RMMC Weekly Update
April 15, 2015
From Tim Ashburn
Greetings Rocky Mountain Mission Center!
As spring erupts around us, we are aware of new life after a time of dormancy. Our lives experience this ebb and flow, times of great elation and energy and times of unwanted setbacks and discouragement. Our continued season of Easter reminds us of this cycle, it reminds us of a God who does not only dance in the light, but also resides in the darkness and walks with us in those moments we would rather not experience. May we take stock in all of our blessings, even those of challenge and be grateful to God for the learnings that come from the darkness. I offer this prayer from Joyce Rupp as a reminder.
“O God,
As I look back at my life
I see many little pieces of light.
They have given me hope and comfort i
in my bleak and weary times.
I thank you for the radiance
of a dark sky full of stars,
and for the faithful light of dawn
which follows every turn of darkness.
I thank you for loved ones and strangers
whose inner beacons of light
have warmed and welcomed my pain.
I thank you for your Presence in my depths,
protecting, guiding, reassuring, loving.
I thank you for all those life-surprises
which sparked a bit of hope in my ashes.
And, yes, I thank you for my darkness,
(the unwanted companion I shun and avoid)
because this pushy intruder comes with truth
and reveals my hidden treasures to me.
Joyce Rupp
Little Pieces of Light…Darkness and Personal Growth, Illumination Books, 1994, p.65.
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!!!)
Visual Identity Standards of Community of Christ, “Our visual identity is part of what communicates, ‘This is who we are. This is Community of Christ.’ It is part of what builds a Community of Christ identity that is distinct among the world’s many faiths.
Careful management of visual identity is important. When people’s experiences with Community of Christ reinforce the values associated with our identity, mission, message, and beliefs, trust and loyalty develop.” Visual Identity Standards, Edition 1, November 4, 2014, p. 5.
In the past there have been several symbols that have been used on stationary, printed materials for classes etc. These new guides are standardizing the symbols, colors and layout of how and when they are used. Please use these standards in future publications and use of the church’s symbols.
To view a copy of the Visual Identity Standards for Community of Christ and to download stationery, envelopes etc. please go to www.CofChrist.org/visual-identity You can click on the items you need, download to your computer and type in the specific information for your congregation or campground. Please use these resources for communication both inside and outside the congregation. If you have questions about the use of these new visual standards please contact Becca in the mission center office. brussell@cofchristrm.org
May 1-3. 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.
Latter-day Seeker Ministry opportunity with John Hamer, Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 6:30 Refreshments, 7-9 presentation/discussion at the Greenwood Village congregation. John Hamer, a member of Community of Christ, former member of the LDS church, historian and cartographer has taught in our SITE program in the past and will teach Community of Christ Scriptures in the May session. John is part of a team of Community of Christ leaders and members who are working with and providing resources and connection with Latter-day Seekers, persons who are becoming disenchanted with the LDS church. This evening would be a great opportunity to come and learn more about this ministry and to also meet some Latter-day Seekers who may come to hear what John has to present. I highly encourage those in the metro Denver area to come and be a part of this opportunity to learn and share.
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 registration 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
Camp Paradise Opening, May 8-10, 2015, You are invited to assist with the opening of Camp Paradise for the 2015 camping season. Come and camp or stay in the lodge, bring you own food and help get the camp ready for another season of ministry, fun and fellowship. All types of skills and help are needed. The weekend begins at 6 pm on Friday, May 8th and ends Sunday, May 10th at 12 noon. If you have questions please contact Michael Nelms at 970-215-5423 or by email at mnelms66@gmail.com NO CAMP FEES!
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
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are interested in a Masters of Arts in Religion (MAR) take a look at Community of Christ Seminary. You can enroll in the Masters of Arts in Religion program or you can opt to take one or two classes as continuing education or audits.
For those seeking a degree, a new cohort starts every August. To enter the cohort, a person needs to apply for admission to the Seminary by 31 May.
Information is available at http://www.graceland.edu/seminary/ or by emailing Seminary@Graceland.edu.
2015 Priesthood and Ministry Commentary Series
Beginning in January, the Herald has included a commentary series about Ministry and Priesthood. In order to make the commentary and supporting articles available in an accessible way, we’ve created a PDF of the Herald pages for you to read and review. Each month we will add to the commentary PDF and update the document. In this issue you can read: April issue
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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