Agape Covenant Church - Mesa, AZ
Ministry and Matters of Location
written by PSWC Staff
Posted January 10, 2012

Location. Location. Location. We're accustomed to this mantra in real estate and searching out the most accessible, visible location for a church. But, how important is a church's meeting location to its mission? Does it matter where a church is located when it comes to living the day-in and day-out?

In the case of Agape Covenant Christian Church in Mesa, AZ the response is a resounding - "yes." Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa serves as the "hub" for missional activity for Agape. Not surprisingly, the church draws out college students and residents from the surrounding East Valley. The third group Agape draws is a pleasant surprise - people who are homeless.

Agape's location on the ASU Campus is uniquely positioned close to House of Refuge, a faith-based, non-profit providing transitional housing and support services to individuals and families faced with homelessness.

The first sentence on the church's website reads, "Agape is a multicultural, multiracial group of people trying to live a lifestyle with a heartbeat for Christ, Community, and Compassion…We have been called to express the church in a very different way. We meet in three basic ways: celebrations, missional communities, and huddles (discipleship groups). The site further describes missional communities as groups gathering regularly …to eat, read scripture, teach, pray for each other, and serve those we wish to impact for Christ. Agape's Missional communities are made up of college students, families and singles from the community and families and individuals from House of Refuge.

In talking with pastor Charles Newman, church-planting pastor of Agape, it was good to hear about the "Kingdom opportunities" at Agape.

• SERVING. "Serving helps us get out of our comfort zones. It helps us see God is active and present. Second Sunday is 'worship as service' Sunday where we leave the building and meet needs. This increases our awareness of our own community," notes Newman. Because the missional communities are family-friendly, kids get opportunities to serve, and Agape college students mentor youth at House of Refuge each Thursday.
• MAKING MEMORIES. Approximately 150 people make their home within one of the 88 units at House of Refuge. Newman explains, "85% are there because of domestic violence, and that means a lot of rebuilding." He goes on to say more than anything, Agape's presence and special initiatives - like a Harvest Celebration sponsored by the church or the recent Christmas Caroling up and down the streets at House of Refuge, allow families to create good memories and live a more normal life.
• BEING JESUS. True to their name, Agape is extending Christ's love right where they are...through listening, laughing, and sometimes playing with residents. Newman concludes, "We're there because we want to build relationships and care for families."

Location. Location. Location. It does matter as we follow Jesus and live out our spiritual lives geographically, in the context of where we live.

The PSWC Network of Spiritual Directors: Learning New Skills
written by Rev. Jim Gaderlund
Posted November 29, 2011

The PSWC offers its pastors, church staff members, and their spouses "the gift of a caring presence" through its network of spiritual directors who serve throughout the conference. Twice a year spiritual directors gather for further training and skill building. November 14-15, 2011, twenty directors gathered in northern California for a training retreat with guest speaker, Helen Cepero, a founding member of the network who and now lives in Alaska. Helen teaches around the country, including at North Park Theological Seminary. The theme was "Spiritual Direction as Improvisation". On Monday afternoon, Cepero drew principals from improvisational theater and comedy, and showed how they be adopted in complimentary ways to the spiritual directors' conversations with directees. On Tuesday, directors gathered in groups of three and practiced these prinicpals. The network of spiritual directors and the number of directees is continually growing. There are now about twenty persons directing over 50 PSWC clergy, church staff or spouses.

If you have questions about this ministry or desire to find a spiritual director see the spiritual direction section under resources on pswc.org or contact Jim Gaderlund at jgaderlund@me.com.

Bringing Kids and Incarcerated Moms Together
written by PSWC Staff
Posted November 17, 2011

Wellspring's Volunteer Staff

Three times each year Wellspring Covenant Church (Aiea, HI) sponsors Kid's Day at the local Women's Correctional facility. They recently held Kid's Day on Saturday, October 29.

