Pastor s Note. Sp ok a ne V al l ey

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1 Sp ok a ne V al l ey June 2010 Pastor s Note 1 World Conference Two Perspectives Coming Attractions 3 Getting to Know You Church Work Day Come to the River Congratulations Graduates I believe in the sun even if it isn t shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent. ~author unknown Pastor s Note I enjoy the seasonal diversity and change in our area. It is fun for me to look with anticipation and expectation to the changes that will be taking place, not only weather related changes but also changes in lifestyle. After a winter of hibernation, a spring of grooming and cleaning both my house and yard, I am ready for summer. I am ready to enjoy and embrace the more laid-back feeling of that time of the year and the abundant opportunities to be outdoors gardening, hiking, biking, camping, and of course fishing. I have found that being out in creation can be a transformative experience. It has become for me an opportunity to reconnect with God amidst the wonder, beauty, and power of His handy work. No matter where I am, my back yard, walking my neighborhood streets, biking along the lake, or standing by a stream there are sights, sounds, and smells that witness to me I am in a Sacred Place. I am in a place where God is present, a place that draws me in and affirms an amazing experience of oneness with God and with all of creation. A Sacred Place where the sounds of nature become my hymns of praise and the surrounding beauty becomes scripture. A place that offers the opportunity to be aware of God s love and grace even amidst the challenges, doubts, and misperceptions of my faith and my witness of Christ. God is a God of transformation. A God that is ever present making every place Sacred. It is my prayer that you may find that Sacred Place, wherever that may be. That place where you know with every essence of your being God is with you. A place where you are willing to risk being open to that loving and guiding spirit that calls you to be transformed and that calls you to witness to others of God s transformative power. May you be blessed through your experience. Blessings of Peace, Sandy VanDerWalker-Pastor

2 PAGE 2 J U N E World Conference Two Perspectives The Community of Christ World Church Conference was held this past April 10-17, at the Community of Christ International Headquarters in Independence, Missouri. Several of our local church community members were in attendance at this years conference including Keith and Janice Townsend. The following is two perspectives on their experiences at World Conference. Thank you Keith and Janice for your insights. World Conference in Retrospect Keith Townsend World Conferences are a unique experience, one that everyone should have the opportunity to share in, but each conference is unique in and of itself and the 2010 conference was no exception. I have attended every conference since 1974 and during those 36 years 3 new president/prophets were ordained (Wallace B. Smith, Grant McMurray the 1 st president not a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, and Stephen Veazey). I have seen conferences progress from delegates literally climbing over the seats, waiving their arms and shouting, trying to get the attention of the chair so they could speak to an issue, to a computerized system where delegates, regardless of nationality or agility, calmly go to one of the many stations in the conference chamber and log on to speak. During those 36 years the number of countries where the church is represented has increased dramatically, resulting in a much broader representation from other nations and cultures. In 2010, more than any other conference I have attended; the chair had to remind a speaker to slow down so the interpreters can keep up. (President Veazey was even presented a t-shirt with those words on it). What made the 2010 conference unique? I think we made a significant step forward in becoming a true world church, realizing that we can no longer enact legislation or even discuss issues that are basically North American slanted without regard to the resulting consequences on other nations and cultures. Verse 7a of Sec. 164, which was accepted at this conference, states: A worldwide prophetic church must develop cultural awareness and sensitivity between issues addressed by the World Conference and those that are best resolved nationally or in other ways. What was accomplished at this conference will significantly change how the church will create and interpret church policies that will have a major impact, in a positive way, on the future of the Community of Christ in the world World Conference Janice Townsend Amid a setting of spring blossoms and blue skies, the 2010 Community of Christ World Conference convened in Independence, Missouri in early April. It was a week in which the theme We Share was lived out with our brothers and sisters from around the world as we shared in worship, dialogue sessions, and business meetings. Worship services were varied and rich. Thoughtful sermons by Bunda Chibwe Stephen Veasey, and Carlos Enrique Mejia challenged us. Times of planned meditation strengthened and enlightened us. Our sense of the divine was enhanced by the musical offerings of members from around the world and the lovely worship settings in the Temple and Auditorium. During the final service the Friday night Hymn Fest-- Emma Smith (Cathy Loving) led us through the years with hymns that spoke for each time and place. The week s gatherings were conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and with a desire to be open to new discernment. This was especially evident during the three days that were spent in considering the counsel which was eventually accepted for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants as Section 164. The quiet work of the Holy Spirit was seen as people interacted kindly and with regard for harmonious relations. All these components contributed to our Conference experience, but for me the overriding element of the week that eclipsed all else was the ministry offered by President Veasey and other church leaders. The wisdom, commitment, and love of those who lead Community of Christ overwhelmingly testify to me that our church is in good hands. What occurred at Conference will mean changes for our faith community, but I believe that we are being divinely led to that place where the Lord wants us to be the promised kingdom of peace and justice.

