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Counsel to the Church shared by Prophet-President Stephen M. Veazey on January 17 is linked at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/counsel. Access text, video, and the first in a series of Questions & Answers related to the counsel. The counsel is also published in the February Herald. Questions & Answers will be in the March Herald. As we continue to to engage in prayer, discussion, and discernment in preparation for the 2010 World Conference, April 10–17, thank you for your prayerful support of Brother Veazey and the worldwide church.

President Veazey shared a letter of counsel about the presiding quorums on January 17. Read the counsel about presiding quorums at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/counsel/quorums.asp or in the March Herald.

Oblation Fund contributions go to Haiti earthquake relief. Response from the church around the world to the January 12 quake has been amazing and immediate. There are nearly 25,000 church members in 300 Haiti congregations. As of January 20, 20 church members were confirmed dead with about 250 more in the hospital. Oblation aid of $25,000 was donated January 13 through Red Cross for immediate survival needs. In addition, all Oblation Fund contributions from January 13 to February 7 will be disbursed directly to members and their communities in Haiti; $51,348 had been contributed as of January 19. In addition to your prayers, you can give to Oblation online at www.CofChrist.org/give, through offertory envelopes, or by mailing a check or money order to International Headquarters. Visit www.CofChrist.org/news/2010/jan/Haiti-updates.asp for the most recent updates on Haiti.

World Conference Day of Prayer and Fasting, and Special Offering will be February 21. The worldwide church is called to pray daily for its leaders and for the World Conference. Sunday, February 21, will be a day of prayer and fasting for our worldwide membership. A special World Conference offering also will be received on that day. Only a portion of costs related to World Conference (approximately US$631,000) will be covered by registration fees. Your contribution to this special offering will help provide sisters and brothers from around the world access to the events of this important week and keep registration fees affordable. To contribute, use the World Conference special offering envelope (USA contributors), designate World Conference on your offering envelope, or contribute online at www.CofChrist.org/give.

Discernment and spiritual practice is a lifelong pursuit of God and God’s purpose, and a way of life for disciples of Jesus. But how do we learn to discern? Learning to Recognize God and Yearning for God are two new resources with spiritual formation activities that provide guidance in learning helpful spiritual practices to help deepen our understanding of discernment. Use for individual practice or in small groups. Visit www.CofChrist.org/discernment/yearning.asp for resource links and to read about different spiritual practices.

Seasons of the Spirit: The First Presidency is pleased to announce the availability of this exciting new study series for use in church school classes. It is a Bible lectionary-based, comprehensive curriculum—children through adults. Careful review by staff determined Seasons of the Spirit aligns with Community of Christ identity, message, and mission. We are confident the mission of the church will be strengthened through study of these materials. Visit www.CofChrist.org/discipleformation/spiritseasons.asp to see the Presidency’s announcement letter and ordering helps.

The Christian Thought and Church Leadership certificate program from Community of Christ Seminary begins March 22. Other new post-bachelor’s certificate programs and start dates are: Denominational Identity (May 17), Theology in Context (February 28, 2011), Foundations of Christian Ministry (August 29, 2011), and Congregational Ministry (January 2, 2012). Each certificate is 15 semester hours of graduate credit. If you want to participate in advanced seminary studies without completing a master’s degree, with the option to apply courses toward a master’s later, contact Judy Luffman for further details at Luffman@graceland.edu.

Sharing in Community of Christ is the 2010 reunion theme. Check out daily themes and scriptures at www.CofChrist.org/onlineresources/reunion10/. Free downloadable reunion resources will be available mid-March, including Worship Helps, Adult Facilitator Guide with PowerPoint presentation, Children's Resources (for ages 3–5; 6–8; 9–11), and Youth Resources (for Junior High and Senior High).

World Hunger Emphasis Day will be Sunday, March 7. Please remind those planning offertory remarks to remember the need of the Community of Christ World Hunger Fund in their preparation. Information and resources including the World Hunger meditation DVD, Hunger No More packets, and World Hunger brochures are available from www.CofChrist.org/hunger.

Join us for the marvelous adventure of “where in the world” your Mission Tithes impact lives… February generosity stories feature Apostle Bunda Chibwe’s Africa and Haiti Mission Field. PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story except February 14. If you do not receive the monthly stories, check with your mission center financial officer or find them at www.CofChrist.org/generositystories.

Fill out the Organ Survey. If you have visited International Headquarters during the last 50 years and heard a 30-minute organ demonstration recital—and would like to have input into what the next 50 years should look and sound like, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Your thoughts and suggestions will be much appreciated: www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ailJQxZJUR6I2mwJ7ptIow_3d_3d .

Update your online directory listing at CofChrist.org. Please review the online congregational directory at www.CofChrist.org/directory/activedirectory.asp to ensure information about your congregation (address, phone, e-mail, Web site, and pastor contact) is correct. Report corrections to the Web Team and Membership Records via e-mail to webteam@CofChrist.net.