The purpose of the event is to provide a venue within the prison for incarcerated mothers to spend exclusive one-on-one time with their children. Whether the event is set near Easter, Fourth of July or Halloween, approximately 25 church volunteers provide lunch, an afternoon of fun, and the gospel message. For the October Kid's Day the church created an atmosphere complete with a pumpkin patch, caramel apples, pumpkin decorating, musical chairs and a variety of games.

Wellspring pastor, Dale Vallejo-Sanderson reports, "It is heartwarming. The group is able to create an environment for mother and child or children to bond. For about four hours, the prison fences disappear and the relationships become the preoccupation of the moment. Volunteers are transformed as much as the participating mothers and children."

Patrick Soken of the Wellspring team reports that mothers are very grateful, as there are no similar opportunities available.

TRANSFORMING LIVES IN LAS VEGAS

Advance Covenant Church in Las Vegas, NV launched on February 1, 2011. Ryan Lunceford serves as the church planting pastor of this young ministry. Don't miss these video stories of Jason and Anarae -- two people whose lives have been touched by the God through the ministry of Advance Covenant Church.

Jason's Story
Anarae's Story

Alpine Hosts Camp Mosaic
written by Alpine Staff
Posted November 7, 2011

Alpine Camp and Conference Center is pleased to announce the recent hosting of Camp Mosaic, October 14-16, 2011. This strategic leadership development retreat is designed to "Equip the next generation of servant leaders with a vision of the kingdom of God
(Eph. 4:11-13)." Thirty-nine college age young adults attended this event and received inspiration and vision from speakers, Greg Yee (PSWC associate superintendant), Jacob Canales (Campus Pastor, Azusa Pacific University) and David Zepeda, Ministry Advancement Manager, Alpine). Camp Mosaic is led in partnership with The Mosaic Center of the Pacific Southwest Conference.

As participants were encouraged to live out their kingdom calling, an opportunity to apply for open summer staff positions at Alpine was also presented. Alpine has been blessed by several Camp Mosaic alumni who responded to this opportunity and served as summer staff in 2011. We look forward to witnessing the impact this generation of emerging leaders will have as they serve the body of Christ and carry out God's kingdom purposes.

Hope Covenant Church
"Reaching One More For Jesus"
written by Hope Covenant Staff, edited by PSWC Staff
Posted November 4, 2011

On Sunday, October 23, Hope Covenant Church (Chandler, AZ) celebrated its 25th Anniversary and its 9th anniversary at its present location. Over 500 worshipers attended two services and then enjoyed an old fashioned picnic in our front parking lot.

During the worship services, Pastor Duane Cross interviewed Andy Lockridge, the first pastor from 1986-1993, and a letter was read from Randy Klassen who served as pastor from 1994-1999. Since Pastor Duane Cross came in the summer of 2000, several associate pastors have served and each sent a video greeting. Brad Kindall (worship pastor 2000-2002), Ryan Lunceford (worship pastor 2002-2004), Chris White (worship pastor 2005-2007), Kent Bertrand (associate pastor 2006-2007), and David Hillis (associate pastor 2004-2011) all sent greetings from their present ministries. All remain in Covenant Churches.

Hope Covenant Church has been characterized by steady growth - from a small church meeting in a strip-mall in 2000 to a multi-purpose facility that has been home since October of 2002. From the beginning of Hope Covenant Church, we have desired to be a church that "reaches one more for Jesus." Many lives have been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2010 alone over 100 people gave their hearts to Christ. In addition, we partnered in planting two churches, The Bridge Covenant in Gilbert, AZ (2007) and Masterpiece Church in Laveen, AZ (2009).

We are grateful to God for His blessing and anointing during these 25 years as we have endeavored to bring Hope to a lost and broken world.

Cornerstone Covenant and Bargains Thrift Shop:
Five Years of Sending Kids to Camp
edited by PSWC Staff
Posted October 10, 2011

This summer marked the fifth year Cornerstone Covenant Church (Palm Desert, CA) has sent local children to camp in conjunction with Bargains Thrift Shop (Palm Desert, CA). More than 200 children participated in weeklong 2011 summer camps at Alpine Camp Conference Center (Blue Jay, CA) through the actions of these organizations.