3 J U N E June June 2 Prayer Circle-10:30 June 9 Prayer Circle-10:30 June Yard Sale in church parking lot June 13 Priesthood meeting- 8:30 Last day for Sunday School Classes June Cheney Primary Camp- Cheney, WA. June Echo Valley Reunion-Avon, Mt June 19 Men s Breakfast-8:30 at Golden Corral June 20 Summer Schedule begins: *Social at 10:00 *Worship at 11:00-no Coming Attractions PAGE 3 July July 6-11 Cascade Reunion- Cascade, Id. July 7 Prayer Circle-10:30 July 10 Walking Group-9:30, location TBA July 11 Priesthood meeting-9:00 July 14 Prayer Circle-10:30 July 17 Men s Breakfast-8:30 at Golden Corral July 21 Hereafters-12:00 July Deary Junior Camp July 24 Walking Group-9:30, location TBA July 28 Prayer Circle-10:30 July 30-Aug. 1 Rest Stop Fundraiser August Aug. 4 Prayer Circle-10:30 Aug Cascade Youth Camp-Cascade, Id. Aug. 8 Priesthood Meeting-9:00 Aug. 11 Prayer Circle-10:30 Aug Coeur d Alene River Retreat Aug. 14 Walking Group-9:30- location TBA Aug. 18 Hereafters-12:00 Aug. 21 Men s Breakfast-8:30 at Golden Corral Aug. 25 Prayer Circle-10:30 Aug. 28 Walking Group-9:30- location TBA classes *Picnic in Browns Park following Worship June 22 Habitat Meal June 23 Prayer Circle-10:30 June 26-July 3 Samish Island Reunion June 30 Prayer Circle-10:30 All the peace and happiness of the whole globe, the peace and happiness of societies, the peace and happiness of family, the peace and happiness in the individual persons life, and the peace and happiness of even the animals and so forth, all depends on having loving kindness toward each other. ~ Lama Zopa Rinpoche ~

4 PAGE 4 J U N E Getting to Know You In January, the congregation was asked to participate in a questionnaire that would enable us to build community by letting us get to know each other better. Here is some of what we found out: Bob Evans: Born in Kellogg, ID in 1939, with the middle name Lincoln. He has a talent for cooking and working with wood or metal. He finds his shop and yard relaxing and also enjoys riding his four wheeler. He is a truck driver and is sweet on chocolate and Maple Bars. He says it is important to get to know people because of the fellowship and he likes to be around people. JoAnn Townsend: Born in Lewiston, ID in She goes by her middle name of JoAnn. The talented JoAnn relaxes outside in her garden or in nature. She likes genealogy and visiting old places. She works at Deaconess Hospital in the baby and mother unit. Her favorite treats are black licorice and M&M s. She likes to get to know people because we can learn from others and make meaningful connections. Jacob Olson: Born on October 23, 1991, with the middle name of Thomas. He has an active imagination and enjoys Irish music. Reading is one way he chooses to relax and would like to try archery one day. One of his favorite treats is Reece s Pieces. He like to get to know people because you get to see into their world if you are lucky. Sally (Sarah) Stecher: Born in 1952 in Spokane, WA with the middle name Jane. She leads great lion hunts, and enjoys soft 70 s rock and meditative music. She relaxes by reading or watching movies. Her favorite treats are Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and brownies. She says that people are interesting. Getting to know them helps her relate better to them. We all need someone to care about us for who we are and for what we believe. Getting to know people opens up new ideas. It makes our world bigger. Church Work Day Thank you to everyone who participated in the Church Clean-Up day!! On March 27, 2010 many adults and children got to show their stewardship skills by cleaning windows, scrubbing ovens, working out watering systems, painting, and too many other things to mention. It was a beautiful sunny day and to top it all off the participants enjoyed boxed lunches catered by the Selzer family. What a treat!! Great effort everyone!

