We consist of twelve congregations throughout Arizona. Through this site, you can find out more about us, where our congregations are located, activities occurring within the Mission Center, and links to the individual congregations.
 
We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace. Recognizing Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Arizona Mission Center will promote individual and inter-congregational opportunities for Fellowship and Group Ministries. Our ministry exists to shape the lives of the members of our community. Our mission and ministry is to encourage all to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that will transform and challenge a growing faith through responsible discipleship and service.

Each December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of peace on earth (Luke 2:14). As Ron Harmon writes in Seeking Peace on Earth, “Emmanuel—God with us—came to us in the form of a baby, grew among us, and invited us into a new way of life called the kingdom of God. . . . Jesus’ ministry was about the here and now and how our circumstances could look radically different if we embraced his kingdom.”
Announcements from World Church

Enjoy the Advent service Sunday, December 13, at the Temple or via live webcast. Come to the Temple in Independence, Missouri, at 7:00 p.m. CST or logon to www.CofChrist.org. The Council of Twelve is planning, presiding, and participating in this “Follow the Star” service. Our worship will take us on a journey to Bethlehem and beyond. Arrive early to see a special exhibit of more than 200 Nativities from around the world.

Check out the Enduring Principles commentary on “Pursuit of Peace (Shalom)” by Adam Wade, president of East Asia Mission Center and pastor of the Korea Church. Follow the series through April 2010 in the Herald and e-Herald, via e-subscription (sign up at www.CofChrist.org/subscribe.asp), and at www.CofChrist.org/enduringprinciples/.

Beginning next month, annual subscription rates for the Herald magazine will increase to $26.50 per subscriber in the Herald-in-Every-Home program and $32.00 for an individual subscription. Canadian subscriptions will include adjusted postage and GST tax. The new annual rate for the e-Herald is $20.00. The Herald continues to be the flagship magazine of Community of Christ and brings in-depth articles and inspirational stories to your home each month.

Community of Christ Seminary will hold its eighth annual convocation Sunday, January 10, at 7: 30 p.m. at Graceland University’s Independence, Missouri, campus. All are invited to help honor selected people for their important roles in the life of the seminary and enjoy a festive reception.

All are invited to the January 31 Temple Event. “Light for the Journey” will run from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Temple in Independence, Missouri. This event will seek to shape new experiences that help us realize the vision in Doctrine and Covenants 163:7d. Seating capacity limits this event to 1,600 attendees. Registration is also needed to have the correct number of caregivers for infant care (6 weeks to 5 years old) and materials for the children and youth programs. Registration deadline is January 15. Those from the Arizona Mission Center who wish to attend may register with Sandee Gamet at sgamet@CofChrist.org or 1-800-825-2806, ext. 2353.

Join in fighting hunger by participating in the Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge. The Feinstein Foundation will divide $1 million dollars among nonprofit organizations in the United States that work to feed the hungry in their area. You can raise money, pledges, and canned and dry goods during 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 help your group feed the hungry. 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.

Volunteer! During this season of giving, please consider sharing your gifts and talents with the church as a volunteer at Community of Christ Historic Sites. Applications are being accepted for spring 2010. The need for help is especially great at Kirtland Temple, Kirtland, Ohio. Positions are also available at other sites. Training and housing provided. Contact Lachlan Mackay at lmackay@CofChrist.org or (217) 453-2246 for more information.

Historic Sites internships for summer 2010 are available at Kirtland Temple, Kirtland, Ohio, and Joseph Smith Historic Site, Nauvoo, Illinois. Compensation includes six hours of credit from Graceland University and a weekly stipend. On-site housing also provided. Applicants from diverse fields of study are welcome. For more information, contact Lachlan Mackay at lmackay@CofChrist.org or (217) 453-2246.

New Community of Christ Health Ministries Association bulletin insert outlines important changes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with new compression to breathing ratios, compression rates, and automated external defibrillation (AED) usage. Be better prepared to give the gift of life by printing and sharing “CPR: Important Changes” (and other themes) with your congregation. Visit the congregational health ministries page of the website at www.CHM.HMACofChrist.org.

International Headquarters has upgraded its live video streaming equipment and services. These upgrades will allow more people to view live video by delivering the video across a global network of video servers. This will help lessen starts and stops during video playback caused by bottlenecks at the vendor providing streaming services. Inaugural use of the upgraded equipment and new streaming service was the Community of Christ International Peace Award ceremony webcast. Results were excellent!

