Don't Give Up: A Prayer For Our Country

9 Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. 10 So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith. – Galatians 6: 9 – 10 CEB

It might be clearer, today, there are some strong differences and divisions in our U.S. politics as well about the vision of a shared future. There are some who are invigorated and many others who have become exhausted. In the letter to the Galatians, we find a reproach or encouragement to “not get tired of doing good.” On all sides of its Greco-Roman world and still today, amid the US political spectrums, we’re to “work for the good of all…and especially for those in the household of faith.” We will continue to advocate that our social systems in the U.S. serve everyone, not just a select group or chosen few. Whether you or I are part of the household of faith or not, these texts call us to work together until a harvest is available for all. Let us continue in the work and ministry of Jesus Christ, who gave his life and resurrection for all. Our Regional Ministry, Board, Staff, Leadership and congregations “will not give up,” we will be here in prayers and re-committed to the work, advocacy, mission, and ministry until the promised yield has been made real for all.

We have selected the following from Christ Church Uniting, Kailua, HI and it’s Pastor, Rev. Kate Hogue Moment of Meditation (November 4, 2024):

This benediction and prayer of protection for your spirit, based on a prayer by Steven Charleston, Native American Theologian and former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska:

When others hate, may you love.
When others curse, may you bless.
When others hurt, may you heal.
When others divide, may you unite.
When others rage, may you calm.
When others deny, may you affirm.
You are a servant of the light.
You need not be afraid of darkness.

God strengthen you to carry on with your work and faithfully live who you are in Christ:
Love for stranger, love for enemy, love for neighbor.

Amen.

Blessings,
Richie

Choir Opportunity to Sing in Carnegie Hall

Greetings Fellow DOC Musicians!

Come sing in Carnegie Hall with other Disciples Musicians!

As the Music Minister at First Christian Church in Orange, CA we have the privilege of spearheading a fantastic opportunity for other Disciples churches – a performance in Carnegie Hall! Our 30-voice Chancel Choir had great success performing Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare last Spring for our congregation and were asked to present it with MidAmerica Productions for a Carnegie Hall Performance.  

We are inviting YOU! Imagine a work of beauty, grace, and openness, with 100 Disciple voices and full orchestra on stage in one of the most famous halls in the world. We are hoping you can join us.

You can join in one of two ways:

1. Getting your own hotel

2. Staying the same hotel as we are!

If you choose 1 – please read through this “Full Residency” pdf. If you choose 2 – please read the information in this “Concert Only” pdf. Note these packages do not include transportation. This is a once in a lifetime event for many, and we are proud to try and spearhead this unique idea. Please consider joining us!

We would love to have your full choir, just a balanced smaller group or you as an individual that wants to share the stage with us. All we ask is that you are able to learn the music (we can help) and that you are familiar with the classical voice style.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. While deadlines are approaching, we love to work with you. Please reach out. My information is below.

- Dr. Brian Dehn. 714-928-9097
Music Director, First Christian Church, Orange

Disciples Seminary Foundation Re-Envisions Certificate Program

Disciples Seminary Foundation is engaged in evaluating its certificate programs (formerly CMS/DMS) and envisioning the future of its educational offerings. This new DSF Certificate Program plans to offer courses in Spanish, Korean, and English. To assist in this process, DSF has appointed a task force, which is assessing the financial sustainability, academic goals/outcomes, and accountability to partners (specifically the six Disciples regions in the West, racial-ethnic constituency groups, and DSF partner schools). The focus of the new Certificate Program is to expand the program’s reach, to create a program that is beneficial to people from diverse backgrounds, and to meet the needs of a changing church.

Many exciting ideas have emerged so far, including the possibility of establishing a DSF Lay Leadership Academy that would house all DSF’s educational programs — including its Certificate Program. We are also in discussions with our educational affiliates to see how we might partner with them. The new certificate program will offer courses in leadership development, spiritual formation, entrepreneurial ministry, community organizing, biblical studies, theology, chaplaincy, ethics, etc., as well as the trainings that DSF extends on behalf of its regional partners, including boundaries trainings, anti-racism/ pro-reconciliation trainings, Disciples History and Polity classes, CEUs, etc.

