World Conference this year was filled with opportunities to turn our hearts toward the Spirit as the source of our journey as a people of faith. There were meaningful worship services each evening, worship and spiritual practices during the priesthood/caucus meetings and moments of blessing during legislative sessions. I had the privilege of leading short devotionals to help ground us in our intentions as we discussed, discerned and deliberated during the English speaking caucus. I asked a few people each day to assist; to play the singing bowl as we moved through the Invitation to Prayer and to share in a reading or scripture. One morning, I felt urged to ask one particular woman to take

responsibility for the singing bowl. Although she never spoke during our sessions, her gentle loving presence was noticeable.

Her initial response was to be hesitant and tell me that she had terrible stage fright. When I assured her that she could sound the bowl from her seat, she agreed with a relieved smile.

After our meeting, she met me with tear-filled eyes and shared a bit of her story. She expressed her desires to minister, confiding that she feels comfortable sitting and listening to another in a one on one situation, but feels incapable of offering ministry in a group. She conveyed feelings of sadness, sensing that she had been overlooked for years because of her shyness. Then as she looked into my eyes she said, “Thank you for giving me a voice without having to be seen.” She continued to express that she felt as though her offering had been received. She had felt empowered to a point that she was almost compelled to stand up.

We have opportunities to offer others a voice if we are willing to listen in their silence. This woman spoke no words yet her intense presence spoke of her love and desire to serve. We are called to be invitational; to invite others into community “where people become vulnerable to God’s grace and each other” (Enduring Principle - Blessings of Community). If we are to uphold the worth of all persons and believe that all are called, we must go deeper with

An Unseen Voice By Nina Warriner

REUNION REGISTRATION 2

Mark your calendar 2

TEMPLE SCHOOL E-LEARNING

2

News from New Philadelphia

3

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS 3

SPECTACULAR 3

GUEST MINISTRY 4

MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR REUNION

4

Go Fund Mission 4

SPIRITUALITY ALONG THE EDGES

5

UPCOMING AT THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE

5

WHO’S LOVE? GOD’S 6

WOMEN’S RETREAT 7

Reunion Schedule 8

2019 Holy Land tour 8

News from Barberton

9

Enduring Principles 2

EGLMC Reunion/family camp

5

News from Elyria 9

Summer Youth Camps 10

People News 11

Memorial Bench 11

2019 World Conference Minutes

11

Choose Generosity 11

Way of Life 11

2020 Reunion Director needed

12

Upcoming events 12

EASTERN GREAT LAKES MISSION CENTER

JUNE 2019 INSIDE

THE BEACON

Continued on page 2

Mark your calendar!

Fall Festival will be

September 21st. &

Mission Center Fall Conference

will be September 22nd.

At Temple Grove.

Developmetrics, LLC! Upcoming classes scheduled: Gold Session (enrollment opens in July): 8/3-9/27: Ministry of the Priest (MP 304) 8/3-9/27: Ministry of the Elder (MP 305) 8/3-9/27: Introduction to Priesthood (MP 300)These elearning classes last 8-weeks during which students proceed together through readings, videos, and quizzes.

Students may access each week's class 24-hours a day, 6-days a week (minus one day

for grading) providing flexibility in class schedules. To register: • Visit the site developmetrics.org and click on the "USA Registration Form." • You can pay your $25 registration fee though our online portal or via mailed check. • You will receive log-in information via email. • Students completing these classes receive Temple School credit. Be looking for upcoming classes on the website developmetrics.org or by emailing idlloyd23@gmail.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019

To allow for proper planning everyone need to register. You can submit your registration online at https://eglmc.org/ministries/reunion/.

If you want to reserve a cabin please call Sandy Davis 440-256-1441 or sdavis@eglmc.org any time between now and reunion.

Once you have registered for a cabin, your registration and $40.00 per person fee must be postmarked within 7 days

or your room/cabin will be reassigned. A receipt for your registration fees will

be included in your packet

PAGE 2 THE BEACON

our invitation. The invitation extends beyond welcoming others into community. True inclusivity means accepting each as they are and empowering them to find their voice so that they too can find and carry out their calling.