Join us for the marvelous adventure of “where in the world” your Mission Tithes impact lives… December generosity stories feature Apostle Dale Luffman’s West Central USA Mission Field. PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story except December 13. If you are not receiving the monthly stories, check with your mission center financial officer or find them at www.CofChrist.org/generositystories.

Share your thoughts on music at the Temple and Auditorium. If you have ever visited Community of Christ International Headquarters or attended a 30-minute organ demonstration recital there, please fill out the quick survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ailJQxZJUR6I2mwJ7ptIow_3d_3d to share your thoughts on the best way to meet the musical needs of visitors to headquarters.

U.S. Disaster Relief: 1-800-825-2806, ext. 1212; disasterrelief@CofChrist.org: When natural disasters strike and communities are evacuated, pastors in affected areas often have difficulty communicating with their members to determine their situation. Please advise members of this service. In case of a disaster, once you are somewhere safe, contact Community of Christ U.S. Disaster Relief. Leave your name, congregation, circumstance, types of assistance that may be needed, and, if possible, how to contact you. Information will be shared with those who can offer assistance for your area.

The third Auditorium organ 50th birthday event will be Sunday, January 10, at 3:00 p.m. with Ken Cowan and Lisa Shihoten. This young husband-and wife organ and violin duo promise to present an intriguing program. Cowan currently serves as assistant professor of organ at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey, while Shihoten is on the faculties of Princeton University and the Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey. This event is free and open to the public.

Check out these Herald House products. You can always shop Herald House online at www.HeraldHouse.org.

• Curriculum for Kids and Youth: Power & Light lessons featuring activities, songs, discussion topics, and scriptures that follow the revised lectionary schedule for each Sunday. Power & Light Year C— Advent 2009 up to Advent 2010:
For Youth: 9780830914500 $13.95
For Kids: 9780830914494 $13.95

• Unique Gift for the Season – Peace Keychain: This unique keyring features a 1″ silver antique-finished ring with words of peace in many languages. In the center is a small spinning disc with the Temple on one side and the peace seal on the other. 680121040507 $8.50

• Reusable Bag: Great for toting just about anything, this royal blue reusable bag is a roomy 12″ by 12″ with an 8″ gusset and 26″ handles. Perfect for carrying groceries, kids’ toys, potluck dishes, and more! 680121041207 $3.95

• Umbrella: This beautiful royal blue umbrella featuring the peace seal is a surprising 42″ wide. Conveniently folds down to 9″ for easy storage and comes with coordinating storage sleeve. 680121041108 $12.95

• Lion and Lamb Stuffed Animals: An adorable set of bean-filled animals reminds us of their message of peace. Perfect for any age as a gift or stocking stuffer. Lion measures 6″ and the lamb is 3″. Sold as a set. 680121011002 $5.00

World Ministries contribution update. The church received an estimated $715,000 in World Ministries Mission Tithes in October, 5% less than the budgeted income for the month. Because of strong contributions in September and August, we are still a little ahead of the budget of $9.8 million for the year. Thank you very much for your faithful giving. Visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories, to learn more about how your generosity transforms lives.
Due to manual reporting by some jurisdictions, actual income will take several months to finalize. If you have a question about this update, please contact the Presiding Bishopric at presidingbishopric@CofChrist.org or 1001 W. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050.

Mission Center Announcements

Live nativity and celebration. The Thunderbird West congregation, 5035 West Paradise Lane, Glendale, is putting on a Living Nativity for the neighborhood and anyone interested. It will be presented on Saturday December 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Festivities include live donkeys, elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a craft and bake sale, coffee and hot chocolate, and a raffle for quilts with proceeds going to help various causes including Outreach International. There is a flyer attached to this e-mail for sharing with your congregation, family, and friends.

If your congregation would like to invite others from the mission center for special Christmas celebrations, please send them to me and I will place them in the Weekly Updates.
Mission Center directory, calendar coming soon. We will be publishing a mission center directory and calendar at the end of December for distribution in early January 2010. It will be sent out electronically with printed ones available for a small fee for printing costs and postage. Make sure that your correct contact information is on file in the Ministry Information System (Shelby) through your congregational recorder or the mission center recorder Wendie Jenkins.

