April 21, 2006

connecting the Community of Christ Mission Support Ministries community

Redesign News

From Jim Slauter
“The Council of Twelve Apostles met April 3–6, 2006, to continue our strategic planning for the redeployment of field ministers to support the World Church emphasis on identity, message, and mission. Data gathered from “mini-summit” meetings with field staff was reviewed and discussed. We worked together as a Council to project field staff redeployment models for supporting congregations and aligning with strategic field missionary opportunities. Our work is not complete. Additional information is being collected and detailed budget estimates need to be completed. This work will continue through May, to be ready for the June 2006 announcement to all staff about Mission Support Ministries redesign and field redeployment.”

The staff meeting and staff teleconference held this week, April 18 and 19, were well attended. The continents room at the Temple was full, and more than 64 people attended the teleconference. Everyone raised good questions and those—along with answers—have been included in this edition of NewsPEACE. A complete listing of questions and answers that have been published is always available on the NewsPEACE site at http://www.CofChrist.org/newspeace/FAQs.asp.

Anonymous questions may still be submitted at https://www.formrouter.net/forms@COFC/NewsPeaceAskAQuestion.html and responses will be published in future editions of NewsPEACE.

Questions may also be sent to CommunicationServices@CofChrist.org for response.

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete listing of questions and answers from the April 18 and 19 staff meeting and teleconference are available by clicking here.

Around Headquarters

The Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 19, was highly successful. All thirty-two slots were committed for blood donations. All who signed up were generous and willing donors, but due to some international travel and illness, not everyone was able to give at this time. Twenty-four donations were received, and the Red Cross was pleased with our headquarters commitment. They would like to return next year for another blood drive. Thank you to everyone who gave blood and lent moral support. This small act is a big step in helping our community family.

Reflecting On Hope

Did you know that Easter is a season that runs for seven Sundays? Fifty days takes us to Pentecost. The Resurrection is considered the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, so we spend seven Sundays focusing on it.

During this season we often look to the hope that Christ brought with his resurrection and how hope is reflected in our lives. Here are the responses of several people at headquarters who have reflected on the question, “What is the reason for the hope that is within you?”

Dave Brock
Hope hangs out in nooks and crannies of my heart and head, I suppose. Sometimes it remains hidden when tragedy strikes or depression falls hard upon us, but I've found that it eventually emerges, slowly, quietly. At other times, it is an unbidden but most welcome guest that is just there when you get up in the morning, inviting you to discovery, to giving, and to receiving. Beyond the feeling, however, hope is a choice, a decision, a risky faith stance or step we take that trusts that the universe bends toward justice, that in life and beyond life we are encircled by what I can only call Love and God. Ultimately, though, hope for me is gift. Not something I can conjure or manufacture when needed, rather a generously offered gift I receive.

Pam Robison
There have been a few times in my life when I really wondered if I had any hope left in my life—when I thought I had begun to truly comprehend what some have called “the dark night of the soul.” Most recently that has been in walking with my father into the valley of death and coming out alone on the other side. There was an emptiness that simply felt like it could not be filled and that left me at times so emotionally and physically drained that I felt that I was just going through the motions of life. I was to preach Easter weekend and asked some good friends to support my family and me in prayer that we would be able to get through this first Easter without Dad. As I stood to share, I was strongly reassured that Easter is not only a time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, it is a promise of resurrection—of life transformation—for each of us. Because Christ lives, we can live in joy and hope; we can be transformed, changed into the people God created each of us to be.

Kenneth McLaughlin
The hope that is within me—I wish I could say that I feel surrounded by hope all the time. But that is not true. Often I am mired in the details of daily existence. I allow myself to become overwhelmed by the sorrows and struggles of loved ones, of the church, and of the injustices rampant in the world.

But then come moments of grace, moments when God breaks through and reminds me of the cause of the Beloved Community. I am reminded of the ultimate victory of good over evil and the power of resurrection that is a gift to all humanity. And once again hope is born.

Rnee’ O’Bannon
The reason for the hope that is in me is that I know no matter where I am in my life, God is taking care of me. Even when I'm not paying attention to him because I'm stressed, or tired, or distracted by other things, he is always there keeping watching out for me. And it doesn't matter what direction I go, he wants the very best for me and is going to be there with me. Every time in my life, when things look darkest, something happens that proves to me that God knows me better than I know myself and that the things I think important really aren't. He'll gently turn me and remind me, usually in the most unexpected way.

