Breaking Bread, April 2025

In this Lenten season, we encounter greater uncertainties in our world, countless challenges, distress, and grief to process. Our society is witnessing its most marginalized, and our sibling’s experiencing deep affliction, and unrest. I hope we can agree, everyone deserves safety, dignity, and justice.  According to Laurence Hull Stookey (paraphrasing), during Lent we are to think carefully about “our human condition, and the transforming power God offers will apply to the needs of all.”[1]

These days of spiritual journeying should help us to discover, rediscover, and question moral crisis. Whether they are found in our own lives, around us and / or in our country (USA) which seemingly pervades. We should confront these and turn away from their paths which lead to destruction. With this in spirit, and mind, a colleague in ministry is helping lead and support his congregation through Lent with a careful eye on the beatitudes.

I have been reflecting on, and praying with the same, particularly Matthew’s frame, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt. 5:4 NRSV). Eugene M. Boring reminds us that the beatitudes were based on Isaiah 61:1-11. Its community were found in deep lament over the desolation of the city. So… God’s people are very familiar with difficult times, mourning and lamenting. He also says, the “grammatical form of the verb “shall be comforted” …points to an eschatological future.”[2] This is the Good News. What I pray we can hold and embrace that we are free to mourn, and lament, advocate, respond, and work to rebuild / repair what has been broken. Yes! There is a tension between our pain and promise. But there is so much we can still do to change circumstances whether in our own lives and of those around us and beyond with the help of God and each other. I hope we can continue to believe and share that God continues to offer all of us and this world transforming power.

Blessings,
Richie

[1] Stookey, Laurence Hull. Calendar: Christ's Time for the Church. New York: HarperCollins, 1996, pg. 81

[2] Boring, M. Eugene. "The Gospel of Matthew." The New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 8, edited by Leander E. Keck, Abingdon Press, 1994, pp. 179.

The 17th Korean Disciples Convocation

The 17th Korean Disciples Convocation: A Time of Fellowship, Reflection, and Renewal

The 17th Korean Disciples Convocation was held from January 13 to 16 at First Christian Church (FCC) Las Vegas, bringing together Korean Disciples pastors and leaders for a time of deep fellowship, learning, and spiritual renewal. This annual gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for clergy to reflect on their ministry, share insights, and discuss the future direction of Korean Disciples churches within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Joyful Korean Christian Church, which worships within the FCC Las Vegas community, graciously hosted the convocation, offering warm hospitality that made all attendees feel truly welcome. From the moment participants arrived, they were met with open arms and genuine kindness, reflecting the spirit of Christian love and unity. Meals were thoughtfully prepared, spaces were arranged with care, and every detail of the event was handled with a spirit of service, making the gathering not only fruitful but also deeply heartwarming.

Approximately 40 Korean pastors from various regions attended, engaging in rich discussions about the present and future of Korean Disciples congregations. One of the central themes of this year’s convocation was the importance of pastoral spiritual self-care—a topic that resonated deeply with many attendees. Through a series of insightful seminars, pastors explored both the theological and practical aspects of sustaining their own well-being while shepherding their congregations. Sessions focused on recognizing the signs of burnout, cultivating a healthy rhythm of work and rest, and embracing spiritual practices that nourish both the mind and soul.

Beyond the structured seminars, the convocation provided ample time for personal reflection and mutual encouragement. Pastors had the chance to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and find renewed strength in the bonds of shared faith and mission. Whether through small group discussions, prayerful moments, or informal conversations over meals, the gathering fostered a deep sense of community and support.

A special word of gratitude was expressed to the Pacific Southwest Region (PSWR), FCC Las Vegas, and Joyful Korean Christian Church for their unwavering support in making this event possible. Their hospitality and dedication to this gathering ensured that every participant felt uplifted and cared for, embodying the very essence of Christian fellowship.

As the convocation concluded, attendees left with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to return to their respective ministries with fresh vision and encouragement. The spirit of unity, reflection, and renewal experienced in Las Vegas will undoubtedly continue to inspire and strengthen the Korean Disciples community in the months and years to come.

Breaking Bread, February 2025

La Luz

If you have live/d in Southern California for quite some time it might not be too hard to decipher what the two word theme of this reflection means, La Luz – The Light. I have to share with you, so much, and like many of you I can hear and see the distress all around and throughout this region.