Bargains Thrift Shop, Cornerstone Covenant Church, and Rolling Hills Covenant Church (Rolling Hills, CA) each raise funds for kids to go to camp. Alpine then matches these funds, providing scholarships enabling kids to attend.

Todd MacCarron, manager for Bargains Thrift Shop, reports, "In the five years of operating this ministry, we have been blessed with over 1,400 children taking part in the camping experience."

The concept of sending local youth to camp actually brought together pastor Chris Hushaw of Cornerstone Covenant with MacCarron over six years ago. According to Hushaw, "Todd had a vision to bring a kids' camping ministry to the [Coachella] Valley. I had a contact who made a donation allowing Todd to open Bargains Thrift Shop, and everything else just fell into place."

For more information go to cornerstonehome.org, bargainsthriftshop.org, or www.alpine-cc.org.

PSWC Youth Leaders - Connecting and Networking Locally
written by Ben Kerns, Pastor to Children and Youth at Marin Covenant Church
Posted Sept. 8, 2011

For the past four years, youth workers from across the Pacific Southwest Conference (PSWC) have gathered to retreat, connect, and be encouraged as we transition into a fall rhythm of youth ministry. Mission Springs hosted this year's PSWC Youth Workers' Connection August 21-23. It is great to have a place to meet up with old friends, be encouraged by new ones and have some intentional time of prayer and worship as we get our own spiritual houses in order before jumping into ministry contexts.

We have transitioned how we care for youth workers in our conference. We now have what is called, the Youth Ministry Network. The Network exists to promote healthy youth ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church by helping youth workers to be known, connected, and resourced. To that end, there is a growing group of network leaders who focus on geographical and affinity clusters. This year each of our eight network leaders participated in leading the retreat.

As the PSWC becomes more and more diverse we realize we must be creative in our approach to care for the wide variety of youth workers. We desire for the Youth Ministry Network and the future youth Connections to be accessible and relevant to all who serve students in their local context. This desire brings with it some challenges, but they are challenges our team is excited to tackle. Serving in a church and denomination that has such a high value for youth and the care of its youth workers is indeed a gift.

If you have a youth worker in your church and would like to get them connected to a geographical or affinity cluster, please have them contact Ben Kerns for more information at ben@marincovenant.org.

Alpine's Mountain Adventure Camp: Effectively Reaching Inner-City Youth
Edited by PSWC Staff
Posted Aug. 12, 2011

Of the 206 inner-city youth who attended Alpine Camp and Conference Centers' Mountain Adventure Camp (MAC) July 24-29, twenty-eight made first time decisions for Christ. An additional 66 rededicated their lives to Christ.

Mountain Adventure Camp, an Alpine experience intentionally focused on inner-city youth, began over eleven years ago. The desire was for youth to step outside their urban confines and have a mountaintop connection with Jesus. After a few years, staff began to notice a disconnect - kids from urban, multi-ethnic, socio-economically diverse communities across LA were arriving at the Blue Jay, CA-based camp which was staffed predominantly with white leaders and speakers.

David Zepeda, Ministry Advancement Manager, explains that Alpine made a strategic change at this point; they invited the local adult counselors already invested in the students' lives, into a greater level of program involvement. Instead of brining in an outside speaker who tries to relate to the youth, many of the counselors now make up an ethnically diverse roster of speakers and workshop presenters. As a result, Zepeda reports: "Programming is more effective, collaboration with ministry partners has increased, and there is a dynamic relationship between campers and staff."

Alpine also partners with the churches in funding the MAC experience. Zepeda reports, "Most participants receive some level of scholarship. Many have approximately 90% of their registration costs covered, and participate with a co-payment starting at $25. This arrangement helps supplement camp scholarship funding."

