Letter Regarding Same-Sex Marriage

Friends,

As Community of Christ, it is our desire to become a people that reflect God’s love for us. Our principles of the Worth of All Persons, Unity in Diversity and Blessings of Community are values we believe also reflect Australian values, where our community strives to create a place where respect, fairness and compassion are deep in our conscience.

Recent debate in the Australian community has caused many to feel distressed and concerned about their worth as equals in our society, and some debate has been contrary to our values. The opportunity for couples in same-sex relationships to experience the joy of marriage may be considered by the public through a plebiscite, and it is important to recognise that although there may be varying perspectives among us, we must respect each other in a way that upholds the worth of each individual.

Jesus stood for justice and compassion. When he saw acts of government or religious leaders preventing humanity to be at one with each other and with God, he spoke out. Although it was unpopular at times, he wept with those who wept, he sat with those who hurt, and represented those who were persecuted. As his disciples, this becomes our role.

As you consider your response, we encourage you to contemplate how your actions will promote a community embodying joy, hope, love and peace. We are reminded in Doctrine and Covenants 163:7c that “it is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.”

Let this reminder frame our response in a compassionate and just way as we show our neighbour that they are loved.

With Peace,

Australian Mission Centre Leadership Team

International Youth Forum 2018

Plans are underway for 2018 International Youth Forum-USA (IYF USA). This special event will be held 19-20 July 2018 for youth who have finished grades 9-12 (or ages 15-19).         

Following IYF USA 2018, SPECTACULAR begins on Saturday, 21 July-Saturday, 28 July at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. 


If you are between the ages of 15-18 in 2018 please email Alicia Turner or Kassandra Unger for an application to register your interest in being part of the Australian Delegation.

 

 

 

Letter of gratitude for Christy Pratt

Dear Friends, 

It’s with somber gratitude that I write to you and advise that Christy Pratt, who has been serving as a Congregational Support Minister in Perth for the past 4 years, will finish her employment with the church in September. Due to changes in the skilled workers visa (which we have used for quite some time for a number of non-Australian employees), the classification of “Religious Worker” has been removed from the approved skills list, meaning the church can no longer sponsor workers coming from overseas. This will mean that at the end of Christy’s sponsorship she will be returning to the USA.

While she has only been with us here for four years, her contribution to our movement will be unforgettable. Her sensitivity to the Spirit, her flair with art and expression, together with her ability to enthuse any group of people with her zest for life will remain her gift to us well beyond her physical presence. I feel we have also left a permanent mark in her life, having educated (and convinced!) her of the benefits of Australian life and culture.

We will miss you Christy, and look forward to hearing more about your journey wherever the Spirit leads you.

Please join me in expressing gratitude to Christy and let her know how much she has meant to you, her email is cpratt@cofchrist.com.au. 

With Peace,

Ben Smith

President, Australia Mission Centre.

Updated Graphics for Mission Initiatives

The First Presidency has approved updates to the Mission Initiatives. Here is a link to the Dropbox folder where they are publicly hosted. Please delete any old files and download the new ones from this Dropbox folder. 

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w1dsdpw96igq82q/AADIvCWfUhzWxe89gG_NS5Fda?dl=0

 

The World Church is also working with the First Presidency to approve icons for the Enduring Principles.  Files will be shared as soon as the approval process is completed.

Announcement regarding Kallara Reunion

29 June 2017

Dear Friends,

The Victoria Network Pastors recently met at Kallara during Family Camp to consider the future direction for Reunion. The context to their discussion was that Reunion has experienced decreasing attendance over the past decade, with participants citing that the time of year was becoming less available for retreat, with most choosing to spend valuable time with family and friends. Contrasting that is the higher attendance at shorter camps such as Family Camp and congregational retreats.

It was decided that Mission resources previously allocated to Reunion be shifted to Family Camp, resulting in Reunion no longer being held at Kallara, with last year (2016) being the final reunion experience in Victoria for the time being. It is a bitter sweet decision, with many life changing experiences taking place at either Mountain Hut
or Kallara which will never be forgotten. A more in depth reflection will be published
in the coming months that recount some of those experiences.

It is a reminder that as the world changes, so must our ways of connecting with each other. Adapting and evolving can be difficult, perhaps even painful at times, however
it is through these experiences that we grow together and with God to enrich the lives of the community around us. May we always look to the purpose of our meeting – sharing the Good News, and continue to find new ways of experiencing God’s grace.

 

Ben Smith,

Australia Mission Centre President

New Mission President

Dear Saints,

Receive my loving and respectfull greetings.

It is with humility and pleasure that I am able to announce that, after having respected the recruitment process, after reflection, with prayers and spirit of discernment,
brother Ben Smith has accepted the position of Mission President designate for the Australia Mission Centre effective March 31, 2017.

This appointment will be presented to the delegates to the Australia Mission Centre conference on May 27-28 for a sustaining vote.

A formal letter of appointment will be forthcoming from the First Presidency.

I share this announcement to provide you advance notice of the official appointment.

Once brother Ben Smith assumes the role on March 31, 2017, brother Ken Barrows will shift to the position of a special assistant to the Mission Centre President to provide assistance according to the needs and contexts.

We thank Brother Ken Barrows for the good, valiant and unique ministry given to the Mission Centre for these past eight years.

We celebrate God’s love and light, which continues to guide us in this journey to Zion.
Let us continue to pray and tosupport one another in the Peace of Christ.

