The Weekly Wire for October 27, 2010

 

A special message from Darrell Belrose, Susan Skoor and Greg Goheen.

 

Ken McGowan to visit Vancouver and Chilliwack

World Church minister, Ken McGowan CFP, of Estate and Financial Planning, will be visiting the Vancouver and surrounding area November 19th to 22nd 2010. Ken will present "Estate Planning for Canadians", a practical, hands on presentation with valuable ideas and suggestions. The presentation, at no cost to the congregations, will be presented at the Chilliwack Congregation November 20th @ 2 PM and at the Vancouver Congregation November 21st @ 1:30PM.

 

 SPECTACULAR

The mission of SPECTACULAR is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages young women and men to discover God, their inherent worth, and cultivate and express their giftedness.

What is Spec?

During SPECTACULAR approximately 1,100 campers and their leaders gather at Graceland University for the largest annual gathering of youth in the Community of Christ. 
All campers will have opportunities to participate in leadership and discipleship development, diverse worship, and expression of arts, music, and sports.
During the week campers can look forward to sharing in all avenues of the SPEC experience - service projects, communication workshops, basketball, musical instruction, table tennis, stage production, worship, delegation devotions, volleyball, tie-dying, cotton candy, discussions about dating and relationships, learning more about our Creator, soccer, and much, much more.

 

July 21 to August 1, 2011

More information on registration coming soon.

 

 

 

 

 

CHILDREN CRY, WE RESPOND Live Webcast in Victoria

2010 PEACE COLLOQUY

FRIDAY OCT 29, 2010 at 5:00 pm

Community of Christ

495 Burnside Road East, Victoria

Join us for a live webcast as Greg Mortenson Best-selling author of 3 Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools Receives the Community of Christ International Peace Award and will be the keynote speaker.  THE PRESENTATION WILL BE WEBCAST FROM INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI EVERYONE IS INVITED TO SHARE IN THIS EVENT.  For more information phone         250-477-0352

 

 

Senior High Youth Retreat
“Listen”
7 PM on Friday, November 12th,
to Noon on Sunday, November 14th, 2010
Samish Island Campgrounds, Bow, WA
For Boys & Girls Currently In The 9th to 12th Grades
Guest Ministry:
Christie Ostendorp
Community of Christ
Minister with emphasis
on Youth Ministries
“...Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be
stilled, and it calls you once again to
the great and marvelous work of
building the peaceable kingdom…”
- Doctrine & Covenants 163:1b
Register online at http://samishsrhigh2010.eventbrite.com/
or obtain a registration form to mail in at
http://www.cofchrist-gpnw.org/camps/YOUTHRETREATREGISTRATIONFORM.pdf
Questions / Comments: Contact Sean Langdon, Director,
at 425-293-6366 / slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org

Our Fall Music Writing Contest Just Got Bigger!

You didn’t think we’d leave all you poets and lyricists out did you?  This contest is really exciting because absolutely anyone can enter – and I hope you all do.  

Brian Gibson, the multi talented musician, writer and mentor to so many of us, has generously donated one of his original music pieces.  All you have to do is add the lyrics. 

Here is the sheet music:

Here is a link to the recorded music click on “song competition band track”.

And here is how the contest will work:

All music will be submitted to me and given an anonymous file number before it is passed on to Brian Gibson. Brian will then choose the lyric which he feels best expresses his music. 

The winning lyric will be sung and recorded at a professional studio!

And don’t forget about our other contest…

Calling all musicians … do you have a knack for plunking out your own catchy tune on the piano, plucking some original sounds on the strings or working the music on any other instrument?  We’re   looking for a new music bed for  our weekly video teaser.  The music must be original, should be 45- 60 seconds in length and recorded in a professional or semi professional studio.   

Tip - Most high  schools have great studios these days.  Remember this is a backtrack so a voice must be heard over top of it. 

Have fun with it, all styles are welcome from Rock to New Age  to Jazz.

