Der Friends,
A few weeks ago, DeziRae Astle invited you all to send her words of thanksgiving that you wanted to share with the Mission Center. Here’s what you had to say:
When I think about what I am most grateful for it is both blood and church family. These are people who accept me in spite of my many shortcomings and faults. The miss me when I’m away. They support me when I am not strong. The lift me when I fall and love me even if and when I am acting unlovable. I can’t imagine life without both families.
I am grateful for life, for family, for friends, for a community that lifts me up and surrounds me with love.
I am grateful for my parents who shaped and molded me into the person I am today. And I like that person.
We are grateful for many things, most particularly today we are thankful for his continued good health following colon cancer surgery a little over two years ago. Four months ago small nodules were found on his lungs. We got word today they are calcium deposits and are stable.
I am grateful for the silence of my “desert” times when I can pull away from my normal activities and listen to what the Holy Spirit has for me to hear and where I receive the strength and will to what the Spirit asks me to do. I am so thankful for my family and my church family whose members allow me to express my beliefs, who listen to my stories, who surround me with support and love, who forgive me with graciousness, and who enlighten me with their ideas and beliefs. I am truly a rich person.
I am grateful for my parents who shaped and molded me into the person I am today. And I like that person.
I am so thankful for my rich heritage in the church. My Dad, Jack Curtis was a full time appointee for over 25 years. He was a Bishop I know in Michigan. My great Uncle J. D.Curtis did a lot of work in the Colorado region many years ago. I am also thankful for meeting my husband, David, my first year at Graceland. (1968). Having a spouse strong in the faith has been a rich blessing to me. The Applewood congregation has been our family since 1976 and I am thankful for their love and support in times of need.
I am grateful for the love that exists between us as members of the Mission Center.
Thanks so much for sharing with us all! There is power in gratitude! I hope you take time this week as you participate in your final preparations for Christmas, whatever they may be, to be thankful and take a moment to be in prayer, connecting to the sweet Spirit who loves you.
In Christ,
Shandra
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUCEMENTS:
We invite you to attend two special events at the Denver Congregation this month! Wednesday, December 16, 2015 6:30p.m. – Prayer for Peace; Monday, December 21, 2015 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Annual Candle Lighting Service, light refreshments following the service.
Wednesday, December 23 6:00pm Christmas by Candlelight Service at the Longmont Congregation, 641 Martin St. Finger foods and cookie potluck fellowship after the service
We also invite you to attend the Casper, WY congregation on Christmas Eve at 6:00p.m! Along with their normal advent services, they will be having a short service on Christmas Eve which will be especially interesting for children and families.
Holiday Office Closure: Please note that the Mission Center Office will be closed from Thursday, December 24, 2015- Friday, January 1, 2016 in observation of the Christmas and New Years holidays. We will reopen Monday, January 4th. We wish you all a blessed holiday!
Sr. High Winter Retreat: January 22-24, 2016! Mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for the upcoming Sr. High Winter Retreat next month. Where: Buena Vista, Ski/Snowboard at Monarch Ski Area When: Jan 22-24, Leaving around 6:00pm Friday evening and returning Sunday around 3 or 4, carpools will be arranged How much: Cost will range from $80-$130 depending on which activity is chosen! Please contact Jordan Wight to register at: wight.jordan@gmail.com. We hope you can make it!
SITE is adding classes and you are invited to attend! The topic for the Jan. 29-31, 2016 class is: Peace and Justice Ministries taught by Michele McGrath. This is a new class in the SITE rotation. All former, current and new students are invited to attend. Please pre-register with Shandra at: snewcom@cofchrist.org. Pre-registration is essential so we know how much food we need for the weekend. We will continue to meet at the North Valley congregation. Class starts Friday at 6 p.m. We look forward to new experiences and new learning together in community!
World Conference Delegates have been elected! The Rocky Mountain Mission Center is allotted 53 delegates for the 2016 World Conference, and these delegates were voted on while at Mission Center Conference last weekend. There will be 53 delegates (3 delegate alternates) to represent the RMMC at World Conference. A list of these delegates & alternates will be sent to pastors to share with their congregations. If you have questions regarding delegates, please contact Rebecca Russell at: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com. If you are interested in becoming a delegate alternate, please contact Mission Center President Shandra Newcom at: snewcom@cofchrist.org.
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Year end challenge from Headquarters: Last year in an amazing outpouring of generosity, members and friends of Community of Christ gave $1.9M in worldwide mission tithes in the month of December. World Church leaders were grateful for this wonderful blessing which provided insights on our capacity as a community to share when we are focused on our opportunities for mission.
Can we exceed that number this year? We believe the answer is yes. And so we challenge you to give again what you gave last year in December and prayerfully consider giving even a small amount more. If each contributor were to give just $10 more than last year, and if new contributors joined the effort, that could make the total for December 2015 more than $2M! What an incredible blessing that would be as we seek to restore and grow ministries around the world. Will you accept the challenge?
WORLD CONFERENCE: One in Christ—a Worldwide Community
Can you imagine an international reunion? Worship, learning, games, and fellowship—all wrapped around World Conference. Mark your calendar for 4-11 June 2016, and plan to be in Independence, Missouri.
You may think this is just World Conference, but it will be so much more. Experience a picnic on the lawn, stay for fellowship at the Canteen after evening worship, be part of a worldwide community that is “One in Christ.”
Delegates will spend time in deliberation, intentional listening, and making decisions that will move the church forward in its mission with Christ.
And if you aren’t a delegate, you’ll still have much to choose from—educational opportunities exploring the theme and elements of peace and justice, acts of service for our host community, time in Celebration Village, walks in the new labyrinth, time spent in reflection and contemplation, many fun opportunities to volunteer, and much more.
Shandra Newcom
Mission Center President
Rocky Mountain Mission Center
Community of Christ
303.426.5900 x2