Breaking Bread, February 2025

La Luz

If you have live/d in Southern California for quite some time it might not be too hard to decipher what the two word theme of this reflection means, La Luz – The Light. I have to share with you, so much, and like many of you I can hear and see the distress all around and throughout this region.

We have begun the year, with fires in LA (January 7, 2025), and have witnessed the “good hearts” of neighbors helping neighbors. Both, home to home, block to block, church to church, organization to organization, community to community, city to city, state to state, and nation to nation. This disaster proved that  humanity is interdependent and can be served across all kinds of socio-economic, cultural, faith, and political lines. We might hear the American Music Gospel Singer, Bishop Hezekiah Walker in response so rhythmically in song (I need you to survive) and chorus sing, “I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s body.” I can’t thank our volunteers, clergy, congregations, our partners, and Week of Compassion enough for its support and care in responding to our needs in the LA fires, and providing long-term commitment to this disaster relief and recovery. Please follow our efforts and find more information on our wildfire recovery webpage. One of the “Marks of a Faithful Region,”(1) is enabling congregations to do things together that cannot be done alone.

Almost simultaneously, we have entered into a time filled with disappointing national news, disparaging rhetoric, many societal changes and challenges to our long time institutions, local and global commitments. If there is ever a moment, we need a light and the light during these times. In the midst of what can feel like a barrage of despair. I wonder, where are you finding the Light? Let me remind you, that as believers we can find, and hold on to the Light and Eternal Hope. In order to do so, we should care about our prayers, our attention, our surroundings, and our focus. Love and “Good Hearts” are all around us. If we may only search for its constant being even, in the faces of our greatest trials and contests. Love and Light can be found in these tough times.

Just before the year closed, we welcomed the Church Narrative Project and Eight Powerful and Moving Story Tellers from throughout the PSWR (watch it here on our Youtube channel). These helped to “tickle our imagination” and inspiration for our shared future. I believe these might help you find La Luz and encounter eternal hope. Please take the time and enjoy! We will be launching more information about our continued work in the Church Narrative Project, soon again.

This past weekend, in San Diego, California, I found more hope and La Luz. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Caleb Lines, Senior Pastor, University Christian Church, and Rev. Vy Nguyen, Executive Director of Week of Compassion for the invitation. We were able to participate in a series of conversations, and visits of organizations on both sides of the San Diego / Tijuana border. We had some time with our Disciples, ELCA, Episcopal, and UCC sibling in exploration about additional work and response to immigration in our very own locations. Please pray for our growing future efforts. As our visits only further proved, in the faces of our greatest trials and contests La Luz can be seen and found when we search for it. We witnessed creativity, and responses that promote dignity for all vulnerable populations. “People of Good Hearts” serving and welcoming everyone, caring for the dignity of humanity, which is interdependent. Yes… We are all a part of God’s body! More to come.

Blessings,
Richie

Remembering Rev. Dr. Francisco Ramos

On October 9th, 2024, our Associate Regional Minister, Director for Hispanic Ministries, Rev. Dr. Francisco Ramos passed from this life into his eternal rest. Over the past few weeks, his life has been remembered and celebrated throughout his hometown of Utuado, Puerto Rico, and West Covina, CA.

On November 1, 2024, congregations across our Pacific Southwest Region joined Casa de Refugio Christian Church to celebrate his life. Among the many wonderful things remembered about his love for family, church, ministry, leadership, service, friendship, and collegiality. Highlighted was the excitement for his recent graduation as a Doctor of Ministry, and the dream for his wife and children to advance their own educational aspiration.

During that event, on behalf of our regional leadership, I invited our congregations and leaders to support this dream with a donation to the Rev. Dr. Francisco Ramos education fund (temporary) between now, and December 31, 2024. The total amount raised will be matched (up to 10 thousand dollars). These funds are for the support of his family in their pursuits of advanced education. I would like to thank Rev. Dr. Mandye Yates, and First Christian Church, Fullerton for its lead gift of one thousand dollars in his memory and support of this endeavor.

Please donate through this secure link.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Blessings,
Richie

New Disciples Women Coordinator: Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi

Dear PSWR Disciples Women, 

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as your new coordinator for the Disciples Women’s Ministry in the Pacific Southwest Region. My name is Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi, and I am eager to begin this journey with you as we continue to grow and support one another in our faith and ministry.

As a coordinator, my primary goal is to listen, learn, and serve our community of dedicated and inspiring women. I am committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, and spiritual growth. Together, we can strengthen our bonds, share our diverse experiences, and work towards fulfilling the mission of the Disciples Women’s Ministry.

I am thrilled to have had my first official Women’s Ministry event take place on September 12th at First Christian Church of Orange during their women’s luncheon gathering. This event marked the beginning of what I hope will be a series of meaningful connections across our region. As I step into this new role, I am excited to connect with your churches as well, to listen to your needs, and to work together in empowering Disciples Women throughout our community. 

