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Community Share:
Greg Wilson
Mission Center President
 
Jesus was an Avowed Boundary Crosser
 
I have been reading recently about churches who have intentionally and successfully become diverse communities of inclusion.  The Central Mission Center Diversity and Inclusion Team has also been exploring how we as Community of Christ in this area learn, share, and put into practice truly welcoming and affirming ministry that invites all persons to be fully included in the life of the church.  To give meaning to the words "everyone is welcome", we must critically examine the welcome stance of our buildings, our worship, and ourselves. 
 
Authors Lewis and Janka wrote, "But the one we follow into mission and ministry- Jesus the Christ- was an avowed boundary crosser, a reformer of the religious and secular culture of his time...God has not called the church to circle the wagons in the interest of the status quo or avoid issues that challenge dominate thought; nor has God called the church into a community for comfort alone." Jesus' example for the church is to go where others won't go.  Love whom others won't love.  Share with those left out. Challenge the rules that keep others oppressed. 
 
This is our story as Community of Christ. Sometimes we have been the oppressed and other times the oppressor.  Yet since the beginning our call to uphold the worth of all persons, to build the kingdom, and to share generously, has guided us forward.  Where will we go now?  Who will we invite to go and lead with us?  Will we follow Christ across the boundaries of our society to share the Good News?  I believe we will! 

Doctrine and Covenants 165:3e e. Oneness and equality in Christ do not mean uniformity. They mean Unity in Diversity and relating in Christ-like love to the circumstances of others as if they were one's own. They also mean full opportunity for people to experience human worth and related rights, including expressing God-given giftedness in the church and society
 
Online Communion Worship:
You are invited to join together with Community of Christ @ Beacon Heights this Sunday October 3rd for our communion worship service. The service will begin at 10:00 am. The theme will be "Speak with Integrity". Steve Newby will preside the service and Sue Sloan will give the Communion Message. This service will be offered on zoom by clicking here.
Central Mission Center News:
 
Spread The Warmth

It is that time of year when we have to start preparing to help our neighbors stay warm throughout the winter. As the cold weather approaches us we are reminded of the importance to provide this ministry even during these hard times. We are reaching out to all of you for your love and support of this event. We hope you might be able to help "Spread the Warmth" this year with your donations to our annual Coat Drive.
There are a few ways to contribute to this event. You can choose eTithing through the link below. You can also send a check to the Mission Center directly or you can contact Carole Price at 816-797-9424.
Donate Today
Priesthood Gathering

This event will be held on October 22nd starting at 7:00 pm and October 23rd from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. For more details CLICK HERE

Registration is now open! Click Here to register. 

Book Study

In this journey together, we will be exploring Bryan Stevenson's book "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption". Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer's coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice." We would love for you to join us via Zoom as we delve into Stevenson's book in four Tuesday evening sessions, held from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, central time: October 12, October 26, November 9, November 23. Registration is required. CLICK HERE to register.
Child Protection Training

Training Dates at 1:30pm:
October 10, 2021
November 7, 2021

Hosted online through Zoom.

For children and youth workers, CIT's, camp staff, ordinands and priesthood. Please register with Tyler Horringa (tylerhorringa@centralmission.org) with your name, contact info and training date you will be attending. Participants will recieve a Zoom link after sending in their information.

You are only required to attend one of the class sessions.

Inclusion Chats w/ Lin

These sessions are about ways we can be more inclusive and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community in our churches and in our lives. These will continue on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. They will discuss different topics each week. If there is a topic you would specifically like to discuss please let us know so this can be incorporated. If you would like to participate in the next Chat with Lin please email laurareed@centralmission.org or suziegodfrey2@gmail.com for the Zoom link!

World Conference Resolution 1308, "Time for Introduction of New Business," states: 
"Resolved, That for legislation to come before World Conference, such legislation must be submitted to the First Presidency no later than one year before the opening of each World Conference."
Resolutions from within a mission center will come before the mission center for consideration first. In order to allow time for the discernment and approval process, resolutions should be submitted to the mission center two (2) weeks prior to our November 14 Fall Conference, or by October 29. The resolution will then be published and considered at the mission center conference so that it can be passed on to world conference by the Spring deadline.

Items should address significant issues that would concern the entire church. Resolutions should propose actions that are clearly defined, capable of being readily implemented, and directly address the concerns raised.

Climate Webinar

You are invited to participate in the October Climate Webinar on "Through Crises Toward Transformation: Systemic Solutions- Climate Policies 101". During this webinar you will learn the basics about climate policies that will help mitigate climate change. This will be held on Sunday October 17th from 4:00 pm to 6:30pm. Then a follow up conversation will occur on October 24th at 4:00 pm. Please make sure to register HERE.
As we prepare for the Central USA Mission Center Special Online Conference we invite you to mark your calendars for November 14, 2021. This year's conference will be held on Zoom. You will need to register ahead of time. More information on this will be available soon. 
 
Youth Ministries:
ELEVATE! Online:
Elevate is back! We are meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday's of the month. Come for online games, interactive activities, meaningful conversations and see your friends once again! 

6:45-7:00 is gathering time, 7:00-8:30 will be full of music, games, activities, and more!
Hosted at Colonial Hills Congregation. Please click here for more information
Masks are required.  
We really hope to see you there!
 
Outreach Ministries:
Mission Matters
Farm to Families food distribution has transitioned to a monthly food giveaway. The next opportunity to participate in this distribution will be October 25th at 9:00 am.
Do you know anyone who is struggling with access to food? 
If so, please share this information with those individuals and families.


 **This food distribution site will be a contactless drive-thru line.
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Health Ministries Association  Community of Christ International Headquarters 1001 West Walnut  Independence

Updated 10/4/21