If my experience with this beautiful woman at World Conference taught me anything, it is to listen in people’s silence. They have much to say.

(Continued from page 1)

Grace and Generosity Sacredness of Creation Continuing

Revelation Worth of All Persons All Are Called Responsible Choices Pursuit of Peace

(Shalom) Unity in Diversity Blessings of

Community

REUNION REGISTRATION

Enduring Principles E-LEARNING TEMPLE

SCHOOL CLASSES

For youth who have completed the 9th through 12th grade.  All campers will have opportuni es to par cipate in leadership 

and discipleship development, diverse worship, and expression of arts, music, and sports.  

Checks or money orders payable to EGLMC 

Cost $365 Postmarked by June 1, 2019 $465 if postmarked a er June 1, 2019 

All registra on is done online at h ps://www.cofchrist.org/spectacular 

Our Delega on is: West Pony Mail check or money order ONLY to:   

Kelsey Batey 6009 Campbell Rd 

Mentor on the Lake, OH 44060  

For more informa on call or e‐mail: Kelsey Batey call: (440) 487‐6687 or  

e‐mail:  bateykm@gmail.com  

Study class has been learning so much. They have met Jacob that old trickster. Learned how Esau so willingly gave it away and how he fooled his dad into getting the birthright and showed his father-in-law Laban a thing or two about how to play the game of deception. We got to meet Jacob’s 4 wives and looked into all of Esau and Laban’s misadventures. Finally we viewed the case of Dinah.

The Young Adults have also been busy. Denise and Ron Hoyt payed a special visit and learned how to play Zombies and Shoot Out in Terror

Town. Since she was able to be the guest speaker at church the next day I can guess that she was able to get rid of the zombies and not become one. The group has been looking into a game called Dart Ball. It is a large scale baseball dart board and they have been invited to join the Tuscarawas County Church League.

We were blessed to have had guest speakers Jose Feliciano in January, John Spilsbury and Denise Hoyt in March. What a great way to start the year! We wish all of you many blessings as we begin to move into summer.

This year is the 5th anniversary of our CAMP COVER campaign!

From mid-June through mid-August, we'll feature a different camp or reunion photo as the cover image of the Community of Christ Facebook page and also share your photos via Twitter and Instagram.

Send your pics to Communications@CofChrist.org. We can't wait to see all the fun you're having!

5th Anniversary - Sharing Your Photos!

July 20-27, 2019

News from New Philadelphia By Bob Lomax

PAGE 3 THE BEACON

Spectacular

Susan Naylor is an executive minister for Community of Christ serving as World Conference director and Worship and Leadership Formation Minister. She holds the priesthood office of high priest.

She has worked for Community of Christ for more than thirty years in roles that include mission support field minister for the Northeast Field, assistant director of Operations for International Headquarters, Public Relations Coordinator, and enrichment group leader. She has worked for Legal Services, Administrative Services/Ministerial Personnel, Planned Giving, Communications and the office of the First Presidency.

During a short break in employment with Community of Christ, Susan worked for the National Council of Churches in Washington D.C. She served as the executive assistant to the president and general secretary, as well as the office operations manager. She enjoyed working for the Board of Trustees and variety of ecumenical communions; and especially assisting with the coordination and planning of a national rally, A.C.T. Now to End Racism, held on the National Mall, Washington D.C.

PAGE 4 THE BEACON

Susan received a bachelor of arts with majors in business education and administrative services from Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa.

Currently, Susan continues to serve on the Steering Team for SPECTACULAR assisting with special projects and organizational development; she is also a co-pastor at the Washington D.C. congregation, and recently finished a three year term of directing the Chesapeake Bay Mission Center reunion.

Past service also included work with the Chamber of Commerce, Independence, Missouri; a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership, Education, Action and Development program and the City of Independence Tourism. She has served on a number of community boards, including serving as the board president for Restoration Trail Foundation, now known as Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation; and was a licensed Franklin Covey facilitator for the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People course.

