Breaking Bread, April 2024

“On that day a fountain shall be opened…” - Zechariah 13:1 

Over the past couple of weeks, I was given an opportunity to slow down, look around, recover, and reflect a bit on where I’ve been as well to consider some possible new way/s ahead. The regional board and staff have been kind to support this type of endeavor.  I think many can relate how easy it can be to become swept up into a schedule that can dehumanize ones sense of self.  I have been reading: In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honoré. He quotes, Milan Condera’s 1996 Novela on Slowness, “When things happen too fast nobody can be certain about anything, anything at all, not even, about (their) self.” Carl Honoré does not attempt an argument against our advance/s brought on by hard work. Although, he argues that much can be missed when we speed everything up. It is hard not to live with a sense that everything around us, our society, organizations, people and even, churches are moving faster. What do you think? 

Last week, I heard a presenter say when we are faced with death, our priorities and sense of urgencies change.  Zechariah Chapter 12 ends with a promised “spirit of compassion and supplication…when they look on the one whom they have pierced.” When we are faced with the most difficult of circumstances and hard decisions there is a spirit that is poured out for us. I don’t pretend it will always cause you to slow things down. Although, compassion and supplication will lead you to be more tender, with everything and everyone around you. I can attest that my little bit of time off was revelatory, and fostered lots to share with you. 

While shopping I came across an Interactive Fountain in Chino, CA. Those who live nearby might be familiar with this place. Fountains are sources to quench our thirsts, they can be fashioned into jets of water to provide an aesthetic for inspiration, reflection, and pleasure. Zechariah used this word as a place for believers to cleansed, changed, and renewed from the snares in life. To my surprise, Chino, built a fountain that is interactive. As I sat by this fountain, I could contemplate, study, learn, pray and others could sip a cup of coffee or cold beverage, engage in conversation, and relax. Still more, could bring theirselves and children to be refreshed from the heat, to play, and share in the joy of childlike laughter from being changed. I don’t know if Zechariah imagined this kind of fountain to be opened for the people of God. But, I hope you’ll find some time to slow down, to be open for the spirit of compassion and supplication (prayer). I wonder if we might open a Digital Interactive Fountain for each other around the region. Maybe, this Interactive Fountain could too refresh your soul, help you to become empowered and changed to face the everyday. Drop us a comment about your thoughts and experience in the blog.  

Blessings, 
Richie 

Welcome Cisa Payuyo as Associate Regional Minister for Clergy Care

Our Regional Church is pleased to announce that Rev. Patricia “Cisa” Payuyo has been appointed as Associate Regional Minister for Clergy Care, effective Monday, January 22, 2024.  A member of All Peoples Christian Church, Los Angeles, CA. Rev. Cisa has deep roots and leadership experiences within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Pacific Southwest region. She previously served as Associate Director of Church Relations at Chapman University, Orange, CA for twenty years, and helped to oversee the Disciples on Campus program, the only Progressive Christian Group on the Campus. During that time, Rev. Cisa also served as a Campus Chaplain and an Advisor to the Student Interfaith Council. Rev. Cisa has been helping to Co-Chair our region’s Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Committee, which coordinates Anti-Racism education for our clergy and congregations.

Rev. Richie Sanchez, Regional Minister shared, “Rev. Cisa and I had been praying about this role for months, now is the time! Last year, our Clergy Summit had a great attendance and response. We heard and listened to new needs. I am grateful for the many gifts Rev. Cisa has brought to the life of our region and look forward to working with her, bringing about a continuing focused effort to serve our clergy with care, not only responsively, but more proactively and intentionally. We are experiencing unimaginable changes in the church, and this will be one more way to help bring attention and increased care for our Clergy, those active, and retired. Let us pray for abundant and bountiful blessings in this newest chapter of ministry for Rev. Cisa and our region.” Please join us in celebrating Rev. Cisa’s appointment to this new position.  

