Author Archives: karbly

by | March 21, 2020 · 4:29 pm

First Presidency Updated Statement

First Presidency Updated Statement
Response to COVID‐19 Virus

20 March 2020

The First Presidency is extending the recommended suspension of church gatherings around the world through at least
Friday, 1 May 2020. Church gatherings are worship services, meals, conferences, funerals, and other group activities. The
Presidency continues to monitor guidance from government and public health agencies around the globe related to the
estimated spread and duration of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, if local government and public health guidance is
more restrictive than the Presidency’s recommendation, follow local guidance. As new information is available it will be
released and posted at www.CofChrist.org/covid‐19.
As a reminder, the Presidency bases its recommendation on the following principles:
1. The church’s response should emphasize preventative, rather than reactive, strategies to keep the COVID‐19 virus from
spreading as quickly as many infection‐rate models indicate.
2. A primary prevention strategy is “social distancing.” The World Health Organization advises: “Maintain at least 1 metre (3
feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.” According to the USA Centers for Disease
Control, social distancing involves “remaining out of congregant settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining
distance” between people whenever possible. Social distancing is especially challenging for people in church settings.
3. The church’s response should emphasize “protecting the most vulnerable” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:6a) in our
congregations, cities, towns, and villages. This includes our senior members and those already affected by other health
challenges.
Historic sites will remain closed to the public through at least Friday, 1 May 2020. Based on guidance provided by the
Independence, Missouri, USA mayor, the Temple Complex, including the Peace Pavilion, will remain closed to the public
with all events canceled through at least Friday, 15 May 2020. Headquarters staff at all sites continue to support
operations, but staff presence in the offices is limited to maximize social distancing. Reopening all sites to the public will
continue to be evaluated as the situation unfolds.
Social distancing can cause us to feel isolated from each other and God. We are grateful for the many ways people are
staying “connected” and supporting each other in living Christ’s mission while upholding the strategy of social
distancing. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? …neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things
present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38 NRSV).
As you connect and support each other through the Lenten journey into Holy week and then the Easter season, we ask
you to remember that your congregation, mission center, campgrounds, and World Church have financial
responsibilities even though we are not physically gathering. Please use online giving (www.CofChrist.org/give) or mail in
contributions to support Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes.
The First Presidency

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by | · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 21

Receive Enough, Part 6
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO, USA

…”Let anyone who is thirsty come to me.” -John 7:37

During this season of Lent, may we be reminded of the lessons of the wilderness: collect only what we need, work together, share freely, and trust God even when the world shows us differently. The promise is that Easter will come. Not because we earned it, but simply because God gives, no strings attached.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

  • How does the promise of Easter impact the way you walk the Lenten journey?
  • How do you receive the lessons of the wilderness this day?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 20, 2020 · 4:24 pm

First Presidency Letter

March 13, 2020

Dear friends,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Uncertainty around how the coronavirus COVID‐19 will impact our lives in the days ahead is causing
anxiety and fear for many. Times such as this renew our awareness and deep gratitude for the strength
and comfort resident in the rich connections of our faith community. None of us walk alone.
We are working closely with mission center officers to monitor the situation and provide the best
support and guidance we can as things unfold. We will continue to direct members and leaders to
reputable sources that provide accurate, up‐to‐date information (see Community of Christ official
statement: COVID‐19 and the Church). Additionally, it is important to consult local and state authorities
as area‐specific directives can change daily.
As the current health situation unfolds across the United States, we realize that local leaders will need to
take action that limits opportunities to gather together in community. Even as we experience this as a
loss, it opens a sacred opportunity to explore new ways of being the church together in the face of what
can seem an overwhelming and isolating reality. Members are already identifying ways to connect that
will protect the health and well‐being of those most vulnerable among us.
We will be collaborating with mission center leaders to identify and create additional opportunities to
connect with one another through the multiple avenues of technology available. This is the time to
explore “all the surprising ways that Christ‐inspired community weaves diverse people together as
expressions of the gospel of peace.” (Stephen M. Veazey, World Conference Closing Sermon, April 13,
2019)
We know the coming weeks will be challenging. We invite you to join us in holding one another and our
neighbors across the globe in prayer. Let us trust in the Spirit that provides assurance for today and
hope for tomorrow.
In the peace of Jesus Christ,
USA Apostles

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by | · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 20

Receive Enough, Part 5
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO, USA

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. -Isaiah 55:1

There is enough and to spare. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” The evidence of God’s abundance surrounds us. We simply need to take the time to stop and see it. What we need is here.

Lent invites us to strip away our cluttered existences so that we can more fully discover God and God’s abundant world. Lent encourages us to make space in our lives, to empty our hands and see what God wishes to place in them. When we are able to recognize God’s generosity and are transformed from a place of scarcity to abundance, then we are liberated to share with those around us. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness and later in the Promised Land, as we harvest the bounty of the fields, we are called to extend those same provisions to our neighbors. This generous sharing moves us closer to Christ.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

  • How are you aware of God’s abundance today?
  • What feels cluttered in your life that you are invited to let go of?
  • What does it look to be liberated for generosity in your life?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 19, 2020 · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 19

Receive Enough, Part 4
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO, USA

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” -John 6:35

If we view the manna as symbolic of the live-giving gifts God provides every day in our lives, do we really appreciate those blessings? God provides in such a way that sometimes this amazing generosity feels ordinary.

