Dear Friends,
What a gift you are to me! I enjoyed every minute of the 2015 Rocky Mountain Mission Center Conference that met at the YMCA of the Rockies last weekend. I loved every song, hug, vote, snack, balloon, worship, youth event, moment of business, and picture taken. Thank you for being there and for being willing to share with us!
We did something important last weekend: We built a community of Christ.
The good news in that community is that even if you weren’t there, you are a part of that community! God invites each of us to participate in the great community based on the call Christ gives us to live in mission in the world. This community is open to all. It values diversity and seeks unity. It supports the worth of all persons. It celebrates every heart and unites us in compassion. It seeks to heal brokenness. It desires wholeness. It loves radically.
We had a taste of this community last weekend – you have tasted it as well in every worship, hymn sing, potluck, service project, time of fellowship, experience of compassion, moment of prayer. And here’s the thing: we are created to be in community. Our faith is lived out in community. It is the community that tends to our hurts and prays for our healing. It is the community that brings about change in the world.
Individually, we are loved and blessed.
In community, that love expands and brings blessing to the whole of creation.
If you weren’t able to be at Conference, ask someone who was there to tell you a story about their experience. It really was a beautiful time.
And I’ll be forever grateful.
In Christ,
Shandra
Join me each morning as we pray:
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 ANNOUCEMENTS:
The 14th Annual Rocky Mountain Mission Center Conference was a success! Over 200 of us came together this past weekend in beautiful Estes Park, CO to fellowship, sing together, and address items of business. Each person there was blessed by the ministry of our talented guest ministers: Apostle Ron Harmon, USA Bishop Dave Nii and Music Minister Lauren Hall. We also shared together in a special setting apart service recognizing Mission Center President Shandra Newcom, and Financial Officer Steve Holloway. Both Shandra and Steve are now fully engaged in their new positions! Whether you were there serving as a delegate for your congregation, or to enjoy a weekend of community, we want to thank each of you who shared in such a joyful conference. See you next year!
***If you lost a pair of sunglasses, a grey and navy men’s winter glove, or a furry hood attachment to your coat while at conference, please contact Rebecca Russell at brussellcofchrist@gmail.com***
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, which is wonderful! 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.
Thank you to everyone who shared a table displays at Mission Center Conference! We had a wonderful array of displays this year – from congregations, campgrounds and youth programs, to Young Adult Retreat, SITE, HealthEd Connect and Outreach International. We also had displays selling beautiful aqua blue t-shirts ($20) and hoodie sweatshirts ($35) to benefit Young Adults! Another new display this year was for a $10 preloaded Grocery Cards to King Soopers and Safeway which, when used, return a percentage of money to the Mission Center. The t-shirts/sweatshirts and grocery cards are still available, please contact Phyllis Modica (pmodica@cofchristrm.org) if you are interested.
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.