5 J U NE PAGE 5 Congratulations Graduates!! As June 2010 approaches, it is time to honor those in our church community who have worked hard to achieve their high school and college diplomas. Way to go folks!!! We all know you will continue to have inspiring futures!! Jacob Olson He is graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. Next fall, he will be attending Graceland University in Lamoni, IA. He hopes to study computer programming and design. To celebrate his graduation he is going to be honored at a party and a Hawaiian vacation both hosted by his proud family. Congratulations, Jacob! Amanda Prescott She is graduating from Deer Park High School on June 5th. She plans on pursuing psychology after completing her AA degree at Spokane Falls Community College. She enjoys an active, healthy lifestyle. For her senior project she helped co-create a running club for grade school children. Outstanding!!! Rebecca Prescott Like her sister Amanda, Rebecca is graduating from Deer Park High School on June 5th. In the fall, she is planning on attending cosmetology school. For her senior project she wrote, illustrated, and published her own book of poems called Clipping Strings. She and her fiancé, Ethan, are planning an October 2011 wedding. Way to go!! Kristin Polley She is graduating this June from Eastern Washington University with a degree international business and marketing. In addition to her college classes, Kristin has been very busy with two jobs. She will be celebrating her graduation with family and friends. You are amazing!! Many Blessings to all 2010 graduates!! Come to the River YOU ARE INVITED to an informal, relaxed retreat sponsored by the Food and Fellowship Group. Come for good fellowship, shared meals, worship and recreation. WHEN: August 13-15, Come for Friday evening through Sunday afternoon or any portion of the weekend. WHERE: Mark and Dottie Gutgsell s Coeur d Alene river property, Old River Road, Kingston, Idaho. BRING: If staying overnight, you ll need a tent or RV. Please include a chair, tableware, warm and cool weather clothing and your food. MEALS: Are a combination of shared meals and meals on your own. Friday Evening on your own. Some like to stop at the Snake Pit Restaurant. Saturday Breakfast (about 9am) - Cookout with sausage patties pancakes, eggs, juice, coffee & fruit. Saturday Dinner (about 4:30pm) - Bring whatever meat you want to cook on the grill AND a side dish, salad or dessert. Sunday AM on your own. Sunday Lunch (about 1pm) - Potluck. Bring your favorite dish and we will hope for a well rounded meal. NOTES: See Dottie Gutgsell to sign up for your contributions for Saturday breakfast. D and M will furnish coffee and water. If there is something special you like to drink, bring it. Refrigerator space is limited, so bring your own cooler for your potluck items. There is electricity for crock pots. OFFERING: at Sunday worship will cover port-apotty and electricity. DIRECTIONS: Go east of Coeur d'alene on I-90. Take Kingston exit #43 off of I-90. At exit ramp stop sign, turn left and go over freeway. Continue on the CDA River Road 5.5 miles and turn left on Bumblebee Cutoff Road. As soon as you cross the bridge, turn right on Old River Road to follow the river north. Go approximately 6.6 miles. Watch for a big cottonwood tree on the right with a sign that says Dottie and Mark Elkhorn Lot #6. Turn at the tree bearing right. Call (208) (home) or (208) (Mark s cell) with questions. Hope to see you there!!

6 We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love & peace. COMMUNITY OF CHRIST Spokane Valley Congregation E. Broadway Avenue Spokane Valley, WA ALL ARE WELCOME!!! Church Hours SP OKANE VALLEY CO MMU NITY O F CHRIST East Broadway Avenue Spokane Valley, WA (509) communityofchristsv@comcast.net See us on the Web! cofchrist-spokane.org Sunday 9:30am: Social Hour 9:45am: Sunday School Classes 11:00am Worship Service Summertime Hours 10:00am: Social Hour 11:00am: Worship Service No Sunday School Classes Office Hours 10:00am to 3:00pm ~ Monday-Friday