Prop 47 passed - Now what?

PSWR's 2014 Regional Assembly unanimously approved to endorse California's Proposition 47 which the voters passed on November 4.

This ends felony sentencing for non-violent crimes such as drug possession and theft, which are now misdemeanors. This historic move provides greater employment opportunities and restores civil rights such as voting and jury service to persons convicted of these crimes. It also releases state funding to be moved from state corrections to vital budget areas such as education.

It is important to note that those who have been convicted of the crimes affected by Prop 47, must file a petition to the court to have the crime reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Rev. Nora Jacob helps us to respond as Christ's Church to this movement. 

Young Adult Disciples are invited to apply to XPLOR!

Young adult Disciples invited to apply to XPLOR! 

The National Benevolent Association (NBA) of the Christian Church (Disciples), in partnership with several Disciples churches and regions, is now receiving applications for young adults interested in applying for the NBA XPLOR 2015-2016 year. Watch the video below for a look at the XPLOR program:

What is NBA XPLOR? XPLOR is a faith-based, 10-month, congregationally hosted residency for 21- to 30-year-olds, who want to explore lives of care and service.

What does an NBA XPLOR Residency involve? Residents live under one roof within a diverse community of peers where they engage in communal and personal spiritual practices ranging from prayer to simple daily meals together. They care for and learn from others in community-service internships, and they relate to their host congregation. This communal lifestyle is not typical in our culture and yet it is designed to help residents recognize and practice a deeper connection with the people they encounter.

What does a typical week of Residency look like? A Residency week makes time for all facets of the internship experience: Four days of learning/experience in the service site, weekly Sabbath time set aside for personal and collective spiritual reflection, free time for personal care (grocery shopping, laundry, entertainment, and rest) and about six hours a week serving with the host congregation.

In 2014, XPLOR welcomed 12 young adults to live in intentional community and service at three XPLOR houses across the U.S.: St. Louis, Missouri; Hiram-Manuta, Ohio; and North Hollywood, California. More information (including videos from each Resident) can be found atwww.nbacares.org/xplor. Read more.

Apply Now for the 2015 Reconciliation Grant

The purpose of ‘Reconciliation’ within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is “to nurture the wholeness of the church by dismantling systemic racism and other oppressive structures toward becoming a church that demonstrates True Community, Deep Christian Spirituality, and Passion for Justice.”  The Reconciliation Grant funds ministries and projects that promote Reconciliation within our Region. You can learn more at: www.reconciliationministry.org

The deadline for Reconciliation Grant applications is January 31, 2015. Once received, applications are reviewed by the Church in Society Committee. Recommendations for funding are then submitted to the Finance Committee, and subsequently approved by the Regional Board. Approved funds are made available in May.

Important Town Hall Meeting on Child Welfare - November 7, 2014

Project IMPACT (a unit of the PSWR) will be part of a second Town Hall meeting on issues surrounding child welfare in Los Angeles with special guest Congresswoman Karen Bass Friday, November 7th, 11AM-1PM at First Church of God, Center of Hope in Inglewood. Visit the Los Angeles County Community Child Welfare Coalition website for more information. 

Attention all District 8 youth leaders!

B.J. Barlow, Regional Staff for Youth Ministries, is systematically meeting with each District of PSWR congregations to discuss the needs of our youth and how PSWR congregations can meet those needs. The next meeting is for youth leaders and mentors from District 8 churches:

Pacific Beach Christian Church
Casa de Oracion, San Diego
First Christian Church of Oceanside
United Church of the Valley
Primera Iglesia Cristiana de Vista
Missiongathering Christian Church
University Christian Church
Vista La Mesa Christian Church
Clairemont Christian Church
Iglesia Fe, Esperanza y Amor Christian Church
Torrey Pines Christian Church

District 8, join us for this vital time of brainstorming and dreaming!