Bio for Cisa Payuyo

Rev. Patricia “Cisa” Payuyo (she/her pronouns) is a retired active ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has served the Disciples denomination in several capacities: Pacific Southwest Regional Moderator from 1999 – 2001, First Vice Moderator to the 2003 Regional Assembly, North American Pacific Asian Disciples (NAPAD) board member from 2014-2016, and NAPAD Young Adults Minister. Cisa served as Associate Director of Church Relations at Chapman University in Orange, California for twenty years, and helped to oversee the Disciples on Campus program, the only Progressive Christian group on the campus. During that time, Cisa also served as a campus chaplain and an advisor to the student Interfaith Council. Cisa is currently co-chair of the PSWR Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation committee and the coordinator of Anti-Racism education for clergy and congregations in the region.   

In 2003, Cisa was part of the first cohort of the Certificate of Ministry Studies program, a collaborative venture between the of Pacific School of Religion and Disciples Seminary Foundation. She attended the second campus of the San Francisco Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and later transferred to Claremont School of Theology. She was ordained in 2019.  

This year, Cisa joined the Board of Directors of Disciples Home Missions, the PSWR Committee on Ministry, and became Moderator at her home church, All Peoples Christian Church. 

Before working at Chapman University, Cisa was a case manager at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), an urban non-profit center where she gave guidance to underserved middle school students and their parents.  

Cisa and her family are inhabitants near the Yaanga Village of the Kizh/Tongva Territory (City of Los Angeles, California, near Historic Filipinotown). She is married to Ed Ramolete, who is also an Anti-Racism educator. Their three adult children, Donovan, Nikolas, and Nina, son-in-law Chris, grandson Kennedy, along with their dog Moe help keep their lives grounded and full of joy.  

Breaking Bread, February 2024

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations;
    I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.
    Selah                        – Psalm 46: 9 - 11a

Last year, December was a rough month for me, and still, it seems we are all amid a season filled with illnesses. Like so many others, I had to be treated several times over for flus, and common colds. I tried to push my body beyond its limits and warnings. I’m grateful for the skills of the physician and her voice that asked me, do you need me to write a note for you to take some time off?  I smiled and said, thank you, no that’s not necessary. I hear you loud and clear.

According to the New Interpreters Bible, these two words, Be Still, are heard by contemporary readers as “a call to meditation or relaxation when it should be heard in the light of (verse) 9 as something like “Stop!” or “Throw down your weapons!” In other words, “Depend on God instead of yourselves.” Because of the state of our world, we might do well to share this notion between warring nations and within some of our very own national politics. Although, there is so… much to do and our needs are growing. I must confess it has been hard for me to just stop! I wonder about others, pastors, and leaders, is this too a challenge for them?  How about you? Please don’t worry, I am doing well and becoming healthier. Too, we have some upcoming plans to announce to “be still” and “stop” for just a period. More information to come, very soon.

I find it curious that Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day meet on the same date, this year. It has been recommended by some faith leaders for those who celebrate Valentine’s Day to choose another day, before or during the weekend. I can share, as always, our congregations and clergy have been planning creative news ways to begin the upcoming season of Lent. Harbor Christian Church, Newport Beach entitles their service, “Roses and Ashes” between 3pm – 6pm and First Christian Church, North Hollywood has two “drive-thru services” between 12 pm – 1 pm and another at 5:45 pm. A spiritual experience, indeed, where some might only find in a drive-thru coffee in the morning. I name just a few, please visit more of our congregations on docpswr.org for a service near you.

“This season engages us in the process of confronting who we are by nature, who we are by God’s purpose and redeeming action, and what we can become by divine grace.” (Stookey, Laurence Hull, 1996, pg. 88). It is my hope whether it be in the practice of just being still, stopping, or confronting that which holds us from the beauty of all we can become in the life of Jesus Christ. Whom in which, we can depend on and allow ourselves to give way to the matchless love of God. May Jesus be your center more and more each day. 

With hope, gratitude, and prayers,
Richie

Breaking Bread, October 2023

The War and Crisis in Israel / Palestine

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” 
– Martin Luther King, Jr. (Washington DC Address, February 1968) 

Disciples and the UCC were among Twenty-Seven Christian Churches and agencies to address a letter to Congress about the ongoing war in Israel / Palestine. Find the letter here (published October 12, 2023).

