Search This Blog

Subscribe By Email

Get Blog Posts Sent by Email

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Weekly Wire for January 26, 2011

photo 5

“Arts on the Lake” at Hills of Peace!

A celebration of all fine arts May 27th to 29th…

Bring your musical instruments, you voice, your talent or simply your desire to express yourself. Many different styles of fine arts will be explored and you’ll have the opportunity to attend different classes.

Sing like no one’s listening ~ Dance like no one’s watching ~ and Laugh out loud!

Check us out on facebook or to register email debra@communityofchrist.ca

More details coming soon…

2009 Fine Arts Retreat

Samish Island Fine Arts Retreat

April 29 – May 1

Check out our facebook page and register online!

 

 

 

Graceland Offers Church Members Big Tuition Break!gracelandU

The program, which will begin in the autumn of 2011, will offer scholarships to all Community of Christ students equal to 50 percent of tuition at the Lamoni, Iowa, campus.

To learn more about the Study and Faith scholarship program, contact the Graceland University Admissions Office
at Admissions@graceland.edu or call 1-866-GRACELAND.

 

 High Priest – Evangelist Retreat

March 4-6th 2011 (Fri. evening to Sun. noon)

Edmonton Community of Christ

(New location) 6919 83 Street NW, Edmonton, T6C 2Y1.  780-469-7510.

107_0235

Guest Minister’s: Evangelist Larry Norris & High Priest Wim Van Klinken

Joyce Cook will coordinate billeting. phone: (780) 464-0199 or email: gjcook@telusplanet.net

If requesting billeting please provide your name, the number of people needing accommodation in one place, number of beds needed, if you’ll need to be picked up at the airport, arrival times and then also departure times.

We are encouraging people coming from the same home congregation to try to coordinate travel plans so they are on the same flights if possible to minimize the number of trips to the airport for the Edmonton folks.

Billeting is available on a first call, first served basis, so please register with Joyce early.  An agenda for the weekend will be out by mid Feb. We have had many successful – Spirit filled Retreats in the past and this one will be as exciting and all will be blessed.

While this Retreat is for High Priests & Evangelists, any others are welcome to attend. As usual there is no specific fee for the weekend, but your generous financial response will help cover our costs.

Submitted by High Priest Gloria Stanton

Fall 2010 073

Senior High Camp at Hills of Peace

Mark this on your calendar ! Pre-register for Senior High Camp before June 15th, 2011.

The director for this years camp will be Dan Woynarski. Senior High Camp runs July 2-8, 2011 at Hills of Peace.

We are currently looking for qualified staff to volunteer at this years camp. Please contact Dan Woynarski for information.  dan@communityofchrist.ca

 

Dan Woynarski Field Minister

(306) 352-1570 home

(306) 539-8775 cell

Write a tribute to your Favorite Campground!

  Hills of Peace” or “Samish Island”

What better way to honor your favorite campground than with a song?  Write the lyrics to the piece of music we’ve attached as a tribute to either Hills of Peace or Samish Island.  You can write about one particular summer or camp, or perhaps your piece will include a memories you’ve gathered over your lifetime.

This contest will end on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.  And remember that only Brian Gibson and I will read your lyrics, and only I will know who they’ve come from…unless of course you’re the winner!  So there’s no need to feel shy about what you write.

Good Luck and I look forward to receiving your lyrics.

Here is the sheet music:

Canada West Mission Song Contest 1

 

 

 

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

And here is how the contest will work:

All lyrics 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!

 

 

January 2011
Keeping the Church Connected

In the United States, please see the linked letter about the 2012 USA National Conference, “Together in Christ: A Journey of Faith.” Please read it to congregations when you next meet and include the message in your congregational newsletters and websites.

In January and February, priesthood members in the United States will receive an invitation from President Steve Veazey to consider increasing their giving to World Ministries by $10 or more a week. With 16,000 priesthood members in the United States, that could mean an additional $8.3 million to launch and expand ministries in our communities throughout the world. Imagine what could happen!

For many of us, $10 might equal two lattés, one movie ticket, or lunch out with friends. That same $10 in Bolivia, Haiti, Malawi, and many other places will transform lives!

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, each of us is invited to consider giving at least $10 more a week to World Ministries Mission Tithes to support God’s mission throughout the world. Find the right option for you to answer this call and support World Ministries at www.CofChrist.org/give (in Canada, visit www.communityofchrist.ca).

  • Enroll in pre-authorized monthly checking account transfers.
  • Contribute online with a debit or credit card.
  • Mail a check to Presiding Bishopric, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO 64050 USA.
  • Use your offering envelope in your congregation.

