March 18, 2015

RMMC Weekly Update

March 18, 2015

From Tim Ashburn

 

Greetings Rocky Mountain Mission Center!

 

This past weekend I had the privilege of sharing with my colleagues on the mission center staff and with Apostle Ron Harmon.  We were blessed with the participation of 40 leaders at the Fort Collins congregation who gathered to be inspired, learn more about mission and take time to rest in moments of encounter with God.  I believe our time together was a blessing for all present and was a testimony of the movement of the Spirit in the midst of unsettling times in the church and in our culture.

                Likewise, as we ventured out in North Platte to gather at the fairgrounds to celebrate the life and ministry of 98 years of ministry of the North Platte congregation the presence of God’s Spirit was there.  22 people gathered to acknowledge the organization of the congregation and how that structure impacted the lives of many through the years.  Even though the closing was a moment of sadness and loss there was also the promise of life continuing, of ministry being shared, of lives being touched, of hope for the future with the assurance that the Holy Spirit continues to abide among those who make space to encounter the Christ in their lives.

That same spirit that abided at the Leadership Retreat and the North Platte celebration seeks to abide with each one of us.  As you are aware the World Church is in the process of reducing the budget by a significantly large amount.  The specific reduction is still being determined, but should be known soon.  The impact of this reduction will affect the entire church in some way, in the coming months and years.  The leading quorums continue to spend countless hours discerning, planning and working on models for the needed reductions.  Your prayers and support for their work is important and welcomed during these very challenging times.

It is unclear how reductions to the World Church budget will impact the Rocky Mountain Mission Center.  Again your prayers of support and for wise decision making are welcomed and needed as I begin to meet with leaders in the mission center about possible financial scenarios.   Even in the middle of these challenging times the “Spirit is reaching out to numerous souls”… including those of us who would call ourselves disciples, who have said “yes” to the movement of the Spirit in our lives.  Regardless, of our perceived ability to make a difference in our world or of perceptions of our own giftedness or lack thereof, the call is for those who are willing to respond to God’s Spirit regardless of the circumstances that surround them.  God is alive and the Spirit continues to work.  Can we see it? Are we open to its call, to its nudging, to its vision of a future beyond the present reality?

As we approach the moment (Easter) when God’s vision for the future of the world could not be quieted, may we bask in the light and hope of that promise.

 

Blessings,

Tim

 

 

MISSION PRAYER:

“God, where will your Spirit lead today?  Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.  Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace.” Amen

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER EVENTS: PLEASE SHARE THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS IN YOUR CONGREGATION!!!)

 

The Loveland congregation will present a Tenebrae service (aka “Service of Darkness”) the evening of Good Friday Apr 3 at 7:30pm. The Tenebrae (Latin for “darkness”), dates back to the 4th century according to some sources. Traditionally observed during Holy Week, it focuses on the final hours of Jesus’ life and crucifixion. It is a reminder of the magnitude of God’s love; a love so great that it continues through all time and eternity. While we all can appreciate the joy that comes each Easter, when contrasted with an understanding of the price He paid, as conveyed through the Tenebrae, our joy is heightened.

You can contact Kirk Bell, (director) for more information or Charles Milner at cmilner1@mindspring.com

 

April 10-12: Junior Retreat & Junior High Retreat, Fort Collins Congregation.

 

Big Peace Heroes Junior Retreat: 3rd – 5th Grade Using the concepts from Young Peacemakers Club for our learning and worship experiences and the movie Big Hero 6 as our adventurous backdrop we will explore what it means to be big heroes in peace for ourselves, our families, friends, communities and planet. We will start our weekend out by making peace hero costumes and then join into teams to make big hero robots of our own in a challenge of teamwork and creativity. We will end the evening by watching Big Hero 6 of course! On Saturday we will delve deeply into the peace for me, peace for us, peace for everyone and peace for the planet concepts with hands on activities and vibrant, fun, kid focused and led worship; our service project will be to collect non perishable food for the hungry in a scavenger hunt challenge; a crazy obstacle course will bring a burst of energy mid day; and our evening mystery dinner will be surely be thrilling surprise. Sunday we will close with breakfast and an exciting worship full of God’s love for each child and affirmations of their ability to be Big Peace Heroes everyday.

 

We Are All In This Together:   Junior High Retreat:  6th-8th Grade

Join us as we learn how to be in community with each other and with God.  We will start our weekend in Madagascar as those wild and crafty penguins remind us that we are always with friends on our journey. Saturday we will experience God through learning about sacraments, taking some time to play outside and through community art.  Saturday night we will enjoy a mystery dinner (that’s all I can say about that…).  Sunday morning we will close with worship that will use everyone’s gifts in meaningful ways.  Plan on fun having a lot of fun with your friends!  The cost for both retreats is $50.   Questions? Juniors (3rd-5th grade) contact DeziRae at dastle@cofchrist.org and Junior Highs (6th-8th grade) contact Shandra at: snewcom@cofchrist.org

 

Denver Street Retreat ***NEW DATE*** May 1-3, 2015: Encountering the World on the Streets of Denver Join us as we explore world religions, food from around the world, poverty and peace across the world all on the streets of Denver! Highlights include: meal at Mataam Fez, 16th Mall Scavenger Hunt, visit to Jewish & Buddhist Temples, laughing mob, freeze poverty demo and making music videos! Register by April 16th, $100 Registration cost after this date will include price increase for hotel and may not be guaranteed if more rooms can’t be reserved. To register please send form and payment to mission center office. Once registered/paid refunds will not be issued because hotel rooms and other activities must be paid in advance.  Contact DeziRae Astle at dastle@cofchrist.org with questions.  Register with Rebecca at brussell@cofchristrm.org

 

The next SITE class will be taught by John Hamer.  The class is: Community of Christ Scriptures.  If you are interested in joining SITE and this class, please contact Shandra Newcom at:  snewcom@cofchrsit.org by April 15.

