Afternoon

Yesterday’s blog provided a quick sketch of the morning activities at the CEM conference, and held out the possibility of a report on the afternoon’s activities another day. Today seems to be that day. The following is a very quick sketch.

Highlights of the afternoon (actually I think it was still morning) included a thank-you presentation of a lovely pot of flowers to Marion Smith for her retirement, coming up much too quickly in two weeks time. The unthinkable is happening folks. Please feel free to call, write, or email to show your appreciation to Marion for the many years of amazing support and ministry she has given to all of us.

Mike Hewitt presented an excellent report on how the mission centre budget is supporting mission, and how the very important camp and reunion program is supported. We then received a motion for the Canadian Peace and Justice committee calling on the Canadian Government to better identify and label GMO foods, and provide information to consumers on what it all means. The motion passed.

The conference then considered four calls to the ministry of High Priest in Community of Christ. The four candidates are each part of the Mission Advocate system initiated this past year, so are already serving in a “Minister of Vision” capacity. The sharing of testimonies concerning these calls was rich in love and bathed in Spirit. The four calls were approved, and a wonderful ordination service followed. I truly believe all were blessed.

The day ended with a reception for Marion Smith and the four ordinands. It was a lovely day, and many fine comments have been received since from those who were there. As I look at this report, however, it seems a little flat, rather like black and white words on a page. The point is that get the full benefit of this wonderful day, you really had to be there. If you were, you will know what I mean. If you missed it...well...I’m afraid you missed it.

May you be blessed as you seek ways to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ in your own life.

Posted by Carman

Conference 2011

Last Saturday was the annual Canada East Mission Centre conference. It was a great day. The morning began with praise music led by Bryce Huffman and his guitar, followed by almost three hours of positive reports. The reports included details of progress made on CEM’s goals as outlined in the 2020 Vision.

Conference participants rejoiced together over news that more young adult leaders have stepped up to take important roles, both in congregations and in the camping program. Their spirits were lifted further as they watched a video provided by the leadership team in the new Barrie congregation detailing its first year of life, and then by the hope for another new plant, this time in New Brunswick.

Co-missioned Pastor Initiative (CPI) director, Doug Bolger, detailed what we have learned in almost three years of the CEM pilot project, and discussed plans to morph that learning into a new Leadership Development program now in the early stages of design. The goal here is to provide training for more people, both present and future leaders, at the same time. Doug also shared about a new Discipleship Formation Team now in the planning stage.

Following this, two of our Mission Advocates shared about some of the positive momentum in the congregations they support. It was exciting to hear of congregations beginning to catch a new vision of ways in which they can actually fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ. It was also obvious that they are also having fun doing it. Then Bishop Mel Mills shared a presentation concerning What Matters Most workshops, both what has been accomplished to date and what we have learned.

J.W. Windland shared some of the special ministry that Encounter World Religions Centre is involved in. Their teaching of inter-religious peace now include providing training for staff and officers of the Canadian Armed Forces about the nature of Islam. J.W. has also been asked to conduct a special three day workshop for the Council of Twelve, and perhaps other members of the World Church Leadership Council on major world religions.

Tim Stanlick shared concerning plans for the Canadian National Conference coming up on June 16, 2012, and the fact that he has “245 more sleeps” until then. Bishops Dave Snell and Mike Hewitt provided a presentation detailing some ways congregations can be involved in fulfilling the mission initiatives.

The conference was then treated to a presentation with pictures from the 2012 camping season. What a joy for people to see themselves, their friends, their children and grandchildren participating in so many great times at camp this past year. It would have been the perfect way to end the day. But there was more…much more. David Barth was standing in the wings with a great presentation on how World Accord can help congregations fulfill their mission. This was followed by a touching recognition of long-time director Jack Cooper for his many years of service to Sionito and Zerin Development Corporations, led by Bryce Taylor.

Sounds like a very full day, doesn’t it? But that was only the morning! Since I have reached my self-imposed word limit, however, that will have to be the “Good Word” for the day. Perhaps we will talk about the afternoon some other time.

Posted by Carman

Game

I read somewhere that many of us are like the team that wants to come out for the pep talk on Sunday morning, but really isn't interested in getting into the game.

I hope this isn't true.

And I hope to see many of you at CEM Mission Conference on Saturday. Listen to the pep talks; hear some of the game plans; meet some of the star players.

I hope we all find some energy and pick up some tips and successful strategies for the big game. Looking forward to seeing many of you there.

(Be sure to stop by the book table to check out the selection of great "play books" there. And say hello/good bye. I really AM retiring in two weeks. If you're still thinking of coming to shop my office bookshelves, your time is limited. They're going fast.)

See you Saturday!

Posted by Marion