Young adult Disciples invited to apply to XPLOR! 

The National Benevolent Association (NBA) of the Christian Church (Disciples), in partnership with several Disciples churches and regions, is now receiving applications for young adults interested in applying for the NBA XPLOR 2015-2016 year. Watch the video below for a look at the XPLOR program:

What is NBA XPLOR? XPLOR is a faith-based, 10-month, congregationally hosted residency for 21- to 30-year-olds, who want to explore lives of care and service.

What does an NBA XPLOR Residency involve? Residents live under one roof within a diverse community of peers where they engage in communal and personal spiritual practices ranging from prayer to simple daily meals together. They care for and learn from others in community-service internships, and they relate to their host congregation. This communal lifestyle is not typical in our culture and yet it is designed to help residents recognize and practice a deeper connection with the people they encounter.

What does a typical week of Residency look like? A Residency week makes time for all facets of the internship experience: Four days of learning/experience in the service site, weekly Sabbath time set aside for personal and collective spiritual reflection, free time for personal care (grocery shopping, laundry, entertainment, and rest) and about six hours a week serving with the host congregation.

In 2014, XPLOR welcomed 12 young adults to live in intentional community and service at three XPLOR houses across the U.S.: St. Louis, Missouri; Hiram-Manuta, Ohio; and North Hollywood, California. More information (including videos from each Resident) can be found atwww.nbacares.org/xplorRead more.

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AuthorAlisa Mittelstaedt

The purpose of ‘Reconciliation’ within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is “to nurture the wholeness of the church by dismantling systemic racism and other oppressive structures toward becoming a church that demonstrates True Community, Deep Christian Spirituality, and Passion for Justice.”  The Reconciliation Grant funds ministries and projects that promote Reconciliation within our Region. You can learn more at: www.reconciliationministry.org

The deadline for Reconciliation Grant applications is January 31, 2015. Once received, applications are reviewed by the Church in Society Committee. Recommendations for funding are then submitted to the Finance Committee, and subsequently approved by the Regional Board. Approved funds are made available in May.


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AuthorAlisa Mittelstaedt

B.J. Barlow, Regional Staff for Youth Ministries, is systematically meeting with each District of PSWR congregations to discuss the needs of our youth and how PSWR congregations can meet those needs. The next meeting is for youth leaders and mentors from District 8 churches:

Pacific Beach Christian Church
Casa de Oracion, San Diego
First Christian Church of Oceanside
United Church of the Valley
Primera Iglesia Cristiana de Vista
Missiongathering Christian Church
University Christian Church
Vista La Mesa Christian Church
Clairemont Christian Church
Iglesia Fe, Esperanza y Amor Christian Church
Torrey Pines Christian Church


District 8, join us for this vital time of brainstorming and dreaming!

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AuthorAlisa Mittelstaedt

Regional Assembly was an incredible time of togetherness and celebration! Thank you to First Christian Church Garden Grove for your over-and-above hospitality. Thank you to those who put in time and hard work to ensure every aspect of Regional Assembly 2014 was meaningful---worship participants, workshop leaders, planning committee, attendees. We are grateful to walk in light and love together with you!

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AuthorAlisa Mittelstaedt