Susan is married to Jeff Naylor and they have two children, Karlynn and Erik. They live in Oak Hill, Virginia. Jeff is a Director of Operations with Investment Company Institute in Washington D.C., and pending World Conference approval will serve as a member of the Community of Christ Presiding Bishopric. Karlynn graduated from Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri with her bachelor’s in art and her master’s in education degrees. She is currently pursuing a teaching career in elementary education. Erik is a sophomore at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia. Basketball is his passion.

MEET OUR REUNION GUEST MINISTER SUSAN NAYLOR 

Text for Reunion is “Following the Spirit”

Reunion is a time for spiritual growth, personal discernment, renewed relationships—and fun. “Following the Spirit” is the theme of this year’s materials. Each is designed to be modified for your reunion location and the makeup of the community you serve. The materials are flexible enough to use for Sunday school or individual study.

Adult Lessons, are available through www.HeraldHouse.org and we will have some at Reunion for purchase for $15.00 each.

All others are available through www.CofChrist.org now as PDFs to download and print locally. Look for: • Children’s Activity Guide • Sharing Services • Worship Resources • Youth Lessons

Materials Available for 2019 Reunion

The Portsmouth Welcoming Community is the only public LGBTQIA+ affirming group in Portsmouth, OH. We are a new congregation and meet new people weekly who are seeking support. We are dedicated to creating a safe, loving and welcoming space for all who feel marginalized in our community. The Rainbow Center will provide LGBTQIA+ resources, support groups, educational workshops, clubhouse days, weekly Coffee and Conversation and weekly “Welcoming Church.” The Rainbow Center will be open to the community at least four days a week for various gatherings and activities. The center will also provide a computer and workstation to conduct research, complete job applications/resumes and obtain other resources for daily living. This project will allow us to live the mission of Jesus Christ in our community as we share the Enduring Principles of Community of Christ. For more information contact Project Coordinator Justin DeLong at jdelong9@yahoo.com.

Go Fund Mission gofundmission.org

PAGE 5 THE BEACON

It is time to make sure that your are registered if you are planning to attend Reunion/Family Camp this year. You can do your registration online at https://eglmc.org/ministries/reunion/

Pre-registration fees this year are $40.00 per person. Walk on registrations are $50.00 per person. As always you need to send your registration fees with your housing registration.

Meals will cost $9.25 each if you are visiting for the day and on Sunday we will offer a $18.00 meal ticket good for meals that day only.

Our guest ministry this year will be provided by Susan Naylor.

If you have any questions please contact Sandy Davis at the Mission Center office Tuesday & Thursday 9-4, Wednesday 9-3. Call 440-256-1441 or e-mail sdavis@eglmc.org.

Emma Smith Hymn Festival will be held in the Kirtland Temple Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Doors will open

at 6:30pm, and the service will start at 7:00pm. The festival seating is limited to the first 300 people. Offering goes to the Kirtland Temple Preservation Foundation.