One of my immediate focuses will be to connect with each of you, understand your needs and aspirations, and explore how we can best support one another. I believe in the power of open communication and mutual support, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I hope that, through our collective efforts, we can create a vibrant, nurturing, and empowering community that reflects the love of Christ in all we do.

Thank you for your warm welcome and for entrusting me with this important role. I am deeply humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to walking this path with you.

With love and gratitude,
Miseon Choi

Disciples Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Pacific Southwest Region

Breaking Bread, November 2024

Regional Assembly Recap

Two weeks ago, October 18-19, 2024, over 400 Disciples from throughout the Pacific Southwest Region and beyond, came to celebrate our Regional Assembly at the Disciples Ministry Center and First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA. We enjoyed the presence and keynote speaking of our General Minster and President, Rev. Terri Hord-Owens, who encouraged us in our shared future and announced the ongoing church-wide work. We learned our General Assembly will work to foster a new way of being and culture, resolving to: Listen. Learn. Discern. Decide. Act. We had a Bible lecture on Matthew 22:39 from the Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith, Associate Professor, Iliff School of Theology, Denver, CO. We raised two special offerings (over $1,000 each) for our General Ministry partners: Global Ministries and National Benevolent Association. We had inspiring workshops, music, enjoyed meals, snacks, visited with vendors, and met for regional business with an assembly action approving the recommendation of my re-election to serve as your Regional Minister for a second term (2026 – 2031). There is more information, and wonderful photos on our post event webpage, http://www.disciplespswr.org/ra2024.

Shared Future

In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is recorded as saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”  We must pause and give thanks for the leaders of our Regional Assembly’s Children’s program, Rev. Tanya Lopez, Pastor and Mrs. Muriel Bourke, Moderator at Downey Memorial Christian Church, Downey, CA.  Our Regional Assembly theme, “Love your neighbor as yourself” came alive in our children, they helped us to see and experience “Love in Action” for our neighbors, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  They planned a service project, collecting non-perishable food items and crafts for our Eastmont Community Center, Los Angeles, neighbors. One of the “Marks of a Faithful Region,”(1) is enabling congregations to do things together that cannot be done alone. We were able to see the amazing things our congregations’ children can do when united around one common cause - Love.  This beautiful demonstration and presentation can be seen during our Regional Assembly’s closing worship service on the Disciples PSWR YouTube Channel. 

We know “the Gospels tell the story of Jesus, each from a different perspective.” While, the three Gospels written seem to have translated word for word the cited scripture listed above. Each perspective and context provide more to learn about and understand. How do we hear a story and engage in the narrative? What about our own stories? How do we engage in each other’s narratives? This is precisely, why I am so excited to welcome the Church Narrative Project to the PSWR. 

On December 13-14, 2024, at the Disciples Ministry Center we will host the Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, who will lead us in a facilitated process of interaction and dialogue. The Church Narrative Project has traveled throughout our denomination in over a dozen regions, already.  We are blessed to have their availability to visit with us in just about six weeks. Please read more about the Church Narrative Project on: https://disciples.org/churchnarrativeproject/. One of the guiding scriptures Dr. Hooker engages in the process is Luke 17:21 (NRSV) “nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” Amen.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve our region and church into: “A Shared Future.”

Blessings,
Richie  

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

Don't Give Up: A Prayer For Our Country

9 Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. 10 So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith. – Galatians 6: 9 – 10 CEB

It might be clearer, today, there are some strong differences and divisions in our U.S. politics as well about the vision of a shared future. There are some who are invigorated and many others who have become exhausted. In the letter to the Galatians, we find a reproach or encouragement to “not get tired of doing good.” On all sides of its Greco-Roman world and still today, amid the US political spectrums, we’re to “work for the good of all…and especially for those in the household of faith.” We will continue to advocate that our social systems in the U.S. serve everyone, not just a select group or chosen few. Whether you or I are part of the household of faith or not, these texts call us to work together until a harvest is available for all. Let us continue in the work and ministry of Jesus Christ, who gave his life and resurrection for all. Our Regional Ministry, Board, Staff, Leadership and congregations “will not give up,” we will be here in prayers and re-committed to the work, advocacy, mission, and ministry until the promised yield has been made real for all.

We have selected the following from Christ Church Uniting, Kailua, HI and it’s Pastor, Rev. Kate Hogue Moment of Meditation (November 4, 2024):

This benediction and prayer of protection for your spirit, based on a prayer by Steven Charleston, Native American Theologian and former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska:

When others hate, may you love.
When others curse, may you bless.
When others hurt, may you heal.
When others divide, may you unite.
When others rage, may you calm.
When others deny, may you affirm.
You are a servant of the light.
You need not be afraid of darkness.

God strengthen you to carry on with your work and faithfully live who you are in Christ:
Love for stranger, love for enemy, love for neighbor.

Amen.

Blessings,
Richie