Breaking Bread, August 2021

This Way or That Way

May the peace of God be with you.

Let me express deep gratitude to all the region for an outpouring of cards, letters, emails, and phone calls that extended prayers, care, and sympathy during the passing of Jasmine’s father.  This generosity continued and overflowed to include special efforts by our regional clergy, staff, and leadership.  Our Regional Moderator, Rev. Dr. Norm Williams was firm for my focus to turn toward my family’s well-being.  Once more, I am grateful for all the understanding and patience as we continue to improve our response times and availability.    

It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since our Regional Assembly.  Amid pandemic, we were already responding to multiple changes and challenges in mission and ministry.  Our congregations began discovering and embracing “the new and living way” for their communities.  While we are still in a pandemic, there has been a lot learned and gained.  Also, we have had many painful losses and change.  This year’s Regional Planning Committee challenges us to consider our parts in “Continuing on the way.”

Every day, like many of our pastors, our regional staff is searching, learning, and considering ways to encourage new forms of mission and ministry.  All our congregations are unique, and a one size fits all model will not work (as if it ever has worked for us with one way).  We do know for some it can be this way and still for others that way.  What we should work to avoid is losing patience with the new and returning totally to what was before the pandemic.  We need to keep a healthy sense of the congregation, working to keep this “new and living way” by “continuing on the way” that lies ahead.

One thing I would like to ask our readers to consider, our pastors have continued to provide us care and leadership amid one the most difficult times in ages.  Please consider writing or emailing a note of gratitude and if you’re a congregational leader, why not suggest the church board provide extra paid time off for some rest and renewal?  If you’re a CC (DOC) Clergy person, please consider a new service designed with you in mind provided on behalf of the Pension Fund for your better health.  For more information please visit: www.pensionfund.org/learntolive.

Please continue to keep in prayer our regional clergy, staff, and leadership in these difficult days of transition and changes.  We continue to keep you, our pastors and all our congregations, here and across the wider church in prayers as well.

Blessings,
Richie

Breaking Bread, July 2021

Connection and Re-Connection

Last year, the pandemic put limitations on Independence Day festivities and disrupted travel plans / modes of all kinds. There are traveling agency predictions and news reports of people traveling at an increase greater than pre-pandemic levels. There are plenty of social media stories, and photos of families being reunited in-person, sometimes having been a part for more than two years. I think we can all feel the power of these important lost connections being re-connected.

I can’t resist the question to some, to those who might have lost connections in their faith and / or with their faith communities. Are you planning to reconnect? I pray you’re considering a restart. I have witnessed a host of our congregations and clergy working their hardest to open the physical doors of the church, as safely as possible. Many are taking great efforts for those of us who might have grown weary from disconnection and need to find several ways to stay connected whether in-person or virtual. Please remember there is / are still COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns to adhere and consider.

This summer is filled with opportunities for connections if you are looking for some time of hope and healing.  National Benevolent Association is sponsoring a webinar on July 14th with panelists (including our very own – Rev. Cisa Payuyo) “Tending to Our Spiritual & Mental Wellbeing After Crisis & Trauma.” Don’t forget to consider the special presentation from Project IMPACT and the PSWR African American Convocation Mental Health First Aid training course, limited in class space. “This summer Disciples can go deeper, learn what they can do locally, and connect with the ministries that resonate most deeply.” Consider a summer series Facing Brokenness - Conversations of Healing sponsored by Disciples Justice Ministries beginning July 11th. Disciples from across the United States and Canada will celebrate a Virtual Gathering on Saturday, August 7th under the text Romans 8:31 – 39 and theme: Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Amen. You’ll need to register for this event. These are a few of so many ways for you to connect and reconnect with faith and / or your faith community this summer.  

One of the “Marks of a Faithful Regional Church”[1] is gathering as a Regional Expression of the Church. Our Region will continue to thrive, with congregations working side by side in covenantal relationships, celebrating together our life and expression as part of the whole Body of Christ. Let us continue to remain faithful and safe in our summer filled with connections. Too, we’re excited about our upcoming Regional Gathering, please save the date October 15th - 16th offered virtually and with in-person opportunities. Stay Connected!

Blessings,
Richie

[1] https://cdn.disciples.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/06162554/MarksofaFaithfulRegionalChurch2007.pdf

Breaking Bread, May 2021

Shifting

My first lessons learning to drive a car, came from family and friends. Somehow, I knew it was insufficient for this great undertaking and enrolled in a driving school to learn from a professional. The driving instructor was helpful, patient, intentional, and really good. Even, with all of these lessons, I failed my first driver’s license test using a car with an automatic transmission. It’s a long story, but I decided to test again, this time passing with flying colors using a car with a manual transmission. You might have a few notions on how this would be possible.

