“Like campers who have bonded over cook fires far from home, we remain grateful for the provisions that we have brought with us from those cupboards, but we also find them more delicious when we share them with one another under the stars." - Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church: A Memoir Of Faith
Over the course of my past two weekends, visiting three congregations, I hold deep gratitude for those provisions’ others have shared from long ago that allow/ed us to have something from which to draw from and share with others. “Campers (like ourselves) …bonded over cook fires far from home.” We have so much, to learn from one another. I believe God is still working, and so can we upon the earth. I pray we hold on to our covenant and the belief that when shared under the stars, our collective provisions, efforts, and heart can make almost anything possible. Let us keep loving one another as Christ loves us.
Casa de Oracion, May 25, 2024
On May 26th, Casa de Oración (located formerly in San Diego) celebrated the dedication of their new location in National City, CA. A host of ecumenical guests, Disciples Pastors and lay leaders from far, near and wide were in attendance. Special greetings were heard from the location’s previous pastor, the National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries of the CC DOC in the US and Canada, Rev. Lori Tapia, the Mayor of National City, Ron Morrison, and yours truly. We are all excited about their new facilities, location, and prospects of ministry in the city. We are grateful for the generosity of many partners like Disciples Church Extension Fund, Disciples Seminary Foundation, Pacific Southwest Region, Casa de Oración leadership, members, and friends.
In my greetings, I was glad to offer up a challenge to Mayor Morrison about parking needs in the area. He noted the city is already working on helping area residents with programs like FRANC (Free Shuttle Service – Electric Vehicles requested on an App). I appreciate/d his time and heart for the city and the church. The city has a growing population. Casa de Oración is already an integral part of this new growth, mission, and ministry in the city.
University Christian Church, June 2, 2024
The following weekend, I had wonderful experiences to visit two of our congregations on the book ends of Southern California (Bakersfield and San Diego). Each had amazing events occurring in their lives, Mill Creek Christian Church, Bakersfield was host to the Multi-Regional Disciples Men event (June 1st – 2nd) and University Christian Church, San Diego celebrated the grand re-opening and dedication of their new preschool building (June 2nd). Too, we are grateful for the generosity and partnership of Disciples Church Extension Fund for such an endeavor. These congregations are led by Disciples Ministers’ who are gifted, visionary, and strong social justice advocates. In a multitude of ways, we are grateful, overjoyed, and moved in Spirit because of these celebrations.
Multi-Regional Men’s Retreat, June 1-2, 2024
It was Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister for Mid-America, serving as keynote speaker for the Multi-Regional Disciples Men event that brought back to my attention this quote from Barbara Brown Taylor. It conveys well what my weekends of experiences were like, our covenanting, and partnering for the sake of good news in the earth. I don’t believe we’re expected to build or expand the reign of God without each other. These three congregations and many more enjoy a relationship under the vastness of a covenant in God through Jesus Christ. This wondrous creation we have come to know as the Church shaped and molded by the Potter’s Hands. Who by themselves can create how God envisions or sees the Church? I / we have been graced and surrounded by faithful and beloved pastors and leaders who helped me make meaning of our Disciples faith communities.
Blessings,
Richie