 

Young Adult Retreat May 22-25 in Boulder, CO.  The theme for this year’s retreat is: “One Voice in the Crowd.”  We will be experiencing a peace, justice and spirituality retreat together and woold love to see you there!.  Cost is: $120 per person.  Everyone ages 18-35 is invited to join us.  We start Friday night at 6 p.m. and go through Monday at noon.  Please note: (If you’re interested in running the Boulder Boulder, we will be in the perfect spot for it!)  Questions?  Contact Shandra Newcom at : snewcom@cofchrist.org

 

Attention Pastors and CFOs: Congregational Grants and Annual Congregational Audit Reminder.  April 30, 2015 is the due date for both Congregational Grant Applications as well as the 2014 Congregational Audits.  Please go to www.cofchristrm.org for more information on both of these items.  If you have questions please contact Tim at tashburn@cofchrist.org

 

Nuclear Weaponry Development

The World Church Peace and Justice Committee is conducting a project to gather the stories of people who have witnessed or been affected by the development of nuclear weapons. This includes :

  • People with knowledge of the development of nuclear weapons
  • People who were affected by testing of nuclear weapons
  • People who have knowledge of or were affected by accidents involving nuclear material
  • People who have knowledge of the political and policy processes and decisions associated with the authorization, deployment, security, or training related to nuclear weapons    WHO:                   Community of Christ adults and teens (members and friends)WHERE:               Health and Wholeness Team Page www.CofChrist.org/health-and-wholeness-teamTwo survey options are available. (Links to online and paper surveys are available at the Health and Wholeness Team page listed above.)2.       Paper— www.CofChrist.org/Common/Cms/documents/Health-and-Wholeness-Survey.pdf    Community of Christ—Health and Wholeness Survey                1001 W. Walnut St.  ·         promote the importance of health and wholeness of body, mind, spirit, and relationships in our lives.·         download several hard copies to share with members who may not have access to online options.Thanks for your help!The Health and Wholeness Team Spiritual Formation Retreats at the Independence and Kirtland Temples, please see below for more information about 2015 retreats. “You can find more information about what we offer at www.spiritualformationcenter.org.STUBBORN HOPE: SPIRITUAL RETREATWHAT: Join us in a spiritual retreat focused on cultivating a spirit of stubborn hope in the Easter season! For more information: http://spiritualformationcenter.org/news-and-events/stubborn-hope-spiritual-retreat/WHERE: Community of Christ Temple (Independence, MO) COST: $60.00 (Student Cost- $30.00) What: A spiritual retreat with President Stephen M. Veazey exploring the connection between Spirit and Mission. For more information: http://spiritualformationcenter.org/news-and-events/a-spiritual-venture-spiritual-retreat/WHERE: Spiritual Formation Center 7809 Joseph St. Kirtland, OH 44094 Registration Deadline: October 1, 2015If you have any questions or would like to schedule spiritual retreat or pilgrimage to the Kirtland or Independence Temple, please feel free to contact Katie Harmon-McLaughlin at khmclaughlin@cofchrist.org. OTHER ITEMS:  President/Financial Officertashburn@cofchrist.org
  • 800-783-6760, ext. #2
  • Rocky Mountain Mission Center
  • Tim Ashburn
  • Announcements: For more information from the World Church please go to www.cofchrist.org/announcements You may also subscribe to the following blogs and resources to receive them in your email: Daily Bread Blog, Evangelist Blog, CofChrist News, CofChrist Announcements, Commentary Series, Music Matters, and the High Priest Newsletter.  You may select which information sources you receive, just go to www.cofchrist.org then from the “Connect” drop down menu click on “Subscribe” and select which items you would like to receive.
  • President Stephen M. Veazey looks forward to interacting with you on April 12, 2015.  Join the worldwide church in an interactive, webcast-only event April 12 at 6:00 p.m. (CDT).  The focus will be on oneness and equality in Christ (paragraphs 10-14 of the words of counsel presented to the 2013 World Conference).  An update on giving trends, budget numbers, and steps being taken to balance the budget also will be shared.
  •  
  • COST: $50.00
  • WHEN: October 23-25, 2015
  • A SPIRITUAL VENTURE: SPIRITUAL RETREAT
  • Registration Deadline: March 23, 2015
  • RETREAT FACILITATOR: Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
  • WHEN: April 10-12, 2015
  • “WE MUST CULTIVATE A SPIRIT OF STUBBORN HOPE.” -Stephen M. Veazey
  • WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
  •  
  • ·         promote the importance of participation in the survey and how to access it (February through June 2015).
  • As leaders, we need your help to:
  • Information about the survey and periodic reminders will be shared through a variety of distribution channels during the survey period. Some of those include the March Herald, weekly e-newsletter, Community of Christ social media, and the Health Ministries Association.
  •                 Independence, MO 64050 USA
  •                 ATTN: Lisa Soignier
  • Please mail paper copies back to the following address:
  • 1.       Online— www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?D8FC9089D0928B89DA
  • WHEN:                 February through June 2015
  • WHAT:                 Health and Wholeness Member Survey
  • Please invite your congregation to take a few minutes and complete this simple survey.
  • The first major action of the team is to survey our membership about their primary health and wholeness concerns and beliefs.
  • The Health and Wholeness Team was appointed by the First Presidency in response to World Conference Resolution 1305 that states in part,  “…to actively encourage members to engage this quest for well-being and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit, making responsible, healthy choices as their circumstances permit, with priority attention given to children and youth.”
  • If you are able to share your story about these events, please contact Andy Horner at Horner_a@msn.com.