Let’s Get Ready to Share!

In Community of Christ, when we become disciples of Jesus, we do not just become members of a local congregation. We become members of a worldwide faith community. You can experience that worldwide fellowship by attending World Conference, April 10–17, 2010.

The 2010 World Conference theme, “We Share,” will focus on what we share with one another as members and participants in Community of Christ and our call and commitment to share our witness, ministries, sacraments, resources, and message with the world.

Listening for God’s Voice
Discernment will play a big role in deliberations again this Conference. There will be several opportunities for discernment in small groups and with the full Conference body.

“Discernment is one part of spiritually-centered discipleship that opens us to God’s movement in our lives,” said Carolyn Brock, spirituality and wholeness minister. “It flows out of a larger commitment to yield our attention, agendas, and actions to God. Discernment isn’t a one-time event; it is an ongoing process, a stance toward life.”

Conditions of Membership
The church has an opportunity to practice discernment around the issue of Conditions of Membership before Conference begins.
You can participate in this discernment process as individuals, families, small groups, and congregations. Materials to assist in this process are available online at www.CofChrist.org/CofM/. The First Presidency wants to hear your feedback by November 30. It will consider all responses then share guidance with the church before Conference.

“In the months ahead we will test our ability as a worldwide church to address an important issue with a wide spectrum of strong beliefs. We will search our scriptures, history, and World Conference resolutions to better understand current practices,” said President Stephen M. Veazey. “We also will strive to open our minds and hearts to understand the diverse experiences and viewpoints of beloved brothers, sisters, and friends.”

An important focus of our discernment time together during Conference will be exploring the guidance provided by the First Presidency on this issue.

Celebrating our History
During Conference we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1860 Conference where Joseph Smith III accepted his prophetic calling. As President Veazey shared in his April 5 address, “His fifty years of wise, pastoral, visionary leadership provided the tone and direction that continue to shape the church.”

Joseph III set the church on the path to becoming a faith movement dedicated to the pursuit of reconciliation and peacefulness as the hope of Zion and the essence of the gospel. Speaking to a special conference in 1863 about the desired focus of church ministry, he said: “We should preach the peaceable things of the Kingdom.” (The True Latter Day Saints’ Herald, vol. 4, p. 30.)

“I believe Emma Smith, Joseph Smith III, and all who followed the old, but ever-new path of the Reorganization would be pleased with the church today,” said Veazey. “I think they would see their hopes for the church being fulfilled in our emphasis on reconciliation and healing of the spirit; our openness to continuing revelation; our growing understanding of giftedness and ministerial calling; our concern for the poor; and our strong focus on promoting peaceful Christian community as the hope of Zion.”

World Conference Resolutions
Resolutions to be considered by the World Conference should address significant issues that would concern the entire church. They should propose actions that are clearly defined, capable of being readily implemented, and aligned to directly address the concerns raised.

Resolutions for World Conference must be approved by mission centers and sent to the World Church secretary by December 11, 2009. Those preparing legislation for submission are encouraged to send their drafts to the Resolutions Committee in care of the World Church secretary.

The Resolutions Committee will help resolutions clearly reflect the intent of the mover in the strongest possible way. Please send resolutions to Andrew Shields, 1001 W. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050-3562 USA.

Blessings of Community
We are uniquely blessed to be part of such a large, diverse church family. Building on the success of the International Village and World Market at the 2007 World Conference, a new World Peace Village will be created in the Lower Assembly Room of the Auditorium. Meet sisters and brothers from around the world, browse hand-crafted art and other regionally unique items, hear music from many cultures, and learn what life is like in countries far from your own.
Plan to be part of this amazing mixing bowl of customs, ideas, colors, worship styles, and experiences as we transform into a unified body of believers in Jesus Christ continuing to become who God is calling us to be.

—Jenn Killpack reporting