Disciples Seminary Foundation Re-Envisions Certificate Program

Disciples Seminary Foundation is engaged in evaluating its certificate programs (formerly CMS/DMS) and envisioning the future of its educational offerings. This new DSF Certificate Program plans to offer courses in Spanish, Korean, and English. To assist in this process, DSF has appointed a task force, which is assessing the financial sustainability, academic goals/outcomes, and accountability to partners (specifically the six Disciples regions in the West, racial-ethnic constituency groups, and DSF partner schools). The focus of the new Certificate Program is to expand the program’s reach, to create a program that is beneficial to people from diverse backgrounds, and to meet the needs of a changing church.

Many exciting ideas have emerged so far, including the possibility of establishing a DSF Lay Leadership Academy that would house all DSF’s educational programs — including its Certificate Program. We are also in discussions with our educational affiliates to see how we might partner with them. The new certificate program will offer courses in leadership development, spiritual formation, entrepreneurial ministry, community organizing, biblical studies, theology, chaplaincy, ethics, etc., as well as the trainings that DSF extends on behalf of its regional partners, including boundaries trainings, anti-racism/ pro-reconciliation trainings, Disciples History and Polity classes, CEUs, etc.

Our goal is to launch the new DSF Certificate Program in the fall of 2025. As we continue our process, we ask for your prayers and support. 

www.dsf.edu

Breaking Bread, August 2024

We have welcomed the summer with another beloved growing partnered camping program at Loch Leven Retreat and Conference Center. I want to express my deep gratitude to Rev. B.J. Barlow, the Camp Ministry Committee, Rev. Jay Hartley, and the Christian Church in Arizona and all the volunteers that make these wonderful weeks (3) possible. I was glad for the opportunity to visit all the camps and enjoy a meal at each session with our campers.

While these past few weeks have been a busier traveling season than normal.  I did find some time for vacation (pictured with King Julien – Madagascar).

Three of our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada General Ministry partners celebrated national assemblies, and the College of Regional Ministers and Moderators met in Bethany College, West Virginia.  

We were glad to be in attendance for the Obra Hispana in Kansas City, KS and to celebrate the re-election of Rev. Lori Tapia as National Pastor for the Obra Hispana.  Also, we are proud of two of our PSWR bests, these were elected to the Obra Hispana National Board. Congratulations, Rev. Siobhan Lopez and Minister Luis Orozco (pictured)!

 We were glad to be in attendance for the Biennial Session of the National Convocation in Greensboro, North Carolina and to celebrate the installation of Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew as Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister. Also, some of PSWR bests are pictured at the event (Rev. Dr. John Tunstall, Rev. Dr. Lisa Tunstall, Rev. Eddie Anderson and Rev. T.J. Coon). Too, the event was surprised and blessed by the Bishop William J. Barber, II (pictured).

 We were glad to be in attendance for the North American Pacific / Asian Disciples (NAPAD) Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Salt Lake City, UT to celebrate the re-election of Rev. Chung Seong Kim as Executive Pastor. Also, we celebrate PSWR bests, Rev. Eula Nicola Pagdilao, member of Filipino Christian Church, Immediate Past Moderator and the completed term (as Moderator) of Mrs. Yunkyong Lee Hill, member of Church of the Foothills and Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi, Secretary / Treasurer, Regional Ministry Staff and FCC – Burbank Ministry Staff Member. Members of your Regional Staff are pictured. I would like to thank Rev. Yvette Hernandez - Becerra, Mr. David Becerra, Ms. Jess Kim, and Mr. Emmanuel Freeman for their extraordinary volunteer efforts to help a caravan of youth and young adults enjoy this assembly. The PSWR shined very brightly in all the National Assemblies celebrated.

Our General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord – Owens addressed the College of Regional Ministers with news about the work ahead leading us into the upcoming General Assembly (2025) Memphis, TN and shared four pillars that can carry us in the divisive times we find our world, Listen, Learn, Discern, Decide. A fifth pillar was suggested by a colleague and that was Act. As we prepare to engage the next weeks, and months ahead. I believe these are great pillars to help us move forward. Grateful for our mission, ministry and work, together.

Blessings,
Richie

Catching Up with Eastmont Community Center

Since 1968, the Eastmont Community Center has been a cornerstone of unincorporated East Los Angeles. We tackle challenges faced by families by providing a wide array of social services and educational programs to equip residents with the tools they need to thrive. Our legacy is one of transformation and support. Today, we offer diverse adult education classes, including computer literacy, Spanish literacy, nutrition classes, and more. Serving over 7,000 families each year, Eastmont is more than just a center; we are a lifeline, fostering a vibrant community spirit in East Los Angeles. We extend our gratitude to the Disciples of Christ-Pacific Southwest Region for their invaluable collaboration.

Current Initiatives

At Eastmont Community Center, we're always bustling with activity aimed at uplifting our community. Right now, we're assisting clients with citizenship applications and green card renewals, ensuring they have the support they need to encourage civic engagement by way of making their voices heard. Our team is also providing free tax preparation for low-income taxpayers. At the East LA Farmers Market, we host food demonstrations to promote healthy eating habits and provide incentives to increase the purchasing power of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our Summer Youth Program, catering to children ages 6-11, is in full swing, offering enriching activities to keep young minds engaged. Additionally, our weekly food distributions continue to support families, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, we have several exciting initiatives on the horizon. Our financial coaching program will soon introduce credit builder tools to help community members improve their financial health. In August, we will celebrate the grand opening of our childcare center, providing much-needed support for working parents. Furthermore, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of our Farmers Market at California State University Los Angeles, which will bring fresh produce and goods to college students and the surrounding community. These upcoming projects underscore our ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of East Los Angeles residents and fostering a thriving, supportive community.

