<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--RSS blogs feed generated by Ekklesia 360-->
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>News</title>
    <link>https://cofchrist.org/news</link>
    <atom:link title="News" href="" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
    <description>Community of Christ blogs</description>
    <copyright>℗ &amp; © 2026 Community of Christ</copyright>
    <generator>Ekklesia 360</generator>
    <lastBuildDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:00:54 +0000</lastBuildDate>
    <item>
      <title>Join Our New Facebook Group</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/join-our-new-facebook-group/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/join-our-new-facebook-group/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>We're excited to announce a new Facebook group hosted by the World Church Communications Team! Join to find event announcements, updates, and news from around the church.&#13;
Why a Facebook group?&#13;
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are now...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We're excited to announce a new Facebook group hosted by the World Church Communications Team! Join to find event announcements, updates, and news from around the church.</p>
<h4>Why a Facebook group?</h4>
<p>Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are now designed to reach people who don't follow us yet. This means our public pages are better for introducing Community of Christ to new people than for staying connected with those who already know us.</p>
<p>Because of this, we're shifting our public Facebook page and Instagram to focus on people who are just learning about who we are and what we believe.</p>
<p>The new Facebook group is where we'll connect directly with members, seekers, and friends.</p>
<h4>What this means for you</h4>
<ul>
<li>Join the new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2026335238274359" rel="noopener">Facebook group</a> for updates, announcements, and community connection.</li>
<li>Keep following and sharing from our public <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CofChrist" rel="noopener">Facebook page</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/cofchrist" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>. Every share helps more people find our message of Christ's peace.</li>
<li>Stay active in any other Community of Christ online spaces you love.</li>
</ul>
<p>We're grateful for your support and the community you've helped build. We look forward to connecting with you in this new space!</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2026335238274359" type="link" rel="noopener">Join the Facebook Group</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Online USA Estate Planning Workshop</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/online-usa-estate-planning-workshop/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/online-usa-estate-planning-workshop/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>What happens to your belongings when you die? Does your spouse automatically inherit everything? What about your children? Does the government take a portion? Should you use a will or a trust?&#13;
Join Certified Financial Planner® Jared Fears for a free...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens to your belongings when you die? Does your spouse automatically inherit everything? What about your children? Does the government take a portion? Should you use a will or a trust?</p>
<p>Join Certified Financial Planner&reg; Jared Fears for a free, straightforward online workshop where these questions and more will be answered.</p>
<div>
<p><span><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday 17 May 2026 </span></p>
<p><span><strong>Time:</strong> 7:00-8:30 p.m.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter" rel="noopener">CDT USA</a></span></p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/7tMEh63hYy" type="link" rel="noopener">REGISTER Now</a></p>
<p>Questions? Contact Bishop&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:clong@cofchrist.org" rel="noopener">Carla Long</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span></span></p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>April Climate Webinar: Food Choices</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/april-climate-webinar-food-choices/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/april-climate-webinar-food-choices/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>The North American Climate Justice Team invites you to "A World Beyond Fossil Fuels: Food Systems and Responsible Choices, Part 1," a free online webinar exploring how what happens in our kitchens and at our tables also makes a...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The North American Climate Justice Team invites you to&nbsp;"A World Beyond Fossil Fuels: Food Systems and Responsible Choices, Part 1,"&nbsp;a free online webinar exploring how&nbsp;what&nbsp;<span>happens in our kitchens and at our tables also makes a difference</span>.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, April 19, 2025</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Time:</strong> 4:00&ndash;5:30 p.m. <a class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" target="_blank" href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter" rel="noopener">CDT USA</a></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Our guest presenter is Sally Eales, an educator trained in human and environmental sciences, with a certificate in home economics and a love for cooking. Sally brings expertise, personal experience, and humor to topics including responsible dietary choices, good stewardship of food waste, and awareness of where our food comes from.</p>
<p><span><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.cofchristclimatejustice.org/" type="link" rel="noopener">REGISTER Now</a></span></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dates for IYF 2027</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/dates-for-iyf-2027/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/dates-for-iyf-2027/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>Community of Christ International Youth Forum (IYF) is back! Planning is underway for the 2027 event, and we’re excited to share the first details. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, 7 July–Friday, 9 July 2027, when IYF will take place at the Temple in...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Community of Christ International Youth Forum (IYF) is back! Planning is underway for the 2027 event, and we&rsquo;re excited to share the first details. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, 7 July&ndash;Friday, 9 July 2027, when IYF will take place at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA.</p>