UPCOMING AT THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE

Eglmc reunion/family camp June 28-July 2, 2019

Temple Grove Campgrounds

Over the last few months I have been exerting myself in ways I have never done before. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. I am responding to multiple circumstances in my life and trying to do the best I can. This was not always my response. In years past, going into a panic and responding without faith and courage was my only defense. But, my life and response to life’s challenges has changed recently. I attribute this change due to developing trusting relationships within my congregation. I asked for help about a year ago from a few members and they responded with an open ear, patience, and the giving of the required human gifts needed in this request, time. This multifaceted response from these few members had a big impact on my life. This recipe created a sounder, more faithful response to my own life’s challenges. Their ingredients into my life helped God create a good meal that I am beginning to notice by my responses to specific difficult challenges that would have baffled me just a year ago. My life is beginning to take a new form that I recognize from this deeper-rooted foundation of trust. I trust the church, which was instilled in me from a young age. However, I never fully utilized this natural trust that God and my family helped develop in me from my youth. I realize now that relationships are the vehicle that can take this trust and mold my life. Without asking for help, without making myself vulnerable… how can I allow the strength of this God given trust make war with my infirmities? I can’t, but with God all things are possible. I have found that by sharing my day-to-day struggles and difficulties with someone I can have faith in, in my case, people who take responsibility and help share the direction of my congregation, I can develop new empowering perceptions that I did not have the power to develop before. And though I tried alone, together we win. I can trust in that. One recurring difficultly for me has been my fear that stemmed my parents divorce in my youth. Now that I have a son of my own I fear the isolation he may feel if his parents are not married. I have recently let go of trying to “make his mother’s and I relationship work” because of this fear. I did morn over my parents divorce. But my son never saw his parents married. And has never seen the emotional upheaval of a divorce. The circumstances are different. But that is not the end of the story, as it never is, like the spiral of our temple there are layers and layers to unravel. I recognize more clearly now that similarly to Jesus, my son does not have to see me every day to know that I love him. Love transcends space and time. Only a few had the privilege of witnessing the power of Gods love in human form. However, faith in it is enough for God to transform a life. All good things come from God. And the love my son has for me and my love for him is Gods. And I understand more clearly that God can take his love that lives inside my son and I and do other good things, none of which I can take credit for, but can only participate in those portions that God wills me to do. My response to his calling is my only job and with the help of trusting relationships in my congregation, I trust that I can make the right decision when it counts the most. My father loved the baseball player Reggie Jackson, Mr. October. Mr. Clutch. I may make mistakes when it is not the most important but when more than just a few are counting on me; I know God provides the tools to help me make the right decision. Alone I am nothing, but together we are powerful. Amen.

PAGE 6 THE BEACON

Who’s Love? God’s

By Kris Crawford

PAGE 7 THE BEACON

More information and registration materials will be Coming Soon!

The theme for 2019 reunions all over the world is “Following the Spirit”. What a timely thought as we have faced

complications in the scheduling this year and decided that the best way to meet the most needs is to share the time that all states are out of school

between reunion and youth camps. In case you had not already heard, EGLMC Reunion will begin on Friday, June 28 at 2:00 pm and end at noon on Tuesday, July 2. Youth camps will take over the campground as reunion is vacating.

Guest ministry will be provided by Susan Naylor, and a general schedule for each day will be as follows:

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 2:00 pm Registration and settle in 5:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Welcome & Mixer 8:30 pm Campfire

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 7:15 am Early morning worship

8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Sharing Service 10:00 am Classes by Age Groups 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Rest period 2:00 pm Recreation including waterfront and corn hole tournament 4:00 Chat with MCFO Dena DeVormer 5:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Worship Service Speaker: Seth Bryant 8:30 pm Campfire followed by watermelon & welcome new camp manager Matt Doddo and family

SUNDAY, JUNE 30 7:15 am Early morning worship 8:00 am Breakfast 10:00 am Communion Service Speaker: Susan Naylor 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Rest period 2:00 pm Recreation including waterfront and softball game 4:00 pm Chats with Susan Naylor 5:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Song Service

PAGE 8

8:30 pm Campfire followed by ice cream sundaes

MONDAY, JULY 1 7:15 am Early morning worship 8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Sharing Service 10:00 am Classes by Age Groups 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Rest period 2:00 pm Recreation including waterfront and talent show 4:00 pm Chat with Glenn Johnson -Creating Connections 5:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Worship Service Speaker: John Spilsbury 8:30 pm Campfire with s’mores

TUESDAY, JULY 2 7:15 am Early morning worship 8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Sharing Service 10:00 am Closing Worship Service Speaker: Susan Naylor 12:00 pm Lunch is available Camp Clean UP