Send me your samples in MP3 format to debra@communityofchrist.ca

Prizes, Prizes, Prizes

 

 

 

But wait…we wouldn’t ask you to enter these contests just for the glory would we?  Well the glory is pretty great, but so are these nifty jackets the winner of each contest will receive!

This high quality jacket will quickly become your favorite and will wear well for years to come. Soft micro-fiber exterior is a cream/taupe color with navy accents. The name Community of Christ is embroidered in navy blue on the left front.

 

 

 

World Accord 30th Birthday Presentation

See the presentation here

Help build 3 schools! Check out the presentation to see how you can donate.

 

 

 

 

 

Edith Jacks—age 95, mother of Mary Jacks Dynes, died on Monday, October 11th.  Mary expresses appreciation for the prayers that eased her mother’s transition so beautifully during the past few days.  A celebration of life service for family and friends is being planned for later this fall in California.  Her email is:  mjacksdynes@cofchrist.org

Video Teaser October 26, 2010

Weekly Wire for October 27th

Video Announcement from your Canada West Mission Center

Weekly Wire for October 20, 2010

"Building Community in 2010"  in Regina 

Friday evening we were given a "pail of stuff” and directed to create a church from marshmallows, spaghetti, lasagna, rice crispy squares and candy. 

  We enjoyed a class with Kris Judd Saturday morning. After lunch several people went to help clean up after a Habitat for Humanity home was built; the rest of the people stayed at the church where workshops were given by Peter Judd, & Sharman Woynarski.

On Saturday evening we pulled character's names from a hat, dressed in costume and in teams of four acted out modern day parables. 

F L O W Weekend – Saskatoon

Have you heard the expression “go with the flow?”  Well, that’s exactly what we did!  Saskatoon Congregation participated in a F.L.O.W. (Fellowship, Leadership, Outreach, Witnessing) weekend October 1-3, 2010.  Darrell Belrose brought a team of 7 people from around the Mission Centre - Nancy Panting (Lethbridge), Keith Hirshe (Victoria), Dan & Densie Esch (Regina), Danielle Mitchell (Prince Albert), Alfredo Zelaya (Ontario), and Linda Klughart (Prince Albert).

We were a bunch of animals Friday evening as we started with a speed mixer activity that had everyone trying to figure out what animal was on a label on their back without asking obvious questions.

      

Saturday morning we watched the movie “August Rush” in various homes.  (I highly recommend that you watch it.) After lunch we participated in a car rally/scavenger hunt that incorporated visiting members of the congregation with taking pictures at various landmarks and completing tasks such as hugging a fireman and buying a snack/meal for a stranger.  Each carload had the same basic activities to complete and specific visits to make. As we finished the activities, we met at Diefenbaker Park for a BBQ, and then headed back to the church for a campfire and testimony time. 

  

Sunday morning we gathered to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation as Daisy Decker became a member of the Community of Christ.  After a snack break we met for the Communion Service and then continued in fellowship with a potluck lunch.

Many thanks to Darrell and his team for a wonderful weekend – we laughed, we cried, we discussed, we shared, and we were encouraged to “listen to the music that is all around us” – and we were blessed.

By Cori McLean

Our Fall Music Writing Contest Just Got Bigger!

You didn’t think we’d leave all you poets and lyricists out did you?  This contest is really exciting because absolutely anyone can enter – and I hope you all do. 

Brian Gibson, the multi talented musician, writer and mentor to so many of us, has generously donated one of his original music pieces.  All you have to do is add the lyrics. 

Here is the sheet music:

 

 

Here is a link to the recorded music click on “song competition band track”.

 

And here is how the contest will work:

All music will be submitted to me and given an anonymous file number before it is passed on to Brian Gibson. Brian will then choose the lyric which he feels best expresses his music. 

 

The winning lyric will be sung and recorded at a professional studio!

And don’t forget about our other contest…

Calling all musicians … do you have a knack for plunking out your own catchy tune on the piano, plucking some original sounds on the strings or working the music on any other instrument?  We’re   looking for a new music bed for  our weekly video teaser.  The music must be original, should be 45- 60 seconds in length and recorded in a professional or semi professional studio.   