“It is our hope and prayer that the leaders and people of Israel and Palestine will find a way to come together in the spirit of cooperation, love, and justice, with the goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for the benefit of all involved. In the meantime, we extend our support and prayers to all who are affected by the ongoing violence, and we continue to hold onto the belief that peace, compassion, and justice will ultimately prevail. May grace and love be with all God's children in this difficult time.” 
– Rev. B.J. Barlow, Associate Regional Minister, PSWR and Pastor, First Christian Church, Ontario

A Great Summit and Gathering 

What a Pastoral Summit! Our Pastors, Chaplains, Clergy and Retired Clergy joined together for a couple of days (October 12th – 13th), just before the Regional Gathering. It was a time of great recreation, fellowship, rest, refreshment, and sessions for the soul. We trust those who were able to attend felt appreciated and valued for their ministries. Instruction and support came by way of Joselyn Spence and Sarah Serrano, Mental Health, and Wellness Initiative at National Benevolent Association. The Summit’s grand finale was a performance by the Leo Powell and Friends band. Leo’s Dad, Drew Powell and Trudie Kirkland helped to entertain, sing, and bring us a spirited experience. All the band are members (including John Dixon and Matt Carmody) of First Christian Church, North Hollywood, each made the night beautiful and special, indeed. Too, we received event support from Greg Kirkland and Erin Zavala.

What a Regional Gathering! Words cannot express enough our deep heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the long list of PSWR Disciples and partners who made the celebration of our covenantal relationship so special. Our Regional Gathering Worship Experience was amazing. We were led in a morning guided meditation by Rev. Dr. Christy Newton, Executive Director, Disciples Seminary Foundation and were blessed with a keynote sermon by Rev. Yolanda Norton, Founder and Director of the Global Arts and Theology Experience. We experienced a wonderful array of workshops including two in Spanish led by Rev. Dr. Esther Robles, Education Coordinator, Obra Hispana, Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries.

We are glad for the scholarship of Rev. Dr. Aizaiah G. Yong, and Dr. Sharon Jacob who offered us a session considering the scripture and reflection on our Regional Gathering Theme, With All (Matthew 22:37 NRSV).

Amid these times of war around the world, difficult loss, distress, challenges, and struggles we do not lose “infinite hope.” “…Hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” - Romans 5:5 NLT 

Highlights of the day can be viewed through photos and videos on our Regional Gathering webpage.

With gratitude, prayers, and infinite hope,

Richie

Breaking Bread, September 2023

 Interesting times

News outlets following Hurricane Hilary, hours before its land arrival downgraded its strength and noted the last time a tropical storm made landfall in Southern California was in 1939. A state of emergency was declared for our readiness to support response and recovery. People were warned by local officials to stay off the roads and avoid non-essential or unnecessary travel. Using the latest weather’s forecasts, our congregations responded in a myriad of ways and best served their community’s needs. During the tropical storm, a 5.1 earthquake shook the Los Angeles area, and built the growing concern for wildfires. State officials were quoted as saying, “it’s certainly interesting times.”

While, two weeks ago, these events were pale to the images in our minds and hearts from the wildfires that devastated Lahaina, Maui.  Having now been reported as 100% contained (Hawaii News Now) since the blazes began on August 8, 2023. Understandably, there are growing questions and concerns about the local and state’s officials’ warnings, support, response, and recovery. This article is not to directly raise a juxtapose between each state’s efforts in their warning systems of disasters. Let’s hold in tension there is a vast difference between each state, economically. We can be proud of response and recovery efforts from all-around toward the common interest of our sibling.

The PSWR has three congregations on Oahu, unaffected directly. But, still affected, as the Aloha spirit connects, grows, spreads and shares in our siblings’ needs. We do well to continue in our prayers for them. Also, we don’t forget all the good we must and can do in response. I’m grateful for the covenant we share with these and those ties that bind us to one another. We can continue to support these response and recovery efforts with donations to Week of Compassion, our relief, refugee, and development mission fund. As it has faithfully done for years, it works with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world.

I would be remiss to not acknowledge, amid these disasters, there are stresses, anxieties, and concerns our pastors and clergy are navigating. I am so proud of the congregations who are taking notice, encouraging, and supporting their pastors’ sabbaticals. I know we all need to do more to care for those who support/s and lead/s the church and humanity, in these, “certainly interesting times!” May our statement of faith encourage and empower us, “In Christ’s name and by his grace (as) we accept our mission of witness and service to all people (including our pastors and clergy).”

Hope to see you at our upcoming Regional Gathering.

With hope, gratitude, and prayers,
Richie