Our goal is to launch the new DSF Certificate Program in the fall of 2025. As we continue our process, we ask for your prayers and support. 

www.dsf.edu

Breaking Bread, August 2024

We have welcomed the summer with another beloved growing partnered camping program at Loch Leven Retreat and Conference Center. I want to express my deep gratitude to Rev. B.J. Barlow, the Camp Ministry Committee, Rev. Jay Hartley, and the Christian Church in Arizona and all the volunteers that make these wonderful weeks (3) possible. I was glad for the opportunity to visit all the camps and enjoy a meal at each session with our campers.

While these past few weeks have been a busier traveling season than normal.  I did find some time for vacation (pictured with King Julien – Madagascar).

Three of our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada General Ministry partners celebrated national assemblies, and the College of Regional Ministers and Moderators met in Bethany College, West Virginia.  

We were glad to be in attendance for the Obra Hispana in Kansas City, KS and to celebrate the re-election of Rev. Lori Tapia as National Pastor for the Obra Hispana.  Also, we are proud of two of our PSWR bests, these were elected to the Obra Hispana National Board. Congratulations, Rev. Siobhan Lopez and Minister Luis Orozco (pictured)!

 We were glad to be in attendance for the Biennial Session of the National Convocation in Greensboro, North Carolina and to celebrate the installation of Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew as Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister. Also, some of PSWR bests are pictured at the event (Rev. Dr. John Tunstall, Rev. Dr. Lisa Tunstall, Rev. Eddie Anderson and Rev. T.J. Coon). Too, the event was surprised and blessed by the Bishop William J. Barber, II (pictured).

 We were glad to be in attendance for the North American Pacific / Asian Disciples (NAPAD) Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Salt Lake City, UT to celebrate the re-election of Rev. Chung Seong Kim as Executive Pastor. Also, we celebrate PSWR bests, Rev. Eula Nicola Pagdilao, member of Filipino Christian Church, Immediate Past Moderator and the completed term (as Moderator) of Mrs. Yunkyong Lee Hill, member of Church of the Foothills and Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi, Secretary / Treasurer, Regional Ministry Staff and FCC – Burbank Ministry Staff Member. Members of your Regional Staff are pictured. I would like to thank Rev. Yvette Hernandez - Becerra, Mr. David Becerra, Ms. Jess Kim, and Mr. Emmanuel Freeman for their extraordinary volunteer efforts to help a caravan of youth and young adults enjoy this assembly. The PSWR shined very brightly in all the National Assemblies celebrated.

Our General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord – Owens addressed the College of Regional Ministers with news about the work ahead leading us into the upcoming General Assembly (2025) Memphis, TN and shared four pillars that can carry us in the divisive times we find our world, Listen, Learn, Discern, Decide. A fifth pillar was suggested by a colleague and that was Act. As we prepare to engage the next weeks, and months ahead. I believe these are great pillars to help us move forward. Grateful for our mission, ministry and work, together.

Blessings,
Richie

Catching Up with Eastmont Community Center

Since 1968, the Eastmont Community Center has been a cornerstone of unincorporated East Los Angeles. We tackle challenges faced by families by providing a wide array of social services and educational programs to equip residents with the tools they need to thrive. Our legacy is one of transformation and support. Today, we offer diverse adult education classes, including computer literacy, Spanish literacy, nutrition classes, and more. Serving over 7,000 families each year, Eastmont is more than just a center; we are a lifeline, fostering a vibrant community spirit in East Los Angeles. We extend our gratitude to the Disciples of Christ-Pacific Southwest Region for their invaluable collaboration.

Current Initiatives

At Eastmont Community Center, we're always bustling with activity aimed at uplifting our community. Right now, we're assisting clients with citizenship applications and green card renewals, ensuring they have the support they need to encourage civic engagement by way of making their voices heard. Our team is also providing free tax preparation for low-income taxpayers. At the East LA Farmers Market, we host food demonstrations to promote healthy eating habits and provide incentives to increase the purchasing power of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our Summer Youth Program, catering to children ages 6-11, is in full swing, offering enriching activities to keep young minds engaged. Additionally, our weekly food distributions continue to support families, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, we have several exciting initiatives on the horizon. Our financial coaching program will soon introduce credit builder tools to help community members improve their financial health. In August, we will celebrate the grand opening of our childcare center, providing much-needed support for working parents. Furthermore, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of our Farmers Market at California State University Los Angeles, which will bring fresh produce and goods to college students and the surrounding community. These upcoming projects underscore our ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of East Los Angeles residents and fostering a thriving, supportive community.

Photo: Eastmont Community Center chosen as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year y Assemblymember Wendy Carillo, District 52