Tip - Most high  schools have great studios these days.  Remember this is a backtrack so a voice must be heard over top of it. 

Have fun with it, all styles are welcome from Rock to New Age  to Jazz.

Send me your samples in MP3 format to debra@communityofchrist.ca

Prizes, Prizes, Prizes

 

But wait…we wouldn’t ask you to enter these contests just for the glory would we?  Well the glory is pretty great, but so are these nifty jackets the winner of each contest will receive!

 

This high quality jacket will quickly become your favorite and will wear well for years to come. Soft micro-fiber exterior is a cream/taupe color with navy accents. The name Community of Christ is embroidered in navy blue on the left front.

 

 

 

BEER TEAM SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

Seven years ago Elder Shonnet Allen of the Chilliwack, BC branch was diagnosed with breast cancer. After she recovered from treatment, Shonnet, her family and some friends decided to participate in the Fraser Valley CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and have continued to do so each year.

Shonnet’s maiden name is ‘Beer’ and every year the ‘Beer girls’ come up with a creative name for the team. This year 19 were on the BEER BABES, BOYS AND BUDDIES team. In 2009 and again this year, the team was the top fund-raising team in the ‘Family and Friends’ category.

The team raised $8,506.00 this year and Shonnet’s Aunt, Joan Welch, was the top individual fund-raiser both in 2009 and again this year. No record has been kept of the total amount collected by the team, but in the last six years, Joan has raised an impressive $25,613.00 for the Foundation.

Most of the team attend the Chilliwack congregation and on Run day, which is always the first Sunday of October, attendance at church is pretty sparse, but it’s all for a good cause!

The good news is that Shonnet is cancer-free and the Foundation benefits from their efforts.

 

World Accord 30th Birthday Presentation

See the presentation here

Help build 3 schools, check out the presentation to see how you can donate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women’s Retreat - “Many Cultures, Many Gifts…”

 

$40 November 5 - 7, 2010
Community of Christ, Chilliwack, BC
Guest Ministry: Karen Waring from Independence, MO
Includes:
 Snack on Friday night
 Breakfast, lunch, supper on Saturday
 Breakfast, lunch on Sunday
 Gift Bag
Not Included:
 Accommodation (Some billeting is available. There are also very reasonable rates available at local hotels/motels)
Registration:
Please register by October 31 by contacting Bonnie Levitt
Phone: 604.792.1023 or Email: bjlevitt1@yahoo.ca
Highlights:
 Games and snacks on Friday night
 Updates on the church’s activities in other countries
 A variety of activities on Saturday afternoon from which to choose
 Sunday morning worship with the Chilliwack Community of Christ

 

“Children Cry, We Respond!” is the theme of the 2010 Peace Colloquy to be held October 29-31 at Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri.  Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and co-founder/executive director of Central Asia Institute will accept the 2010 Community of Christ International Peace Award and deliver a keynote address on Friday, October 29, at 7:30 pm.  The ceremony will be webcast live. His mission has been to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

The weekend will also include a prayer retreat, junior/senior high youth retreat, children's program, and a large variety of workshops.  Other keynotes include Carol Greta, attorney for the Iowa Department of Education, "Children, Bullying, and the Church's Response," and Dala Al-Waheidi, executive director for Free the Children, Toronto, Canada, "State of the World's Children."

Register online now at www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy.

Youth Schedule

Youth, Leader and Parent info

Special Prayer request from Nepal

Nanda Malla is pastor of the Kathmandu congregation in Nepal.  Beginning about 10 years ago the congregation is now around 400 people in membership and the largest urban Community of Christ congregation in Asia.  In addition there are now four rural congregations.  Nepal for some years has suffered a civil war, the king has been deposed, and the Maoists who have support in the rural areas have now become part of the political process.  They are the strongest party in Parliament but do not have an overall majority.  There is no strong government.  In addition Christians are illegal in Nepal which is a Hindu kingdom.   Nanda and the congregation have had difficulties over several years with the Maoists in Kathmandu.