This past year and a few months, we found the church “shifting” from the inside (behind closed doors) to the outside (online or the outdoors). It was paramount to find a new way or model that could hold the most important parts of who we are and can continue to become for our mission, our communities and the world. I believe for congregations who are still braving new ways, it was and is less about the frills and more out of concern for the experiences of others. We brave these new models for those of us who can go sometimes “overlooked or ignored.” (Mt. 25:40 MSG)  I/we have seen new ways in the sharing of the gospel, lessons of inspiration and faith. There have been new approaches, events and activities for people to commune and learn. How many times have you seen a cooking demonstration with faith components? Amid the very hard parts and difficult experiences in this pandemic. We have seen grace abound and generosity and creativity and many of our congregations thrive. If this is a test, we are grateful to see many of our congregations thriving and passing it with flying colors. 

As a region of congregations, I encourage and pray for our congregational leaderships to reflect deeply about the kinds of experiences or lessons learned amid this pandemic. I imagine some of us are anxious to return back to “normal.” Some of us may want to drive again with a model that has an “automatic transmission,” if you will. In humility, I will offer that this current time and era will require some extra efforts, patience, intentionality, and some really good manual shifting to meet the needs of our world.

One of the “Marks of a Faithful Regional Church”[1] is enabling congregations to do things together that cannot be done alone. You are not alone! Our region will continue to thrive, with congregations working side by side in covenantal relationships, being counted faithful with support and care. We are here to enable, serve and pray for you as we work together in God’s mission for the world.

Blessings,
Richie

[1] https://cdn.disciples.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/06162554/MarksofaFaithfulRegionalChurch2007.pdf

SUMMER DAY CAMP INTERNS WANTED

We are looking for individuals who are 18 or older, are passionate and eager to work with youth, and have camp experience and/or youth ministry experience to help lead our summer day camps. This internship will help support the local church by providing leadership at a day camp at various churches this summer (locations TBD). Dates for these day camps are July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th.

Summer Camp Interns who are accepted will receive a stipend of $150 for one Saturday. There is an additional $100 dollars for each additional Saturday that the intern participates in. The stipend includes training, mileage, food, and the time commitment for the day. 

Camp Ministry Committee will be accepting applications until positions are filled. Interns will be selected as inquiries are received and inquiries will no longer be accepted after May 31st.

MANDATORY DATES

June 5th: Online Training/Orientation 10 am to Noon (includes boundary training and intro to curriculum)

June 26th: Training @ Loch Leven or other Location (TBD) In-Person 10 am to 4 pm

At least one Saturday between July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th.

HOW TO APPLY

Those interested, please send an email to pswrcampministry@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and the best time to reach you for a phone call. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOSTING A SUMMER DAY CAMP AT YOUR CHURCH

HOST A SUMMER DAY CAMP AT YOUR CHURCH!

The PSWR Camp Ministry Committee (CMC) is excited to announce an outdoor day-camp program that can be offered at your church this summer. Led by trained camp leaders, the camp curriculum is fun, meaningful, and written by specialized Disciples of Christ ministry leaders. Focusing on self-care, youth will safely play group games, grow in their Christian faith, and build connections with friends.

Here are some specifics:

• We provide all necessary day-camp supplies for registered attendees, promo materials, and 2 trained adult leaders, FREE for your church!

• The curriculum is custom fit to any church who partners with CMC. It is written with Middle/Jr. High and High School aged youth in mind, but can be easily adapted for Elementary aged children.

• Your church plans the snacks/meal for the day, provide adult support, distribute promotional materials, and provide a safe space at your church.

• BONUS: Your church volunteers are welcome to participate in CMC leadership trainings for FREE (dates TBD).

Here is how to sign up to host a Summer day-camp at your church:

Step 1 - Share this information with your church leaders and determine who would like to volunteer to support hosting.

Step 2 - Choose a date among the designated Saturdays: July 10, 17, or 24. NOTE: These are dates that CMC leadership is available. But, if your church would like to do a different day (or multiple days) on your own, CMC is happy to share the curriculum for free!

Step 3 - Send your choice of date, contact information, and any questions to CMC chair, Janette Jara - pswrcampministry@gmail.com. CMC will reach out to you to help determine start/end times, registration process, and more.

We are excited to support your church this year. We want to be back at Loch Leven, but, in the meantime, we will bring the best of outdoor programming to you! Let’s provide an amazing day-camp at your church TOGETHER!

SEEKING SUMMER INTERNS
We are looking for individuals who are 18 or older, are passionate and eager to work with youth, and have camp experience and/or youth ministry experience to help lead our summer day camps. Learn more here.

LOCH LEVEN UPDATE
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to resume camp programming this summer at Loch Leven. We are sad that we won’t see all the smiling faces of our camp family, but are hopeful that we will be able to celebrate a re-opening event with everyone this fall. We continue to ask for your support and prayers. It is inspiring to hear stories, see photos, and receive letters describing how this sacred place has touched so many of your lives. Learn more about bringing your own group to Loch Leven.