Dear Friends,
In the midst of so much darkness, both as our days grow shorter and as we experience tragedy close to home and around the globe, its easy to forget that there is still so much love and light around us. Its good to remind ourselves that even when tragedy strikes, even when it seems like its just too dark there are so many things to be grateful for. Community of Christ, staff pastor, Kris Judd’s recognized this need, read her note below and respond to ME by Monday and I will send Shandra our “Mission Center Gratitude Page” to be included as an attachment in next week’s update.
From Kris Judd, Staff pastor:
“Dear Friends,
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5.
Ok, so the author of Philippians penned that, but those are my sentiments as well. And when my heart is filled with gratitude, I am better as a result.
In this season of gratitude and generosity, I want to hear what you are grateful for today. Please take some moments of silence and allow your mind and heart to reflect upon those things for which you give thanks, and send me one or two comments. I’ll then create a staff gratitude page to send out to everyone. We will create one worldwide voice of gratefulness together.
I look forward to hearing what you wish to share!”
In Christ’s Light,
DeziRae Astle
Rockies Mission Coordinator
dastle@cofchrist.org
303-426-5900 x4
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUCEMENTS:
We invite you to attend two special events at the Denver Congregation this month! Wednesday, December 16, 2015 6:30p.m. – Prayer for Peace; Monday, December 21, 2015 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Annual Candle Lighting Service, Light Refreshments following the service.
We also invite you to attend the Casper, WY congregation on Christmas Eve at 6:00p.m! Along with their normal advent services, they will be having a short service on Christmas Eve which will be especially interesting for children and families.
Sr. High Winter Retreat: January 22-24, 2016! Mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for the upcoming Sr. High Winter Retreat next month. Where: Buena Vista, Ski/Snowboard at Monarch Ski Area When: Jan 22-24, Leaving around 6:00pm Friday evening and returning Sunday around 3 or 4, carpools will be arranged How much: Cost will range from $80-$130 depending on which activity is chosen! Please contact Jordan Wight to register for this event at wight.jordan@gmail.com. We hope that you can make it!
SITE is adding classes and you are invited to attend! The topic for the Jan. 29-31, 2016 class is: Peace and Justice Ministries taught by Michele McGrath. This is a new class in the SITE rotation. All former, current and new students are invited to attend. Please pre-register with Shandra at: snewcom@cofchrist.org. Pre-registration is essential so we know how much food we need for the weekend. We will continue to meet at the North Valley congregation. Class starts Friday at 6 p.m. We look forward to new experiences and new learning together in community!
World Conference Delegates have been elected! The Rocky Mountain Mission Center is allotted 53 delegates for the 2016 World Conference, and these delegates were voted on while at Mission Center Conference last weekend. There will be 53 delegates (3 delegate alternates) to represent the RMMC at World Conference. A list of these delegates & alternates will be sent to pastors to share with their congregations. If you have questions regarding delegates, please contact Rebecca Russell at: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com. If you are interested in becoming a delegate alternate, please contact Mission Center President Shandra Newcom at: snewcom@cofchrist.org.
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Year end challenge from Headquarters: Last year in an amazing outpouring of generosity, members and friends of Community of Christ gave $1.9M in worldwide mission tithes in the month of December. World Church leaders were grateful for this wonderful blessing which provided insights on our capacity as a community to share when we are focused on our opportunities for mission.
Can we exceed that number this year? We believe the answer is yes. And so we challenge you to give again what you gave last year in December and prayerfully consider giving even a small amount more. If each contributor were to give just $10 more than last year, and if new contributors joined the effort, that could make the total for December 2015 more than $2M! What an incredible blessing that would be as we seek to restore and grow ministries around the world. Will you accept the challenge?
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.