On September 11 four young men on motor bikes came to the church service armed with weapons to threaten and perhaps kill Nanda unless he handed over church property documents.  Further visits and threats have been made.  Fortunately they have missed Nanda each time. They appear to be a Maoist gang seeking money from the Malla family and the church.  Nanda has not endorsed the Maoists (or any other political party) and they seek his public support.  One or more members of his family could also be kidnapped and held to ransom.

Nanda came to the International Council and Field Leader Meetings after these initial threats.  In consultation with SOS, an organization that looks after the welfare of church employees abroad, a decision was made for Nanda to stay at present in the USA (on his 6 month visitor visa) and to get his family to safety.  Muna and the four children arrived in the Philippines early on Saturday morning local time and are being looked after for the present by church members (names withheld for security reasons).

Prayers are requested for the Nanda Family at this very difficult time as we seek to discern the next steps to take.  Please also remember the Community of Christ congregations in Nepal which are now without two of their key shepherds.   nandamalla@hotmail.com

Video Teaser October 19, 2010

Weekly Wire for October 13, 2010

 

 Our Fall Music Writing Contest Just Got Bigger!

You didn’t think we’d leave all you poets and lyricists out did you?  This contest is really exciting because absolutely anyone can enter – and I hope you all do. 

Brian Gibson, the multi talented musician, writer and mentor to so many of us, has generously donated one of his original music pieces.  All you have to do is add the lyrics. 

Here is the sheet music:

Here is a link to the recorded music click on “song competition band track”.

 

And here is how the contest will work:

All music will be submitted to me and given an anonymous file number before it is passed on to Brian Gibson. Brian will then choose the lyric which he feels best expresses his music. 

 

The winning lyric will be sung and recorded at a professional studio and submitted to Herald House!

And don’t forget about our other contest…

Calling all musicians … do you have a knack for plunking out your own catchy tune on the piano, plucking some original sounds on the strings or working the music on any other instrument?  We’re   looking for a new music bed for  our weekly video teaser.  The music must be original, should be 45- 60 seconds in length and recorded in a professional or semi professional studio.   

Tip - Most high  schools have great studios these days.  Remember this is a backtrack so a voice must be heard over top of it. 

Have fun with it, all styles are welcome from Rock to New Age  to Jazz.

Send me your samples in MP3 format to debra@communityofchrist.ca

 

 

 

World Accord 30th Birthday Presentation  

See the presentation here 

 

 

 

 BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP October 29-30, 2010

This workshop is open to anyone who would like to learn more about bereavement

TOPICS: Sociology, Language and Metaphors for Death,  Being the Bearer of Bad News, Myths about Grief, Gender - Personality and Grief, Grief and the Family,  The Grieving Process, Tasks of Mourning , Special Types of Losses

Instructor: Judi Hopkin - Bachelor of Nursing Degree, Certificates in Bereavement Education and Grief Counseling

Location:   Community of Christ Vancouver Congregation, 3333 Kaslo Street, Vancouver

Time:         Fri. Oct. 29:  6:30 – 9:00 pm

             Sat. Oct. 30:  9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost:        $25.00 per person – includes snacks

Please bring a bag lunch Saturday

RSVP: Sarah Hopkin at 778-238-7484 or sjoyhopkin@yahoo.com

by October 15, 2010

 

 

Women’s Retreat - “Many Cultures, Many Gifts…”

 
$40 November 5 - 7, 2010
Community of Christ, Chilliwack, BC
Guest Ministry: Karen Waring from Independence, MO
Includes:
 Snack on Friday night
 Breakfast, lunch, supper on Saturday
 Breakfast, lunch on Sunday
 Gift Bag
Not Included:
 Accommodation (Some billeting is available. There are also very reasonable rates available at local hotels/motels)
Registration:
Please register by October 31 by contacting Bonnie Levitt
Phone: 604.792.1023 or Email: bjlevitt1@yahoo.ca
Highlights:
 Games and snacks on Friday night
 Updates on the church’s activities in other countries
 A variety of activities on Saturday afternoon from which to choose
 Sunday morning worship with the Chilliwack Community of Christ

