Dear Friends,
What would it look like if we took invitation as seriously as we take potluck?
We would plan, prepare, bring and share our welcome and witness just like we do our dinner.
What would it look like if we took invitation as seriously as we take hymn singing?
We would listen and learn new ways, join together and work in harmony.
What would it look like if we took invitation as seriously as we take prayer?
We would pause, breathe, enter into relationship with God and live from that Divine place.
Invitation is foundational and we are being called to learn to live it – the radical invitation that welcomes all beings into relationship with the Divine. It comes through conversation, preparation, listening and breathing. It comes when we are open to one another’s differences while celebrating our unity. It comes in every-day moments of celebration.
Who do we celebrate?
We celebrate the risen Christ.
We have been formed into a unique and loving community; formed by those who have gone before us and who have loved us and who invited us.
We are free, now, to invite others.
Take a look around. What is going on in your congregation that you can invite others to? How are you living the peace of Jesus Christ and how can you tell others about it?
This isn’t a matter of changing someone, it’s a matter of opening ourselves and our hearts to others, many of whom are broken and needing the love of God.
What would it look like if we took invitation seriously?
Let us be fully awake and ready to respond.
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!
World Conference Delegates: Are you are interested in serving as a delegate for the 2016 World Conference? If so, please contact Rebecca Russell (brussellcofchrist@gmail.com) to get your name on the ballot for voting consideration at the upcoming Mission Center Conference.
Table Displays at Mission Center Conference: Table space is filling up quickly! 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 remaining, 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.