Reunion 2019 schedule

THE BEACON

Join the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation as we explore Community of Christ history in Israel and Palestine on a once in a lifetime tour October 22-31, 2019. Walk the paths that Jesus once walked and hear the stories of early missionaries as they shared the gospel during the 19th and 20th centuries. Highlights of the Holy Land Tour: Tour guests will experience the historic city of Bethlehem where Jesus was born, dip their toes in the River Jordan, sail on the Sea of Galilee, and walk the streets of Old Jerusalem remembering the stories of Jesus walking the same streets centuries ago. The tour will include stops in Jaffa, Caesarea, Nazareth, and Jericho. Our Holy Lands journey will also experience world renown sites such as the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Masada, and Qumran. Throughout the tour, Barb Walden will highlight the Community of Christ connection to the Holy Land as we stop at historic sites where the early missionaries served. Stories about early missionaries departing Nauvoo for the Holy Land in the 1840s. While touring the Maine Friendship House in Jaffa, guests will learn about the community experiment in the 1860s and the adventurous dreamers from Maine who later join Community of Christ. Guests will see a school and mission house built by the church in the early 20th century and hear the tales about the missionaries who served as teachers, ministers, tour guides, caretakers, entrepreneurs, and compassionate disciples of Christ. There will also be exciting extension tours available. For additional information and to reserve a seat on this once-in-a-lifetime tour www.historicsitesfoundation.org , click on the news and events tab HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2019 HOLY LAND TOUR? Contact Dawn Welch by phone at (732) 575-5477, or by email at: Dawn.AcademyTravel@gmail.com; or reach out to Mary Pennington by phone at: (443) 807-0290, or email at: aloha4travel@gmail.com

2019 Holy Land Tour Discover Community of Christ History in the Holy Land

October 22-31, 2019

BARBERTON AREA COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

High Priest Ruthellen Moore (center) and Elder Kay Patterson (right) presented BACM's Executive Director Dorothy Suchka Somerville with a $5000 donation. BACM provides a food pantry, weekly food deliveries to shut-ins, counseling in such areas as nutrition, cooking, budgeting, and assistance with veteran benefits and public programs such as SNAP, HEAP, and WIC

VALENTINE AUCTION This is an annual event that is so much fun, and is always well attended by church members, their families and friends, and several outside the church who have discovered the event and look forward to it each February! The congregation donates new or gently used items that are made into gift baskets, the church adds flowers, chocolates, and gift cards. Hot dogs with chili sauce, onions, or sauerkraut toppings are served with chips, and the food table is loaded with yummy desserts and candies! This year, under the leadership of church member Emily Parrish, we realized a $916.50 profit, the largest EVER since the auctions began!

2019 WORLD CONFERENCE Church members gathered on Saturday, April 6 to view via WEBCAST the opening activities at World Conference. This was a fun and rewarding way to support our delegates Kay Patterson and Nancy Moss. Congratulations to Ron and Joyce Harmon, newly transferred members of our congregation from the Elyria church, celebrating at World Conference along with their son, Ron Harmon Jr., as he was set apart as president of the quorum of Apostles.

PAGE 9 THE BEACON

Elyria ladies continue to meet. Six ladies met at the home of Ruthie Campbell for a light lunch and program. Kay Patterson shared her journey to Israel. Nancy Moss accompanied Kay for this informative and interesting afternoon. A lunch and card camp are planned for July and August.

The school year ended successfully for Andrew Fitzgerald and Kaeleigh Corrigan. Both finished ninth grade. Andrew lettered and received high academic honors. Kaeleigh lettered and received musical recognition for band participation.

Congratulations to Madalynne Stanic and Jordan Fitzgerald who were married in Columbus and will reside in this area.

Ray Campbell celebrated his 70th birthday with his Canadian family who traveled to Ohio and spent the Memorial weekend.

Larry Hinchcliffe is celebrating his granddaughter’s birthday in California. Larry took an extensive trip out west visiting family and friends in Arizona and arriving in California to visit both children.

News from Barberton By Deborah Hood

News from Elyria By ruth campbell

PAGE 10 THE BEACON

PEOPLE NEWS

ORDINATION: Randy Beilstein from New Hamburg congregation was ordained to the office of Deacon, April 28, 2019 by Elder Donald Herrick and Elder Brenda Connely.