 

  “Children Cry, We Respond!” is the theme of the 2010 Peace Colloquy to be held October 29-31 at Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri.  Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and co-founder/executive director of Central Asia Institute will accept the 2010 Community of Christ International Peace Award and deliver a keynote address on Friday, October 29, at 7:30 pm.  The ceremony will be webcast live. His mission has been to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

The weekend will also include a prayer retreat, junior/senior high youth retreat, children's program, and a large variety of workshops.  Other keynotes include Carol Greta, attorney for the Iowa Department of Education, "Children, Bullying, and the Church's Response," and Dala Al-Waheidi, executive director for Free the Children, Toronto, Canada, "State of the World's Children."

Register online now at www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy.

Youth Schedule

Youth, Leader and Parent info

Video Teaser October 12, 2010

Weekly Wire for October 13, 2010

Video Teaser for October 5th

Weekly Wire for October 6, 2010

Hi Folks, we’re experiencing problems with our ‘host’ for the Video Teasers this week.  If I can get it up and running I’ll post it on the website, but I won’t send a message out to everyone. 

Here are this week’s announcements…(I’m not teasing).

Our Fall Music Writing Contest!

   Calling all musicians … do you have a knack for plunking out your own catchy tune on the piano, plucking some original sounds on the strings or working the music on any other instrument?  We’re   looking for a new music bed for  our weekly video teaser.  The music must be original, should be 45- 60 seconds in length and recorded in a professional or semi professional studio.   

Tip - Most high  schools have great studios these days.  Remember this is a backtrack so a voice must be heard over top of it. 

Have fun with it, all styles are welcome from Rock to New Age  to Jazz.

Send me your samples in MP3 format to debra@communityofchrist.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Accord 30th Birthday Presentation   See the presentation here

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEREAVEMENT WORKSHOP October 29-30, 2010

This workshop is open to anyone who would like to learn more about bereavement

TOPICS: Sociology, Language and Metaphors for Death,  Being the Bearer of Bad News, Myths about Grief, Gender - Personality and Grief, Grief and the Family,  The Grieving Process, Tasks of Mourning , Special Types of Losses

Instructor: Judi Hopkin - Bachelor of Nursing Degree, Certificates in Bereavement Education and Grief Counseling

Location:   Community of Christ Vancouver Congregation, 3333 Kaslo Street, Vancouver

Time:         Fri. Oct. 29:  6:30 – 9:00 pm

             Sat. Oct. 30:  9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost:        $25.00 per person – includes snacks

Please bring a bag lunch Saturday

RSVP: Sarah Hopkin at 778-238-7484 or sjoyhopkin@yahoo.com

by October 15, 2010

 

 

      Women’s Retreat - “Many Cultures, Many Gifts…”

$40 November 5 - 7, 2010
Community of Christ, Chilliwack, BC
Guest Ministry: Karen Waring from Independence, MO
Includes:
 Snack on Friday night
 Breakfast, lunch, supper on Saturday
 Breakfast, lunch on Sunday
 Gift Bag
Not Included:
 Accommodation (Some billeting is available. There are also very reasonable rates available at local hotels/motels)
Registration:
Please register by October 31 by contacting Bonnie Levitt
Phone: 604.792.1023 or Email: bjlevitt1@yahoo.ca
Highlights:
 Games and snacks on Friday night
 Updates on the church’s activities in other countries
 A variety of activities on Saturday afternoon from which to choose
 Sunday morning worship with the Chilliwack Community of Christ

      “Children Cry, We Respond!” is the theme of the 2010 Peace Colloquy to be held October 29-31 at Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri.  Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and co-founder/executive director of Central Asia Institute will accept the 2010 Community of Christ International Peace Award and deliver a keynote address on Friday, October 29, at 7:30 pm.  The ceremony will be webcast live. His mission has been to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

The weekend will also include a prayer retreat, junior/senior high youth retreat, children's program, and a large variety of workshops.  Other keynotes include Carol Greta, attorney for the Iowa Department of Education, "Children, Bullying, and the Church's Response," and Dala Al-Waheidi, executive director for Free the Children, Toronto, Canada, "State of the World's Children."