Membership preparation materials for baptism and confirmation are being produced. Community of Christ welcomes and accepts the baptism of other Christian denominations as a result of new policy established through Doctrine and Covenants 164. An interim policy will be effective January 1 and official policy will be effective September 2011.

In the interim, please use Of Water and Spirit for children and Of Water and Spirit, Deepening the Journey for youth. Download the interim lesson suggestions for children and youth or contact Customer and Member Services at (816) 833-1000 ext. 1004, for materials.

Invite children, youth, and their families into the ministries and fellowship of the church, for their baptism in another Christian faith community is welcome here. Reach out and embrace them, for their presence enriches our lives and the church.

Witness the Word is a new quarterly series featuring some of the most sought-after preachers in our faith community. This DVD series offers opportunities for your congregation to connect with Community of Christ’s message through fabulous sermons centered on mission and identity. The first DVD will include an Easter message by President Stephen M. Veazey and sermons by Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith and Carla Long. DVDs will be mailed to pastors in Australia, the British Isles, Canada, and the United States in early March. Enjoy Witness the Word and watch for the next installment in June. Videos will also be available for download at www.CofChrist.org.

“Wholeness through Christ: Balance and Connection” is the 2011 reunion theme. Free downloadable reunion resources will be available in January on the Community of Christ website at www.CofChrist.org/OnlineResources/Reunion. You will find an adult facilitator guide; worship helps; and children’s, youth, and intergenerational resources.

Contact Estate and Financial Planning to learn about a special opportunity in the USA to share the peace of Jesus Christ through an IRA rollover gift. Legislation recently passed by Congress reinstates the IRA Rollover for 2010 and 2011. Taxpayers who make a qualified rollover to the church through January 31, 2011, can elect to have it treated as if it was made on December 31, 2010.If you are 70½ or older and considering making a gift to the church through your IRA, call 1-800-884-7526 or e-mail efp@CofChrist.org for more information.

See clips from the 2010 Advent service that was webcast from the Temple in Independence, Missouri. Visit www.CofChrist.org/broadcast/2010archive.asp#Advent2010 to see President Steve Veazey's homily and the choir, brass ensemble, and congregation singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

March 6 will be World Hunger emphasis Sunday. Visit www.CoChrist.org/hunger for a variety of resources and ideas to help heighten awareness of hunger issues. Try personal and congregational assessment forms at www.CofChrist.org/hunger/assessment-forms.asp to raise awareness, broaden understanding, and brainstorm ways you and your congregation can minister to those who are hungry.

Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Kirtland Temple as a new volunteer! The coming year will be the 175th anniversary of the Kirtland Temple dedication and a significant year in Community of Christ history in Kirtland. Early church members depended on volunteer labor and sacrifice to construct and maintain the temple. Likewise, we rely on volunteer service to preserve and share the historic “House of the Lord” today. As you make plans for the coming year, consider linking hands with early church members by becoming a Kirtland Temple volunteer in 2011. Volunteers are needed to assist in the temple gardens, hosting visitors on tours and in worship services, and helping maintain properties. If you are interested in serving, please contact Lachlan Mackay, historic sites coordinator, at lmackay@kirtlandtemple.org or (217) 453-2246
Help update the online Congregational Directory. Has your congregation elected a new pastor, added co-pastors, or changed its meeting address, e-mail address, phone number, or website? Check your congregational entry at www.CofChrist.org/directory/activedirectory.asp to make sure it is current and correct, so those seeking to worship with you can easily get in touch.
Several changes will be implemented in 2011 for Community of Christ scripture products. First is a price increase (estimated 10–25 percent) to cover increased cost of paper and printing. Second, the 3-in-1 option will be phased out due to excessive production cost and low sales. In its place, sets of the three books of Scripture (leather, hard cover, paperback, and large print) will be available for a discount. Third, in response to customer requests, a paperback Inspired Version will be available. Scriptures are available from Herald House at www.HeraldHouse.org.

Temple School has a long history of providing resources to assist adult learners in their quest for knowledge, leadership skills, spirituality, and personal development. Beginning April 2011, Temple School courses will cost $20. More than 20 courses are available in the Temple School curriculum. Visit www.CofChrist.org/TempleSchool/Curriculum/ for a complete list.

