Weekly Wire for September 27, 2012

Upcoming Events at a Glance

September 28-30 Men’s Retreat Hills of Peace

September 28-30 Singles’ Retreat Samish Island

October 12-14 Young Adult Retreat Samish Island

October 12-14 Women's Retreat Chilliwack

For more information on these events, scroll down or go to our website!

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Men’s Retreat – Hills of Peace

September 28-30

Register now!

If you can answer the following two questions with a “Yes”, then you have won a valuable prize. A) Are you male ? B) Are you 14 years of age or older ?

Congratulations on winning- because we all like to win. You can claim your gift at Hills of Peace on the weekend of September 28. And as long as you’re out there, then why not attend the 7th annual Western Canada Mission Center Men’s Retreat. For those who have attended in the past, you know that we have never run out food (especially pie), we have the best campfire, we do NOT ring the bell to get your attention, and we have great guest ministry (this year it’s Poul Wilson from Independence). For those of you who haven’t given up a weekend to be with 40 other guys from across the mission center – then take a chance ! I know some of you might be worried, but it’s not like you haven’t wasted other weekends of your life. Chances are somebody from your congregation has attended so ask them if you are looking to get confirmation about what a good weekend this is.

This year our theme is “Band of Brothers”, loosely affiliated with the show that was on HBO (I’m not looking to get sued). I say loosely, because it’s not a war weekend, but it could be about a group of guys randomly brought together who make a difference and in the process share in a time so great, that all they have to do is say, “Do you remember the campfire...”. Lots of people work hard at making this weekend a chance to hang out, share in the Spirit, and result in a net weight gain.

I have had a few people register, but I need a more solid number to give the cooks so we can have more than enough food. Therefore I have made the registration process so simple, I could do it. Send me an e-mail at ddesch@sasktel.net or call me at 306-949-1470 and tell me you are coming. If you are bringing a carload, then let me know that too. Don’t put this off – it’s not income tax filing, anniversary present shopping, or paying that parking ticket.

Any questions (except to help with the first two) feel free to contact me. We’re going to have a great time, so you might as well be there.

Dan Esch

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What’s up in Calgary

 

The Calgary Congregation is Celebrating 100 years!

Join us for much more!

Sept 30: Experience Congregations in Mission Guest Speaker: Bob Hodgson

Oct 7: Invite Others to Christ Guest Speaker: Jim Doty

Oct 14: Developing Disciples' to Serve Guest Speaker: Danny Belrose

Oct 21: Abolish Poverty and End Suffering Guest Speaker: Art Smith

Oct 28: Pursue Peace Guest Speaker: Greg Goheen 

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What’s Up in Chilliwack

Tom Beer is recognized in the local paper.

Click here to read the Article about Tom Beer

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Camping Season isn’t over yet!

Click here to see our CWM Camping Guide with full descriptions of our camps, Guest Ministry, Camp Directors and Registrars.

Have you ever thought about being a leader and inspiration to the kids in your area by becoming a camp counselor? It would mean so much to the kids, and I guarantee you’ll have as much fun as they do (if not more). Now is the time to become a Registered Youth Worker. Use this link to download the forms and set up an interview with your pastor - or the one nearest to you. You can even do it by phone!

Give a little back to kids who will really appreciate it.

Youth Worker Registration Form

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Women’s Retreat in Chilliwack

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The Owl and the Ostrich!

Over 14 years, have seen it too any times. Spouse D (Deceased) passes away leaving Spouse S (Survivor) to “look after things”. Spouse D looked after all the family finances while alive. Spouse S soon discovers: i) only minimum payments were made on credit cards resulting in thousands of dollars of unsuspecting debt. ii) Spouse D obtained, used and maxed out credit cards Spouse S did not even know existed. iii) income tax returns for several years were never filed. iv) Spouse D, drained financial resources for their own toys and activities.

You can be an ostrich, burying your head thereby ignoring your finances or a wise owl, aware of all. How can you be like a wise old owl? 1) BOTH spouses attend all meetings with your advisors (financial, accountants, etc). Your advisors get to know you and your spouse or partner and YOU KNOW what transactions are happening. 2) Read all the financial mail that arrives (statements- bank, investment, credit card, life insurance, etc.) 3) LEARN- you do not have to be a financial expert but know the basics and become actively involved. 4) It is YOUR RIGHT to know your total financial picture. Why? For your protection. 5) Get another opinion from someone you trust and is impartial.

Some of these situations have resulted in Spouse S, refinancing their home, obtaining a line of credit, having liens on their homes and eventually losing their home. This is in addition to the incredible stress and frustration of the situation.

Yes, the above happens in varying degrees more then you can imagine. It is up to you to decide if you are and owl or ostrich. We are willing to look over financial items for you as an impartial advisor to help educate and make suggestions if needed. Feel free to contact me at the following 1-877-526-7526 (ext 5) or kmcgowan@cofchrist.org to discuss ways in which I might be able to assist you.

