Dear Friends,
I was blessed to be able to attend the Jr. High / Sr. High Camp at Big Spruce campground in June. The camp was directed by Naomi Barlow and we had six youth attend. It was not a large number. But the Spirit was strong and we experienced community in powerful ways. I taught the theme class and Naomi led a variety of spiritual practices for the kids. We invited them to explore their spirituality, to engage with one another honestly and to think about how they experience God in their lives.
One of the spiritual practices we explored and experienced was walking the labyrinth. It is an experience I believe everyone should have. Labyrinths aren’t mazes – they are ancient structures in the form of a circle that have a single path which leads to the center. They can be found indoors and outdoors and can be made of a variety of materials. Walking the labyrinth becomes a metaphor for one’s journey through life.
I’ve walked many different labyrinths over my lifetime. Each time I experience the Spirit in powerful ways. I used to be suspicious of walking the labyrinth. I wasn’t taught to move in prayer – I was taught to sit still and bow my head and close my eyes. But spiritually I prefer to move when I pray and the labyrinth helps me do just that.
When I walk to the center of a labyrinth I reflect on my life journey or I identify a question I’m interested in answering for myself. When I walk into a labyrinth I visualize myself releasing stress and all the things that keep me from meeting God in my life. When I reach the center, I pause and pray with gratitude and I welcome God into my heart. As I walk back to the beginning of the labyrinth I prepare to re-emerge from this moment of Spirit-connection back to my daily life. I say prayers of thanksgiving for the answers I’ve received. I re-enter my daily life, refreshed and renewed in the Spirit.
Every time I walk a labyrinth is different and every time is meaningful.
So I invite you to find a labyrinth in your community – many churches have them – and go walk it. We have one at Big Spruce campground you could experience at reunion next week. There are labyrinth finders online you can use. Labyrinths are open and inviting and beautiful paces where we can meet the Spirit and ourselves.
Below I have printed the mission prayer. If you choose to walk a labyrinth you might find it meaningful to pray the mission prayer as you enter into the journey. Opening oneself to the Spirit’s leading brings peace and joy to life. I pray for you that you will be able to experience this peace and joy in abundance and that you will be able to share it with those you meet in life.
Happy July!
Shandra
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!!!)
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.
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
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.
Shandra Newcom Rocky Mountain Mission Center Community of Christ 303-426-5900