Community of Christ Health Ministries Association offers a new bulletin insert explaining the role of a congregational health minister or parish nurse. The church has been involved in this concept of ministry since its inception and hosted the founder, Granger Westberg, in the 1970s. There may be some in your congregation who could provide ministry in ways you may not have considered. Please consider this information for your congregation: http://hmacofchrist.org/CongregationaHealthMinistry/BulletinInserts/index.htm.

Community of Christ Educators Association is offering $500 scholarships to church members going into their junior or senior year of college, majoring in education. Find the application and criteria at http://home.cofchrist.org/educators/scholarship.htm. Applications must be mailed by May 1. Contact Cindy Frerking at cfrerking@att.net with any questions.

Join in the fight against hunger by participating in the Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge. The Feinstein Foundation will divide a million dollars among nonprofit organizations in the United States that work to feed the hungry in their area of the country. You can raise money, pledges, and canned and dry goods in March and April then file a brief report. Everything you raise will be kept in your community. In return Mr. Feinstein will send a donation to your group to add to your efforts to feed the hungry in your neighborhood. Please register with Joyce Carter at feinsteinchallenge@cofchrist.org, (352) 464-4639, or (352) 746-7699. She will notify you with specifics and help with the brief report.

Please share the following with those 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.

• 2010 Daily Bread: We are each called to deepen our discipleship and the 2010 Daily Bread is a simple and compelling way to engage in that process. This Daily Bread includes many new features in addition to the uplifting stories from members and leaders all over the world. 9780830914371 $15.95

E-Subscriptions help you stay connected to mission. Get news and more delivered to your e-mail by signing up at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp.
 

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Find out more about World Conference at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010.

Register for World Conference. Register online at www.CofChrist.org/WC2010/registration2010.asp. Registration forms are also available through your mission center.

Registration Booth opens Monday, April 5, at 9 a.m.

Conference Kids is looking for teachers! If you or someone you know would love to provide this ministry to very special young people during Conference week, contact Brenda Strickland at (740) 259-5940.

Serve Communion: Aaronic priests or melchesidec priesthood are encouraged to serve Communion on Sunday, April 11, at the 10 a.m. worship. Contact Van Wilson at vwilson@CofChrist.org or ext. 2361.

Ushering Ministries: Many individuals and couples are needed to provide this special ministry during World Conference. Contact Rich and Wilma Osborn at richwilma@hotmail.com to sign-up or more information.

Sign Language Interpreting: Deaf or hearing-impaired persons planning to attend Conference, and those who would like to assist with Sign Language Interpreting, please contact Carla Castorina at terps2010wc@att.net or (228) 588-0809.
Legislative Communications Team is looking for volunteers to help with the Conference legislative meetings. Volunteers help manage lecterns and input delegate information for those seeking to speak from the floor. Contact Larry Martin at lddsmartin@comcast.net to help.

Youth Service Corps: Youth ages 12–18 are invited to apply for Youth Service Corps. Corps members perform a variety of official services that help keep World Conference running smoothly. Get applications at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/registration2010.asp.

Extreme Makeover Service Project: Join the partnership between Community of Christ and Boys & Girls Club! Through a successful Jesus and Me (JAM) program at Boys & Girls Club’s Hawthorne Branch, JAM was invited to expand to additional clubs. Conference week will be the extreme makeover at the Leslie branch. Come ready to build, paint, scrape, landscape, and more. Learn how you can return home with a JAM starter kit for ministries in your area. Contact the project manager now to sign up and for additional information: (816) 595-1737, conferencemakeoverproject@centralmission.org. Sign up will also be available during Conference at the Extreme Makeover booth, Auditorium first floor, east side, next to the registration desk.

Children’s Peace Pavilion: The Children’s Peace Pavilion is constructing a new exhibit "Walk A Mile in My Shoes." Conference participants are invited to bring a pair of children’s shoes representing their country to donate to the Pavilion. The exhibit is designed to help create empathy and for children to walk in another’s shoes. Contact Marla Blevins at mblevins54@hotmail.com for more information. If shoes are valuable and should be for display only, please indicate with your donation.

Employment Opportunities: There will be a variety of employment opportunities during the World Conference week, e.g. event store manager, store staff, facilities, set-ups, and more. For details, watch www.CofChrist.org/hr/jobs.asp#ihq. If you have family or friends who would like to help, please let them know about this opportunity.

Plan on visiting the Seasons of the Spirit booth in the World Peace Village. See sample lessons of this exciting lectionary-based curriculum, talk to teachers of the material, and get help ordering resources for your congregation.

Participate in World Conference worship services via live webcasts from www.CofChrist.org. See the schedule at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/schedule.asp. Get daily updates, photos, official minutes, and more during the Conference at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010.