Winter Reunion to feature Gail and Stan Mengel. Gail and Stan Mengel will serve as guest ministers for the 2010 Winter Reunion, February 14-19 at Phoenix Central congregation. Sister Mengel, a former apostle, serves as the ecumenical officer for the Community of Christ International Headquarters. The event runs 9 to 4 Monday through Thursday and includes. Special events include a soup and sandwich dinner for Outreach International. Registration is $15 on or before February 1 or $18 after February 1. Bob Shute serves as registrar. Eldred and Carolyn Spain serve as the directors.

Adult study materials recommended. Did you know the Community of Christ has a list of recommended study materials for adults? You can find it at www.cofchrist.org/discipleformation/adult.asp. Christian Education is most closely identified with gaining information or expertise. In a holistic approach, there is much more that shapes and forms disciples of Jesus Christ. Disciple Formation describes the process and practices of Christian maturity.

Mission Center Calendar

December 2009

6 Theme: Prepare the Way (Hope); Second Sunday of Advent; Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 3:1-6/3:1-11 IV
13 Theme: Proclaim the Good News (Joy); Third Sunday of Advent; Luke 3:7-18/3:12-25 IV
Temple Advent Worship, 7:00 p.m. (www.cofchrist.org)
20 Theme: The Lord’s Word is Fulfilled (Peace); Fourth Sunday of Advent; Luke 1:39-45/1:39-44 IV
24-31 Christmas Holiday – International Headquarters closed
25 Christmas
27 Theme: All Who Heard Were Amazed; First Sunday after Christmas; Luke 2:41-52

January 2010

1 New Year’s Day (International Headquarters closed)
3 Theme: Praising the Giver of Gifts; Second Sunday after Christmas; John 1:1-18
6 Epiphany
10 Theme: Listen to God’s Voice; First Sunday after Epiphany; Isaiah 43:1-7 and Psalm 29
17 Theme: God Has Called and Gifted Each One; Racial Justice Day; Second Sunday after Epiphany; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (International Headquarters closed)
24 Theme: Many Gifts, One Body, Serving Together; Third Sunday after Epiphany; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
29-31 Evangelists Gathering at the Temple, Independence, MO

Happy Thanksgiving!

Scripture Reading: I Timothy 2:1-2 INT

First of all, I urge that prayers be offered for everyone—petitions, intercessions and thanksgivings—and especially for rulers and those in authority, so that we may be able to live godly and reverent lives in peace and quiet.

Prayer for Peace by Betty Gurney, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, for Thursday, November 26, 2009

Great Creator, when we view the grandeur of this world that you have created, we wonder at our arrogance and we pray that we will humble ourselves and rejoice in your power.

This day, Lord, our praises rise like eagles and beyond our normal mortal realm. The beauty, the bounty, the immensity of this world fills us with awe. We pray that we will be fully aware of our stewardship over all that has been created. We ask, Oh God, that with our abundance we will be aware of all those who live in poverty in this land and all other lands. Move us to share in whatever way we can.

Help those of us who have much, keep our wants under control so that we might be generous in our giving.

Our thanks seem inadequate for so great a gift but we pray that our love for you will overflow into action, action that will spread like fire, action that will bring the hope of peace to many.

We pray, too, that your Holy Spirit will be recognized by those in places of power, that they will be guided to work for peace in whatever land they dwell. The people of the world need peace, they need rest, they need comfort, and they need their homes to be safe.

Our needs are great Lord, but our trust is in your Word. Help the people of your world achieve Peace. Amen.

Advent Begins This Sunday

Advent is a time of preparation—four Sundays of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. It coincides with the weeks of activities like buying and wrapping gifts, preparing cards, baking and decorating cookies (eating the rejects), putting up a tree, hearing and singing carols, and going to open houses.

It is a time of hopeful anticipation. But the presents under the Christmas tree are only the beginning. Anticipation at this level is a secular manifestation of the anticipation of the coming of Jesus, of his birth, and of his continually coming into our lives. It is this anticipation that we celebrate when we light the Advent candles in worship.

Four themes (hope, peace, love, and joy) help us focus on the qualities of life with Jesus. They remind us that the life of the disciple is different from what it would be otherwise. This difference has, at the same time, both present and future aspects. Paradoxically, we both recognize that difference and long for it.

The coming of a new baby is a time of anticipation, hope, and joy. There is a joyful sense: “The baby is coming!” Advent is the same for Christians throughout the world. It is as if the birth of the Christ child is still a future event. It is still looked forward to.