Five PSWC churches sent youth to MAC this year. They included: Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church (Pasadena, CA), Eagle Rock Covenant Church (Los Angeles, CA), Iglesia del Pacto Eagle Rock (Los Angeles, CA), and Amigos de La Gracia Covenant Church (Rialto, CA).

Reflecting back to the number of campers who made decisions for Christ, Zepeda quietly says, "There were probably more than 28. I couldn't see all the hands raised at the campfire. God has been faithful to answer our prayers to reach young people with the gospel."

Fireworks Fund Campers and Strengthen Friendships
Edited by PSWC Staff
Posted Aug. 12, 2011

When the City of West Sacramento, California decided to allow fireworks sales for the first time, twenty-nine religious nonprofits sought a sales permit, but only two were chosen by lottery. One went to Lighthouse Covenant Church (West Sacramento, CA), which netted nearly $11,000 in sales. The church used the funds to send twenty-eight teens from the community and twelve more from within their church to a week-long Youth For Christ Camp in Oregon.

Pastor Don Bosley reports selling fireworks was a tremendous experience for Lighthouse, which formed when River of Life Church and Westside Covenant merged last fall. Lighthouse volunteers hosted the sales booth for eight days, an experience that provided "incredible interaction with the community and weaved our merged fellowship even tighter as people worked, laughed and problem-solved together."

The campers returned August 5, with numerous first-time decisions for Christ and re-commitments. Within days many of them were going to church with youth pastors at Lighthouse and other West Sacramento fellowships. "I have a feeling," said one Lighthouse observer, "that the real fireworks are yet to come."

Partnering to Serve International Students
Edited by PSWC Staff
Posted July 14, 2011

For the past two years Hope Center Covenant Church (Pleasant Hill, CA) has hosted approximately 80 international college students for dinner each Friday evening. They do so in partnership with several other churches in the Diablo Valley. Each evening also includes games and a faith-based message.

This ministry, International Christian Fellowship, is an outreach available to the approximately 1200 international students at Diablo Valley College. Fran Karlsrud of Hope Center explains, "Our church provides the facility and a monthly meal. Other churches provide additional meals, money and people who want to put their faith into action."

The purpose of ICF is to engage international students in spiritual conversation with the hope of presenting the gospel. The larger goal is to send these highly educated students back to their home countries as missionaries and advocates of God's justice.

Tom Pattitucci, pastor of Outreach Ministries at Hope Center, reports about ten of the students have chosen to be in discipleship relationships this last year and three have committed to go on "Mission to Mexico", Hope Center's annual mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. One male student who will be going to Ensenada has shared, "I did a lot of volunteer work in China previously, and I want to know what it is like to serve in the name of Christ."

For more information about ICF you may contact Fran Karlsrud at sonflower74@sbcglobal.net.

Celebration of Baptism at Paradise Valley Community Church, Phoenix
Edited by PSWC Staff
Posted June 14, 2011

On Sunday, May 15, the pastoral staff of Paradise Valley Community Church (PVCC) expected to be baptizing twelve people. When it came time for the baptisms, following the first morning service, five additional people stepped forward and said they too wanted to be baptized. Pastor of Community Life, Kurt Notehelfer reports, "So they jumped in with their regular clothes on! When more people arrived for our second service five more said they too wanted to be baptized - and were."

Seventeen of the 22 persons baptized were men; 3 of them were ex-convicts; 2 were Alpha course graduates; 4 of them were fathers and sons together; 2 of them were mother and son together. They ranged from 12 - 73 years of age.

PVCC staff anticipated approximately 17 baptisms in 2011. Notehelfer reports, "This was our first baptism celebration of 2011, and it kind of felt like God said, 'Watch this! Here's your 17.' and brought more people. Then after our second service it was as if God said, 'Now watch this!' and he brought five more once again. Not only do we celebrate with great excitement the new life that these baptisms represent, but we firmly believe that God is reminding us that we often come to him with a thimble to fill when we should be bringing a bucket!"

As a result of the baptism celebration, several more people have indicated that they desire to be baptized. The next celebration of baptism will be July 10th.