We have begun the year, with fires in LA (January 7, 2025), and have witnessed the “good hearts” of neighbors helping neighbors. Both, home to home, block to block, church to church, organization to organization, community to community, city to city, state to state, and nation to nation. This disaster proved that  humanity is interdependent and can be served across all kinds of socio-economic, cultural, faith, and political lines. We might hear the American Music Gospel Singer, Bishop Hezekiah Walker in response so rhythmically in song (I need you to survive) and chorus sing, “I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s body.” I can’t thank our volunteers, clergy, congregations, our partners, and Week of Compassion enough for its support and care in responding to our needs in the LA fires, and providing long-term commitment to this disaster relief and recovery. Please follow our efforts and find more information on our wildfire recovery webpage. One of the “Marks of a Faithful Region,”(1) is enabling congregations to do things together that cannot be done alone.

Almost simultaneously, we have entered into a time filled with disappointing national news, disparaging rhetoric, many societal changes and challenges to our long time institutions, local and global commitments. If there is ever a moment, we need a light and the light during these times. In the midst of what can feel like a barrage of despair. I wonder, where are you finding the Light? Let me remind you, that as believers we can find, and hold on to the Light and Eternal Hope. In order to do so, we should care about our prayers, our attention, our surroundings, and our focus. Love and “Good Hearts” are all around us. If we may only search for its constant being even, in the faces of our greatest trials and contests. Love and Light can be found in these tough times.

Just before the year closed, we welcomed the Church Narrative Project and Eight Powerful and Moving Story Tellers from throughout the PSWR (watch it here on our Youtube channel). These helped to “tickle our imagination” and inspiration for our shared future. I believe these might help you find La Luz and encounter eternal hope. Please take the time and enjoy! We will be launching more information about our continued work in the Church Narrative Project, soon again.

This past weekend, in San Diego, California, I found more hope and La Luz. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines, Senior Pastor, University Christian Church, and Rev. Vy Nguyen, Executive Director of Week of Compassion for the invitation. We were able to participate in a series of conversations, and visits of organizations on both sides of the San Diego / Tijuana border. We had some time with our Disciples, ELCA, Episcopal, and UCC sibling in exploration about additional work and response to immigration in our very own locations. Please pray for our growing future efforts. As our visits only further proved, in the faces of our greatest trials and contests La Luz can be seen and found when we search for it. We witnessed creativity, and responses that promote dignity for all vulnerable populations. “People of Good Hearts” serving and welcoming everyone, caring for the dignity of humanity, which is interdependent. Yes… We are all a part of God’s body! More to come.

Blessings,
Richie

Remembering Rev. Dr. Francisco Ramos

On October 9th, 2024, our Associate Regional Minister, Director for Hispanic Ministries, Rev. Dr. Francisco Ramos passed from this life into his eternal rest. Over the past few weeks, his life has been remembered and celebrated throughout his hometown of Utuado, Puerto Rico, and West Covina, CA.

On November 1, 2024, congregations across our Pacific Southwest Region joined Casa de Refugio Christian Church to celebrate his life. Among the many wonderful things remembered about his love for family, church, ministry, leadership, service, friendship, and collegiality. Highlighted was the excitement for his recent graduation as a Doctor of Ministry, and the dream for his wife and children to advance their own educational aspiration.

During that event, on behalf of our regional leadership, I invited our congregations and leaders to support this dream with a donation to the Rev. Dr. Francisco Ramos education fund (temporary) between now, and December 31, 2024. The total amount raised will be matched (up to 10 thousand dollars). These funds are for the support of his family in their pursuits of advanced education. I would like to thank Rev. Dr. Mandye Yates, and First Christian Church, Fullerton for its lead gift of one thousand dollars in his memory and support of this endeavor.

Please donate through this secure link.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Blessings,
Richie

New Disciples Women Coordinator: Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi

Dear PSWR Disciples Women, 

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as your new coordinator for the Disciples Women’s Ministry in the Pacific Southwest Region. My name is Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi, and I am eager to begin this journey with you as we continue to grow and support one another in our faith and ministry.

As a coordinator, my primary goal is to listen, learn, and serve our community of dedicated and inspiring women. I am committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, and spiritual growth. Together, we can strengthen our bonds, share our diverse experiences, and work towards fulfilling the mission of the Disciples Women’s Ministry.

I am thrilled to have had my first official Women’s Ministry event take place on September 12th at First Christian Church of Orange during their women’s luncheon gathering. This event marked the beginning of what I hope will be a series of meaningful connections across our region. As I step into this new role, I am excited to connect with your churches as well, to listen to your needs, and to work together in empowering Disciples Women throughout our community. 

One of my immediate focuses will be to connect with each of you, understand your needs and aspirations, and explore how we can best support one another. I believe in the power of open communication and mutual support, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I hope that, through our collective efforts, we can create a vibrant, nurturing, and empowering community that reflects the love of Christ in all we do.

Thank you for your warm welcome and for entrusting me with this important role. I am deeply humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to walking this path with you.

With love and gratitude,
Miseon Choi

Disciples Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Pacific Southwest Region