As people consider the start of a new year, it’s a great opportunity to do a “spiritual inventory” to determine what they may want to do in order to grow spiritually, strengthen their spiritual life, and deepen their relationship with God. In the process they may realize they need some “spiritual direction” which may call for ministry from someone else, someone who can be more than just a sounding board; in other words, a spiritual director. Check out Health Ministries Association’s website for our latest bulletin inserts related to Spiritual Inventory and Spiritual Direction at www.CHM@HMACofChrist.org. Also, check out the December insert on a healthy way to look at generosity, making the connection between giving and good health.
Catch January generosity stories at www.CofChrist.org/generositystories. PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story except January 9.

Save the date for the webcast of President Stephen M. Veazey’s annual address to the worldwide church. He will talk about critical issues and opportunities facing our worldwide church as we pursue God’s mission. This worship service will be webcast live in English, French, and Spanish from the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, at 6:00 p.m. CDT April 10. Make plans now to watch or attend! See www.CofChrist.org/broadcast/upcoming.asp for more details.

Free e-subscriptions are available at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp. Sign up to receive any or all of the following, plus more: news from around the church, weekly inspirational thoughts from Daily Bread, monthly commentaries exploring Doctrine and Covenants 164.

The World Hunger-Tangible Love Team in November approved funding for 15 World Hunger projects totaling about $500,000. The team also approved $135,000 on behalf of 11 Tangible Love programs. Emergency disaster relief grants were also distributed in 2010 for Pakistan and Guatemala.

World Hunger grants are available to Community of Christ congregations and mission centers wishing to initiate projects for the purpose of ministering to persons experiencing poverty and hunger. Applications should be received by your field apostle and mission center president and financial officer by February 1 and the World Hunger administrator by March 1. Detailed information is available at www.CofChrist.org/hunger.

Tangible Love grants are available to Community of Christ congregations and mission centers willing to work in collaboration with other agencies and groups in their communities desiring to foster peace, justice, and compassionate ministries. Applications should be received by your field apostle and mission president and financial officer by February 1 and the Tangible Love administrator by March 1. Get details at www.CofChrist.org/tlove.

Daily Prayer for Peace—A brief worship service is held daily at 1:00 p.m. central time at the Temple. Join us in prayer from wherever you are. For details and the text of each day’s prayer, visit www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace/
World Ministries Contribution Update


UPCOMING EVENTS
January 1: International Headquarters offices closed—New Year’s Day
January 6: Epiphany
January 7-9: Oklahoma USA Vision Project
January 10-14: Melbourne, Australia, Vision Project
January 14: Northern California USA Vision Project
January 15-16: Perth, Australia, Vision Project
January 16: Racial Justice Day
January 17: International Headquarters offices closed—Martin Luther King Jr. Day (USA)
January  24-28: Seminary Focus Session
February 6: Jan Kraybill—Super Bowl XII Organ Recital
February 7-11: MEADS
February 13: Youth Ministries Day
February 21: International Headquarters offices closed—President’s Day (USA)
March 6: World Hunger Emphasis
March 9: Ash Wednesday
March 25–27: Order of Bishops

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Video Teaser for January 25, 2011

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

The Weekly Wire for January 18, 2011

Graceland Offers Church Members Big Tuition Break!gracelandU

The program, which will begin in the autumn of 2011, will offer scholarships to all Community of Christ students equal to 50 percent of tuition at the Lamoni, Iowa, campus.

To learn more about the Study and Faith scholarship program, contact the Graceland University Admissions Office
at Admissions@graceland.edu or call 1-866-GRACELAND.

 

Confirmations of Sierra Shaw and Montana Shaw Antonio in Calgary

 IMG_5643a IMG_5649a IMG_5655a

Save the Date…”Arts on the Lake” at Hills of Peace!

A celebration of all fine arts May 27th to 29th…more details coming soon…

High Priest – Evangelist Retreat

March 4-6th 2011 (Fri. evening to Sun. noon)

Edmonton Community of Christ

(New location) 6919 83 Street NW, Edmonton, T6C 2Y1.  780-469-7510.

107_0236Guest Minister’s: Evangelist Larry Norris & High Priest Wim Van Klinken

Joyce Cook will coordinate billeting. phone: (780) 464-0199 or email: gjcook@telusplanet.net

If requesting billeting please provide your name, the number of people needing accommodation in one place, number of beds needed, if you’ll need to be picked up at the airport, arrival times and then also departure times.

We are encouraging people coming from the same home congregation to try to coordinate travel plans so they are on the same flights if possible to minimize the number of trips to the airport for the Edmonton folks.

  107_0227

Billeting is available on a first call, first served basis, so please register with Joyce early.  An agenda for the weekend will be out by mid Feb. We have had many successful – Spirit filled Retreats in the past and this one will be as exciting and all will be blessed.