Register online now at www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy.

Youth Schedule

Youth, Leader and Parent info

 

October 2010 Keeping the Church Connected The Community of Christ International Peace Award will be accepted by Greg Mortenson, Central Asia Institute and author of Three Cups of Tea, during a ceremony October 29 at 7:30 pm. CDT, at Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri. In his keynote, Mortenson will talk about how he ended up building 131 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan benefiting more than 58,000 children, 48,000 of them girls. All are invited to this free event, which will open the 17th annual Peace Colloquy. Come to the Temple or watch the live webcast at www.CofChrist.org/peaceaward. Greg Mortenson will speak to elementary through high school students, accompanied by teachers, parents, and guardians, at a student assembly on October 29 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Community of Christ Auditorium. Mortenson will share stories and video about how he ended up building 131 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan benefiting more than 58,000 children, 48,000 of them girls. This event touches students' understandings in social sciences, geography, and literature. This event is free. Registration is required: jhicks@CofChrist.org or ext. 2224. See more at www.CofChrist.org/peaceaward/assembly.asp. There’s still time to register for Peace Colloquy, "Children Cry, We Respond!" Experience keynotes, workshops, and worship focused on how we can engage in peace and justice for our children. Participate in the Colloquy at the Temple October 29–31. Register online at www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy. The First Presidency released the following statement on September 7. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As a people who experienced religious persecution, we are alarmed by the growing tide of religious fear, intolerance, and violence evident throughout the world. We join our voices with other religious leaders to denounce any religious persecution and specifically anti-Muslim actions, such as Dove World Outreach Center in the USA, which plans to burn the Qur’an on September 11. Such attitudes, behaviors, and actions reflect hatred rather than Christ’s example of love; divide rather than break down walls that separate people; and ignore Christ’s call for his disciples to be peacemakers, ambassadors of reconciliation, and advocates for justice. We challenge you to speak out against religious intolerance and actions that damage relationships and are contrary to Christ’s example of love and mutual respect. Led by the Holy Spirit, members and friends of Community of Christ must work with God and others to restore peace to creation and create communities of Christ’s peace and justice in our families and congregations and across villages, cities, tribes, and nations. —The First Presidency The series of articles exploring Doctrine and Covenants 164 continues in the Herald. In the October magazine, read Apostle Linda L. Booth’s commentary focused on paragraphs 3a–b considers how we can live our baptism daily. To have these articles delivered free to your e-mail, subscribe to the series at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp. For small-group discussions, use the study guide Exploring Section 164, found at www.CofChrist.org/D&C164. New policies related to baptism, confirmation, and Community of Christ membership will be available by the end of October. People may learn the details through mission center officers, World Church ministers, pastors, and priesthood. Details will also be at www.CofChrist.org. The information comes in response to the 2010 World Conference’s approval of Doctrine and Covenants 164. That created a need for the First Presidency to provide policies for accepting people baptized in other Christian traditions. We’d like to "hear" your voice on Facebook. We’ll post a question near the middle of each month on Community of Christ’s Facebook page. Selections will be published in Herald "Voices." Your comments will give you a voice on worship, spirituality, discipleship, theology, and more. If you have a Facebook account, click the Facebook icon at www.CofChrist.org/connect. Check it out…and then speak up! Check the new Herald blog at http://HeraldMagazine.wordpress.com. We’ll publish excerpts from our monthly denominational magazine to make missional content easy to share online, provide readers a chance to comment on stories, and expand our audience. You can even sign up to have alerts to your e-mail when content is posted. This blog will feature stories to "connect, engage, and inspire" us to go deeper in our discipleship and remain centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ. An FCC ruling affects congregational wireless microphone use in USA. With the nationwide conversion to digital television broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restricted the number of frequencies for wireless microphones. The ruling, which went into effect June 12, prohibits use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band (698–806). If your congregation uses wireless microphones bought before January 2009, check the frequency range. This information will be listed by the television channel (channels 52 through 69) or the frequency range (698–806 MHz) to which the transmitter is tuned. If the wireless microphone systems are in these ranges, the FCC can impose fines of $10,000 to $100,000 per transmitter and take other punitive actions. For more information, here are web links and contacts: Frequently Asked Questions Answered By FCC: www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/FAQs.html Manufacturers Equipment List from FCC: www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/ Direct questions to Robert Haworth: bhaworth@CofChrist.org; 1-800-825-2806, ext. 2436 For help buying replacement equipment, contact Joey Knight at Harvest Productions: 801 N. Atlantic Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64116; (816) 483-3889; JKNIGHT@harvestproductionsinc.com. Celebrate Advent with "Glad Tidings We Bring: Lessons and Carols," via live webcast at www.CofChrist.org or participate at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. CST. The service