The COVID-19 pandemic has brought undeniable hardship and pain. However, some blessings are coming from it, too. One is a video project sponsored by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.
     It’s called, “We Are All Storytellers.” In a time when so many people are feeling isolated, this project offers an opportunity for people to connect through stories. The project is seeking to collect stories from church history that reflect the goodness in humanity (people helping others, making sacrifices, practicing forgiveness, and offering generosity).
   Remember, we’re all storytellers. So brush up on your storytelling skills. Then visit the foundation’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Community-of-Christ-Historic-Sites-Foundation-194388303381/) to enjoy—and offer—stories.

All properties supported by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation are among closures announced Friday, March 13, by World Church officials.

Those properties include the Kirtland Temple Complex in Ohio; the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois; Liberty Hall in Lamoni, Iowa; the historic Plano Stone Church in Illinois; and Heritage Plaza in Independence, Missouri.

Closures are being done in an effort to protect people from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Closures will run until at least Monday, April 13, The situation continues to be monitored.  

The coronavirus has forced another closing.
Officials announced Thursday, March 12, that the Kirtland Temple in Ohio would be closed for at least three weeks. The move will be done in coordination with local school closures.
The situation will be re-evaluated after the three weeks. The closing came just days after the Temple had re-opened for the spring season.

     Except for fighting the crowds, everyone loves the idea of a summer trip. But if you’re itching to soak in a bit of church history, see an incredible site, and beat the crush of tourists, you don’t have to wait for summer.
     The Kirtland Temple in Ohio has begun its spring hours, which will run through April. Guests may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. On Sunday, the hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
     Exceptions will be on Good Friday and Easter, when the Temple will be closed.
     The Temple, also known as the House of the Lord, is a National Historical Landmark. It still is used for worship, education, and leadership.

​     It’s time to make travel plans.
    If you like stories, learning about church heritage, and seeing spectacular fall vistas, you’ll want to sign up for a tour sponsored by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.
    “A Story to Tell: Women in Community of Christ History,”  scheduled October 5–15, will offer stories of hardship, inspiration, and faith.
     The tour will span eight states and include stops at numerous church, historic, and scenic sites. Visit www.historicsitesfoundation.org/womens-history-tour.html for more information.

       If you’re seeking an internship, working for the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation checks all the key boxes.
        They bring college credits, a salary, an opportunity to deepen your faith, and a lot of fun.
        For more information about internships, visit  www.CofChrist.org/human-resources-job-opportunities.
     Interns at the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the Kirtland Temple in Ohio will lead walking tours while serving as historical interpreters.
 

​            Thanks.
            It’s a simple word, but it comes from the heart of board members and supporters of the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.
            Thanks for caring. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for helping the foundation meet its December fundraising goal of $25,000 in 25 days.
            Your generosity is remarkable. It will help support new education programs, host more Storyteller events, and continue a fascinating series of tours. Most important, it will help people connect with their church heritage in meaningful and personal ways.
            Again, thanks!

                It’s January.
            Predictably, much of North America is wrapped in snow, ice, and cold. It’s the kind of weather that makes a person want to hunker down in front of the fireplace and avoid—at all costs—stepping outside.
            But if you’re forced to stay inside, perhaps you can use the time to plan something worthwhile, like a trip to one—or more—of the properties supported by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation. Spring isn’t far off, and summer will bring a season of opportunities.
            You could check out the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois; visit the Kirtland Temple complex in Ohio; stop at the Plano Stone Church in Illinois; check out Liberty Hall in Lamoni, Iowa; or visit Heritage Plaza near the Temple in Independence, Missouri.
            Don’t let the weather get you down; start planning today!

      Preservation of a piece of church history will take place because of a grant recently approved by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation.
      The $6,500 grant will fund photographing of preaching charts. They’re relics from an earlier era, made from cloth. They contain folk art and illustrate sermon points and scriptural stories. They’re often huge, sometimes surpassing 20 feet.
            “They were the ultimate visual aid,” said Board Member Scott Britton-Mehlisch.
           Because of their size, special photography equipment is needed.
         “We want to document them and preserve them,” said Lachlan Mackay, director of the church’s historic sites. “You’re not going to do it with an iPhone.
          “We understand their importance from a historical standpoint.”
          Mackay said more than 100 are in the church’s collection.