Learn more about our basic beliefs, history, and scripture through the resources found on this page. The Community of Christ promotes the Young Peacemakers Club as a means of teaching and promoting peace among children all over the world. The new stewardship thinking in the Disciples' Generous Response is referred to indirectly in the book of Doctrine and Covenants 162:7c as "the principle of generosity, rightly interpreted for a new time. Discover your purpose and pursue Christs mission of compassion, justice, and peacethrough ministries that can change lives and communities. While it generally rejects the term Mormon to describe its members, the church abides by a number of theological distinctions relatively unique to Mormonism, including but not limited to: ongoing prophetic leadership, a priesthood polity, the use of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as scripture, belief in the cause of Zion, the building of temples, and an interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. It's #forOdessa. Community of Christ is a diverse, international family of disciples, seekers, and congregations. As a missionary, you have authority to preach the gospel. We respond faithfully, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to our best understanding of Gods call. The church would later halt this practice, prohibiting the ordination of sexually active homosexuals. The World Conference may vote to include the document as a new section of the Doctrine and Covenants, which is regarded as scripture by the denomination. We are poised to become congregations that are the true and living expressions of Jesus Christ, woven together by the Spirit, and sent into the world as evangelistic witnesses, compassionate ministers, and justice and peacemakers. . Other key leadership positions include Presiding Evangelist, Senior President of the Presidents of Seventy, President of the High Priests Quorum, and Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer. The following 14 pages are in this category, out of 14 total. [15][16] Following the retirement of Smith as Prophet-President of the Church, W. Grant McMurray was appointed as the new President. While most giving is now seen as tithing, the typical interpretation is that a majority of one's tithing should be given in Mission Tithes (Tithes to Local and World Church) and the minority to Community Tithes (Organizations like Outreach International, Graceland University, Restoration Trails Foundation, World Accord, etc.) Having received Gods generous grace, we respond generously and graciously receive the generosity of others. Jesus Christ invites people to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry. The Midlands Mission Center is comprised of twenty-six congregations and two campgrounds located in Kansas and Missouri. [1] The church traces its origins to Joseph Smith's establishment of the Church of Christ on April 6, 1830. Its content is similar to the Book of Mormon published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), but the versification is different. We confess that our lack of agreement on certain matters is hurtful to some of God's beloved children and creation. Creations power to create or destroy reminds us of our vulnerability in this life. Community of Christ proclaims Jesus Christ and promotes communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. Missionaries are called to serve in geographically-defined missions and are transferred to a new area of that mission approximately every six weeks. Sometimes they stay longer, but once you get used to one face, there will be a new one to meet soon enough. We are poised to share the peace of Jesus Christ with those who are waiting to hear the redeeming words of the gospel. Andrew M. Shields, "Official Minutes of Business Session, Wednesday March 28, 2007," in 2007 World Conference Thursday Bulletin, March 29, 2007, p.329-330. This page was last edited on 10 June 2023, at 21:54. ABOUT US. This list may not reflect recent changes . The Community of Christ frequently notes that it has never sanctioned polygamy; it has always ordained persons of any race; it has no required creedal statement, asking only that people profess faith in Christ as a condition for baptism; it has accepted Trinitarian doctrine; it has been in dialogue with the National Council of Churches (NCC),[43] the World Council of Churches (WCC), and Christian Churches Together; and it has practiced open communion since 1994. Community of Christ, 2007. This insightful book into Community of Christ theology will bless readers with uplifting understanding, offered through easy-to-understand writing. President Steve Veazey provides an introduction to the principles. We celebrate Gods peace wherever it appears or is being pursued by people of good will. Mission Initiatives. Community of Christ, "The Priesthood Manual, 2004 Edition", Herald House, 2004. Men and women serve equally in all capacities in our church. The Michigan Mission Center is comprised of a campus ministry center, four campgrounds, eighty-one congregations, and several groups and ministries located in Michigan and Indiana. The church's peace position was influenced by the Mennonite Central Committee Peace and Justice Education Associate. We are poised to be Christs hands and feet, reaching out through compassionate ministries that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons. And we believe in feeding other people, too, as much as possible. Scripture has been written and shaped by human authors through experiences of revelation and ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of