Editor's Note: The idea of bringing a thimble to God in place of a bucket is portrayed in the above painting shared with PVCC by artist and prison inmate, Charlie Robinson.

Mission Hope Covenant Church "Loves Tustin"
By Erin Kerr, church planter of Mission Hope (as shared Friday morning of Celebration 2011)
Posted May 12, 2011

Several weeks before our church's Grand Openings started (April 10, 17 and 24), we did two servant evangelism events called "Breakfast Blitzes". Different weeks and in different parts of the city, we showed up at busy Tustin street corners and gave out free breakfast bags - to people on their way to work or school - starting at 6:30 a.m. We included a banana, a granola bar, a water bottle and an invitation card to Mission Hope. We wore our "Love Tustin" t-shirts, held up signs that said FREE BREAKFAST and Missionhope.com loves Tustin. It created a great BUZZ in our community.

Drivers pulling up to the stoplights would do "double takes" realizing we weren't selling anything or asking for money, but giving away free food! People who wanted a breakfast bag would roll down their windows and we'd let them know God loves them and to have a great day! Some smiled, laughed, honked, or gave a us thumbs up. Between both events, we distributed 600 bags as young and old drove to work or walked to the nearby schools.

One Hispanic family grabbed a breakfast bag. A week or so later, they received our Grand Opening mailer. In the midst of this, the mother got into a bad car accident leaving her recovering with a cane. She sensed God had spared her and that she was supposed to bring her family to Mission Hope. They showed up with their 11 year-old daughter to our second Grand Opening event (April 17). I met them before the service and prayed with them after briefly hearing what had happened. Afterwards, they came up and said they loved the experience and would definitely be back. The following week, on Easter, they brought their daughter's friend and at the end of the service, all four of them (along with two others) raised their hands to commit their lives to Jesus!

Out on the patio, they mentioned to me "If you can reach us, this church is definitely going to grow!"

We are so grateful to God for blessing us with these new members of His family and our church family!

Cornerstone Covenant Church to Open Doors of New Home Easter Sunday
By Cornerstone Member; edited by PSWC Staff
Posted April 12, 2011

Pastor Chris Hushaw and family signing beam.

After five years of meeting in the theatre at La Quinta High School, Cornerstone Covenant Church will be celebrating the opening of their new church building at 73-605 Dinah Shore in Palm Desert on Easter Sunday.

A series of special events are planned, including a concert, a tea in honor of Mothers, a special outreach visit for local migrant working families at Belk Farms in Thermal and a formal ribbon-cutting on April 20th at 11am. Under the theme "Come Grow with Us", the church will focus on a special sermon series each Sunday through May 15th.

"We are so excited to finally have our own church home to plant our flag in our community," explained Pastor Chris Hushaw, "and look forward to expanding our church family as well as our community outreach with this strong foundation to work from. We are moving out of the high school neighborhood to truly a regional outreach center at our new church campus. I am so proud of our church and so grateful to them, members of the Covenant Church community at large, and the Coachella Valley residents whose generosity and support helped make this possible."

The congregation, which currently serves 250 friends and members, has grown from an initial group of just 35. This move to a permanent location will also enable Cornerstone to add to their existing programs. Initial plans include a food pantry and clothing closet for the community, weekday afterschool programs for youth and children, Bible studies and youth groups, in addition to a Coffee House Café area. With the help of their thrift shop, Bargains, they have sent more than 1,000 deserving kids to camp, hosted clothing drives, and helped serve the poor, hurting and needy in the community.

Learn more about Cornerstone Covenant Church at www.CornerstoneHome.org.

Two Churches in Transition Bless Each Other
By Hefti Brunold, youth pastor of Heartland
Posted April 11, 2011

About six weeks ago pastor Ralph Moller let the people of Heartland Community Church (Ripon, CA) know that God had called him to Lifehouse Covenant Church (San Francisco, CA). In hearing the news our hearts were saddened because Ralph is part of our family here at Heartland, but with the peace of God's Spirit we also began to feel an excitement for what God would do in us. I was astonished by the grace and love that has been shown in these weeks since.