DEATHS: Tony Gencarelli-Kirtland Janet Grinstead—Kirtland Ellen McLean - Buffalo/Clarence James Weaver- Buffalo/Clarence

The final official minutes of the 2019 World Conference business sessions are available at CofChrist.org/2019-world-conference. Once there, select the Official Actions box and choose the date you want to read. The minutes are reviewed by church officials and parliamentarians.

New memorial bench at Temple Grove it was placed on the porch of the dining hall where Larry requested so folks could look at lake. It is made of 600 milk jugs- guaranteed for 30 years not to warp, peel, or rot. It is a gift from the members of the Elyria congregation.

“All of giving begins and ends with God.” When President Steve Veazey made this remark, he pinpointed Community of Christ’s vision of generosity. A new publication, Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship, explains how stewardship includes our generous response on Sunday morning but, more importantly, is embraced through our actions and responses in all aspects of our lives. This 120-page resource provides insights about the importance of embracing generosity—receiving and giving—and deepening our discipleship with Christ. Through this easily understood book, individuals, families and groups can learn how stewardship means choosing to live our lives generously each and every day. The Six Principles of a Disciple’s Generous Response, from Receive God’s Gifts to Share Generously and Spend Responsibly, are explored. Each section includes questions for reflection. Choose Generosity, in English, is $10.95 at Herald House.

THE BEACON Page 11

“CHOOSE GENEROSITY” EXPLAINS THE ROLE OF STEWARDSHIP AS A WHOLE-

LIFE RESPONSE

Amid the global challenges of the 21st century, Community of Christ members and seekers want more than ever to make sense of the church’s deepest convictions.

A Way of Life: Understanding Our Christian Faith, a book by theologian and teacher Anthony Chvala-Smith, investigates in direct, easily understood language what it means to follow Jesus Christ in today’s world.

At 141 pages this work of theology speaks passionately from both Community of Christ’s transforming vision and the rich resources of the wider Christian tradition.

A Way of Life is a revised and much-expanded version of Understanding the Way. Addressing new topics such as “The Reasonableness of Faith,” “Faith and Science,” and “The Embodied Life,” this book, even more than its predecessor, brings the church’s faith into creative conversation with some of the urgent social and spiritual needs of the present.

“I am convinced,” Chvala-Smith wrote in the preface, “that Community of Christ has glimpsed something breathtaking, restorative, and transforming: a vision of Christian faith that not only critiques shallow distortions, but offers a luminous way of life shaped by an ongoing encounter with the Living Christ.”

A Way of Life: Understanding Our Christian Faith is $8.95, in English, from Herald House.

"WAY OF LIFE" IS A STRAIGHTFORWARD GUIDE TO

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF 2019 WORLD

CONFERENCE AVAILABLE

9017 Chillicothe Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094

Phone: 440-256-1441 Fax: 440-256-5533

Email: eglmcsandy@roadrunner.com

EASTERN GREAT LAKES MISSION CENTER

W E’ RE ON THE WEB! WWW. EGLMC. ORG

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY

2-6 EGLMC Summer Youth Camp

4 Independence Day

10 Emma Smith Hymn Festival Kirtland Temple

20-27 Spectacular, Graceland University, Lamoni, IA

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

1 World Hunger Emphasis Day

2 Labor Day

15 Heritage Day

21 Fall Festival at Temple Grove

22 Mission Center Conference at Temple Grove

Akron/Barberton Buffalo Clarence

Fayette City Greenwood

Kirtland Meadville

Mon Valley New Hamburg

New Philadelphia Niagara Falls

Pittsburgh Beechview Pittsburgh North Hills

Pittsburgh South Hills-Bethel Park Sharon

2020 REUNION DIRECTOR NEEDED 

While you are making plans to attend the 2019 EGLMC Reunion at Temple Grove, please consider if you would be willing to direct for 2020.

This can be done individually or by a team and is particularly suited to those with a gift for delegation! If you would be willing to serve contact: John Spilsbury at email: jspilsbury@CofChrist.org, Nina Warriner at email: nwarnner@eglmc.org, or Jim Huffman at email: jrhuffman@roadrunner.com.