Similarly, Advent holds the joyful sense that the adult Christ is still coming. The One who came 2,000 years ago is still coming. He is always coming into our hearts and into our communities. Hence the Advent prayer: May we be ready. May we prepare the way for him to enter our hearts and our world.

World Church Announcements

World Ministries Contribution Update (December 2009)
The church received an estimated $715,000 in World Ministries Mission Tithes in October, 5% less than the budgeted income for the month. Because of strong contributions in September and August, we are still a little ahead of the budget of $9.8 million for the year. Thank you very much for your faithful giving.

How are we living our mission today?

· Our congregation and staff in Ndot Ikot Eda, Nigeria, brought fresh, clean drinking water to the entire community.

· New Vision Community of Christ, a new congregational plant in Mesa, Arizona, provided community ministry at Mesa’s Child Crisis Center.

· We supported Calgary, Alberta’s Community Kitchen, which provides healthy meals and a place to belong for people who have limited resources.

Visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories, to learn more about how your generosity transforms lives.

Check here each month for the current status of World Ministries contributions.

Due to manual reporting by some jurisdictions, actual income will take several months to finalize. If you have a question about this update, please contact the Presiding Bishopric at presidingbishopric@CofChrist.org or 1001 W. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050.

Additional Legislation for World Conference

Attached are two additional pieces of legislation that will be considered at the 2010 World Conference. You may wish to refer/read resources that are now available through the website links : Educational Materials for 2010 World Conference: Legislation Regarding Same-Sex Marriage and Homosexuality Issues—An Overview of Relevant Policies, Doctrine, and Resolutions: www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/Legislation/EducationalMaterials.pdf; details of the World Conference legislative process: www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/Legislation/LegislativeProcess.pdf

Mission Center Announcements

Discipleship NOW Applications Due

Applications for Discipleship NOW are due December 1. Please send completed applications to Mike Hoffman.

Winter Reunion Information Available

Information on the upcoming Winter Reunion, set for February 14-19 at the Phoenix Central congregation is attached.

Special Offering for Summer Reunion Scheduled for December 20

To provide new equipment and supplies for children’s ministry and expenses related to our guest minister, Jack Ergo and his family, congregations and disciples are encouraged to participate in a special offering on December 20. Persons interested should write in on the “local” side of their envelope a designated amount for “Summer Reunion 2010.” Congregations are encouraged to contribute any undesignated gifts for this cause as well. A special bulletin will be provided to congregations with the December mission center bulletin.

This coming Sunday I will be sharing with the Chandler and Mesa congregations as they join together for baptismal and confirmation services.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Grace and Peace,

Mike Hoffman

Mission Center President

Arizona Mission Center – Community of Christ

4270 East Sidewinder Court, Gilbert, AZ 85297-9549

Cell: 480.280.8555

Home: 480.634.1427

E-mail: mhoffman@CofChrist.org

Scripture Reading: Psalm 33:1-5 IP

Sing out your joy to Our God, you who love justice—praise is fitting for loyal hearts.
Praise Our God with the harp, and play music with a ten-stringed lyre!
Sing God a new song, play with all your skill, and with shouts of joy!
For the word of Our God is true and everything God does can be trusted.
Our God loves justice and right and fills the earth with love.

Prayer for Peace by Karen Freberg, Blue Spring, Missouri
God of rainbows
blending colors
defining brilliance
God of earth and sky and sea
birthing each and all
named sacred
God of humans
varieties of skin and voice and land
calling each precious
God of presence
offering love and word and way
waiting response
God of tears
we grasp in our hands all that You offer
even as we
strip the land, deny space, silence the voices,
negate rights, desecrate resources
and treat others as less—much less
as their tears fall in the rivers
and we say—now—we have peace
and Your tears fall over all
God of mercy
wash out our eyes
redesign our words
refit our vision
realign our understanding
whisper again in our hearts
turn our faces to the east, west, north, south
God of peace
when love abounds
when each and all are worthy
when each has place and plenty
when justice reigns
when righteousness flourishes
when Jesus is our good news
then peace will be beyond our knowing. Amen.
–From the Prayer for Peace, Thursday, November 5, 2009

Greetings:

This week’s Enduring Principle for our consideration is the pursuit of peace. It is understandable that this would be an enduring principle in both the greater Christian tradition and in the Community of Christ. The “mission” of Jesus, found in Luke 4:16-21, indicates his intent to serve the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized—making him the Prince of Peace and someone who worked for justice. In the Community of Christ tradition, it is understandable that we would seek peace and promote justice with our own history of persecution. For years, the word “peace” has appeared on our church seal, representative of the peaceable kingdom as described by the Hebrew prophets. For me, one of the key elements for understanding the “restoration” is one of seeking wholeness for ourselves and all of creation. The Hebrew word “shalom” is understood to include all of these things. Our hope for peace is caught up in our vision for God’s reign on earth, Zion. Our call today is proclaim Christ’s peace. It is important to remember these things as we prepare for our mission conference and the World Conference. May the peace of Jesus Christ be ours!