will combine Advent-themed scripture readings with seasonal music from the Voices of Peace Symphonic Choir, Emporia State Faculty Brass Quintet, and Jan Kraybill on the organ. President Steve Veazey will offer the homily. March 27, 2011, will mark the 175th anniversary of the dedication of Kirtland Temple in Ohio. The celebration will take place throughout the year. Include a trip to this "House of the Lord" in your sacred story by reserving the Temple and Visitor Center for your congregational retreat. Contact Ron Romig at (440) 256-1830 or RRomig@KirtlandTemple.org for details. Join us for the marvelous adventure of "where in the world" your Mission Tithes impact lives… October generosity stories feature Apostle Richard James’ Eurasia Mission Field. PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story except October 10. To receive the monthly stories, check with your mission center financial officer or go to www.CofChrist.org/generositystories. U.S. Disaster Relief: 1-800-825-2806, ext. 1212; disasterrelief@CofChrist.org. When natural disasters strike and communities are evacuated, pastors in affected areas often have difficulty communicating with congregation members to determine their situation. Please advise members of this service. In case of a disaster, once you are somewhere safe, contact Community of Christ U.S. Disaster Relief. Leave your name, congregation, circumstance, types of assistance that may be needed, and, if possible, how to contact you. Information will be shared with those who can offer assistance for your area. Community of Christ Health Ministries Association has a new bulletin insert, "Laying on of Hands: Reconnecting Spirit, Body, and Mind through Prayer." The insert reaffirms the scriptural base for this sacrament, explains how it is performed, and the ministry it offers to anyone in need. This overview would make an excellent Sunday school class discussion where folks could share their testimonies of this sacrament. Go to www.hmacofchrist.org/CongregationaHealthMinistry/BulletinInserts/index.htm. MEADS offers two options for those who wish to deepen their discipleship. Option one is the full, 12-course certificate program that seeks to empower participants for ministry. The second allows people to enroll in individual classes on a particular subject of interest without committing to the full, 12-course program. MEADS classes take place twice a year at the Temple in Independence, Missouri in February and August. The next class will be February 7–11, 2011. See the MEADS page at www.CofChrist.org/MEADS/ for more information and future classes. Community of Christ Seminary has several upcoming courses. January 3 through February 18: RELG5060 History of Christian Thought I, RELG5011 Christian Theology, RELG6210 Worship (no online component), RELG6114 Spec. Ministry: Spirituality, RELG6112 Spec. Ministry: Mission and Evangelism. February 28 through April 22: RELG5400 World Religions, RELG5011 Christian Theology. There are no pre-requisites for these courses. World Religions and Christian Theology will be eight weeks, all online. All courses beginning in January are seven weeks long. Face-to-face portion will be January 24–28 at Community of Christ Temple, Independence, Missouri. Each course will meet for three hours per day, Monday through Friday from 8:30–11:30 a.m., 1:30–4:30 pm, and 6:30–9:30 pm. Courses may be audited or taken for three semester hours of graduate credit 4.2 continuing education units (CEUs). For information about admission, registration, tuition, fees, or enrollment contact Judy Luffman at luffman@graceland.edu or (816) 833-0524, ext. 4508. Please share the following information with those serving in a capacity to share information about resources and coordinate group orders through Herald House. Remind your congregation they can always shop Herald House online at www.HeraldHouse.org. Worship Resources 2010-2011 (Year A) offers lectionary-based worship service outlines and sermon helps, with choices to give you maximum flexibility when planning vibrant worship. Offering 3 options for purchase: book with CD, book only, and CD only Vibrant Witness is a practical, down-to-basics manual that provides a variety of real-life suggestions and activities to pursue witnessing in the twenty-first century. 9780830911295 $9.95 Community of Christ: An Illustrated History, by John Hamer, David Howlett, and Barbara Walden. Diverse people make up Community of Christ’s story—a spiritual heritage that stretches back more than 180 years. This book celebrates our collective "sacred story" through striking photographs, full-color maps, and well-researched, accessible text. 9780830914906 $19.95 E-subscriptions help you stay connected to mission and deliver the information you want to your email. You can update selections, email to a friend, or unsubscribe at any time. Find the following selections at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp:  Community of Christ News – news, press releases, and event information 10-Minute News Report – monthly announcements to share in congregations Commentary Series – explore Doctrine and Covenants 164 Weekly Devotion – a weekly slice of Daily Bread Music Matters – tips and insights for church musicians French Content – receive notice when new French language content is posted Spanish Content – receive notice when new Spanish language content is posted High Priest Newsletter – High Priest Quorum news and perspectives Upcoming Events October 1-3: African American Ministers Retreat October 1-3: Alabama/NW Florida Mission Center Vision Project October 8-10: Rio Grande Vision Project (tentative) October 8-10: British isles Mission Center Vision Project October 10-15: Western Europe and Eurasia Vision Project October 15-17: Chicago USA Mission Center Vision Project October 17: Children's Sabbath October 22-24: Texas Coastal Bend USA Mission Center Vision Project October 29-31: Oklahoma Vision Project October 29-31: Peace Colloquy October 31: Dome and Spire Series: Peace Colloquy Concert November 25-26: International Headquarters offices closed—Thanksgiving (USA) November 27: Messiah Performance November 28: First Sunday of Advent December 12: Temple Advent Service December 13-16: World Church Leadership Council December 24-31: International Headquarters offices closed—Christmas

