PSWR Disciples,
May the peace of God be with you.
“After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” – Mark 1: 14 – 15 CEB
Our current times, whether locally, across the cities in our region, states, and nation have been heartbreaking – to put it mildly. Increased actions by immigration enforcement authorities have become more unsafe, increasing fear, and breeding violence. Last year (and still), our congregants, clergy, congregations, and communities in Los Angeles, its surrounding areas, and further have been stunned by militarized styled efforts, detainments, and unjust actions or treatment from their presence. We give thanks for our clergy, faith leaders, communities, and advocates from everywhere who have offered solidarity, support and their voices to call out for human dignity. Sadly, these enforcement actions by immigration authorities are growing and moving across the nation. Here is a Pastoral Letter concerning Minneapolis from our General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord – Owens and the Upper Midwest Sabbatical Regional Minister, Rev. Liz Woodward: https://disciples.org/uncategorized/a-pastoral-letter-concerning-minneapolis/
The Bible is not without these kinds of trying times, struggles, uncertainties, and woeful experiences. As we read in these few verses: “John was arrested.” We could imagine this was not an easy time for John, and the community. But Mark joins it with news about Jesus and his message. Later, John from prison asks about Jesus and his works. “Jesus responded, “Go, report to John what you hear and see. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them.” (Matthew 11: 4-6 CEB). In his book God of the Oppressed, James Cone writes, “when connected with the person of Jesus, hope is not an intellectual idea; rather, it is the praxis of freedom in the oppressed community. In Jesus, believers find hope and are mobilized (sent) to continue in his freedom work, ministry, and message. We should grieve these times. Too, we can press forward in our contexts in small and new ways, offering solidarity where / when we can. Speak out against injustice, practice resistance, and offer courageous prayers in the face of these trying times. Jesus calls you and I, the world, to change (our) hearts and lives and trust this Good News!
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 can witness the amazing ministry is happening.
On December 15, 2025, Our Region treated its staff for a Christmas luncheon at a restaurant in the Downtown Disney District, Anaheim, CA. Too, it suspended operations of the office for its ministry team and staff to enjoy Christmas with their families, friends, and more. Pictured is a joyous encounter with Mrs. Linda Gardner, Co-Chair of the PSWR Committee on Ministry as some of our staff and their families were enjoying the District’s sights.
On January 10, 2026, Love and Peace Fellowship Church, called and celebrated the installation of its Pastor Crystal Nix. This spirited filled event was held at her longtime home congregation Abundant Life Christian Church, Los Angeles, CA. Pictured is a worshipful moment of Pastor Crystal Nix and representatives from across the region.
On January 13 – 15, 2026, Christian Church Foundation Disciples Development Conference, Savannah, GA, Inside Out: Transforming Your Fundraising Ministry through AI, Keynote Speaker: Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer at Virtuous Software and Author. Pastor Diego Salazar – Galvis, Latinx Community Minister, University Christian Church, San Diego was a panelist on how Disciples Ministries have already integrated AI into its work. Pictured is the panelists’ presentation cover.
On January 21, 2026, Ecumenical Worship service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Poway, Rev. Cheri Metier, Chairperson, PSWR Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, organized clergy from throughout the San Diego area for a prayer service celebrating Christian Unity. It was a sacred, unifying, and spirit filled event. Pictured are the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, Rev. Cheri Metier, and participating clergy.
On January 25, 2026, Iglesia Nueva Vida, Riverside, called and celebrated the installation of their new Associate Pastors, Luis and Alicia Orozco. It was a worshipful experience. They were surrounded by a large gathering of family, friends, and the congregation.
On January 25, 2026, PSWR Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, It was filled with amazing worship experiences and a stirring prophetic sermon delivered by Rev. Terry “TJ” Coon, Jr., Senior Pastor, Abundant Life Christian Church. He encouraged our congregations by saying (paraphrased), in the face of our society’s current moral crisis we (congregations) have greater power to respond. Our response is spiritual before political. While our response will look differently according to each context – we must prepare to do something not done before. Amen. Pictured is Rev. Tanya Lopez receiving her Disciple of the Year Award and Regional Board members of our Executive Committee leading communion. More information, pictures, and a link to the service on YouTube can be found on our website.
Pray Always. Speak Out on behalf of the Voiceless. Do the difficult work of common good.
Blessings,
Richie