January 11, 2008

connecting the Community of Christ staff community

Critical Concerns Added to Daily Prayer for Peace

From time to time, situations arise in countries or communities that cry out for a prayer for peace. As these situations occur, they will be added to a new section of the Daily Prayer for Peace website at www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace/concerns.asp. This will include any background information available as well as a prayer that can be incorporated in your personal prayer time or included in the Prayers of the People portion of the Prayer for Peace.

Worship – Be a Sanctuary

The IHQ staff gathered for worship on January 5 to explore what it means to be a living sanctuary. Thanks to Dirk Ellingson for these photos.

Flute music greeted worship participants both from the balcony in the Temple foyer and at the top of the Worshipers Path. Sandee Gamet (left) and Cara Casey, flutists.
This worship experience was a beautiful expression of sanctuary through music, testimonies, and prayer.

Welcome to New Staff

Joey Williams has joined the IHQ staff as an international editor working with the Translations team. He can be reached at ext. 2264 and his e-mail address is jswilliams@CofChrist.org.

Bruce Crockett has transitioned to the Kirtland Spiritual Development Specialist. His e-mail address has not changed.

Staff Survey

An IHQ staff survey was introduced at the enrichment group meetings. This survey focuses on enrichment group, fellowship and worship, culture and environment, and other issues of work life here at IHQ. Watch NewsPEACE and e-mail for more information.

What is Aliyah?

Aliyah (ah-LEE-ah) is a Hebrew word meaning "a journey toward God." The challenge of equipping children and youth for this journey is reflected in the new Community of Christ resource called Aliyah.

Aliyah lessons are based on scripture, including Doctrine and Covenants 163. One lesson each month will be posted at http://www.CofChrist.org/aliyah/. This can be downloaded and used for church school, youth group meetings, junior church, or any time you want to connect children or youth to the vision of the church

The adult commentaries and questions for Doctrine & Covenants Section 163 are available at www.CofChrist.org/D&C163/default.asp.

EventPro

For people with access to the IHQ network, access to EventPro (our scheduling software) is available at http://HQAP8.  You can check availability of meeting space at IHQ and also request a room reservation. If you have questions, contact Cara Casey.

Sanctuary Renovations Will Enhance Temple Experience

Wood flooring in the sanctuary was refinished during December. Beginning January 8, the Worshiper’s Path and Sanctuary were closed to begin replacing carpet and tile in these areas. The project is expected to be complete by the end of April.

The new flooring will be integrated with existing design concepts in a way that brings more emphasis to both the inner and outward journey of discipleship. While the 195-foot spiral ceiling draws our eyes up, new elements will symbolize the grounding required to pursue our call to share the peace of Jesus Christ on earth.

It is thanks to those who created and have contributed to the Temple Endowment Fund that we were able to undertake this project.

Until the Sanctuary is reopened, the Daily Prayer for Peace will be in the Temple Meditation Chapel at 1 p.m. and organ recitals will be in the Auditorium on Sundays at 3 p.m. Tours now include a special exhibit in Shalom Place to allow visitors to reflect on elements of the Worshiper’s Path and Sanctuary.

See the December announcement of this project at www.CofChrist.org/news/2007/dec07/temple.asp. Updates will continue to be shared as the project advances.

News Around the Church

Have you ever wondered what is going on in congregations around the world? Links to local news stories featuring Community of Christ congregations are now available at www.CofChrist.org/news/. Read about some of the amazing ministries happening in our communities.

Listening Circles Training

There are two opportunities for church members and friends to participate in a Listening Circles group or to be trained as a facilitator for Listening Circle groups. Visit www.CofChrist.org/peacejustice/eventslistening.asp for more information.

• Listening Circles weekend -- February 2-3, 2008
  Deadline for registration is January 15.

• Listening Circles facilitator training -- April 11-13, 2008
  Deadline for registration is March 14.

Super Bowl Sunday Recital IX

Join Jan Kraybill for the 9th annual Super Bowl Sunday Recital on Sunday, February 3 from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. The concert will be in the Auditorium and will have you home in time for kick-off.

2008 Theology & Ministry Forum

This year’s forum, February 8-10 at Graceland’s Lamoni campus, will explore “Science & Religion: Pastoral Implications.” Hear keynote presenters Laurie Gordon, Nancy Howell, C. Robert Mesle, and Jerry Nieft and enjoy other presentations by biologists, chemists, ecologists, philosophers, physicists, as well as Graceland students. Becky Savage will provide ministry at the closing worship. Visit www.graceland.edu/seminary/2008theominforum/ for more information.
 

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