107_0224While this Retreat is for High Priests & Evangelists, any others are welcome to attend. As usual there is no specific fee for the weekend, but your generous financial response will help cover our costs.

Submitted by High Priest Gloria Stanton

Senior High Camp at Hills of Peace

HillsOfPeace

 

Mark this on your calendar ! Pre-register for Senior High Camp before June 15th, 2011.

The director for this years camp will be Dan Woynarski. Senior High Camp runs July 2-8, 2011 at Hills of Peace.

We are currently looking for qualified staff to volunteer at this years camp. Please contact Dan Woynarski for information.  dan@communityofchrist.ca

 

Dan Woynarski

Field Minister

clip_image001

(306) 352-1570 home

(306) 539-8775 cell

Write a tribute to your Favorite Campground!

 IMG_1768a Hills of Peace”

What better way to honor your favorite campground than with a song?  Write the lyrics to the piece of music we’ve attached as a tribute to either Hills of Peace or Samish Island.  You can write about one particular summer or camp, or perhaps your piece will include a memories you’ve gathered over your lifetime.

Samish Island B “Samish Island”

This contest will end on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.  And remember that only Brian Gibson and I will read your lyrics, and only I will know who they’ve come from…unless of course you’re the winner!  So there’s no need to feel shy about what you write.

Good Luck and I look forward to receiving your lyrics.

Here is the sheet music:

Canada West Mission Song Contest 1

 

 

 

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

And here is how the contest will work:

All lyrics 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!

 

 

January 2011
Keeping the Church Connected

In the United States, please see the linked letter about the 2012 USA National Conference, “Together in Christ: A Journey of Faith.” Please read it to congregations when you next meet and include the message in your congregational newsletters and websites.

In January and February, priesthood members in the United States will receive an invitation from President Steve Veazey to consider increasing their giving to World Ministries by $10 or more a week. With 16,000 priesthood members in the United States, that could mean an additional $8.3 million to launch and expand ministries in our communities throughout the world. Imagine what could happen!

For many of us, $10 might equal two lattés, one movie ticket, or lunch out with friends. That same $10 in Bolivia, Haiti, Malawi, and many other places will transform lives!

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, each of us is invited to consider giving at least $10 more a week to World Ministries Mission Tithes to support God’s mission throughout the world. Find the right option for you to answer this call and support World Ministries at www.CofChrist.org/give (in Canada, visit www.communityofchrist.ca).

  • Enroll in pre-authorized monthly checking account transfers.
  • Contribute online with a debit or credit card.
  • Mail a check to Presiding Bishopric, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO 64050 USA.
  • Use your offering envelope in your congregation.

Membership preparation materials for baptism and confirmation are being produced. Community of Christ welcomes and accepts the baptism of other Christian denominations as a result of new policy established through Doctrine and Covenants 164. An interim policy will be effective January 1 and official policy will be effective September 2011.

In the interim, please use Of Water and Spirit for children and Of Water and Spirit, Deepening the Journey for youth. Download the interim lesson suggestions for children and youth or contact Customer and Member Services at (816) 833-1000 ext. 1004, for materials.

Invite children, youth, and their families into the ministries and fellowship of the church, for their baptism in another Christian faith community is welcome here. Reach out and embrace them, for their presence enriches our lives and the church.

Witness the Word is a new quarterly series featuring some of the most sought-after preachers in our faith community. This DVD series offers opportunities for your congregation to connect with Community of Christ’s message through fabulous sermons centered on mission and identity. The first DVD will include an Easter message by President Stephen M. Veazey and sermons by Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith and Carla Long. DVDs will be mailed to pastors in Australia, the British Isles, Canada, and the United States in early March. Enjoy Witness the Word and watch for the next installment in June. Videos will also be available for download at www.CofChrist.org.

“Wholeness through Christ: Balance and Connection” is the 2011 reunion theme. Free downloadable reunion resources will be available in January on the Community of Christ website at www.CofChrist.org/OnlineResources/Reunion. You will find an adult facilitator guide; worship helps; and children’s, youth, and intergenerational resources.

Contact Estate and Financial Planning to learn about a special opportunity in the USA to share the peace of Jesus Christ through an IRA rollover gift. Legislation recently passed by Congress reinstates the IRA Rollover for 2010 and 2011. Taxpayers who make a qualified rollover to the church through January 31, 2011, can elect to have it treated as if it was made on December 31, 2010.If you are 70½ or older and considering making a gift to the church through your IRA, call 1-800-884-7526 or e-mail efp@CofChrist.org for more information.