Councils Examine Statements

A mid-September weekend retreat at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, brought a historic pairing of the World Church Leadership Council and the Standing High Council to discuss documents related to church policy on the ordination of homosexual people and same-sex marriage.

President Stephen Veazey started the retreat by telling the groups, “We announced this meeting to the church well ahead of time because we desire to be very transparent and open with the church as we move through this process of study and discussion.”

The retreat’s goal, in response to requests from church members, was to examine certain church documents to see if clarification could be provided about how they should be viewed when discussing policies on homosexual ordination and same sex marriage. The first was “Homosexuality,” a 1982 statement by the Standing High Council that was adopted by the First Presidency. The second was “Community, Common Consent, and the Issue of Homosexuality,” written by the World Church Leadership Council in 2002.

The retreat focused on the relationship of these documents with one another and recent scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 164, which provides principles for moral behavior and relationships. The Presidency took numerous comments and recommendations under advisement while emphasizing it would honor the commitment made in 2002 that church officers would not make exceptions to the policy prohibiting the ordination of homosexuals in active relationships unless policy is changed by the common consent of the people.

President David Schaal addressed the special nature of the gathering: “This is a somewhat-historic moment that we find ourselves in. I have talked to a couple of the more-seasoned members of the Standing High Council. In their collective memory, we cannot remember a time when the Standing High Council and the World Church Leadership Council ever met together for this kind of important conversation.”

First Presidency