PSWR Disciples,
May the peace of God be with you.
Over the next few months, we have invited different voices into our breaking bread series, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome our very own, Ms. Hayley Smart, PSWR Camp Youth and Young Adults Program Coordinator (see below).
As I travel the region, I often wish for you to journey with me and see what I see across our geographical territory. Here are some photos highlighting a place or two of where I have been and amazing ministry is happening.
On August 17th, 2025, University Christian Church, San Diego celebrated the tenth anniversary of Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines pastoral ministry with the congregation (pictured below). Several invited guests, clergy, and I were in attendance to help rejoice in this beautiful occasion.
On August 24th, 2025, First Christian Church, Ontario welcomed my visit to worship and celebrate the return a few weeks before of its Pastor, Rev. BJ Barlow to the pulpit. We have pictured above Rev. Kyungmok Lee leading in the words of institution at the table.
On August 28th, 2025, Prayer Vigil led by Area Clergy in the city of Santa Ana. Pictured above are ribbons used in prayers.
On September 14th, 2025, Gateway Christian Church, Los Angeles welcome my visit to worship and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the congregation. Pictured above are two photos from their worship service in a celebrated praise and decoration.
Also, First Christian Church, Fullerton welcomed Rev. Dr. Bosela Eale, Global Ministries Partner, Representative of the Disciples of Christ in Congo and President of the DOC Seminary in Mbandaka. Pictured presentation and with PSWR Regional Leaders.
On Friday, September 19th, 2025, McCarty Memorial Christian Church, Los Angeles welcomed Bishop William Barber, for a mass meeting for moral witness and prayer service. Pictures above are from the meeting and worship service.
On Saturday, September 20th, 2025, Bishop William Barber, visited McArthur Park, Los Angeles to help Launch Liberty Vans as part of SAM (Save America Movement). Also, there was an Interdenominational Prayer and Dialogue invited by Bishop William Barber and Mayor Karen Bass. Pictures above are from those events.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, First Christian Church, Burbank welcomed my visit to worship and celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the congregation. Pictured above are civic leaders and former staff clergy members to lead at the table.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, All Peoples Community Center celebrated its Anniversary Gala at the Sheraton Grand DTLA. The picture above is from the event.
On Sunday, September 28th, 2025, Church of the Foothills, North Tustin, welcomed my visit to help celebrate the Commissioned Ministry of Pastor Cristina Flores as the Director of Christian Education. Above, I am pictured with Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Nathan Hill and Pastor Cristina Flores.
Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Disciples Home Missions Director for Justice & Advocacy Ministries was here visiting with PSWR Clergy and other events. He offers his reflections on the weekly “Godmothers of the Disappeared Prayer Vigils” happening in Los Angeles and includes a toolkit from the organizers that lets others share this prophetic witness in their community. Here is the link with the reflection, photos, and more!
I hope to see you at Regional Gathering on October 18, 2025 in the Disciples Ministry Center in Fullerton. Pray Always. Speak Out on behalf of the Voiceless. Do the difficult work of common good.
Blessings,
Richie