See clips from the 2010 Advent service that was webcast from the Temple in Independence, Missouri. Visit www.CofChrist.org/broadcast/2010archive.asp#Advent2010 to see President Steve Veazey's homily and the choir, brass ensemble, and congregation singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

March 6 will be World Hunger emphasis Sunday. Visit www.CoChrist.org/hunger for a variety of resources and ideas to help heighten awareness of hunger issues. Try personal and congregational assessment forms at www.CofChrist.org/hunger/assessment-forms.asp to raise awareness, broaden understanding, and brainstorm ways you and your congregation can minister to those who are hungry.

Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Kirtland Temple as a new volunteer! The coming year will be the 175th anniversary of the Kirtland Temple dedication and a significant year in Community of Christ history in Kirtland. Early church members depended on volunteer labor and sacrifice to construct and maintain the temple. Likewise, we rely on volunteer service to preserve and share the historic “House of the Lord” today. As you make plans for the coming year, consider linking hands with early church members by becoming a Kirtland Temple volunteer in 2011. Volunteers are needed to assist in the temple gardens, hosting visitors on tours and in worship services, and helping maintain properties. If you are interested in serving, please contact Lachlan Mackay, historic sites coordinator, at lmackay@kirtlandtemple.org or (217) 453-2246
Help update the online Congregational Directory. Has your congregation elected a new pastor, added co-pastors, or changed its meeting address, e-mail address, phone number, or website? Check your congregational entry at www.CofChrist.org/directory/activedirectory.asp to make sure it is current and correct, so those seeking to worship with you can easily get in touch.
Several changes will be implemented in 2011 for Community of Christ scripture products. First is a price increase (estimated 10–25 percent) to cover increased cost of paper and printing. Second, the 3-in-1 option will be phased out due to excessive production cost and low sales. In its place, sets of the three books of Scripture (leather, hard cover, paperback, and large print) will be available for a discount. Third, in response to customer requests, a paperback Inspired Version will be available. Scriptures are available from Herald House at www.HeraldHouse.org.

Temple School has a long history of providing resources to assist adult learners in their quest for knowledge, leadership skills, spirituality, and personal development. Beginning April 2011, Temple School courses will cost $20. More than 20 courses are available in the Temple School curriculum. Visit www.CofChrist.org/TempleSchool/Curriculum/ for a complete list.

As people consider the start of a new year, it’s a great opportunity to do a “spiritual inventory” to determine what they may want to do in order to grow spiritually, strengthen their spiritual life, and deepen their relationship with God. In the process they may realize they need some “spiritual direction” which may call for ministry from someone else, someone who can be more than just a sounding board; in other words, a spiritual director. Check out Health Ministries Association’s website for our latest bulletin inserts related to Spiritual Inventory and Spiritual Direction at www.CHM@HMACofChrist.org. Also, check out the December insert on a healthy way to look at generosity, making the connection between giving and good health.
Catch January generosity stories at www.CofChrist.org/generositystories. PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story except January 9.

Save the date for the webcast of President Stephen M. Veazey’s annual address to the worldwide church. He will talk about critical issues and opportunities facing our worldwide church as we pursue God’s mission. This worship service will be webcast live in English, French, and Spanish from the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, at 6:00 p.m. CDT April 10. Make plans now to watch or attend! See www.CofChrist.org/broadcast/upcoming.asp for more details.

Free e-subscriptions are available at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp. Sign up to receive any or all of the following, plus more: news from around the church, weekly inspirational thoughts from Daily Bread, monthly commentaries exploring Doctrine and Covenants 164.

The World Hunger-Tangible Love Team in November approved funding for 15 World Hunger projects totaling about $500,000. The team also approved $135,000 on behalf of 11 Tangible Love programs. Emergency disaster relief grants were also distributed in 2010 for Pakistan and Guatemala.

World Hunger grants are available to Community of Christ congregations and mission centers wishing to initiate projects for the purpose of ministering to persons experiencing poverty and hunger. Applications should be received by your field apostle and mission center president and financial officer by February 1 and the World Hunger administrator by March 1. Detailed information is available at www.CofChrist.org/hunger.

Tangible Love grants are available to Community of Christ congregations and mission centers willing to work in collaboration with other agencies and groups in their communities desiring to foster peace, justice, and compassionate ministries. Applications should be received by your field apostle and mission president and financial officer by February 1 and the Tangible Love administrator by March 1. Get details at www.CofChrist.org/tlove.

