RMMC Weekly Update
June 24, 2015
From Tim Ashburn
Greetings Rocky Mountain Mission Center!
“Community of Christ,” your name given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling. If you will discern and embrace its full meaning, you will not only discover your future, you will become a blessing to the whole creation. Do not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go.” Doctrine and Covenants, Section 163:1
I know, I know, I just used this scripture a few weeks ago! Our future is emerging in these words. About a year ago I went through a Financial Peace University Course. The one thing that was emphasized was simple, but perhaps over looked, the power of one’s income, not a credit rating, good credit or the amount someone could borrow, but the income one earned, even though perhaps small. As I ponder the scripture above, at this moment and perhaps it will change before I finish writing, is the power of our shared experience as human beings, a part of the created world. You do not need to be taught how it is that people feel, or what people need, or the range of possible responses a person will have in any given situation. Before I go on any farther….of course human beings are complex, and no one will behave or respond exactly the same in any given situation, however, as persons ourselves, we have information about basic needs and wants of people. Perhaps our greatest asset in building a community of Christ is simple and present, one that we already have within us.
Yesterday, I was walking my dog along the street where I live; I looked up and saw the young man who lives in the apartment below me. I know he is divorced and has 4 children. As I watched him for just a few moments it seemed to me that he was lonely and perhaps lost in thought about his life…a life that was not going as he had planned. In that moment I could relate to what he might have been thinking. There is a shared understanding what it means to be human. In this case, the 2 of us share an understanding of being divorced and living in an apartment. We know what it is like to live single and share in our children’s lives only part of the time. The list could go on…
We know what concerns us, we know what brings joy to our souls, we know how it feels to be left out, alone, we know how it feels to question our own giftedness, we know how it feels to not feel enough. And, we know how it feels to be satisfied, to feel grateful, to love and be loved, to know that we are a miracle of creation. It is through the connection of community, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them; even so am I in the midst of you.” (D&C Section 6:15b) that we will discover what it means to be Community of Christ and to create communities of Christ, perhaps we have all we need to relate to another person, to share the struggles and wonder of life. At the root of our human connection rests our relationship with God that informs and transforms our human existent into being a part of the divine creation.
So, step one…connect with the divine, step two….connect with who you are (the good, the bad and the ugly)…step three be open to where the Spirit leads….step four be who you are fully, because chances are someone else has experienced what you have. The connection possibilities are overwhelming!!!
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!!!)
Camp Paradise Sr. High Retreat, July 9-12, 2015 (completed grades 9-12) (Thursday 6 pm to Sunday 12:00 Noon) registration fee $140.00, please contact Kat Palmer at katparmer@yahoo.com or the mission center office at brussell@cofchristrm.org to register. More information can be found at www.cofchristrm.org
Big Spruce Women’s Retreat: June 26-28, 2015! The theme for the retreat is “Jesus Calling.” Guest ministry will be women from the Farmington, NM congregation, who will talk about how some daily entries from Jesus Calling have affected their lives. For those who would like to purchase the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling is written by Sarah Young and published by Thomas Nelson Nashville, 2011. Irene Olive with have the Saturday afternoon activity involving a craft project to honor the big spruce that fell last year. This will be a very special event that will provide people with a visual memory of the giant spruce that stood for decades along the creek at the campground’s baptismal site. Registration and tentative schedule can be found online at www.cofchristrm.org.
Big Spruce Reunion, Live, Love, Share, July 4-11, 2015, Guest Ministry Tom and Vicki Morain, Ministers in Lamoni Heartland Mission Center. Experience, Tie Dyeing T-Shirts, All Camp George Party, Fine Arts Classes, Outreach International Focus Day, Yoga and other opportunities for recreation and fellowship. In years past, the reunion has focused on a country or culture of the world, this year the cultural focus evening will be “An American Experience.” Come dressed as your favorite American in History!, Share your family’s American story, Explore American Culinary Treats, Play Pioneer and Pilgrim games. For more information and to register, check the mission center website at www.cofchristrm.org (Information should be up soon) or contact Bill Grimes at 8 Garden Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 or call 719-635-9439.
