April 2008

Claimed by Christ’s Vision is an ideal adult study text for reunions, Sunday school classes, and small group study. It complements 2008 reunion themes and worship helps. Explore insights on seven topics related to Doctrine and Covenants 163 and other scriptures with the following authors: Apostles Linda Booth and Susan Skoor, young adult ministers Adam Wade and Erica Blevins Nye, Presiding Bishop Steve Jones, Becky Savage of the First Presidency, and World Church secretary Andrew Shields. Visit www.CofChrist.org/onlineresources/claimed/ in April to download it free and order the book (available May 1) for $10 plus shipping and handling from www.HeraldHouse.org, sales@HeraldHouse.org, or 1-800-767-8181.

Participate in the Bread for the World Offering of Letters. The church has had a relationship with Bread for the World for more than 25 years. Members of congregations in the United States write letters to Congress in support of hunger-fighting legislation during a worship service and place them in the offering plate, dedicating the letters to God and saying special prayers for the hungry and poor. Write a letter, save lives, and give people hope while creating a meaningful time of study and worship for your congregation. A free packet is available to Community of Christ members and can be ordered online. Visit the World Hunger Web site at www.CofChrist.org/hunger/ for a link to more information. For additional information, contact Michelle McAuley at mmcauley@CofChrist.org or ext. 2216.

Planning for the 2008 Congregational LIFE Workshop is well under way. Excitement is building among World Church leaders and staff, and congregation members and leaders, as we prepare for a week focused on “Reviving and Equipping Faithful Communities.” Through classes, worship, formation experiences, and fellowship, we will explore together many of the issues important to healthy and faithful congregational life. Several of the foundational elements that made CLW successful in years past are included at CLW 2008. Yet many new features will be launched that provide learning through hands-on participation, private reflection, and collective conversations. As you plan for the events of this summer season, consider ways to engage in and expand your capacity to receive the blessings that God has for you. If you have not yet heard about the opportunities available at CLW, please go to www.CofChrist.org/clw/ for full event details and a registration form. CLW will be held at Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa, July 27–August 1.

GiftLegacy newsletter is coming to seniors. Mailbox contents will look different during the first week of April for US and Canada Saints who are 65 or older. That’s when they will find their copy of GiftLegacy Newsletter, packed with Savvy Senior tips and news to use, as well as great ideas for the win-win benefits of gift annuities and other charitable-giving methods. Questions? Contact the Estate and Financial Planning team at 1-800-884-7526 or efpm@CofChrist.org.

Please share the following information with book stewards and others who are 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.

• Claimed by Christ’s Vision (Available May 1)
  9780830913770 $10
  Explore insights on seven topics related to Doctrine and Covenants 163 and other scriptures with the following authors: Apostles Linda Booth and Susan Skoor, young adult ministers Adam Wade and Erica Blevins Nye, Presiding Bishop Steve Jones, Becky Savage of the First Presidency, and World Church secretary Andrew Shields.

• Hospitality: Sharing God’s Welcome
  9780830912452 $9.95
  As disciples we are obligated to care for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of strangers and guests by creating space to enter and be received as a friend. Each of the six chapters includes a scripture focus with questions, a Community of Christ story of hospitality in practice, and a list of practical helps for congregations.

• 3D Community of Christ Temple
  680121039006 $19.95
  Experience the splendor of the Temple with this unique gift. The three-dimensional laser-cut image of the Temple, suspended in clear glass, allows a virtual walk around this stunning building just by turning the 2 3/8 inch cube.

Pastors: Please take a moment to check your congregation’s listing in the online congregational directory at www.CofChrist.org/directory/activedirectory.asp and contact headquarters at the e-mail address provided there if you have updated information to send.

Join us for the marvelous adventure of “where in the world” your Mission Tithes impact lives. The April offertory stories feature Apostle Rick Maupin’s Caribbean, Mexico, and Texas Mission Field. PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story except for April 13. Read even more stories in the April Herald “Sharing in the Field” section. If you are not receiving the monthly offertory stories, check with your mission center financial officer or find them online at www.CofChrist.org/offertory/.

The following World Church minister assignment changes were approved by the World Church Human Resource Committee:

• Effective March 1: Robin E. Henrickson was assigned from Chicago USA Mission Center, president, to Chicago USA Mission Center, children and youth minister; Matthew J. Frizzell was assigned to Chicago USA Mission Center, president.

• Effective April 2: Greg Prymak was assigned from South Central States USA Mission Center, president, to Southern USA Mission Field, assistant to the apostle.

• Effective immediately: Richard Betts was assigned to East Asia Mission Center, financial officer, and World Service Corps, coordinator.

Join church leaders from around the world for the 2008 Peace Colloquy October 3–5 to explore the theme “Signal Communities: Hope of Zion.” This will be the most international Peace Colloquy in our history. The 2008 Community of Christ International Peace Award recipient will be announced in the May Herald and at www.CofChrist.org/peaceaward/. The Peace Colloquy is earlier this year, so register early! More details will be shared in future issues of the Herald, through mailings to your pastor, and at www.CofChrist.com/peacecolloquy/. Online registration will be available April 28. Questions? Contact Jeanette Hicks, co-director, at ext. 2224 or jhicks@CofChrist.org.

Women ages 15 and over from Canada and the United States are called to register now for the ecumenical women’s gathering to be held June 19–22. Register at www.gathering08.org or call ext. 2247 for more details. With the theme “Claim a New Vision Together: Envision, Equip, Empower, Engage,” the event is hosted by Community of Christ International Headquarters and sponsored by Church Women United. This powerful event will include vibrant worships, noted speakers, small-group communities, and motivating workshops. Community of Christ women will have the opportunity to further explore how to apply what they have learned and experienced during a reflection lunch and sending forth immediately following the final worship of the ecumenical gathering and ending by 3:00 p.m.

“ONE” is the theme for IYF 2009. Watch, budget, and prepare for the mystery of “ONE” to unfold. IYF in Independence, Missouri, USA, will be held July 21–24, 2009, with a registration cost of $200. Further details and materials will be provided as planning progresses. Other sites for IYF will be Bangkok, Thailand; Santa Barbara, Honduras; and Malawai, Africa. Information is being finalized regarding partnering among Canada and United States mission centers for travel to these sites. For further information, contact Poul Wilson at ext. 2357 or kpwilson@CofChrist.org.

Graceland University has employment opportunities. More than a dozen faculty and/or staff positions are currently available at Graceland University. If you are seeking employment and would like to be part of a vibrant community of professionals at our church affiliated university, please visit www.graceland.edu/employment or call (641) 784-5447.