Daily Prayer for Peace—A brief worship service is held daily at 1:00 p.m. central time at the Temple. Join us in prayer from wherever you are. For details and the text of each day’s prayer, visit www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace/
World Ministries Contribution Update


UPCOMING EVENTS
January 1: International Headquarters offices closed—New Year’s Day
January 6: Epiphany
January 7-9: Oklahoma USA Vision Project
January 10-14: Melbourne, Australia, Vision Project
January 14: Northern California USA Vision Project
January 15-16: Perth, Australia, Vision Project
January 16: Racial Justice Day
January 17: International Headquarters offices closed—Martin Luther King Jr. Day (USA)
January  24-28: Seminary Focus Session
February 6: Jan Kraybill—Super Bowl XII Organ Recital
February 7-11: MEADS
February 13: Youth Ministries Day
February 21: International Headquarters offices closed—President’s Day (USA)
March 6: World Hunger Emphasis
March 9: Ash Wednesday
March 25–27: Order of Bishops

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Video Teaser for January 18, 2011

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Weekly Wire for January 12, 2011

 

“A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other”.
Author Unknown

Good luck with yours!

Write a tribute to your Favorite Campground!

HillsOfPeace  Hills of Peace”

What better way to honor your favorite campground than with a song?  Write the lyrics to the piece of music we’ve attached as a tribute to either Hills of Peace or Samish Island.  You can write about one particular summer or camp, or perhaps your piece will include a memories you’ve gathered over your lifetime.

Samish Island“Samish Island”

This contest will end on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.  And remember that only Brian Gibson and I will read your lyrics, and only I will know who they’ve come from…unless of course you’re the winner!  So there’s no need to feel shy about what you write.

Good Luck and I look forward to receiving your lyrics.

Here is the sheet music:

Canada West Mission Song Contest 1

 

 

 

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

And here is how the contest will work:

All lyrics 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!

 

 

 

EWR3banner

Friends of Encounter,

As a rule Encounter does not pass along news items. However, because of the importance of the following, we deemed it warranted to make an exception.

Sometimes people ask, “Why doesn’t Islam speak out against terrorism?” It does. We just don’t often hear about it. Below is a press release from the Canadian Council of Imams received today. Thought you may find it interesting or helpful.

JW Windland

Encounter World Religions Centre

390 Speedvale Ave. E. Guelph, ON  N1E 1N5 www.worldreligions.ca  519.822.0099

"All actual life is encounter."

Martin Buber

Council strongly condemns attacks on Church in Alexandria, Egypt

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CANADIAN COUNCIL OF IMAMS STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE ATTACKS ON THE ALEXANDRIA CHURCH

(Toronto, January 06, 2011) - On behalf of the Canadian Council of Imams, we would like to express our deepest shock and disgust at the Bombings of the Church in Alexandria, Egypt, on the eve of the festive season. Our sympathy goes to the families of the victims in Egypt as well as in Canada. By the present, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Canadian Coptic community members and assure them that the Canadian Muslims stand by their side in these difficult times. 
"It is a big shame and an intolerable madness to attack people in the middle of their highest season of worship." said Imam Dr. Hamid Slimi, the chairman of the council, "The attackers do not represent any religion or faith but only a blind hate for anyone who is different from them. They want to create fear and instability in the country. Egyptian Coptic Christians have been living in Egypt thousands of years and they should not be treated with discrimination or in any way that shakes their peace and stability or restricts their religious freedom." Imam Abdul Hai Patel, the Interfaith relations director in the council added, "It is the duty of the Egyptian Government to immediately curb the violence and bring the perpetrators of such malicious acts to justice. The council calls the Egyptian government to institute strong practical measures to protect its Christian Citizens and any other minorities in the Country."
By the same token, we also urge the Egyptian and global Islamic leadership in the World to promote tolerance and respect to our Christian and human brethren around the World and to educate and remind the masses about our relationship through our humanity and Abrahamic ties.
We the members of religious leadership of Canadian Muslims, strongly condemn these terrorist and cowardly acts, resulting in loss of many innocent lives and injuring hundreds of others. We join the international community in grieving this tragedy and strongly protest against the mistreatment of minorities anywhere in the world including in the Muslim countries. 
END
Contact Imams:
Dr. Hamid Slimi,Chairman
416 356 4252
Imam Abdul Hai Patel, Interfaith Relations Director
416-282-4342

Counselors needed for Camp Kimtah at Samish Island

We’re starting to work on staff recruitment for Camp Kimtah this summer! We’re looking for Canadian male and female counselors. It will be the week of August 6th-13th. Staff gather on Saturday the 6th, campers come on Sunday the 7th, and camp ends on Saturday the 13th. We are looking for responsible adults, 23 years of age or older.

kimtah 2010d kimtah 2010e

If you're interested please contact Catherine Peter, Director, at camp.kimtah@gmail.com / 253-740-9277 or Sean Langdon, Business Manager, at slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org / 425-293-6366. Thanks!

