2021 Summer Camps and Reunion

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

Thank you for your continued concern and understanding as we continue to navigate the challenges surrounding COVID-19. We’ve received questions about this summer’s activities, and we know that folks are interested in making plans for summer. I think it’s fair to say we are catching glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel, but the fact is we’re still in the tunnel.

Considering current COVID-19 trends and World Church Guidance, which relies heavily upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Camp Association, and considering uncertainty about staffing and planning, we believe that it is extremely unlikely that we will hold regular in-person youth camps or reunion in Summer 2021. This is very disappointing. We recognize how important our usual summer programming is to us, especially our children and youth. We believe, though, that it’s best to be prudent.

There is good news–all is not lost. We are currently exploring having day events/activities at Temple Grove which would give us all an opportunity to connect with each other in person. Or, perhaps a day event(s) that involves congregations that are close to each other so as to cut down on travel time.

We are waiting and watching for COVID-19 numbers to improve. We are hoping that vaccines will prove to be a true game changer. We know many are eager to gather in some fashion. Even if conditions do not currently allow re-opening, congregations can start preparations utilizing the template provided by WC that will be needed for in-person gatherings, including re-opening. We want to make it clear that we are not pressuring any congregation to re-open or to gather. We also encourage all to continue to connect with each other.

Finally, we need your help. We are looking for innovative ways for us to get together as the weather improves and yet still be true to required social distancing and other World Church requirements. If you have an idea, we want to hear it. Please call us, email us, text us. We want to hear from everybody, including children and youth. You can contact your pastor, or contact any of us on the mission center leadership team:

Nina Warriner (nwarriner@eglmc.org) 607-382-0861
Karen Chesnutt (karenches@yahoo.com) 716-560-1644
Emily Smith (emilyj579@gmail.com) 440-339-8828
Denise Hoyt (dehoyt890@yahoo.com) 607-661-8720
Kathy Falon (kathyfallon12@gmail.com) 412- 583-3917
John Spilsbury (jspilsbury@cofchrist.org) 412-443-7986

International Fundraiser for Bridge of Hope

We are working on an international talent project as a fundraiser for Bridge of Hope. On September 19, 2021 (World Heritage Day) we will air a talent show featuring members of Community of Christ from all around the world. Viewers will be directed on how to donate to the cause during an intermission period halfway through the program and again at the end.
We are hoping to attract more than just musicians, as poetry, dance, illusion, or even standup comedy are performance arts that could be shared as well. Each performance should be between 3 and 4 minutes long, and individual or group performances are acceptable.
While September may seem like a long way off, this project will take a great deal of planning and organizing on our part, including copyright permissions that may be needed, as well as the production time necessary to merge the various videos into a single, smoothly flowing show.
PLEASE write to kevinscopper@yahoo.com for additional instructions about recording sound and video, and how to send it to the production team.
Peace and Grace,
Kevin White
Seventy- Michigan Mission Center
(989) 329-3142
kevinscopper@yahoo.com

Climate Webinar for May

Attached is the information from the flyer for the Climate Webinar in May, and the Impact information page you can use for additional information. If you wish to see the flyer or Impact page in original format please contact Sandy at sdavis@eglmc.org.

Human Impact ll-Info Page
What: Climate Webinar – ”Through Crises Toward Transformation: Human Impact II —Mountain Glaciers, Oceans, and Our Response”
When: Webinar – Sunday, May 16, 2021, 2:00 pm-3:30 pm PDT (3 pm MT, 4 pm CT, 5 pm ET)
Follow-up Conversations –
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm PDT (7 pm MT, 8 pm CT, 9 pm ET)
and Sunday, May 23, 2021, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm PDT (3 pm MT, 4 pm CT, 5 pm ET)
Where: Online Ministry
We continue examining the disastrous impact climate disruption has on human populations around the globe. In this follow-up webinar by Dr. Richard Waugh, Professon Emeritus in Geography from Wisconsin Universitiy, the focus will be on melting mountain glaciers, ocean warming and acidification, and the opportunities we have to make a difference in the trends of global climate change.

Dr. Waugh’s candor, expertise, and friendly demeanor enables him to speak the harsh truths of climate disruption while keeping webinar participants engaged, interested, and motivated. As a long-time elder in Community of Christ, his scholastic studies and teaching rest on a lasting appreciation of sacred space, an understanding of the sacredness of creation, and a deep respect for the Enduring Principles of the church. He brings to the conversations a firm conviction that people of faith must go beyond stewardship to mutuality.

Come join us in the Climate Webinar on May 16, with Dr. Richard Waugh. Invite your friends to join as well. All sessions are free. Participation in previous webinars and conversations is not necessary to join in this opportunity.
To connect to “Human Impact II: Mountain Glaciers, Oceans, and Our Response,”
please register at www.cofchristclimatejustice.org.
If you registered for a past webinar or conversation, you do not need to register again. Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link a few days before each webinar, panel and conversation.
This is an online ministry sponsored by the Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center for Community of Christ. The North American Climate Justice Team are the planners, with members from GPNWMC, Canada East, Canada West, IWMC, SPMC, and SPIMC.

Flyer Information
From Crises Through Transformation
Human Impact II: Mountain Glaciers, Oceans, and Our Response
Dr. Richard Waugh, Professor Emeritus, Social Geography, University of Wisconsin
Climate Webinar and Conversations for May
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 2-3:30 pm PT Begins 2pm PT, 3pm MT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET
How climate disruption impacts
humans — and what we can do…
How can we mitigate the climate disasters affecting our global sisters and brothers?
If not registered for this Zoom series, please register at
cofchristclimatejustice.org/register
Join further discussions about these topics on these dates:
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 6:00 pm PT, 7pm MT, 8pm CT, 9pm ET
Or Sunday, May 23, 2021, 2:00 pm PT, 3pm MT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET
Watch previous webinars, conversations, and Steve Veazey’s sermon by going to:
cofchristclimatejustice.org/archive-videos
Hosted by the N. American Climate Justice Team. Sponsored by GPNW Mission Center, Community of Christ. Open to all people of all faiths and traditions.