Representatives of the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation have a long history of offering their message about heritage and preservation at reunions, congregations, and World Conference.
Now they can add SPECTACULAR to the list. Executive Director Barb Walden and Karen Norton, historian for the British Isles Mission Centre, taught a class called "Storytellers." "It was a perfect fit with our 2018 theme, 'ST()RY,' and it added a richness to the gathering of our international participants," said Jenn Killpack, a co-director of the event, which drew just under 1,000 students. "By sharing stories from the church's past and present, they helped campers get a sense of where the church has been and who the church is being called to become. "Stories connect us to our history, to our core values, and to the things that make us who we are." The event, held annually in late July at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, drew attendees from four nations. "I was greatly impressed with how the senior highs responded to the church history stories and shared in a very vulnerable and open way," Walden said. "It gave me great hope for the next generation of church history supporters in Community of Christ." An effort of peacemaking, done through a special service at the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois, recently brought together representatives of different faiths for a meaningful service and a candlelight reflection.
The event, held June 27 at the Smith Family Cemetery, is an annual memorial service. According to the program it "brings together members of multiple fellowships who trace their histories back to the ministry of Joseph Smith Jr." The program also stated: "We come together to remember Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum and the peacemaking that has helped bring their descendants closer together." The evening included music, reading, a laying of flowers, and a closing that featured the hymn, "The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning." The candlelight reflection followed. We started with a goal of four. Then we raised it to five. And because of your generosity, we finished with enough funds for six. What we're talking about here is the "$20K by 20 May" Campaign, a fund-raiser for the Alma Blair Internship Program with the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.
The campaign started when board members personally pledged $10,000 to be matched dollar-for-dollar by donors. The $20,000 amount would have funded four summer interns at historic sites supported by the foundation. Supporters quickly matched the $10,000--and then they kept giving. So the goal was raised to fund five interns. And still you gave. When the campaign ended, officials reported that donors gave more than $30,000! That means funding is available for six interns. These internships change lives, support the church, and aid historic sites such as the Kirtland Temple in Ohio and the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois. THANK YOU Leaders are working on a tour that will let viewers explore various rooms, enter the pew boxes, and even stand behind the pulpits.
"It will give people an opportunity to go places they'd never be able to go," said Site Director Seth Bryant. The tour also will offer different views. For example, a "dollhouse" presentation will present a 3D view of the Temple's main floors. Though the project is not yet complete, guests can sample what they'll be able to see by visiting www.Kirtlandtemple.org/3d-tour/teaser. |
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