Peace In!
Sean Langdon

Never been a camp counselor before?  All camps will be looking for counselor's soon.  Ask your Pastor to get you the Registered Youth Worker forms to fill out. 

 

It’s all about the kids! Camp Genesis

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Video Teaser for January 11, 2011

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Weekly Wire for January 5, 2011

Happy New Year!

Christmas in Saskatoon

P1000894 P1000896 P1000856 P1000860 P1000862 P1000865 P1000886 P1000890

Counselors needed for Camp Kimtah

We’re starting to work on staff recruitment for Camp Kimtah this summer! We are looking for Canadian male and female counselors. It will be the week of August 6th-13th. Staff gather on Saturday the 6th, campers come on Sunday the 7th, and camp ends on Saturday the 13th. We are looking for responsible adults, 23 years of age or older.Kimtah 2010aKimtah 2010b

If you're interested please contact Catherine Peter, Director, at camp.kimtah@gmail.com / 253-740-9277 or Sean Langdon, Business Manager, at slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org / 425-293-6366. Thanks!

Peace In!
Sean Langdon

 


Music Writing Contest

Well it seems like some of you talented people out there require a little push to put your pens to paper.  Try thinking of the music this way… put down your favorite memories of either Samish Island or Hills of Peace.  Write a lyric for this music as a tribute to the place you have so many fabulous memories of.  Maybe it was one particular summer or perhaps a culmination of a lifetime of days well spent. 

I hope this helps because the contest will end on Valentines Day, February 14th.  And remember that only Brian Gibson and I will read your lyrics, and only I will know who they’ve come from…unless of course you’re the winner!  So there’s no need to feel shy about what you write. (I am the privacy officer after all).

Good Luck and I look forward to receiving your lyrics.

Here is the sheet music:

Canada West Mission Song Contest 1

 

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

And here is how the contest will work:

All lyrics 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!

 

Peace and Justice  --  Human Rights

December 31, 2010

Welcome to this issue from the “In The Forefront

Within a few hours of writing this paragraph, a new calendar year will begin, and in some parts of the world it is already 2011.  With one exception I will skip any reflections on this past year, since I find this time of year is already full of such reflections, and from a human rights standpoint, it is just another day. 

However I will pause, firstly, to THANK all who have taken action during the year. 

Secondly I wish again to raise the notion of HOPE -- one of the driving influences in life.  It is the acknowledgement that we are not so prescient as to know the future with certainty, combined with the belief that life-giving dynamics will eventually prevail over the grotesque distortions and misuse of life.  And when hope moves from being an unattached, vague feeling, to a firm resolve, then it can anchor us to maximize life’s possibilities for the poor and marginalized around the world.  May we make 2011 a well-anchored, hope-filled year!

This newsletter is short, containing two actions.  The first highlights a final push for Darfur and Sudan.  The second action relates to the just-ratified new START Treaty on nuclear arms.

____________________________________________________________________

Pour la traduction française: cliqueter ici; et cliqueter alors le bouton de traduction sur la page Web.

Para la traducción española: clic aquí; y entonces hace clic en el botón de traducción en la página web.

__________________________

DARFUR & SUDAN: STATUS

Periodically I like to clarify the two-level nature of these newsletters for any new subscribers.  On one level they contain web-based actions on a wide variety of topics, so that readers may remain aware of the extensive range of issues that affect our planet and actions that can bolster better directions.  On a second level they follow a single issue through to its conclusion, helping illuminate what inhibits and enhances a solid resolution.  Darfur has been the “single issue” for almost seven years now.  It was selected: (a) for its own sake, as should all human rights abuses; (b) because it contained genocidal-like dynamics that gained the global spotlight and mobilized substantial organizational power; (c) because it became attached to two global concepts that are needed to take the world to a firmer level of interrelationship – the “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine (R2P) and the International criminal Court (ICC) – the idea being that if those two concepts could take root then they could become useful resources in resolving other conflicts.