Photo: Eastmont Community Center chosen as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year y Assemblymember Wendy Carillo, District 52

Breaking Bread, June 2024

“Like campers who have bonded over cook fires far from home, we remain grateful for the provisions that we have brought with us from those cupboards, but we also find them more delicious when we share them with one another under the stars." -  Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church: A Memoir Of Faith

Over the course of my past two weekends, visiting three congregations, I hold deep gratitude for those provisions’ others have shared from long ago that allow/ed us to have something from which to draw from and share with others. “Campers (like ourselves) …bonded over cook fires far from home.” We have so much, to learn from one another. I believe God is still working, and so can we upon the earth.  I pray we hold on to our covenant and the belief that when shared under the stars, our collective provisions, efforts, and heart can make almost anything possible. Let us keep loving one another as Christ loves us.

Casa de Oracion, May 25, 2024

On May 26th, Casa de Oración (located formerly in San Diego) celebrated the dedication of their new location in National City, CA.  A host of ecumenical guests, Disciples Pastors and lay leaders from far, near and wide were in attendance. Special greetings were heard from the location’s previous pastor, the National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries of the CC DOC in the US and Canada, Rev. Lori Tapia, the Mayor of National City, Ron Morrison, and yours truly. We are all excited about their new facilities, location, and prospects of ministry in the city. We are grateful for the generosity of many partners like Disciples Church Extension Fund, Disciples Seminary Foundation, Pacific Southwest Region, Casa de Oración leadership, members, and friends. 

In my greetings, I was glad to offer up a challenge to Mayor Morrison about parking needs in the area. He noted the city is already working on helping area residents with programs like FRANC (Free Shuttle Service – Electric Vehicles requested on an App). I appreciate/d his time and heart for the city and the church. The city has a growing population. Casa de Oración is already an integral part of this new growth, mission, and ministry in the city.

University Christian Church, June 2, 2024

The following weekend, I had wonderful experiences to visit two of our congregations on the book ends of Southern California (Bakersfield and San Diego). Each had amazing events occurring in their lives, Mill Creek Christian Church, Bakersfield was host to the Multi-Regional Disciples Men event (June 1st – 2nd) and University Christian Church, San Diego celebrated the grand re-opening and dedication of their new preschool building (June 2nd). Too, we are grateful for the generosity and partnership of Disciples Church Extension Fund for such an endeavor. These congregations are led by Disciples Ministers’ who are gifted, visionary, and strong social justice advocates. In a multitude of ways, we are grateful, overjoyed, and moved in Spirit because of these celebrations.  

Multi-Regional Men’s Retreat, June 1-2, 2024

It was Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister for Mid-America, serving as keynote speaker for the Multi-Regional Disciples Men event that brought back to my attention this quote from Barbara Brown Taylor. It conveys well what my weekends of experiences were like, our covenanting, and partnering for the sake of good news in the earth. I don’t believe we’re expected to build or expand the reign of God without each other. These three congregations and many more enjoy a relationship under the vastness of a covenant in God through Jesus Christ. This wondrous creation we have come to know as the Church shaped and molded by the Potter’s Hands. Who by themselves can create how God envisions or sees the Church? I / we have been graced and surrounded by faithful and beloved pastors and leaders who helped me make meaning of our Disciples faith communities.   

Blessings,
Richie

Breaking Bread, April 2024

“On that day a fountain shall be opened…” - Zechariah 13:1 

Over the past couple of weeks, I was given an opportunity to slow down, look around, recover, and reflect a bit on where I’ve been as well to consider some possible new way/s ahead. The regional board and staff have been kind to support this type of endeavor.  I think many can relate how easy it can be to become swept up into a schedule that can dehumanize ones sense of self.  I have been reading: In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honoré. He quotes, Milan Condera’s 1996 Novela on Slowness, “When things happen too fast nobody can be certain about anything, anything at all, not even, about (their) self.” Carl Honoré does not attempt an argument against our advance/s brought on by hard work. Although, he argues that much can be missed when we speed everything up. It is hard not to live with a sense that everything around us, our society, organizations, people and even, churches are moving faster. What do you think? 

Last week, I heard a presenter say when we are faced with death, our priorities and sense of urgencies change.  Zechariah Chapter 12 ends with a promised “spirit of compassion and supplication…when they look on the one whom they have pierced.” When we are faced with the most difficult of circumstances and hard decisions there is a spirit that is poured out for us. I don’t pretend it will always cause you to slow things down. Although, compassion and supplication will lead you to be more tender, with everything and everyone around you. I can attest that my little bit of time off was revelatory, and fostered lots to share with you. 

While shopping I came across an Interactive Fountain in Chino, CA. Those who live nearby might be familiar with this place. Fountains are sources to quench our thirsts, they can be fashioned into jets of water to provide an aesthetic for inspiration, reflection, and pleasure. Zechariah used this word as a place for believers to cleansed, changed, and renewed from the snares in life. To my surprise, Chino, built a fountain that is interactive. As I sat by this fountain, I could contemplate, study, learn, pray and others could sip a cup of coffee or cold beverage, engage in conversation, and relax. Still more, could bring theirselves and children to be refreshed from the heat, to play, and share in the joy of childlike laughter from being changed. I don’t know if Zechariah imagined this kind of fountain to be opened for the people of God. But, I hope you’ll find some time to slow down, to be open for the spirit of compassion and supplication (prayer). I wonder if we might open a Digital Interactive Fountain for each other around the region. Maybe, this Interactive Fountain could too refresh your soul, help you to become empowered and changed to face the everyday. Drop us a comment about your thoughts and experience in the blog.  

Blessings, 
Richie