<p>In addition to the Temple gathering, we are exploring additional host sites around the world. Dates and locations for those sites are still being finalized, and more information will be shared as plans continue to develop.</p>
<p>Stay tuned for updates in the coming months as we look forward to this meaningful opportunity for connection, learning, and shared mission.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>First Presidency Easter Greeting</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/first-presidency-easter-greeting/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/first-presidency-easter-greeting/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>The First Presidency of Community of Christ invites you to reflect on what Easter means in today's world. In their Easter message, they explore the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the call to live that story through actions of...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The First Presidency of Community of Christ invites you to reflect on what Easter means in today's world. In their Easter message, they explore the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the call to live that story through actions of justice and peace. May the courage of the empty tomb inspire you to love boldly and act in a world that needs both.</p>
<p>Watch the full message on YouTube.</p>
<p><span><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P9t3O7yqhA" type="link" rel="noopener">WATCH</a></span></p>
<p><span></span></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>April EMERGE Gathering</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/april-emerge-gathering/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/april-emerge-gathering/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>The next EMERGE Gathering is Sunday, 26 April at 6:00 p.m. CDT USA.&#13;
Emerge is an online youth group for ages 14–18 that gathers youth from around the world! It is a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and dive deeper into faith and...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The next EMERGE Gathering is Sunday, 26 April at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter">CDT USA</a></span><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">.</span></p>
<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Emerge is an online youth group for ages 14&ndash;18 that gathers youth from around the world! It is a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and dive deeper into faith and community! All are welcome!</span></p>
<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83262107252?pwd=8SeaIVmUa95RKaFBhJw0Y76AbGgwzq.1" type="link" rel="noopener">Zoom Link</a></span></p>
<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></span></p>
<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></span></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Community Composting Site at Auditorium</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/community-composting-site-at-auditorium/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/community-composting-site-at-auditorium/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>We’re excited to partner with Compost Collective Kansas City through their Community Bin Program, which makes composting both easy and affordable. Through this program, anyone can bring up to 5 gallons of food scraps from home and deposit them in our...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span>We&rsquo;re excited to partner with Compost Collective Kansas City through&nbsp;</span><span>their Community Bin Program, which makes composting both easy and&nbsp;</span><span>affordable. Through this program, anyone can bring up to 5 gallons of&nbsp;</span><span>food scraps from home and deposit them in our yellow compost bins,&nbsp;</span><span>located on International Drive (southeast side of The Auditorium), off River Boulevard in Independence, MO, USA.</span></p>
<p><span>Just stop by the bins, scan the QR code, pay to receive the lock&nbsp;</span><span>combination, and dump your scraps. Each dump costs $5&mdash;a small&nbsp;</span><span>investment that helps turn kitchen waste into healthy, living soil. This&nbsp;</span><span>partnership lets our community take tangible action toward&nbsp;</span><span>environmental stewardship.</span></p>
<p><span>To learn more and buy the QR code:</span></p>
<p><span><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://livinghospitality.my.canva.site/what-is-composting" type="link" rel="noopener">Compost Bin Information</a></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/compost-bin?_pos=1&amp;_sid=e6002513b&amp;_ss=r" type="link" rel="noopener">Purchase QR Code</a></span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span></span></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Holy Week Events and Resources</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/holy-week-events-and-resources/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/holy-week-events-and-resources/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>Holy Week Events and Resources&#13;
Events&#13;
Saturday 28 March The Center for Living Water is hosting an in-person and live-streamed event on Saturday 28 March at 6:00 p.m. CDT USA at the Temple in Independence, Missouri USA. They will explore the theme...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Holy Week Events and Resources</h3>
<h4>Events</h4>
<p><strong>Saturday 28 March</strong> The Center for Living Water is hosting an in-person and live-streamed event on Saturday 28 March at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter" rel="noopener">CDT USA</a>&nbsp;at the Temple in Independence, Missouri USA. They will explore the theme "Awaken,&rdquo; mindful of Lent, Spring, and the dormant hope waiting to be activated within each of us. Come for an evening of music, practice, and reflection in community.</p>
<p>Watch live:</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1D0SKSsg7E" type="link" rel="noopener">YOUTUBE</a> <a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/centerforlivingwater" type="link" rel="noopener">FACEBOOK</a></p>
<p><strong>Wednesday 1 April</strong> Prayer for Peace at Temple Independence, Missouri 1:00 p.m. <a target="_blank" href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter" rel="noopener">CDT USA</a>.</p>
<p>Watch live:</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CofChrist/events" type="link" rel="noopener">FACEBOOK</a> <a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@CofChrist/featured" type="link" rel="noopener">YOUTUBE</a></p>