Well, seven years later we have a good sense of what inhibits progress (see www.UntilAll.org/darfur.htm for details).  Darfur reveals that the international community holds only a primitive, unwieldy set of tools when the government in question - in this case Sudan’s President Bashir and cabal – is intransigent.  The R2P concept remains feckless.  The UN Security Council remains locked in self-serving agendas.  The UN member nations either ignored or gave extremely tepid support.  The ICC may someday yield results, but its overall approach with Darfur remains controversial.  The advocacy community itself came under criticism and to its credit, many have learned some lessons from it, if not aware from the outset; it is less clear that those doing the criticism have learned their own separate blind spots.

That said, even with the primitive tools, the international community was able to shine the light on the conflict, saving unknown thousands of lives.  Aid agencies were able to provide some minimal levels of help; a UN peacekeeping force (UNAMID) was eventually created and provided a tiny sliver of security and scrutiny.  The primary remaining tools – dis/incentives to help pressure Sudan, together with concerted international diplomacy – are mostly on the table now, and will determine the shape of both Sudan and Darfur by the end of 2011 or 2012.

______________________________________________

DARFUR & SUDAN: INTO AN UNKNOWN FUTURE

In just over one week, Southern Sudan will vote on a referendum, which will likely result in its declaration to secede from Sudan.  There has been a renewed flurry of international diplomatic activity, including good moves (if not too little too late) by President Obama; and highly significant moves, if not somewhat predictable, by China to significantly bolster relationships with South Sudan.  Even if the chosen path is to avoid war, there are enough spoilers and unintended trigger dynamics, that much violence could still ensue.  Thus the following action calls for the most robust leadership in the coming months.

President Obama: Maintain the Most Robust Diplomacy (open to all):

http://www2.americanprogress.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=111

Interesting development: A consortium of people, spearheaded by actor George Clooney has created a website soon to be active, below, that will use satellite feeds to watch for any violence along the N-S Sudan border.  You may recall a similar action over a year ago, which kept watch on a few Darfur villages. While technology cannot resolve conflicts, this continues an interesting development that attempts to peel back a hidden layer, not only among belligerents but also their political filters.

Preparing satellite surveillance of North-South Sudan Border:

http://www.satsentinel.org/

_______________________________________________

START TREATY AND NUCLEAR ARMS REDUCTION

On December 22, 2010, the U.S. Senate ratified the new START Treaty, which will reduce the number of nuclear arms between the U.S and Russia.  Given the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons, this treaty is a welcome step.  If nothing else it is much preferable to no treaty, since such an uncertainty is often an opening to manipulate fear and hence to foster further build-ups.  It is also welcome as a sign that the two major nuclear countries can work together.  And, of course, an actual reduction in the world’s huge nuclear arsenal is highly desirable.

Thus Global Solutions - one of the organizations pushing for the treaty - has provided a way to thank those who helped pass the legislation, via easily locating and writing a “Letter to the Editor” of a newspaper.  While the action is aimed primarily at U.S. citizens, it should be considered open to all, since this nuclear issue and consequences are truly global in scope.

Thank U.S. Senators Who Voted for New START Treaty:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5550/letter/?letter_KEY=387

Balancing Opinion by Richard Falk (blog):

http://richardfalk.wordpress.com/2010/12/26/time-to-start-over-arms-control-is-not-nuclear-disarmament/

__________________________________________

=== FOLLOW-UP TO PREVIOUS ISSUES ===

__________________________________________

Child Labour and the Bitter Taste of Chocolate

For those who prefer some visual input, the following documentary from CBC’s The Passionate Eye, delves into the world of chocolate.  These newsletters have highlighted efforts to remove child labour and slavery from the industry as well as create Fair Trade market for chocolate.  The 45 minute feature shows that there is still a long way to go.

Documentary: Chocolate - The Bitter Truth

Japanese Whaling – Corruption Admitted

These newsletters have tracked the whaling issue for several years.  It represents issues of potential species loss, of large factory whaling and of flouting international standards.  After more than two years of pressure by Greenpeace and the famous "Tokyo Two" trials, officials with the Japanese Fishing Agency publicly admitted last week that they received whale meat as "gifts" from private companies contracted by the government to slaughter whales.  While the officials have been punished, the corruption in the whaling program is much bigger and institutionalized. Greenpeace is demanding a third-party investigation to reveal the true face of the whaling program.

-   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Missed an action email?  An archive is kept at:

http://www.cofchrist.org/humanrights/hr-newsletter/default.asp.

-   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  -  -  -  -  -  -

In appreciation and support,

  Rod Downing

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Video Teaser for January 4, 2011

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.