Dear Friends,
I’ve been thinking about these words from the 2013 Words of Council brought to the Church by President Steve Veazey:
Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed. WOC 2013
To me, these words remind us that we are called to active participation in the world. Living, loving and sharing are action words: We live as Zion when we embrace all people, even those who make us uncomfortable; when we welcome everyone to the table of the Lord, even those who are so different from us we have trouble finding anything in common. We love as Zion when we listen to each other, when we pray for one another, when we are radically invitational and generous. We share as Zion when we engage in our communities to bring about justice: When we open our hearts and hands to those who are last in our world, when we serve others in humility, when we seek ways to heal from the brokenness that sometimes seems to lay claim to our world.
Imagine a world where oneness in Christ is the way and there are no poor or oppressed. Imagine. It’s almost impossible to do. But if you dream big enough and believe in the power of the community and know that God is calling us and present with us for each step, you can begin to know that the impossible can become possible.
I continue to return to God for strength and love. I invite you to do the same.
May we walk this journey together and may we find there deep joy!
In love,
Shandra
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUCEMENTS:
Rocky Mountain Mission Center Conference: November 6-8, 2015, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado. Our annual conference is just weeks away! The theme will be “Discover Deep Joy.” Our guest ministers will be Apostle Ron Harmon, Dave Nii, and Lauren Hall. Please note we will also be electing delegates to the 2016 World Conference during this conference. Registration for this event is now open and can be found online at www.cofchristrm/org. You may print off the registration form and mail to the Mission Center office, or use our online registration. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Table Displays at Mission Center Conference: If you, your congregation, or campground are interested in providing a table display at the upcoming Mission Center Conference please contact Rebecca Russell at brussellcofchrist@gmail.com. There are a limited amount of tables available, so don’t delay!
We would like to invite those who are interested to bring a snack to share the weekend of Mission Center Conference. Please note that there is very limited refrigerator space, so snacks that do not need to be refrigerated are best! There will be tables near the back of Willome for group snacks to be dropped off. Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE New Email Address: Rebecca Russell, the Rocky Mountain Mission Center’s Administrative Assistant and Recorder has a new e-mail address! You can reach her at: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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.