Face to Face Ministries
Mission trips, gatherings, and retreats where CCM shows up in person — serving, worshiping, and growing in faith side by side.
Navajo Mission Trip
A hands-on opportunity to serve — building, providing care, and assisting with local projects while sharing spiritual support. Mission trips build meaningful connections and make a tangible difference.
[This trip ran June 8–15, 2026 — update with next year’s dates]
Contact Derek Sanders at 847-875-0778 for details.
Donations: check payable to “Hear the Cry Ministries” or “Sacred Fire Church” — mail to Hear the Cry Ministries, PO Box 3923, Shiprock, NM 87420.
CCM Celebration
Our Celebration 2026 gathering — “My Place in the World” — was a blessing. We rediscovered where God sees us in an ever-changing world, together at Saint’s Grove in Glencoe, Oklahoma.
[2027 dates & registration link not yet announced]
Want to teach, preach, sing, lead, or organize next year? Contact Chrisy & JJ Ripsam at 850-607-5101 or christyripsam@gmail.com.
Spectacular (SPEC)
The largest annual youth gathering in Community of Christ — over 1,100 campers and leaders for a week of worship, arts, music, sports, and leadership development.
[2026 theme “Love First” has passed — check for next year’s dates]
Weekend Retreats
Our Alabama Spiritual Encounter Weekend filled us deeply with the Holy Spirit as we worshiped together and shared personal testimonies of healing and hope — a picture of what a CCM retreat weekend looks like.
Next Encounter Weekend: coming March 2027 — exact date to be announced.
International Youth Forum 2027
Community of Christ’s International Youth Forum returns — mark your calendar for the Temple in Independence, Missouri.
Wednesday, July 7 – Friday, July 9, 2027
In-Person Ministries FAQ.
What is CCM Celebration?
Celebration is CCM’s annual gathering, held at Saint’s Grove in Glencoe, Oklahoma. See the full Celebration recap, or contact Chrisy & JJ Ripsam at christyripsam@gmail.com to get involved in planning next year’s gathering.
What is Spectacular (SPEC)?
Spectacular is the largest annual youth gathering in Community of Christ, drawing over 1,100 campers and leaders for a week of worship, arts, music, sports, and leadership development.
How do I get involved with a mission trip?
CCM regularly supports a Navajo Mission Trip. Contact Derek Sanders at 847-875-0778 for details on the next trip.
What is the International Youth Forum?
The International Youth Forum is a Community of Christ event returning July 7–9, 2027 at the Temple in Independence, Missouri.