Last weekend I attended the High Priest Temple School class at Tucson Central. It was an important day to discuss and connect with ministers who primary concern is vision. Sunday I shared with the disciples in Yuma.

This coming Sunday I will be sharing with the saints in Mesa.

Announcements

Arizona Mission Center Conference, 10 a.m., Saturday, November 14 at Thunderbird West congregation, 5035 West Paradise Lane, Glendale. The conference will use the theme “Discern and Pursue” focusing on Doctrine and Covenants 163:11b. The conference agenda will include ordination of Diana Hansen and Carrie Welch to the office of High Priest (approved at last conference). The agenda will also include the sustaining of mission center leadership, officers, and ministry teams; electing campground association board members; considering the 2010 budget; and electing delegates for World Conference. Also on the agenda will be the consideration of items G-1 through G-5. These resolutions have been approved by the Thunderbird West congregation. For copies of these resolutions, please contact either your pastor or Mike Hoffman. If you are planning to make new resolutions at mission center conference, it would be helpful to have any new business items sent to Mike Hoffman by November 1. This is not required, but will help in making sure resolutions are printed and available on PowerPoint. The conference will include a lunch provided by the mission center youth as a fundraiser for sending campers to Spectacular. There will also be an Aaronic Ministers gathering during lunch to discuss Priesthood Faithfulness with Mike Hoffman.

Children and Youth Curriculum Available – Looking for some great Sunday School material? Visit the Seasons of the Spirit web site at www.seasonsonline.ca or call 1.800.663.2775, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (Pacific Time) Monday to Friday. They commit to respond to your weekday messages within 24 hours. This is now recommended by the Life-Long Disciple Formation Team at International Headquarters.

Discipleship NOW deadline is December 1. This intense disciple formation education includes three weekends each year for two years. This is followed by a one-year commitment to an agreed-upon ministry in the congregation or mission center. If you need more information about this ministry, contact Don Welch. Applications and documents should be sent to Mike Hoffman.

Mission Center Calendar

November
7-8 Outreach International Weekend at Phoenix Central
8 Theme: Give Your All; Mark 12:38-44
14 Mission Center Conference, 10 a.m. at Thunderbird West
15 Theme: Provoke One Another in Love; Hebrews 10:11-25
22 Theme: Alpha and Omega; Revelation 1:4b-8
26 Thanksgiving
29 Theme: Redemption is Near; First Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36

Weekly Update, October 28, 2009

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:8-11 NRSV

For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
and their offspring among the peoples: all who see them shall acknowledge
that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me… with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Prayer for Peace by Richard E. Kohlman, Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Creator, sustainer, and lover of life, what a beautiful world you have blessed humanity with. What beauty we find in life created in your image. We want to just sit here, in this place of peace, and feel your love.

But we cannot sit. For through the silence we seek comes the penetrating wails of anguish of a suffering world where there is but fragile peace at best and where people and their spirits and their hopes are dashed upon the rocks of prejudice, and greed, and power.

Into this world you call us with the clarion call of a trumpet, calling us to be a people of peace, reconcilers, and healers of the spirit. Strengthen our faith, now, this day, and prepare us to witness of the wholeness of body, mind, and spirit which comes in the life and ministry of Jesus. Make us your hands, flesh of your word, giving hope to your world with redeeming presence and activity.

May we not waver in the valley of death’s shadows but trust always in the presence of your spirit which goes before us, even now. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

From the Prayer for Peace, October 29, 2009

Greetings:

This week we are focusing on the Community of Christ Enduring Principle, “Responsible Choices.” God gives humans the ability to make choices about whom or what they will serve. Some people experience conditions that diminish their ability to make choices. Human choices contribute to good or evil in our lives and in the world. Many aspects of creation need redemption because of irresponsible and sinful human choices.
Several years ago I was in a training sponsored by my employer, Junior Achievement. We had a guest speaker that had done research on those in prison and their understanding of why they were there. The presenter claimed that 100% of the men he interviewed placed the blame on someone else. I don’t remember all the other details of his presentation—except his definition of “responsibility.” It was simply the “ability to respond.” He reminded those of us in the training that we have a choice in how we respond to the situations and circumstances of our lives. As disciples, we are called to make responsible choices within the circumstances of our lives that contribute to the purpose of God.

