025 Retirement

President Steve Veazey announced on 6 March 2023 in a letter to the church that he plans to retire as prophet-president and World Church employment at the 2025 World Conference.

In this video, President Veazey invites the worldwide church into intentional time to discern who is called to be the next prophet-president for Community of Christ. Learn more about the discernment process on CofChrist.org.

Featured Congregation: Long Beach (Part 2)

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Long Beach Congregation (again) to highlight a quick update.

The transformation journey continues.  We are still working on bids for roofing repairs, Jerry Webb has completed the lighting journey, and these beautiful signs are in the building for usage in sharing our messages in the near future.  I bought a set for Santa Barbara too as we increase our shared space with others.  You can contact GwenLute@mac.com about ordering these for your congregation.   I have made a trip to the Fremont congregation Childrens Peace Pavillion to assess their content to share , and there are some other discernment journeys being considered. 

Featured Congregation: Long Beach

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Long Beach Congregation!

The Long Beach congregation began in 1966 and it is a large campus for ministry.  The memories of people, events and ministry have been special to reflect upon with pictures and stories.  The members still attending voted to disband as a congregation on 1-31-2023, and surrendered the building and all assets to the mission center.  Paul and I are working with Roger Saylor on all the elements of this transition while attending to the relationships and people impacted by this decision.  The first step is to assess some of the physical needs to repair or remedy.  The roof is a major issue and being evaluated this week. 

There is NO PLAN TO SELL the building.  We are working with a team of folks local to the community and beyond to discern the multitude of ways we can re-purpose the facility for added neighborhood relationships and ministries.  The going deeper journey has discovered two capped oil wells under the property that would impact any type of selling in the future, but selling is not the plan in this moment.

The ”Dreaming Team” of Transformation for a New Expression for Community of Christ is energized and passionate about what could be next.  Diverse members have been recruited for specific tasks.  Crystal Moreno volunteered to go by the church on Sunday after services in Orange to measure for a refrigerator.  We want to move forward with options for complete hospitality. Good thing she went!  She called me to say there is a dove in the sanctuary.  I asked if it was a Peace Dove to guide our future, and she laughed and said no, it’s a morning dove and it’s flying all over and hitting windows trying to get out to another panicked dove on the other side cooing. 

I know how good Crystal is at wrangling kids, so I asked if she could catch the dove!  She could now see how it got in, which we reported to Roger, and he said he could block the upper window panes that were missing.  The pictures show you our guest, and Crystal’s success in safely catching and releasing the dove!  One point for the Sacredness of Creation!

All of the contents of the building are also being reviewed for a final removal by members for items of personal significance or special sharing with others.  There will be another time when we will notify the mission center to come, look, and take items useable in other congregations or ministries after we inventory items.

Crystal asked about two children’s rocking chairs in the nursery, and they had not been identified to be held for the congregation, so I released them.  Vivian and Maddie are thrilled with their new special chairs as seen in the pictures.

In the first week of this transition, I was called about available space to host a CALIZONIA Rally for youth from Sierra Pacific, Arizona, and PSI to begin relationship building for SPEC.  It’s our first big YES!  Please keep this journey in your prayers, and contact me if you have any questions or comments on what might be on our horizon.  Peace for all!

Denise

Featured Congregation: Tecate

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Tecate Congregation!

Michele Mc Grath and I made the journey back and forth on Sunday to Tecate.  Lessons learned from past trips is to leave the car on the USA side and walk across the border, then get picked up and returned to the border by Nacho....”easy peasey.”  Georgina’s family met us with tender hospitality and had done all the preparations for the worship service and a delicious carne asada luncheon with large tortillas that melted in our mouths.  Michele delivered a heartfelt scripture-based homily with contemporary stories, we served the congregation of approximately 30 the sacrament of Communion, and I offered a pastoral prayer for the congregation.  We were standing and clapping for the songs of praise, experienced emotional gratitude for being gifted with communion as an international community, and checked in on the family and congregation.  

Georgina’s family is honoring her with a commitment to the spiritual well-being of the congregation and beginning professional grief support to live with her memories guiding their lives through love and deep faith in all the next steps.  They want to stay engaged in the scholarship program, go deeper in their studies of scriptures and our Enduring Principles, and NEED a speaker for their speaking microphone while another speaker is needed for  providing their music. If you have one to share, or choose to offer generosity for the need, contact GinaNorton52@yahoo.com.  

It was a wonderful, yet wet, day of hope that was blessed with each other.

Denise

Featured Congregation: Las Vegas

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Las Vegas Congregation!

The Las Vegas Congregation has started the year off right with the 2nd Saturday event. The congregation came together for a family meal of Olive Garden lasagna, salad, and breadsticks. Members also brought desserts and other items for the event. After the meal was served, some serious gaming took place. There were a couple of games of Mexican Train Dominoes being played and also a game of Red Light, Green Light was played. There was lots of laughter and fun fellowship. It was a joy to hear the youngest of the party say, "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!" after she won a hand of Red Light, Green Light. The competition of the Mexican Train Dominoes games was fierce and fun. It is such a great game to bring people together and have some fun competition.

The idea of the 2nd Saturday event is to bring the members of the congregation together so they can understand each other more fully. This allows the group to then be able to discern more freely the call of God in the mission here in Las Vegas. It is the hope that the Congregation will continue to experience great fellowship and reach out to friends to attend the 2nd Saturday events to help spread love of Christ. If anyone is ever in town on the 2nd Saturday, we would love to have you stop in for fun and fellowship.

Mark Lowry