On Sunday, March 27, Ralph preached his final message to Heartland and as a church we released him as our pastor. Joining us that day were Andy Chang, chair of Lifehouse Covenant Church and church leader, Ram Fenster. As a church we commissioned Ralph, and his wife, Teresa, for the next season of ministry at Lifehouse alongside Andy and Ram. Our leadership team laid hands on them and prayed for them. Andy then shared his experience of grace and love that Lifehouse has felt through the whole process, and Ram offered a prayer of blessing over Heartland for the season we are entering. At the close of the service, Ralph offered a final blessing to the Heartland family. We concluded our time together with a celebration -- sharing memories, hopes, still some sadness, but all in all rejoicing in the grace God gives.

UPDATE: Margarita Monsalve's Immigration Journey
By PSWC Staff
Posted March 28, 2011

Last September pswc.org ran an article entitled Considering Immigration which told the story of Margarita Monsalve. Margarita is a pastor of Navegando con Cristo Ministries, a mission to low-income and drug-addicted individuals and families in Torrance, California, and was facing deportation orders.

On March 4th, Pastor Margarita Monsalve received the incredible news from her legal counsel at the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law that she has been granted "deferred action" for one year. This change in status will allow Pastor Margarita to remain in the U.S. until "it has been determined that this action is no longer warranted."

"Deferred action" is not granted very often. Further, she will no longer need to wear an ankle monitor or continue to come before the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in fear of being deported. Though this change in status does not grant her any immigration benefit, it is a major win. She will now be allowed to apply for a work permit and remain in this more stable "grey" status.

PSWC Staff member Walter Contreras celebrates and reports, "...this was possible because of scores of Covenanters praying, and many Covenant leaders and pastors advocating on her behalf by signing a petition for deferred action."

Regardless of our leanings concerning the politics of immigration reform, Pastor Margarita's journey provides us another opportunity to explore what it means to be the Church.

Oakland Church hosts Family Night
By PSWC Staff
Posted February 15, 2011

Convergence Covenant Church in West Oakland, CA meets in DeFremery Recreation Center, a park owned and operated by the city of Oakland. As leadership from the church began to interact with community leaders, the question has been raised, "How can the church immerse itself in the richness and diversity of our neighbors and learn to live out the heart of God for Oakland?"

The response that emerged was Family Night, a partnership between the City of Oakland and Convergence Covenant inviting the community of West Oakland to gather for a meal and family friendly games and activities once a month. The collaboration between the DeFremery Recreation Center staff and Convergence has provided the opportunity to reach out to local public schools to promote the event. Over the past four months Convergence has welcomed 60-80 people for each Family Night.

Pastor Bobby Lee reports, "Our hope is move people from transaction-only ministry to relational ministry."

Highlights so far according to Family Night Leader Jenn Wu: Overhearing a guest and a Convergence-goer saying, "We should get our kids together to play". A community member who has been bringing his grandson to Family Nights said, "now this is what our neighborhood has been missing and what you're doing right here, this is real. This is family."

Cosio Receives Sacramento Service and Advocacy Award
By PSWC Staff
Posted February 15, 2011

Susan Cosio, an ordained Covenant pastor and member of University Covenant Church of Davis, was recently honored as a "Difference Maker" in the Sacramento community. Cosio received the Award for Service and Advocacy for her role in providing a voice to the marginalized. Cosio serves full-time as a chaplain at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, where she provides spiritual care to patients and their families.

The 2011 Difference Maker Awards were presented at the community-wide Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 16. Presenting the award to Cosio was Sherwood Carthen, pastor of Bayside of South Sacramento.

