“I see doors opening that we don’t even know exist, where more and more people will know there is a safe place for all to worship and experience the love of Christ”
– Barb Kernohan, Richmond, Ontario
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Topics:
Mission prayer | Mission Initiatives | Continuing Revelation | church camp | online ministry | Enduring Principles | Doctrine and Covenants |
Barb Kernohan is my name. I’m a lifelong member of Community of Christ, and I live in Richmond, Ontario. Over the many years of my life, I have heard the call of God, and I have answered the call by saying “yes,” most times. Change is not easy, and I have seen many changes in my life.
To help me live Christ’s mission, I have tried to keep the Mission Prayer close to my heart. It changed my life, and more importantly, it has changed other lives, near and far. I have taken on tasks beyond my capabilities and God has provided me the necessary strength and guidance over the years.
“God where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me the courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.”
Since we are called to be a prophetic people, I believe that together we can change the world by living and breathing this prayer. As we discern the will of God for now, and into the future, we will recognize where God is calling us to go, to be and do, as we move out in faith.
I have become passionate about online ministry and the many possibilities that lie ahead. I need interaction with others when I go to church — to read, preach, study and participate in activities, where we play and laugh together. There are many types of worship experiences available through online ministries. Fortunately, I have found a congregation “Sharing Love in Mission” (SLIM) which meets my needs to give and receive ministry.
In my dreams, I see people meeting in churches, in offices, in homes. I see many congregations offering both in person and online opportunities to gather — even though members are miles apart. I see a variety of worshiping styles across the nation and the possibilities are endless. I see a time when we will put fear aside and invite others to join us in our activities and be a part of something bigger than ourselves: the mission of Christ.
New ways of doing church are now a reality. We continue to learn how to step out of our comfort zone and this will continue as we strive to let go and let God to direct us. In the future, I see more opportunities for outreach as we look at the needs of our local communities and the world. When we connect with our communities, we begin to see with new eyes. As a member of “Sharing Love in Mission,” one of our pastoral team members is charged with coming up with new ideas of what we can do to make a difference. Even though I live on the other side of Ontario from where SLIM is based, I am able to adapt many of the projects we take on, in my small town where I live.
I see Canada East and West having reunions, retreats, activities, conferences, and other activities together both in person and online. Online activities have allowed us to keep connected remotely and have allowed us to gather, especially for those who are unable to attend in person. Transformation is taking place in the body of Christ through technology, and this will continue as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and open us to new possibilities. My dream sees more and more buildings fading into the past. The costs to keep church buildings open has become such a burden on small congregations, who are struggling to keep the lights on.
In summary, I see a future filled with people living Christ’s mission. I see a people living out the Enduring Principles in all parts of their lives. I see doors opening that we don’t even know exist, where more and more people will know there is a safe place for all to worship and experience the love of Christ, and where all will feel welcomed and enjoy the opportunity to live in community: “Community of Christ.”
“The challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead.” —Doctrine and Covenants 163:11b
To help me live Christ’s mission, I have tried to keep the Mission Prayer close to my heart. It changed my life, and more importantly, it has changed other lives, near and far. I have taken on tasks beyond my capabilities and God has provided me the necessary strength and guidance over the years.
“God where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me the courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.”
Since we are called to be a prophetic people, I believe that together we can change the world by living and breathing this prayer. As we discern the will of God for now, and into the future, we will recognize where God is calling us to go, to be and do, as we move out in faith.
I have become passionate about online ministry and the many possibilities that lie ahead. I need interaction with others when I go to church — to read, preach, study and participate in activities, where we play and laugh together. There are many types of worship experiences available through online ministries. Fortunately, I have found a congregation “Sharing Love in Mission” (SLIM) which meets my needs to give and receive ministry.
In my dreams, I see people meeting in churches, in offices, in homes. I see many congregations offering both in person and online opportunities to gather — even though members are miles apart. I see a variety of worshiping styles across the nation and the possibilities are endless. I see a time when we will put fear aside and invite others to join us in our activities and be a part of something bigger than ourselves: the mission of Christ.
New ways of doing church are now a reality. We continue to learn how to step out of our comfort zone and this will continue as we strive to let go and let God to direct us. In the future, I see more opportunities for outreach as we look at the needs of our local communities and the world. When we connect with our communities, we begin to see with new eyes. As a member of “Sharing Love in Mission,” one of our pastoral team members is charged with coming up with new ideas of what we can do to make a difference. Even though I live on the other side of Ontario from where SLIM is based, I am able to adapt many of the projects we take on, in my small town where I live.
I see Canada East and West having reunions, retreats, activities, conferences, and other activities together both in person and online. Online activities have allowed us to keep connected remotely and have allowed us to gather, especially for those who are unable to attend in person. Transformation is taking place in the body of Christ through technology, and this will continue as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and open us to new possibilities. My dream sees more and more buildings fading into the past. The costs to keep church buildings open has become such a burden on small congregations, who are struggling to keep the lights on.
In summary, I see a future filled with people living Christ’s mission. I see a people living out the Enduring Principles in all parts of their lives. I see doors opening that we don’t even know exist, where more and more people will know there is a safe place for all to worship and experience the love of Christ, and where all will feel welcomed and enjoy the opportunity to live in community: “Community of Christ.”
“The challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead.” —Doctrine and Covenants 163:11b