Every day we can choose to be thankful for what we have. When we become anxious about what we need for tomorrow, next year, or even the next decade, we feel the need to hoard and we lose sight of God’s sustaining gifts.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

  • When does amazing generosity feel ordinary?
  • What are you thankful for today?
  • What sacred gifts sustain you this day?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 18, 2020 · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 18

Receive Enough, Part 3
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO USA

For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things. -Psalm 107:9

Every year I plant a garden. The first time I looked at the barren spot that would be my garden, I wondered if anything would really come from it. Even after planting the seeds and seedlings, it still looked so desolate…a few little green sprouts and a couple stakes marking where seeds were in the ground. Many times I’ve been tempted to plant more, just because it looked so empty. But I’ve found when I overplant, I can’t use what grows fast enough and things spoil. So I’ve learned to be patient…to wait…knowing there will be enough and even some to spare.

When God led the Israelites into the desert, they were scared they would not have enough. How could this wilderness possibly provide what they needed to survive? So God provided manna. God told them each day the manna would fall and they were only to collect what they needed for the day not attempting to hoard it. Whenever they collected more than they needed, it spoiled.

The Israelites had to rely on God every day. Despite the fact that they sometimes complained and didn’t follow God’s plan, the manna kept showing up. Every day, for decades, God demonstrated no-strings-attached generosity.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

  • How do you live in the tension between enough and too much?
  • When have you received enough even in sparse or challenging conditions?
  • How have you experienced no-strings-attached generosity?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 17, 2020 · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 17

Receive Enough, Part 2
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO, USA

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day.” -Exodus 16:4

Lenten Reflection Questions:

  • Spend time in prayer with this scripture text. Let yourself prayerfully imagine the scene. Where do you find yourself in this story?
  • What is enough?
  • When are you tempted to hoard more than you really need?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 15, 2020 · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 15

A Prayer for a Time of Global Sickness and Fear
Stephen M. Veazey, president of Community of Christ

So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” -Exodus 17:4-7

Eternal God of abiding love, everlasting source of hope and peace, we prayerfully come to you in faith and humility, trusting in your compassionate concern for us and all creation. 

During this time of mounting sickness and fear, when we have been asked to distance ourselves from others for the good of all, we humbly ask that you “bless the space between us” (John O’Donohue).

Give us assurance that physical space does not diminish the bonds of love and commitment that spiritually bind us together as families, friends, and as community in Christ.

Daily may we gain comfort and strength in the faithful witness of scripture, that nothing-not illness, distress, or even death-can separate us from your love and eternal purposes as revealed in Jesus Christ. 

Grant to those who find themselves more isolated or alone a durable sense of their worth and place in your household, O God, a spiritual household of divine hospitality that knows no quarantines or borders. May we, as disciples and ministers of the gospel, find innovative ways to make that truth evident when more familiar forms of ministry are not available to us. 

In times of personal angst for our own health and security, may we, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, hear your anointing words of blessing and feel your healing touch. May such experiences fill our souls with peace and hope. 

And let us not forget those for whom concerns for health and safety are everyday realities made even more acute and burdensome now. May we continue to find ways to join with you in tending the needs of the “least of these” in our congregations, villages, cities, and nations.

O God of all people, places, and situations, we trust that there is no time or condition in which you are not already present. With that in mind, we pray that these times and circumstances, as daunting as they are, will serve to bring out the best in us as individuals, families, nations, and as a church.

We look to you, Eternal One, to be our hope and redeemer. May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 14, 2020 · 12:00 am

Daily Bread March 14

Lament and Resist Part 6
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. -Psalm 13:5-6

If we will make space during this wilderness time to question, wrestle, lament, and grieve, God will be there for the journey.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

  • What space are you invited to make?
  • What prayer of lament would you write to your God in this Lenten season?
  • How have you experienced God on the whole journey?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

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by | March 13, 2020 · 2:19 am

COVID-19 Update

WOMC Pastors and CFO’s:

Some of you have asked about church closings, gatherings, etc., regarding the church position. In case you didn’t already receive the message below I’m forwarding it on.  Essentially, in Ohio, we are under no restrictions as none of our congregations fall into the sizes mentioned; however, I know Grove City is closing next Sunday and we cancelled Jr Hi retreat for this weekend.
Given many of our members, at least in some congregations, fall into the high risk category for COVID, you may want to be informed by that consideration.
Please keep me advised if your congregation will be closed.  CFO’s, please consider advising members how they might continue to tithe in times such as these.
Blessings,
Vern
——– Forwarded Message ——–

Subject: eNews – 12 March ⛪
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:22:09 +0000
From: Community of Christ <communications@CofChrist.org>
Reply-To: Community of Christ <communications@CofChrist.org>
To: Vern <vcf@fuse.net>

COVID-19 and the Church

World church leaders continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, now officially classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. We want to ensure Community of Christ leaders worldwide are taking measures to keep people safe when the church gathers.

Protocols for Gathering

  • If your local government has given instructions about social gathering or canceling worship, please follow those guidelines.
  • If no specific instructions have been given in your community, use available sources to monitor the situation in your area to make appropriate decisions about gathering or canceling where the risk of infection may be high.
    • Congregational leaders should consult with their Mission Center President and Field Apostle in making decisions.

Credible Information Sources

Information about the COVID-19 pandemic is everywhere. It is important to use official health department sources when making decisions. Several key websites are listed below.

World church leaders will continue to monitor the situation and how it may impact operations in the future. Ongoing updates will continue for Community of Christ staff regarding travel and operations at International Headquarters and historic sites.

Leaders are also considering how the outbreak may affect various large events that will occur in the coming months such as camps, reunions, Eurotribe, and Spectacular. Additional information will be shared if cancellation decisions are made.

UPDATE

The Kirtland Temple historic site will be closed for 3 weeks in coordination with local school district closures. The situation will be reevaluated at that time.

This information and further updates will be available at www.CofChrist.org/announcements.

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