Considering Immigration
By PSWC Staff
Posted Sept. 20, 2010

Margarita's story

"Señor que mi vida sea reemplazada por la tuya, que sea una sola con la del Señor Jesucristo" (Lord, let my life be replaced by your life, that I may be one with the Lord Jesus Christ.) This was the prayer of Margarita Monsalve, a pastor of Navegando con Cristo Ministries (a mission to low-income and drug-addicted individuals and families in Torrance, California) as she sat in a county jail with her daughter this last July, awaiting deportation to Colombia.

Margarita's story is a window into the broken immigration system and its impact on families around the country. She came to this country in 1992, fleeing communist guerillas in Colombia who had targeted her family because of their leadership in the business community. She had initially applied for political asylum. However, a series of errors by her lawyers led to a deportation order. (For example, they actually applied under the immigration category restricted only to Nicaraguan citizens.) Unfortunately, once a final deportation order has been issued, it is almost impossible under the current system to re-open the case. According to retired immigration judge, Bruce Einhorn, "it takes 20 years and a million dollars to overturn a deportation order, no matter how much error was involved."

Frightened for their lives if they returned to Colombia, Margarita and her family decided to stay in this country. For years, they quietly lived in their community and built a flourishing ministry to the "least of these" - until July of 2010, when Margarita's adult daughter (married to a U.S. Citizen with a 6 year-old son) was stopped on the street by immigration agents. She and Margarita were taken to the local jail to spend the night with prostitutes and criminals. The powerful prayer and action of several churches helped to stop her immediate deportation. Due to death threats, Margarita and family didn't have another option than to stay in this country. She is now fighting her 'order of deportation' to continue the ministry of helping low-income and drug-addicted individuals and families in Torrance, with the support and advocacy of four local Evangelical Covenant churches. The current system is stacked against her. Yet, immigration reform could assure her safety and ongoing ministry.

Called to respond

Polls show that over 75% of Americans support a moderate bipartisan proposal for immigration reform - reform that would allow people like Margarita to continue her life and ministry in the U.S. While most Americans want a fair and humane solution to the immigration crisis, we find ourselves at a legislative stalemate. As the Church, we are compelled by Christ's command to love our neighbors with a radical merciful heart (Luke 10:25-37). We are to see the value of "the least of these," because whatever we do to these sisters and brothers, Jesus says we do to Him (Matthew 25:31-46). Our call is to action. We must pray for godly wisdom, unity and safety. We must seek to find areas of service (i.e. providing connections to good legal counsel, providing food, supporting families with children, etc). We must steward the gift of democracy we have and contact our local and federal leaders. As Covenanters, we must continue to unpack God's Word in community as we've always done as a denomination. (Click here to read the Evangelical Covenant Church's resolution on immigration as adopted at the 121st Annual Meeting.)

One church's response to the immigration debate

One example of action comes from the heart of the immigration debate - Arizona. On Friday evening October 1, Paradise Valley Community Church (PVCC) in Phoenix will host a community conversation on immigration, a time set apart for honestly sharing and hearing a spectrum of perspectives on immigration. The intent for this "Civil Dialogue Event" is to generate safe, genuine, and effective dialogue within PVCC's wider community on this important issue. This Civil Dialogue is open to all. A local Hispanic church and the eight other Covenant churches in Phoenix and Tucson have also been invited to participate. For more info go to http://www.paradisechurch.com/. Please pray for the community's favorable response to this initiative.

Service As Worship:South Bay Community Church Gets Active In The Community
By South Bay Covenant Church
Posted Sept. 3, 2010

Fremont, CA - On Sunday, August 22, 2010, 175 members of South Bay Community Church (SBCC) volunteered their time and talent to further the impact of various local causes. What started out as a typical morning worship service ended in a beautiful demonstration of love and compassion, as the volunteers-donned in casual attire-went out into the community to perform selfless acts of service within our community. Their efforts served as a testimony to the message delivered that morning that worship at SBCC is not confined within the four walls of the sanctuary, but rather is spread throughout the community, and the world at large.

