Buckhorn Camp t-shirts will be available this year at Reunion! Grab yours and wear it with pride as you help spread the good news about our campground. Every shirt is a great way to share your Buckhorn spirit, spark conversations, and invite others to discover the fun, friendships, and memories that make Buckhorn Camp so special.
Available in adult sizes only for $20.00. Cash or check accepted. Contact Debi Norton at drjnort@gmail.com with any questions.
Invitation to Partner in a Journey of Peace-Nomads for Peace Ride
Dear Church Leaders,
Grace and peace to you!
I am excited to share that the Nomads for Peace & Love Peace Ride 2026 is now officially under 100 days away. What began as a prompting to "risk something new" and listen to the spirits calling is quickly becoming a reality, and I am grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we prepare for this journey.
Below you will find:
The complete ride itinerary, including day to day start times, our estimated mileage and overnight stops, and what congregations are graciously offering hospitality. You will see that times vary based on the miles we are hoping to accomplish. When we are being hosted by congregations, we will be blessed with a meal and in return we will be offering a testimonial style praise and worship service.
Small bios of our riders and the support team members, who have said that sacred YES to this mission of spreading peace, hope and love. Each individual creates a beautiful tapestry of unity in diversity. Each individual sees the worth of all people and desires to walk gently and care deeply for our Mother Earth.
Beginning October 2nd, our team will embark on a 955-mile cycling pilgrimage from Rockmart, GA to the World Plaza at the Temple, a place dedicated to the pursuit of peace. Along the way, we will be messengers of peace, build relationships, engage in service, honor the sacredness of creation and share the love of Christ, the Peaceful One in the communities we encounter.
As we enter these final months of preparation, we invite you to join us in prayer for:
The safety and health of all riders and support staff.
Opportunities to create meaningful connections in each community and congregation we visit.
Favorable weather and smooth travel.
Encounter open hearts to receive messages of peace, reconciliation and hope.
Strength, endurance and especially spiritual and transformational growth for the whole team.
I fully believe in this journey and am aware that it is far more than the miles traveled. It truly is an opportunity to embody Christ's peace in a world that is desperately longing for healing, hope and connection. I am honored; we are honored to carry the prayers and support of our church family with us every mile of the way.
Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers, encouragement and genuinely taking interest in this new expression of ministry, Nomads for Peace & Love. I will continue to offer updates as the ride approaches and throughout the journey.
Nomads for Peace-Mission Prayer: God of the open road, we ride today as nomads of peace, carrying love into every mile. Make our bodies strong, our hearts gentle and our spirits open. May every turn of the wheel become a prayer for the world and a blessing of love and peace. Amen
With sincere gratitude and hopeful anticipation,
Andrea Johnson (she/her)
Nomads for Peace and Love – Peace Ride 2026
269-271-4300 || johnsons12012@yahoo.com
http://www.nomadsforpeaceandlove.com || http://www.cofchristsemc.org
Click each image to enlarge.
"Shared Campership Program" Replaces DEEP Funds
In an attempt to ensure our events remain financially accessible to all, we have long utilized DEEP Funds (Disciples Event Empowerment Program). This program continues today, but we have changed the name to clarify this program’s purpose. DEEP is now called PSI’s “Shared Campership Program.” We’ve updated the form on our website under ‘Resources’ and you can find it below.
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!
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.
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.
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.