 John's mid-summer notes...
Last week I saw something extraordinary happen. Chelse Bulthuis of the Baker City congregation taught a song to the Cascade Reunion, that really isn’t even a song. Not very many people liked it, but one little girl LOVED it. Josie Silva, four years old and active in the Boise congregation was really excited about the “Burrito Song”. She liked it so much that she learned it the first day. Then she lead it during the youth singing time one morning. She was so cute that the Senior High class, who was responsible for campfire, asked her to lead it the next night. Before the week was over, she led the song two or three more times and the whole camp shouted at the top of their lungs “HEY BURRRTO! HEY, HEY, HEY BURRITO. MM YEAH BURRITO YEAH.” The camp was willing to sing this song just so Josie could lead it. It was a wonderful expression of generosity and hospitality. It was a real high point of the summer for me.
After attending three reunions this summer, I am reminded just how faithful our folks are. While there could have been more people at reunions, the ones that were able to attend shared stories of their walk with Jesus, exemplified outstanding servant-hood by teaching classes and leading music, washing dishes, cleaning rest rooms, hauling trash, and caring for each other. We had outstanding ministry in each reunion setting and were blessed by God’s spirit in each place. It was a good three weeks.
Now we are on to the remainder of the summer with SPEC, youth camps, Mission Center Council Meeting, retreats and Mission Center Conference. The busy time of the year is just hitting full stride. I ask, humbly that you continue to hold in your prayers all of our volunteer camp directors and staff as well as your mission center staff. We have a lot of work ahead of us and there are some terrific opportunities for ministry, if we can just keep everyone working together and not allow issues to distract us from the mission of Christ.
Blessings,
John VanDerWalker
Mission Center President
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Becoming the Sacramental Expression of Christ's Peace: Sept. 18-19. Plan now to attend the Inland West's Mission Center Conference at the Boise Community of Christ. Don't miss this unique opportunity for Mission Center updates, sharing with those across the mission center, and special worship services. Robin Linkhart, President of Seventy, is our guest minister for the weekend.
Pastors, please make sure you submit your delegate names by Sept. 3. More information and registration form is now online.
Spectacular 2010 starts Wednesday, July 21. We are so pleased to have 16 youth and 4 staff attending from our mission center this summer. Please uphold them in prayer as they travel and participate in this important event for youth.
July's "Let the Spirit Breath..." This month's spiritual reflections newsletter by Evangelist Harriet White focuses on spiritual formation and discipleship.
Stay up-to-date on mission center events with our online calendar!
Visit the "Community of Christ Inland West Mission Center" page on Facebook for frequent updates and opportunities for discussion. We'd love it if you "like" us! Suggest us to your friends, too.
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Pastors, please print this NewsBrief for those in your congregation without e-mail.
Still time for summer fun!
Click on the camp below to view the flyer and registration information. The general registration "event release" form is available here. Remember to attach a photocopy of proof of health insurance.
Next: Deary Junior Camp:
July 23 - 25
Echo Valley Youth Camp:
Aug. 4 - 8
Cascade Youth Camp:
Aug. 7 - 12
More Inland West events
Echo Valley Spiritual Growth Retreat: Sept 3-5
Mission Center Conference: Sept 18-19 Boise Community of Christ
Other Links
Community of Christ Finance Board approves decreased budget. Details
World Church Leadership Council
and Standing High Council to Meet in September: Info here
Children Cry, We Respond! is the 2010 Peace Colloquy theme. The event will be October 29–31 at Community of Christ Temple, Independence, Missouri, USA. Details and registration online .
Exploring Section 164
The small-group discussion guide helps groups and individuals more fully understand the newest section of the Doctrine and Covenants. More info
Continuing exploration of Doctrine and Covenants 164 will be offered through a Herald series that begins this month with an overview by Presiding Evangelist David Brock. To have these articles delivered free to your e-mail, subscribe to the series here.
World Hunger grants are available to Community of Christ jurisdictions wishing to initiate projects for the express purpose of ministering to people experiencing poverty and hunger. Submit applications to your apostle and mission center president and financial officer by September 1, then to the World Hunger administrator by October 1. More info.
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