MLK JR. CELEBRATION, DISCIPLE OF THE YEAR AWARD AND MLK SCHOLARSHIP

The MLK Committee of the PSWR has been organizing the region’s annual MLK Jr. Celebration, an event that celebrates the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for 2026 is “A Moral Response for Such a Time as This,” based on Esther 4:14, and will feature guest speaker Rev. Terry “TJ” Coon, Jr., Senior Pastor at Abundant Life Christian Church in Los Angeles.

We would like to invite many voices in the Pacific Southwest Region to participate in the combined choir. This year we will be sending out the songs in advance so that you can rehearse in your various church choirs or on your own prior to the two rehearsals that will be scheduled. Please reach out to Minister Crystal Nix at ministercrystalnix@gmail.com or Lauren Graham at laurengraham66@gmail.com for choir details.

The 2025 Disciple of the Year award recipient Rev. Neddy Yong

Also included in the program is the presentation of the “Disciple of the Year” award and the MLK Scholarship. The Committee is currently accepting nominations for both. The Disciple of the Year award honors an individual, congregation, or unit for their efforts on behalf of justice and peace, either in their local community or through organizations and initiatives. The 2025 recipient was Rev. Nereyda "Neddy" Yong, a trained Spiritual Director whose passion is to support diverse families with resources that nurture a compassionate and just spirituality in daily life.

The 2025 MLK scholarship recipient Chianne JaNae Gibbs

The MLK Scholarship offers financial assistance to college students or students in vocational/trade schools who are committed to ministry in urban settings and/or social action through peace and justice. The 2025 recipient was Chianne JaNae Gibbs, a member of East 105th Street Christian Church in Los Angeles and a student at Chapman University. She is a Religious Studies major, with an African Studies minor, and hopes to “lead an impactful group that will mend racial tensions by sharing God’s love through simple deeds and words.” Both application forms can be found here. For more information about the MLK event, please visit: https://www.disciplespswr.org/mlk-jr-celebration 

OPERATION CACTI: COMPASSION CARE PROJECT

Welcome to Operation Cacti!

Operation Cacti is an educational and biblical resource designed for families (with kids ages 5-17), pastors, and churches being directly affected by current immigration policies and for those who seek to be in solidarity with them. It is a joint project of Obra Hispana and Week of Compassion. The PSWR will be the first region to benefit from the program.

How does it work?

Operation Cacti is a resource kit that families will receive through their churches. It is made for a family home setting but can be adapted for church gatherings. Each kit will include: four colorful bible story booklets, a manual for leaders (parents/teachers and youth), Art therapy workbook for kids, Journal notebook for teens, and a special physical item of comfort with a blessing for the night.

How can you help?

We need donations of comfort animals. These are small (8-12 inches tall), huggable stuffed toys. The photo below shows donations already collected for the PSWR by women’s groups in other regions. If you would like to help, please send your  church’s donations to Operation Cacti, c/o  PSWR, 115 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832. The resource materials are about to go to press, so we would appreciate receiving your/your church’s donations by November 22.

If you are interested in helping assemble the kits or would like more information about Project Cacti, please email Murielbourke@downeymemorial.org.

Breaking Bread, October 2025

PSWR Disciples,

May the peace of God be with you.

Over the next few months, we have invited different voices into our breaking bread series, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome our very own, Ms. Hayley Smart, PSWR Camp Youth and Young Adults Program Coordinator (see below).

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 amazing ministry is happening.

On August 17th, 2025, University Christian Church, San Diego celebrated the tenth anniversary of Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines pastoral ministry with the congregation (pictured below). Several invited guests, clergy, and I were in attendance to help rejoice in this beautiful occasion.

On August 24th, 2025, First Christian Church, Ontario welcomed my visit to worship and celebrate the return a few weeks before of its Pastor, Rev. BJ Barlow to the pulpit. We have pictured above Rev. Kyungmok Lee leading in the words of institution at the table.

On August 28th, 2025, Prayer Vigil led by Area Clergy in the city of Santa Ana. Pictured above are ribbons used in prayers.

On September 14th, 2025, Gateway Christian Church, Los Angeles welcome my visit to worship and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the congregation. Pictured above are two photos from their worship service in a celebrated praise and decoration.

Also, First Christian Church, Fullerton welcomed Rev. Dr. Bosela Eale, Global Ministries Partner, Representative of the Disciples of Christ in Congo and President of the DOC Seminary in Mbandaka. Pictured presentation and with PSWR Regional Leaders.

On Friday, September 19th, 2025, McCarty Memorial Christian Church, Los Angeles welcomed Bishop William Barber, for a mass meeting for moral witness and prayer service. Pictures above are from the meeting and worship service.

On Saturday, September 20th, 2025, Bishop William Barber, visited McArthur Park, Los Angeles to help Launch Liberty Vans as part of SAM (Save America Movement). Also, there was an Interdenominational Prayer and Dialogue invited by Bishop William Barber and Mayor Karen Bass. Pictures above are from those events.

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, First Christian Church, Burbank welcomed my visit to worship and celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the congregation. Pictured above are civic leaders and former staff clergy members to lead at the table.

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, All Peoples Community Center celebrated its Anniversary Gala at the Sheraton Grand DTLA. The picture above is from the event.

On Sunday, September 28th, 2025, Church of the Foothills, North Tustin, welcomed my visit to help celebrate the Commissioned Ministry of Pastor Cristina Flores as the Director of Christian Education. Above, I am pictured with Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Nathan Hill and Pastor Cristina Flores.

Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Disciples Home Missions Director for Justice & Advocacy Ministries was here visiting with PSWR Clergy and other events. He offers his reflections on the weekly “Godmothers of the Disappeared Prayer Vigils” happening in Los Angeles and includes a toolkit from the organizers that lets others share this prophetic witness in their community. Here is the link with the reflection, photos, and more!

I hope to see you at Regional Gathering on October 18, 2025 in the Disciples Ministry Center in Fullerton. Pray Always. Speak Out on behalf of the Voiceless. Do the difficult work of common good.

Blessings,
Richie

Celebrating Another Incredible Camp Season at Loch Leven

by Hayley Smart, Interim Camp Youth and Young Adults Program Coordinator

Summer camp at Loch Leven is a sacred and unique place for our children and youth, and mid-July marked the end of a truly wonderful 2025 camp season. Each year around this time, looking back at the summer, after all the final numbers and evaluations and debriefs, we realize anew that there is so much about the camp experience that cannot be quantified--and this year was no different. 

First to enumerate what can be quantified, though: this summer the program continued on the upward trajectory it has tracked since we returned to camp in person post-lockdown. Enrollment grew for almost all age groups, and in three weeks of camp we were ultimately blessed to serve a total of 136 campers representing 27 congregations across the Pacific Southwest and Arizona Regions. Our inter-regional partnership has resulted in Arizona Disciples constituting a quarter of adult volunteers and nearly half of youth registrants, fostering young friendships and long-term ties between our regions.

Speaking of adults, the camp programming at Loch Leven is planned and implemented entirely by volunteers. We are grateful for the incredible generosity of the 48 adults--directors, counselors, clergy, musicians, and medical staff--who gave of their time this summer to create a safe and special environment for our campers. Two of our volunteers even received training as Level 2 archery instructors in order to offer our older campers the opportunity to learn a very traditional summer camp skill! We are always looking for more volunteers, so if you feel called to participate or just want to learn more, we encourage you to let us know you're interested here.

We are also proud to report that several significant facilities projects have been completed or are underway at Loch Leven. Inspiration Point, which for decades has been many campers' favorite place at camp, has been restored with durable permanent benches and a new cross. An old shed is being converted into a cold room, which will provide both relief from rising summer temperatures and a much-needed additional indoor meeting space. There are many more projects on the horizon intended to keep camp safe, comfortable, and fun for the next generation of campers. We invite you to take the time to check out some of these improvements when you next visit Loch Leven. If you feel inspired by our progress, please consider making a contribution to continue the work; it is only possible through the generosity of people like you investing in the future of outdoor ministry.

As for what cannot be measured: fellowship and faith formation remained at the core of the camp experience. Through daily devotionals, peer-led worship, team-building activities, and simply spending time together in nature, campers engaged deeply with their spirituality and faith community. Loch Leven is a retreat from our hyper-connected lives; it was surprising to hear how many youth enjoyed leaving the internet behind for an entire week to be wholly present with their communities. In this way, they forged relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds and developed support networks they can rely on "down the mountain." 

The impact of our camp program over the years is evident across the many stories of growth and transformation (including my own!) that past participants have shared. You can be a part of ensuring that Loch Leven continues to be a sacred place, and summer camp a formative experience, for children and youth in the years to come. As we look to 2026, please consider whether camp is a ministry you feel called to support--whether it be your time, talent, or treasure, we welcome you with gratitude and an unrelenting hope for the future.

Time Well Invested: Reflections from 2025 General Assembly

by Rev. Cheri Metier 

Time is a curious concept. The calendar informs me that it has been over two months since the 2025 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) came to a close in Memphis, TN, however my spirit continues to feel refreshed, my heart is full, and my imagination continues to be fed by the worship and learning I received during those brief five days. Yet, simultaneously, it feels like much too long ago that I was blessed to exchange hundreds of smiles and hugs from my Disciples family and be strengthened by the meaningful ministry that is happening throughout the United States and Canada through the passion and spirit of these faithful servants.  

I extended my GA experience by participating in the pre-assembly home build event sponsored by Week of Compassion on Friday prior to the Opening of the GA. I must boast that PSWR was well represented during this additional, all-day labor of love. Together we built over 50 wall panels that have since been delivered to Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region in Hopkins County, Kentucky, ready for the next phase of rebuilding and recovery. The panels will become a home for a single mother and her young son, who were displaced by tornadoes in December 2021. I was but 1 of 45 volunteers gathered at The BLVD (Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church) to frame a house for tornado survivors in western Kentucky. Week of Compassion volunteers worked with the capable folks of Help Build Hope. You can watch a time-lapsed video of the entire day by visiting: https://vimeo.com/1103830319?share=copy . I’m the one in denim shorts and a red, sleeveless shirt. Can you find me and other PSWR volunteers? 

The words, music, and wisdom shared during the Worship Services buoyed my soul. Rev. Dr. Bernice King charged us to “Activate the Power” as the Church responds to injustice. Her powerful message of exhortation and inspiration provided me with personal and pastoral hope for our Church and our nation. Each and every preacher, musician, and worship leader brought evocative messages of resilient hope and faith. 

I was inspired to learn about the new initiative of the Disciples Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry from Rev. Paul S. Tché, that promotes ecumenical and interfaith collaboration by congregations being able to become a Polar Star Congregation (a guide is available here). As the Chair of PSWR’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee (EIRC), I am excited to share this opportunity with PSWR congregations. I had the privilege of speaking personally with Rev. Tché about this and he agreed to meet with EIRC! 

There is so much more to share about my time and experiences of attending the 2025 General Assembly and I am deeply grateful for the $500 scholarship granted by PSWR’s Leadership Development Committee that made participating in this possible. Although you’ll need to wait three years, please plan now to attend the 2028 General Assembly. I promise, it is time well invested!