Blessings,

 

Mareva Arnaud,

Apostle

February 6th, 2017

 

Download the official letter here

Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday

It's coming - 29th of November!

Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back.  Be part of this world-wide movement as people come together to celebrate generosity and to give.

In our world-wide church 2015 Giving Tuesday campaign raised $197,700 USD in less than 24 hours to support world-wide mission.  This was thanks in part to six generous families that came together to match all online contributions that day, doubling the impact of hundreds of contributors from five countries.  Let’s see what we can do in Australia in 2016!

Check Community of Christ Facebook on 29 November for the 2016 goal and to watch how much and why people give to Christ’s mission.  Contribute online at www.CofChrist.com.au/give  Please join us and be part of this worldwide celebration of a new tradition of generosity.

Watch for further announcements and information across Australia during November.

Mission Centre President Position

A message from Apostle Mareva Arnaud.

“Here I am Lord”: A Call for applications to serve as Australia Mission Centre President 

It is with much anticipation that we announce our call for applications to the position of Australia Mission Centre President. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Ken Barrows in this role, and note his assignment will effectively end 30 June 2017. In order to fill the vacancy created, the position of Australia Mission Centre President is being advertised. Applications are invited from individuals with relevant qualifications and experience from Australia and across the world-wide church. We are seeking applicants who can bring their ministerial vision, committed discipleship and organisational skills to lead the Australia Mission Centre in living Christ’s Mission. 

Applications will be received up until 30 November 2016. An interview and selection committee will be formed, comprised of 3 Australian representatives, along with the Field Apostle, and world church Director of Field Ministries and Director of Human Resources. This panel will review the applications and make a selection. 

The recommended candidate will be presented to the Australia Mission Centre conference scheduled for 27-28 May 2017 for a sustaining vote to confirm appointment. They are expected to assume the role effective 1 July 2017 and are required to live in Australia. 

In order to facilitate this leadership change, Ken Barrows will serve as an assistant to the newly selected Australia Mission Centre President for a short period of time before and after he or she takes office. How to apply: 

1. To review the position description and complete an online application form go to: http://www.cofchrist.org/human-resources 

2. Prepare resumé and letter of interest 

3. Reply by email at: HRM@CofChrist.org

 

 

2016 Mission Conference

Australia Mission Centre Conference 23-24 April 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the first Australasian Mission Conference held in Australia in 1916.  Plans are now being made to celebrate this anniversary in April 2016 in Sydney, NSW.  If anyone has any photos, documents, memorabilia or stories that can assist with the celebrations we invite you to send them to: Margaret Morris, 77 Jacaranda Drive, Bass Hill, NSW 2197 or email mjmorris@pacific.net.au

Expressions of Interest 2017 Cruise Reunion

I’m grateful for your response to our ‘expression of interest’ for a 2017 Cruise Reunion.  The good news is that there’s favourable interest in the idea and we will now begin to move forward with planning this special event.

With all your responses came a variety of preferences for the cruise.  Some prefer the ocean, others a river; some prefer the Pacific Islands, others Europe or Asia; others a witnessing trip to Tahiti or Auckland , others fly to Hawaii fora witnessing weekend and cruise home.  All wonderful suggestions and I’m ready to board each one!

Such is the interest that perhaps we need two different reunion cruises?  So, here’s where I need to enlist your wonderful help.

Heather Gillard has kindly prepared the following questionnaire to assist with the thought provoking process and preliminary planning.  If you wish to participate in the 2017 Cruise Reunion please complete the following so we can determine if we need two different cruises.

1.     A Pacific Cruise leaving from Sydney and sailing around the Pacific Islands.

2.     A European Cruise where we fly to a European country and have either a cruise on a large boat, small ship or a river cruise. If we book well in advance then there are deals that include your air fare.

If your option is number two, can you select your choice of countries and number them in preferences as this well help determine where the majority of people wish to go and what cruises are available.

Please number the 21 countries in order of your preferences.

Austria

Belgium

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Russia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

The Netherlands

Turkey

 

 

 

 

Preferred Option:  1._______________________________2. ________________________________

 

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

 

Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________

 

Email: _____________________________________________________________________________

Return your completed questionnaire prior to Monday 7 September 2015 to htaylor@cofchrist.com.au or Helen Taylor, 12 Taylor Street, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125. 

I’m excited that you’re interested in travelling together and look forward to sharing this experience with you.

All aboard!

Helen Taylor
Administrative Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                             

Health and Wholeness Survey

The First Presidency chartered the World Church Health and Wholeness Team in response to 2013 World Conference Resolution 1305 Wholeness and Well-being. This resolution directs the church to renew emphasis on health and well-being of body, mind, spirit, and relationships.The resolution also says the church needs to develop support and resources for health and wholeness.

We  invite you to take a short survey about health and wholeness. The purpose of the survey is to gather information. The survey results are not intended to change World Church policies. We will use the information to create resources that encourage health, wholeness, and well-being for Community of Christ members and friends. 

 

Please complete the survey by clicking this link by the end of July.

National Gathering

The National Gathering convenes 6 – 9 August 2015 at the Collaroy Centre, Collaroy NSW.  Guest ministers are Tony and Charmaine Chvalva-Smith who presently serve at Community of Christ International Headquarters as Scripture and Theology specialists, and reside in Independence, Missouri.

Here is a flyer to give you a sneak peak!

Contact Robert Thompson for more information on rthompson@cofchrist.com.au