Ken McGowan, CFP, MCEP

Estate and Financial Planning

Community of Christ

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What’s Up…In the CWM online

 

Would you like to contribute to our next edition of

What’s Up…In the CWM?

Send me your articles, prayers, photos, and summaries of

your congregations activities now.

(any activity large or small)

We’d love to hear from you.

debra@communityofchrist.ca

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September 2012 Keeping the church connected Priesthood and contributors are receiving the Generosity Report: 2012-2013 Annual Guide for Contributors in the United States and Canada. It details the five Mission Initiatives, the many giving options, and information on expenses for the 2013 fiscal year. In addition, a PAT (Pre-authorized Monthly Checking Account Transfer) form is enclosed in the Generosity Report for those who feel called to contribute in that way. View the report online later in September at www.CofChrist.org/give. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is a blessing? Who is it for? How do I get one? The Office of Evangelist would like to introduce you to its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/communityofchristblessing. It was launched during Spectacular at Graceland University on July 25. The Facebook page is designed to provide information to young adults and others about the evangelist blessing. Facebook users can view videos, ask questions, and find an evangelist in their area. Check it out! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community of Christ Heritage Day is September 16. A Heritage Day worship service outline is available on the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation’s website: www.HistoricSitesFoundation.org. Each Community of Christ congregation is encouraged to lift up its unique history this September. Whether your journey begins in a small grove in western New York, the islands of the South Pacific, or the savannas of Africa, we all have a powerful story to tell. Use Community of Christ Heritage Day as an opportunity to share your congregation’s story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Register for Peace Colloquy by September 28 and save $10. “Peacemaking: Engaging Nuclear Questions,” will be held October 26–28 at the Templein Independence, Missouri. Explore nuclear questions, complexities involved in disarmament, and our role as a peacemaking church. Programming will explore the theme from perspectives for multiple ages. Visit www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquy for details about keynote speakers, including the Community of Christ International Peace Award recipient. Register online or by calling ext. 3077. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be part of the Community of Christ International Peace Award Ceremony through live webcast at www.CofChrist.org or at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, on Friday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. CDT. Dr. Tadatoshi Akiba, advocate for global nuclear disarmament, will receive the award and share a keynote address. All are invited to this free event, which will open the 19th annual Peace Colloquy that will focus on “Peacemaking: Engaging Nuclear Questions.” See www.CofChrist.org/peaceaward/ for more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Order your Peace Colloquy T-shirts today and get a discount. You have the option to buy either a gray or black T-shirt with the amazing 2012 Peace Colloquy “Peacemaking” logo. Have it shipped to you if you will not be able to attend the event in person. New this year are options for ladies’ or men’s fit shirts. Preorder yours today for $12 at www.HeraldHouse.org. (Prices will be $3 higher at event.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preparation is underway for the 2013 World Conference, April 13–18. Our theme is “Christ’s Mission, Our Mission” and we will explore how we live out the holistic mission of Jesus Christ through our five Mission Initiatives. Check out www.CofChrist.org/WC2013/ for information about World Conference preparation, volunteer opportunities, and more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several opportunities are available for church members and friends to build skills and continue developing your discipleship. Classes are held at the Community of Christ Temple from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fees are $25 per class. Register with Sandee Gamet, Peacebuilding Ministries, at ext. 2353. Interpersonal Peacebuilding (October 5–6) Concepts in this training are experienced through exploring who I am in the midst of differences; communication skills that help deal with differences; a model for cooperative decision-making; activities, discussion, and practicing skills. Listening Ear (November 2–3) Prerequisite is Interpersonal Peacebuilding. Listening Ear participants will learn how to assist someone in accessing their own internal resources to resolve the dilemma in a constructive way without “fixing” them, giving advice, or counseling. Meeting Facilitation (November 14–15) Prerequisite is Interpersonal Peacebuilding. The focus of this course is on organizing and leading gatherings in a way that encourages open, productive communication and cooperative decisions that enhance meetings and discussions from Sunday school classes to business meetings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The series on Community of Christ theological foundations continues in the Herald with an article on “Jesus.” Christ is our peace, and through his life and ministry, death and resurrection, God reconciles the world and breaks down walls that divide. Each article explores theological foundations based on Community of Christ vision, mission, Enduring Principles, and Basic Beliefs. The Community of Christ Statement of Sexual Ethics (www.CofChrist.org/ethics; June Herald) was built on these foundations. The purpose of the draft ethics statement, coupled with these reflection articles, is to encourage open and honest conversation in the church about sexual ethics. Read the series in the Herald or sign up for the e-subscription at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp to have the articles, with spiritual practices and reflection questions, delivered to your e-mail. To subscribe to the Herald, visit www.HeraldHouse.org or contact subscriptions or 1-800-767-8181. In addition to study and discussion, the First Presidency invites your feedback. Send your responses to us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Herald commentary series on signal communities continues with “Signal Communities…Speak and Live Christ’s Mission,” by Apostle Ron Harmon. The invitation to a journey is about pulling up our tents, wandering in the wilderness, and emerging as a transformed people of God. Get articles delivered free to your e-mail by signing up at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp. Send your comments to us, and we may print them in the magazine. To subscribe to the Herald, visit www.HeraldHouse.org or contact subscriptions or 1-800-767-8181. