Boldly Venture: Stage 3
Our journey to Conference has included a variety of spiritual formation, education, and community-building opportunities. From now to World Conference, we will be focusing on the opportunities listed below. Continue to read to learn more.
Formation
Join Us for Lent
This year we have an extraordinary opportunity: Our journey to World Conference and Lent overlap. Daily themes for World Conference will provide a weekly focus during Lent. The Formation Ministries Team and the Center for Living Water are partnering to provide some fantastic opportunities for reflection and growth.
Start by reading Katie Harmon-McLaughlin’s article, “Courage: A Faith That Matters.”
Plan now to make space in your life for the weekly Lenten offerings, beginning 22 February. Details about each week will be found on this website soon.
Education
Review Legislation in Exploration Sessions
New for 2023 World Conference is an opportunity to explore legislative proposals with others around the church through weekly Zoom Events.
A single resolution will be the focus each week during the Exploration Sessions series. Participants will share perspectives and listen to others in a facilitated session. Five sessions will be offered each week to accommodate time zones and busy schedules.
- Monday: 3:00–4:45 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
- Tuesday: 6:30–8:15 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
- Wednesday: 6:30–8:15 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
- Thursday: 9:30–11:15 a.m. Central Standard USA Time
- Saturday: 12:30–2:15 p.m. Central Standard USA Time
Exploration Sessions will begin 9 January and continue through March. All are welcome.
Registration is required. Click the links below to register for each event.
Week of 9 January: G-1 The Climate Emergency
Week of 16 January: G-2 Doctrine and Covenants 116 to Historical Records
Week of 23 January: G-3 Racial Justice
Week of 30 January: G-4(a) Baptism and Membership
Week of 6 February: G-5 Universal Scripture Access
Week of 13 February: G-6 Enhance Transparency on Nonviolence Statement
Week of 20 February: G-7 Resolution on Marriage
Week of 27 February: G-8 Resolution Opposing Christian Zionism
Week of 6 March: G-9 Compassion for Refugees/UN World Refugee Day
Week of 13 March: A-4 Amendment to CofChrist Bylaws
Even those who are not delegates are invited to learn more about business coming before Community of Christ in April.
Read proposed legislation and see a summary of actions.
Community
Words of Blessing
Members and friends may offer words of courage and blessing to be shared at World Conference during the Communion service 23 April. No matter where you are, you’re invited to participate in the spirit of fellowship and worship that connects us in sacred community.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Download the blessing cards template.
- Write words of blessing in your own language or languages.
- Write one blessing—or several.
- On each 3-inch square, write only one blessing.
- Examples of blessings:
- May you be blessed with Christ’s peace.
- Peace be with you.
- Act with courage to be a blessing.
- God’s blessings be with you.
- May God bless and keep you.
- Have courage. Be Kind.
Completed blessings should be returned by 12 April.
SEND BY POSTAL MAIL
Karin Peter—Words of Blessing
c/o World Conference Directors
1001 W. Walnut St.
Independence MO, USA 64050
BY EMAIL
Scan or take a photo of the completed blessings. Send to Karin Peter. Subject line: Words of Blessing
United in Purpose
Day of Prayer and Special Offering for World Conference
On 22 January, join with those around the world as we uphold the 2023 World Conference in our prayers and through our offerings. Offerings received on this Sunday will help with the costs of Conference. The goal is to raise $100,000 USD.
Those in the USA can participate by giving to World Conference 2023 through www.etithing.org, by placing a check or cash in the offering plate, or by sending a check to International Headquarters, Attn: Presiding Bishopric, 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO, USA, 64050.
In Canada, contributors can give by e-transfer or mail to Community of Christ, 355 Elmira Rd. N., Unit 129; Guelph, ON, N1K 1S5.
You can find a special Disciples’ Generous Response for 22 January on Herald House.