On November 14 we meet together in the Arizona Mission Center Conference at Thunderbird West. It starts at 10:00 a.m. with refreshments available beginning at 9:30 a.m. Your first decision is to attend. The rest of your decisions that day will all hinge on the previous one. I hope you can attend.

Have a safe and fun Halloween this Saturday. I will be spending the day at the High Priest Class at Tucson Central. On Sunday I will be sharing with the Yuma congregation.

Announcements

Outreach International Weekend at Phoenix Central, November 7 and 8 – Since 1979, Outreach International has been working with the world’s most marginalized people living in poverty, helping each person create new and brighter futures for themselves. They don’t give handouts, or believe in short-term fixes. OI’s mission is simple: they believe in long-term investments that bring about sustainable solutions and long-lasting change for the better. They call it Sustainable Good. Join with Outreach International and Phoenix Central to create sustainable good for children and their families living in poverty. Saturday will include classes taught by Sue and Ken McLaughlin. Sue’s class is “The Biblical Mandate for Women’s Equality” and Ken’s class is “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making” based on the book How Good People Make Tough Choices by Rushworth M. Kidder. The afternoon includes a visit to the Heard Museum. From 6 to 9 p.m. there will be a dinner and dance to raise money for OI. The dress is casual with a free-will offering taken at the door.

Arizona Mission Center Conference, 10 a.m., Saturday, November 14 at Thunderbird West congregation, 5035 West Paradise Lane, Glendale. The conference will use the theme “Discern and Pursue” focusing on Doctrine and Covenants 163:11b. The conference agenda will include the approval of calls (and ordination if approved) of Diana Hansen and Carrie Welch to the office of High Priest. The agenda will also include the sustaining of mission center leadership, officers, and ministry teams; electing campground association board members; considering the 2010 budget; and electing delegates for World Conference. Also on the agenda will be the consideration of items G-1 through G-5. These resolutions have been approved by the Thunderbird West congregation. For copies of these resolutions, please contact either your pastor or Mike Hoffman. If you are planning to make new resolutions at mission center conference, it would be helpful to have any new business items sent to Mike Hoffman by November 1. This is not required, but will help in making sure resolutions are printed and available on PowerPoint. The conference will include a lunch provided by the mission center youth as a fundraiser for sending campers to Spectacular. There will also be an Aaronic Ministers gathering during lunch to discuss Priesthood Faithfulness with Mike Hoffman.

Discipleship NOW deadline is December 1. This intense disciple formation education includes three weekends each year for two years. This is followed by a one-year commitment to an agreed-upon ministry in the congregation or mission center. If you need more information about this ministry, contact Don Welch. Applications and documents should be sent to Mike Hoffman.

Mission Center Calendar (Mission Center items in bold)

November

1 Theme: Love God, Love Neighbor, Love Self; Mark 12:28-34

7-8 Outreach International at Phoenix Central

8 Theme: Give Your All; Mark 12:38-44

14 Mission Center Conference, 10 a.m. at Thunderbird West

15 Theme: Provoke One Another in Love; Hebrews 10:11-25

22 Theme: Alpha and Omega; Revelation 1:4b-8

26 Thanksgiving

29 Theme: Redemption is Near; First Sunday of Advent; Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36

You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness. Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.  -Doctrine & Covenants 162:3a-b, from the Prayer for Peace

Greetings!

This week, we continue to look at the Enduring Principles, specifically the Worth of All Persons. This can be a challenging concept. There is so much prejudice and hatred in our world. We must examine our own lives and become more aware of our own shortcomings.

The area I live in has a contractor do the landscaping and maintenance. The people work hard physically. I try to acknowledge them when I see them working. Of the dozen or so workers I’ve come across, all but one has been a different race than me. I wonder some times if others don’t see them. I try to say high or at least smile at them-to make sure they know I see them.  I also try to greet each young person or child. Sometimes I think they look like they don’t want to be spoken to, but in most cases I at least smile and nod. It depends on their age.