Rocky Mountain Mission Center Family Camp, July 29th thru August 2nd 2015, to be held at Peaceful Valley Ranch located near Estes Park, CO 475 Peaceful Valley Road (Hwy 72), Lyons, CO 80540
Theme: LIVE, LOVE, SHARE: Visibly One in Christ
Guest Ministers: Mark Sherer, Church Historian; Barb Walden, Executive Director of Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation; Graceland University Rep: Sara Mongrain; Music Director: Andrew Murphy
Classes with Mark from his books “The Journey of a People” & “Restoration Reorganization World Wide Community”
Classes with Barb: A Hymn Festival Celebrating Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, The Storytellers: An evening of Tales with Friends Explore the Five Mission Initiatives from a church history perspective. Come join with us to “Live, Love and Share”
On-line registration forms: cofchristrm.org/RMMCFamily Camp
ATTENTION ROCKIES Family Camp:
Search your attics and closets or library and storage rooms of your homes/local congregation for historic items that tell your story of the church. It could be an old book of scriptures, an image of a ship that once carried early missionaries to this country or perhaps a large wooden cross planted by those who founded a reunion ground. These are just a few examples of how objects can represent a powerful story in Community of Christ history as well as yours. Come prepared to share your stories of your history in the church. We look forward to seeing your objects as well as hearing your stories. See you there!!
Family Camp, July 29th to August 2nd. Mark Sherer, Church Historian, and Barb Walden, Executive Director of Church Historic Sites will be our guest ministers. Register on Line today!!
Keep Big Spruce Campground in mind for any donations you may be considering. Big Spruce has prepared for a new summer season of campers. Additions to the camp are 20 new mattresses, a new freezer and ice machine. What will be missing? The old bath house has been torn down and removed. Though our summer income pays the usual bills, capital improvements need extra funds. Please remember Big Spruce Camp for your summer donations.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SYMPOSIUM Restorative Justice and Forgiveness?
(For more information please contact Dorcas, Wilkinson at dorcas.w@comcast.net)
Thursday, September 24 & Friday September 25, 2015, Beth-El Mennonite Church.
Join us for deeply moving, interactive presentations on restorative justice. Dr. Mark Umbreit, Professor and Director of Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking, University of Minnesota, School of Social Work, will deliver the keynote address Thursday, September 24on The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons from Those in Restorative Dialogue. On Friday, September 25, State Representative Pete Lee will discuss restorative justice legislation in Colorado and his passion for bringing change and healing to those whose lives have been affected by violence. Then meet Patty Kiefer, Jessica Kuhn and Andy Ulferts; listen to their stories and the power of restorative justice in their lives. An inspiring and interactive circle presentation about High Risk Victim Offender dialogue you won’t want to miss! 12 Contact Hours for Educators 10 General CLE credits REGISTER NOW a registration form is attached to this Weekly Update.
Rocky Mountain Mission Center Conference, November 6-8, 2015, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado. Mark your calendars for this fall’s conference. Our theme will be “Discover Deep Joy.” Along with the budget and other possible items for our conference agenda we will also be electing delegates to the 2016 World Conference. Engage in your congregational business meetings and be a part of the process as the church looks forward to sharing in community at the mission center conference and World Conference.
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Worldwide Ministries Contribution Update
6/24/2015
For the second consecutive month we have met our $1 million monthly goal for World Ministries Mission Tithes. Year-to-date we are just 0.8 percent below the annual goal.
- May contributions: $1,025,000 (2.5 percent above $1,000,000 monthly goal)
- Year-to-date: $4,960,000 (0.8% behind calendar-year goal)
All are encouraged to continue their generous support, especially in June through August, when many members and ministers are traveling. You can ensure your sustainable contributions by giving through PAT (pre-authorized transfer) or online.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Our $12 million funding goal provides a basic level of sustainable worldwide ministries. To grow Christ’s mission, all members and friends are called to assess their true capacity to give so tithing can exceed $12 million, helping the church work toward achieving its divinely led mission. Let’s support these efforts with a spirit of generosity.
World Conference, One in Christ: A World Wide Community, June 4-11, 2016.
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.
A SPIRITUAL VENTURE: SPIRITUAL RETREAT
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/
WHEN: October 23-25, 2015
WHERE: Spiritual Formation Center 7809 Joseph St. Kirtland, OH 44094
COST: $50.00
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2015
If 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:
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.
Tim Ashburn
President/Financial Officer
Rocky Mountain Mission Center
800-783-6760, ext. #2