“…When we meet to break bread.” – Acts 20: 7 NRSV
We, Disciples know all too well the gift, grace, and joy it is to break bread, together at the table. In the midst of people, groups, meetings, joys, challenges, changes, ups and downs, life’s hills and valleys. We’re able to find sustenance from consuming the bread, enough to carry on comforted, strengthened, and to come alive for the journey. This is my prayer for us, that we continue breaking and eating of the bread, together.
In the days to come, it is my honor and privilege to journey with you in this beautiful Pacific Southwest Region. In this time of transition, we have been breaking bread, joining together for celebration and honoring the twelve years of our Co-Regional Ministers. We had a wonderful farewell party for the Revs. Don and Susan Dewey on September 28, 2019. I’m so grateful for our staff and all who planned the event.
Over the next few weeks, the Revs. Don and Susan Dewey have graciously agreed to help orient and introduce me to the breadth of this region. I/We will have opportunity to visit with Staff, Clergy, Regional Ministry Partners and leaders. We are working hard to ably break open this new season and chapter, which promises to continue strengthening our region’s ministry for many years to come.
On October 18, 2019, we are celebrating our Pastor Summit. I am excited to meet our PSWR pastors and to hear from our General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Terri Hord-Owens and Disciples Seminary Foundation’s Acting President, Rev. Dr. Jose Morales, Jr. On October 19, 2019, we will celebrate our Regional Gathering, held at our Disciples Ministry Center. I’m excited for the opportunity to meet congregational leaders from all across our region and hear from Rev. Rebecca Hale, Executive Vice President of NBA, as well as a host of invited guests and friends for worship. We will celebrate God’s goodness to us all.
I’m grateful for you. Please keep me in prayer as I will be praying for you, in this our new chapter in ministry, together. Let’s keep breaking bread! To God be the glory!
Blessings,
Rev. Richie Sanchez
Regional Minister