Dave Brown’s hope-filled prayer offered at the staff worship, April 12, 2006.

O God, our God, how majestic is your name.

As we listen to your word for us and respond from our hearts with song, we have many images in our mind. Just now, we see Jesus and John standing in the meandering Jordan stream, bathed in the light from your Holy Spirit. But as we know, even meandering streams sometimes begin as a forceful flow of quickly moving water—water that gathers and builds in strength until it surges across the ground, seeking cracks and crevices to fill and use to break apart the dirt and rocks that prevent the stream from finding its most natural course until finally, the stream and its channel are working as one to participate in the ever-flowing, ever-creating, life-sustaining natural wonder you have provided for us.

O God, we feel as though we are in the path of such a force. Last September we witnessed the gathering of the waters. We now feel the full strength of the quickly moving stream as it begins to flow over us. We know that it is looking for the cracks and crevices that will allow it to move what stands in the way of finding its natural course. And we have deep anxiety for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters, whom we love.

And yet, Lord, our petition at this time is for your guiding Spirit to help us discern those cracks and crevices. For we know that unless we allow the water to find its natural course, the water will eventually pool and stagnate and not remain ever flowing and ever creating.

Eternal God, all of us want the water to be life sustaining. Because of the love we have for you and your people, each of us wants to be standing in the stream when it has found its natural course. We know that can’t happen. But just as assuredly we know that whether we find ourselves in the water or on the shore, you will send your sacramental signet to rest upon each of us as you bathe us in the light of your Holy Spirit.

You have always been faithful to us and we pray that we may remain faithful to you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought You’d Like to Know

Life Happens Sooner Than You Think!  Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 reminds us that "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." For most of us in this day and age, it seems that the days slip into weeks and the weeks slip into months before we realize it. Don't let life happen so fast that one day you turn around and realize that retirement is around the corner and you're not prepared. Members and friends of Community of Christ are invited to benefit from the professional services of Estate and Financial Planning Ministries, which are provided confidentially and at no charge. This team of caring professionals will help in your efforts to align your legacy with your values as a disciple of Christ.

If you are age 60 or older, discover how the benefits of a charitable gift annuity can provide income to you now and ministry to the church that will last beyond a lifetime. Read the May Herald article “Discovering New Meanings,” or visit the church's homepage at www.CofChrist.org and click on the “Charitable Gift Annuities” icon on the right side.

A representative from Estate and Financial Planning Ministries is available to work with you. Contact us at efpm@CofChrist.org, or call 816-833-1000, ext. 2276 or 1-800-884-7526 (1-877-526-7526 in Canada).

World Conference planning is moving right along. Dirk Ellingson is working on a Conference promo DVD to be released in May for use during reunions. It will be sent to field officers and reunion directors, and available for download on the Web. This short (5 to 6-minute) DVD will be formatted similar to a movie trailer and aimed at promoting and generating excitement and momentum for the World Conference next spring. A second DVD is planned for release this fall to be used during mission center conferences and other gatherings, and will provide an update on Conference plans and registration and legislation information.

The World Conference steering team has chartered 11 sub-teams, and their work has begun. It is planned that the World Conference event will include service projects and a World Village, similar to what has been held during the International Youth Forum and in place of the traditional exhibitor booths. There will be opportunity for everyone to attend two evening worship services in the Temple sanctuary. A favorite of many is the hymn festival, which will be in the conference chamber. Another event that is still in the brainstorming stage is an outdoor World Market that would include activities similar to a cultural festival, with ethnic food and music.

World Conference begins the first Saturday evening, March 24, with a legislative meeting and worship, followed by the Presidency’s reception and the grand opening of the World Village. World Conference ends the following Saturday, March 31, at noon with a closing legislative meeting and a service of sending forth. Watch for more exciting developments and opportunities to participate.

Community Events

John Pinkerton invites you to "St. Peter's Sings! A Celebration of Faith" on Sunday, April 30, 5:00 p.m. Come join the choirs and musicians of St. Peter's Catholic Church, members of the Kansas City Symphony Brass, and guest organist George Hans as we lift our voices to celebrate faith through God’s gift of music. There will be opportunities throughout the hymn fest to join in the singing!  St. Peter's is located at 6415 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri (map info).

This Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the National Frontier Trails Center in Independence is offering “Trail Kids” Visitor Appreciation Day. With the regular museum admission, there will be free wagon rides and youth interpreters portraying children of the trails, who will relate their experiences to visitors.

News and Announcements

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