time and culture. A Community of Christ revival. "[27], The belief in continuing divine revelation is a distinctive aspect of the church. It contains inspirational Christian messages such as this passage shared by former President, W. Grant McMurray as inspired counsel: "Open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. The Oklahoma Mission Center is a geographic entity of Community of Christ. They've been married for 20 years and have two teens that totally keep them on their toes. We provide a safe space for you to explore and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. Sent to proclaim good news and invite others to join him in mission. The report states that this warrants caution in their approach, but the dialogue would continue. "[2] Recognizing that scripture has sometimes been used to marginalize and oppress classes of persons, the church accepted this statement into the Doctrine and Covenants in 2007: "It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Congregations belong to mid-level organizational units called a Mission Center. 25 were here. We are poised to restore Christs covenant of peace, even the Zion of our hopes. The right of women to hold the priesthood was recognized by a church conference in 1984. Membership totals for the year 2006 and 2013 - 2018 in each mission center are shown in the table below. It has long history as a Midwestern wing of the Latter Day Saint movement. While it recognizes scripture as the revelation of God, its members would not typically suggest that scriptures constitute the literal "words of God". Habla espaol or ingles. True community upholds the worth of persons while providing a healthy alternative to self-centeredness, isolation, and conformity. [48][49] In 2013, Linda L. Booth became the first woman elected to serve as president of the Council of Twelve. The quorums typically vote heavily in favor of the documents and sometimes unanimously. We are poised to share the peace of Jesus Christ with those who are waiting to hear the redeeming words of the gospel. Welcome to Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center. This document, now officially Section 163[41] of the Doctrine and Covenants, further challenges the Community of Christ's membership to engage in ministries that foster peace, and are specifically charged to "pursue peace" and to "strive to be faithful to Christs vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth". We generously share our witness, resources, ministries, and sacraments according to our true capacity. Gods revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed by scripture, is the foundation of our faith, identity, mission, message, and beliefs. Church Committees; Diaconate; . It's God's church after all, not ours. Some mission centres cover a vast territory, as in Africa or Australia, and others embrace a smaller area more densely packed with congregations, as is the case in the central United States. B William W. Blair [20][pageneeded] Growth continues to be driven by missions outside the US, particularly in the developing world and in Australia. Our Children's Worship will be available during the 11am worship service. Community of Christ, "Church Administrators' Handbook: 2005 Edition", Herald House, 2005. In Luke 4:1819, Jesus proclaims his mission when he reads from the Isaiah scroll and is anointed for a divine mission: Reaching the brokenhearted, the suffering, and those who need hope and Christ's peace. Bible Study for adults is 10am. This book is an attempt to hear how the Book of Mormon spoke to its first audience of seekers, who found in this work a witness that changed their lives, and to understand how its witness may be heard today. The gospel of Jesus Christ is expressed best in community life where people become vulnerable to Gods grace and each other. Community of Christ is an international faith movement with 250,000 members in more than 60 nations. Here are the most recent verses of the Doctrine and Covenants. When an inspired document is presented to the World Conference by the president of the church, an elaborate review process takes place. The Community of Christ states that "[t]he process through which God reveals divine will and love is called revelation. The Community of Christ has 250,000 members in 1,100 congregations in 59 countries according to the most recent report. Scripture references provided for congregational worship generally follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Community of Christ membership and field organization is governed by the scriptures, resolutions and Bylaws of Community of Christ and administered by the First Presidency, Council of Twelve and others. The Holy Spirit inspires and provides witness to divine truth. In so doing he stated that "while the Church affirms the Book of Mormon as scripture, and makes it available for study and use in various languages, we do not attempt to mandate the degree of belief or use. Ireland and Great Britain held a special multi-nation conference in 2013 which also recommended changes to policy similar to those of Canada, Australia, and the United States. The church's ministry is overseen by a Council of Twelve Apostles and the financial concerns of the church are overseen by the Presiding Bishopric. Formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Community of Christ regards itself as the true embodiment of the original church organized in 1830 by Joseph Smith, and it regards Joseph Smith III, the eldest surviving son of Smith, to have been his legitimate successor. Currently, Elder Powell works two days . In unity with Christianity, the Community of Christ upholds the Bible as scripture. The Power and Authority of Your Calling. [2], The Independence and Kirtland Temples are places of education and worship for all people. We were led to sell our historic building and set out on a new adventure. Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church)) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) are two denominations that share a common heritage in the Church of Christ founded by Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830. Each field is presided over by a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, who are collectively overseen by a member of the First Presidency, in his or her capacity of Director of Field Ministries (this role was previously held by the President of the Council of Twelve but followed the outgoing president when he joined the First Presidency in 2013). (Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a). The church encourages prayerful meditation upon the meaning and the importance of Bible passages. The Community of Christ does not prescribe a single translation of the Bible. And sometimes, you summon the courage to say yes. . Come discover renewed purpose for your life through compassionate, Christ-like service that ends suffering and fosters justice and peace. In Person Online Share this Page Learn more about Community of Christ. We seek genuine, vulnerable connections with one another and God. Her past professional career includes being a school psychologist. When the document comes to the floor of the World Conference for debate, the president retires from the room to allow for more impartial consideration. After 111 years of dedication to sharing the love of God in Jesus Christ with the people of Odessa, God called us to do a new thing. Community of Christ, "World Conference Resolutions: 2002 Edition", Herald House, 2003. Template by: HTML5 UP. Members commonly believe that sacraments (or ordinances) express the abiding presence of God in the life of the church, its members and priesthood. Establish the Temple as a Center to Promote Peacemaking throughout the World, Engage Children in Peacemaking around the World, Seek Justice, Create Peacemakers around the World, Unite with Others to Make Peace around the World, Train and Send Ministers for Mission throughout the World, Nurture Congregations of Christs Love and Peace, Experience Gods Presence through Worship, Become a People of Peace, Reconciliation, and Healing of the Spirit. The Church History and Sacred Story Team is a World Church Team that explores our history in responsible ways that inform and encourage our mission. Some people experience conditions that diminish their ability to make choices. What if. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices. 2 (1985): 92103. Donate Contact Us Our call is to reclaim the same vision and passion for the full mission of Jesus Christ today through five Mission Initiatives. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Visit the event page for details and online registration. We think if a church isn't transforming its community, then why exist? Scripture is not to be worshipped or idolized. Jesus' table expands into the community, whether we are meeting at Homemade Wines for Bible study or bringing a meal to the families at the Crisis Center. This position is in keeping with our longstanding tradition that belief in the Book of Mormon is not to be used as a test of fellowship or membership in the church. Published statements of belief proclaim that "[a]ll men, women, youth, and children are given gifts and abilities to enhance life and to become involved in Christ's mission. Community of Christ will help you grow spiritually, discover your purpose, and equip you to be part of Christs mission of compassion, justice, and peace. In humility, individually and in community, we prayerfully listen to understand Gods will for our lives, the church, and creation more completely. We join with Jesus Christ in bringing good news to the poor, sick, captive, and oppressed. The Community of Christ views the Book of Mormon as an additional witness of Jesus Christ and publishes two versions of the book through its official publishing arm, Herald House. Worship helps based on the lectionary are published by the Herald House as well as posted on the official denominational website and they include sample orders of worship with recommended hymns from the official denominational hymnal, Community of Christ Sings. We offer a community where you can belong, be valued and loved, deepen your spirituality, and discover a purpose that can change lives and communities. We courageously and generously share the peace of Jesus Christ with others. When the MTW Odesa team first arrived here in the 90s, people were hungry for spiritual truth. The books can be purchased as a set or individually. July 8 to 15, 2022 Join us for a time of camping and outdoor fellowship. Beliefs Sharing in Community of Christ This book introduces readers to our faith community. Missionaries are to go "in the power of the ordination wherewith [they have] been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel" ( Doctrine and Covenants 79:1 ). Our common ground is we are all seeking to put Jesus first in our lives as we respect the conscience of each person to determine how best to follow him. Community of Christ Temple School, "An Introduction to Scripture", SS201, 2001. [50] In 2016, Stassi D. Cramm became the first woman presiding bishop of the church[51][52] and Jane M. Gardner became the church's first female presiding evangelist.[52].