PSWR Disciples,
May the peace of God be with you.
“5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5 CEB
In Sunday School, were you ever challenged to learn and recite the Fruit of the Spirit? I can still picture people who would use construction paper, cut out fruit shapes, and write its different names on each of them. They would create a tree of paper or draw on a bulletin board and attach each one to a branch. Some would even create costumes with them, stapling or pinning each to different parts of their body. All these efforts were to show everyone the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 – 23 CEB).
Like many believers, I am concerned and prayerful. What seems to be increasingly on display in the world and on our political stage are opposites of the Fruit of the Spirit. We read the exhortations and encouragement of the writer to the church of Phillipi, “let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people.” It is not enough to tape the Fruit of the Spirit on yourself. It must be evident in how your treat everyone. Theologian still work to interpret why the writer follows this exhortation with this declaration: “The Lord is near.” Maybe, it could remind us to be mindful and bring some consciousness about the importance of our actions as believers. I believe this declaration brings us great comfort, knowing that we are not alone in our effort to let the Fruit of the Spirit manifest itself, even in our most difficult times, extending gentleness or kindness to ourselves and to all people.
Prayer:
“Have mercy on your people, Lord, and give us a breathing space in the midst of so many troubles.”
– Neumark, 2012, pg. 40
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 March 3, 2026, Wahiawa Christian Church, HI, I had the privilege to visit with Pastor, Rev. Nan Riddle and the Lokahi Learning Center located on the church property. It was an afternoon filled with fun activities for children learning songs on the ukulele, using their imagination to paint, draw, create and recreate art. For more information: https://lokahilearningcenter.com
On March 4, 2026, Christ Church Uniting in Kailua, HI, Pastor, Rev. Kate Hogue hosted Bishop William J. Barber, II, Rev. Dr. Della Owens – Barber & the Judicatory Leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Pacific Southwest, Hawai‘i Conference United Church of Christ, and Presbytery of the Pacific to an Interdenominational Clergy Prayer and Dialogue Standing Up for Hawai’i’s immigrant communities. It was a sacred and spirit filled event. More to come.
On March 14, 2026, Chapman University Founders Day, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada was the keynote speaker (photo below). It was a day filled with workshops, StoryHour, great music, fellowship and lots of fun.
On March 15, 2026, East 105th Christian Church, CA, Pastor, Rev. Elton Penn celebrated his 17th pastoral anniversary with the church. It was a spirit-filled day with lots of music, liturgical dance, and expressions of love for his ministry.
On March 28, 2026, Abundant Life Christian Church, CA, Annual Community Prayer Breakfast (Quiet Cannon) and Pastor, Rev. TJ Coon welcomed Dr. Deleslynn Kennebrew, Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada as the Keynote Speaker. The day was filled with wonderful music, prayers, and concluded the celebration with communion led by Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. John Tunstall.
On April 5, 2026, United Christian Church, Los Angeles, CA, Pastor, Rev. Dr. Mildred Butler welcomed Love, Peace, and Fellowship Church, Pastor, Crystal Nix to the pulpit for a joint worship service on Resurrection Sunday. It was a sacred and spirit-filled time. (photos below)
Pray Continually. Speak Out on behalf of the Voiceless. Do the difficult work of common good. Be gentle to yourself and to all people.
Blessings,
Richie