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation for the Christmas in Old Nauvoo bus tour December 7–9. Celebrate the birth of Christ at three unique historic sites over a three-day weekend with holiday crafts, historic dancing, caroling, and more. Guests will board their “sleigh,” or luxury bus, at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, and share in Christmas celebrations at the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois; Liberty Hall in Lamoni, Iowa; and Heritage Plaza in Independence, Missouri. Guests will create unique holiday decorations, learn a 19th century dance, shop at Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, participate in a Victorian “Christmas Tea,” share holiday memories, enjoy Christmas carols, entertainment, and devotions. The weekend will draw to a close with the annual Advent Service at Community of Christ Temple on Sunday, December 9. To reserve your seat, please send a reservation form (available from www.historicsitesfoundation.org) to: Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, Attn: “Christmas in Old Nauvoo,” P.O. Box 338, Nauvoo, IL 62354. All-inclusive price for the weekend tour is $325 per person for double-occupancy if registered by October 15. After October 15: $395. For single occupancy, add $100. Price includes luxury bus transportation (from Community of Christ Temple), hotel lodging, all tour fees, meals, and Christmas craft materials. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Walden, (440) 477-9562. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “KNOW WHAT YOU EAT” is the title of the latest health brief from Community of Christ Health Ministries Association, the church’s affiliate of health professionals and other people passionate about health. Following up on healthy lifestyle information from the recent Health & Spirituality Workshop, we offer a simple explanation of nutrition labels to help people make healthy food choices. Choose eating to live, not living to eat. This and previous health briefs covering a wide variety of topics for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are available at www.chm.hmaCofChrist.org. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Did you know it takes only $10 a week to become a sustaining contributor to mission? The Power of 10 website shows you how the gifts of one person can directly impact the lives of many. Maybe it’s inviting 10 friends to a church activity, or helping 10 people become baptized, confirmed, and welcomed into our church community. Read stories of Christ’s mission from your neighborhood and around the world to see how the Power of 10 starts with you. Share your own story and photos and find information that will connect you with the financial and emotional value of your efforts. Be the ONE. Give your TEN. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- World Conference resolutions must be approved by mission centers and sent to the World Church secretary by December 14, 2012. Those preparing legislation for submission are encouraged to send their drafts to the Resolutions Committee in care of the World Church secretary. The Resolutions Committee will help resolutions clearly reflect the intent of the mover in the strongest possible way. Resolutions to be considered by the World Conference should address significant issues that would concern the entire church. They should propose actions that are clearly defined, capable of being readily implemented, and aligned to directly address the concerns raised. Please send resolutions to Sue Sloan or by mail to International Headquarters. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Christ’s Mission Is Our Mission —The First Presidency asks the church to prayerfully study this text, by Peter A. Judd, individually and in groups so we can approach Conference spiritually prepared and focused on the mission of Jesus Christ. Each of the six chapters includes study questions and reflection activities, making it ideal for adult church school classes, small group study, and personal reflection. ISBN: 9780830915194 $11.95 Restoration Studies Volume XIII: Theology and Culture in the Community of Christ and the Latter Day Saint Movement —This new volume is a journal of theological, religious, and cultural studies on the Community of Christ and the Latter Day Saint movement as a whole. Enjoy original articles by Gail Mengel, Dale Luffman, Robert Mesle, Steven Shield, Andrew Robinson, Richard Howard, Michele McGrath, Katherine Goheen, and David Bolton, plus retrospectives by William Russell, Barbara Lee Collins, Ruth Ann Wood, Barbara Howard, and Gwendolyn Hawks-Blue. ISBN: 9781934901830 $24.95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS September 2: World Hunger Emphasis September 3: International Headquarters offices closed—Labor Day (USA) September 10–14: Council of Twelve Apostles meet September 10–15: Council of Presidents of Seventy meet September 16: Heritage Day September 17–21: International Leadership Council September 24–28: Leader’s Meetings September 28–29: Order of Bishops October 21: Children's Sabbath October 26–28: Peace Colloquy November 2–4: Young Adult Spirituality Weekend (Kirtland, Ohio) November 22–23 International Headquarters offices closed—Thanksgiving holidays (USA) December 2: First day of Advent December 3–7: Council of Twelve Apostles meet December 9: Temple Advent Worship (Live Webcast) December 10–13: World Church Leadership Council December 24–Jan 1: Christmas and the New Year—International Headquarters offices closed 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/. Contribution Update

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2012 Camping/Event Calendar

September 28-30 Men’s Retreat Hills of Peace

September 28-30 Singles’ Retreat Samish Island

October 12-14 Young Adult Retreat Samish Island

October 12-14 Women's Retreat Chilliwack

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A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away.

~Bil Keane~

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