While these efforts are important and might seem small, there are bigger ways to make a difference in recognizing the worth of all persons. At Mission Center conference and World Conference we will consider legislation to allow ministers in the Community of Christ to conduct marriage ceremonies for our brothers and sisters who are gay and lesbian in states and nations where it is legal. One resolution will have us consider the ordination of our brothers and sisters who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered. While these discussions might be difficult for some, it is important that we have them and consider what it means when we say that one of our enduring principles is the “Worth of All Persons.” First and foremost, people who are different from us are people. They are someone’s brother, sister, aunt, uncle, mother, father, cousin or friend. We must work toward not putting people in boxes, not placing labels on them. The peace of Jesus Christ calls us to work on behalf of all those who are marginalized. We must work at seeing them as God sees them.

Thanks to the Thunderbird West congregation for last weekends warm welcome. This coming weekend Nancy and I will be sharing the Show Low congregation.

Announcements

The Fall Youth Retreat will be Noon, October 24 through Noon, October 25 at the Phoenix Central congregation. The donation for meals is $10 per person. For more information, go here.

The Mission Center Council (Pastors and CFOs) will meet beginning at 10 a.m., this Saturday, October 17. The council has several items on the agenda including review of the 2010 proposed budget, a review of proposed legislation for World Conference, and a workshop on “Zero-Based Budget” that ties mission to money. The meeting will be over by 4 p.m. Contact Mike Hoffman or Diana Hansen for more information.

Mission Center Conference will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 14, at the Thunderbird West congregation. The address is 5035 West Paradise Lane, Glendale. The theme will be “Discern and Pursue” based on Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a-b. The conference will include a lunch provided by the youth of the mission center as a fund raiser for Spectacular and a meeting of the Aaronic Ministers (over lunch). The agenda will include sustaining of leadership, teams, and boards, receiving reports, consideration of the 2010 budget, and consideration of the proposed legislation G-1 through G-5 as passed by the Thunderbird West congregation. We would ask for your prayerful preparation and discernment for the conference between now and November 14, if you do not plan on attending.

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How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”  –Isaiah 52:6-8 NRSV from the Prayer for Peace

Greetings:

One of the more distinctive Enduring Principles of the Community of Christ is Continuing Revelation. This month’s Herald features an article on it by President Steve Veazey. I recommend it for your study. You can also find the story on the church website here.

I want to thank those of you who have been supporting our family in prayer as we have moved to Arizona. This past week Nancy was hired as the administrative assistant for the Arizona Interfaith Movement. She begins work next Monday, October 12.  

Recently I’ve had the chance to meet with both the Youth Commission and the Adult Commission. Both groups are considering new team charters (documents that outline their purpose, direction, and activities). These charters will be shared at the upcoming mission center conference.

In recent congregational business meetings, Larry Haines was elected pastor at Chandler; Jennifer Moore was re-elected pastor at Phoenix Central; Dick Hansen was elected pastor at Tucson Central; and Laurie Frank was re-elected pastor at Prescott.

This coming weekend I will be visiting the Thunderbird West congregation. Saturday Mike and Vicki Alexander are hosting an open house for Nancy and I to meet members of the congregation. On Sunday I will be sharing in the business meeting and the sermon.

Calendar (Mission Center Activities in Bold)

October

8             Voices of Faith Concert (Arizona Interfaith Movement), 6:00 p.m. Orpheum Theater, Phoenix

9-10      Graceland University Homecoming

11          Theme: Let God Be Your Ruler; Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31

12          Youth Commission Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Phoenix Central

17          Mission Center Council Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Phoenix Central   

CFO & Pastor Workshop on Zero-Based Budgeting, 1:00 p.m. at Phoenix Central

18          Theme: Become a Servant, Children’s Sabbath, Mark 10:35-45

23-25   Peace Colloquy at the Temple, Independence, MO

24-25   Youth Retreat at Phoenix Central. Contact Don Welch

25          Theme: What Do You Want?  Mark 10:46-52                                   

31          High Priest Temple School Class with David Nii, 9 a.m.,
               Tucson Central. Contact Mike Hoffman.

November

1             Theme: Love God, Love Neighbor, Love Self; Mark 12:28-34

7-8        Ken & Sue McLaughlin at Phoenix Central

8             Theme: Give Your All; Mark 12:38-44

14          Mission Center Conference, 10 a.m. at Thunderbird West

Grace and peace,

Mike Hoffman

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