<p><strong>Saturday 4 April </strong>An Easter greeting from the First Presidency will be released on the Community of Christ YouTube channel.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@CofChrist/featured" type="link" rel="noopener">YOUTUBE</a></p>
<h4>Worship and Gathering Resources</h4>
<p><strong>Witness the Word Easter Sermon &ldquo;Awake to New Life&rdquo;</strong>&nbsp;In this Easter sermon, Joelle Wight, Director of Temple Ministries, reflects on the holy, hope-filled rebellion that began on the first Easter morning&mdash;when Jesus&rsquo; resurrection awakened us to new life and invited us into new ways of living as builders of God&rsquo;s upside-down kingdom. &nbsp;</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="#" type="link" rel="noopener">Easter Sermon</a></p>
<p><strong>Read the Daily Bread&nbsp;</strong>The Daily Bread focuses on Holy Week with stories and prayers of contemplation in the Easter season.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://cofchrist.org/daily-bread/" type="link" rel="noopener">Daily Bread</a></p>
<p><strong>Explore <em>When We Gather Lent&nbsp;</em></strong>In this collection of creative gathering ideas for small groups, families, and individuals you&rsquo;ll find templates to help build sacred community and grow as disciples in the Lenten season.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://whenwegather.my.canva.site/lent2026" type="link" rel="noopener">When We Gather Lent</a></p>
<p><strong>Watch the Lent Spiritual Practice Video&nbsp;</strong>As we journey toward Easter, this practice offers space to pause, listen, and open our hearts to God&rsquo;s transforming presence. This guided practice is ideal for individuals, small groups, or congregations seeking renewal, hope, and peace during the Easter season.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu8h9bYSOLA&amp;t=9s" type="link" rel="noopener">LENT VIDEO</a></p>
<p><strong>Begin<em> When We Gather- Easter and Pentecost</em></strong>&nbsp;Based on Acts 2 and using resources created at the International Resource Summit earlier this year, you'll find inspirational stories of Pentecost experiences from around the world.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://whenwegather.my.canva.site/easter-pentecost2026/" type="link" rel="noopener">When We Gather Pentecost</a></p>
<p><strong>Watch the Easter Spiritual Practice Video&nbsp;</strong>Celebrate Easter with this sacred spiritual practice from Community of Christ. Through quiet reflection and prayer, you're invited to encounter the resurrection story in a deeply personal way. This guided practice is ideal for individuals, small groups, or congregations seeking renewal, hope, and peace during the Easter season.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9J8qqrGag&amp;t=2s" type="link" rel="noopener">Easter Spiritual Practice</a></p>
<p></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Upcoming CIMM Classes</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/upcoming-cimm-classes/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/upcoming-cimm-classes/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through Community of Christ and Graceland University Seminary announces the Christian Ministries and Ministry and Priesthood classes for the May–August 2026 sessions. Prices listed in USD.&#13;
4...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) through Community of Christ and Graceland University Seminary announces the <strong>Christian Ministries and Ministry and Priesthood</strong> classes for the May&ndash;August 2026 sessions. Prices listed in USD.</span></p>
<h4 data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">4 May &ndash; 28 June 2026</h4>
<ul data-ogsb="white" data-editing-info="{&quot;applyListStyleFromLevel&quot;:true}">
<li>
<div><span>CIMM0400 &ndash; Introduction to Scripture&nbsp;&ndash; $25</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span>CIMM0450&nbsp;&ndash; Children and Youth Worker Core Training&ensp;&ndash; $25</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span><em>No Christian Ministry Certificate class</em></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">29 June &ndash; 23 August 2026</h4>
<ul data-editing-info="{&quot;applyListStyleFromLevel&quot;:true}" data-ogsb="white">
<li>
<div>CIMM0307 &ndash; Ministry of the High Priest &ndash; Jenn Killpack - $25</div>
</li>
<li>
<div>CIMM0308&nbsp;&ndash; Ministry of the Evangelist&nbsp;&ndash; Mareva M. Arnaud Tchong &amp; Kris Judd&nbsp;&ndash; $25</div>
</li>
<li>
<div>CIMM0450&nbsp;&ndash; Children and Youth Worker Core Training (continued)&ensp;&ndash; $25</div>
</li>
<li>
<div>CIMM1150&nbsp;&ndash; (Christian Ministries Certificate) Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures&nbsp;&ndash; Susan Oxley&nbsp;&ndash; $100</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a class="btn btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://www.graceland.edu/academics/community-of-christ-seminary/center-for-innovation-in-ministry-and-mission/" type="link" rel="noopener">REGISTER</a></p>
<p></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tell Us About Your 2026 Reunion</title>
      <link>https://cofchrist.org/news/tell-us-about-your-2026-reunion/</link>
      <guid>https://cofchrist.org/news/tell-us-about-your-2026-reunion/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <description>Reunions and family camps are meaningful events in the life of the church. These intergenerational gatherings offer Community of Christ members and friends a tangible experience of community as we live, love, and share together, and grow in our...</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Reunions and family camps are meaningful events in the life of the church. These intergenerational gatherings offer Community of Christ members and friends a tangible experience of community as we live, love, and share together, and grow in our understanding of the mission of Jesus Christ.</p>
<p>Submit <a target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yAz9iiz54Eqn4ubUuDgrTh7I77E6lCRKjsF4o2x2qcpUQjlOSTVWWUswN05NWE03N0E3OUpKS0tPTiQlQCN0PWcu" rel="noopener">this form</a> to include your reunion or family camp on the <em>CofChrist.org</em> calendar.</p>
<p>The form will ask for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Camp name</li>
<li>Mission center</li>
<li>Location</li>
<li>Dates</li>
<li>Contact name</li>
<li>Contact information</li>
</ul>
<p><a class="btn active btn-default" target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yAz9iiz54Eqn4ubUuDgrTh7I77E6lCRKjsF4o2x2qcpUQjlOSTVWWUswN05NWE03N0E3OUpKS0tPTiQlQCN0PWcu" type="link" rel="noopener">SUBMIT FORM</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