"It wasn't just a bunch of do-gooders going out into the community," states Associate Pastor Bryan Murphy in regards to the volunteer activities that took place. "When we serve as an act of worship, what we do is allow space for the power of God to heal, restore, and transform people's lives." The lives of both the young and old were impacted when volunteers ranging in age from 6 to 80+ split into 11 groups to serve needy individuals and organizations in the Tri-City Area. Some of the services performed included a campus cleanup project at two local elementary schools; a tea and social for seniors in a retirement community; spa treatments for women in a homeless shelter; and a school supply drive for children lacking adequate resources.

The organizations SBCC partnered with for this volunteer opportunity were One Child, Healthy Harvest Program, Adobe Shelter, Niles Canyon Mobile Estates, Fremont Unified School District, House of Grace, Heritage Home, YOUNGLIFE Youth Program, and Compassion Network. These and many other organizations require assistance from volunteers to fulfill their mission, which is why SBCC encourages its members to consistently give of their time and talent to serving those in the community. Patrick Joel, an SBCC member who served as a project lead for one of the school campus cleanup projects, feels that the volunteers, and not just the people they served, also benefit from outreach efforts. "I believe that the group really enjoyed the chance to fellowship while making a positive impact on the community," says Joel. "We are a group of people who are excited about serving!" Murphy says. "Our desire is to add value to our community…one of the best ways to accomplish this is to partner with and support those in the community who care about those with unmet needs."

About SBCC:Established in 1985, SBCC is an Evangelical Covenant Church located in Fremont, Ca. The mission of the church is to manifest the love of God through the practical application of the Word of God.

For more information about this topic, contact Pastor Bryan K. Murphy at (510) 490-9500 ext. 114; bkmurphy@sobcc.org.

Participants Report on PSWC's Fourth "Journey to Mosaic Squared"
By PSWC Staff
Posted August 16, 2010

Journey to Mosaic Squared (j2m2 2010) - Beginning July 10, nine young adults from across the Pacific Southwest Conference (PSWC) and the Covenant lived an intentional three-week "immersion" into Kingdom living in the heart of Oakland, CA.
Check out a video recap! Dominique Gilliard and Aune Carlson served as co-facilitators of this urban adventure.

Following are participants' reports on this PSWC sponsored experience:

"The conversations have been very emotional, very helpful, significant in a lot of ways...Things I learned have changed the way I think...Being here teaches you to appreciate everybody...I'm going home a different man...it's taught me to view God in all aspects of my life."
Marlin Payton (Oakdale Covenant, Chicago, IL)

"I hope that others will understand the importance of what we learned because I think as the church we need to know each others background...It is a good place to learn."
Josephine Daniels (River Covenant, Golovin, AK)

"J2M2 has helped me realize that I have to live a life resembling that of Jesus. For me, that means stepping out of the four walls of the church and really connecting with the community and also the community at church...I hope that once I go home I'll have a different outlook."
Debbie Anabalon (El Encino Covenant, Downey, CA)

89 Children Choose to Follow Jesus at Modesto Covenant VBS
By PSWC Staff
Posted August 10,, 2010

On July 1, Modesto Covenant completed a 9-day VBS outreach that registered 703 kids with 89 children making first-time commitments to Jesus. The kids brought in 2,505 pounds of pennies ($3,670) to go towards the Covenant's Congo "Bed Nets for Life" project. A last-night carnival brought in more than 800 children and parents. Two hundred sixty volunteers, including scores of junior and senior high students, made it all possible.

In follow up to the quick report above, Anita Eyer, PSWC Director of Conference Ministries connected with Meilynne McKenzie, children's ministry director at Modesto Covenant Church. The following are excerpts from their interaction.
Q: How many kids were from the church and how many were from the community? A: 148 children were from our church; the rest were from other churches or indicated that they do not have a church home.
Q: How did the idea come about for collecting pennies to go toward "Bed Nets for Life"? A: For the past few years during our missions time we present the Covenant annual service project along with a fictional story about a child from that country (which ends in a cliffhanger each day,) and encourage the children to bring pennies for the "penny contest". The Penny Contest, a tradition for many years, is between the east side and the west side of our sanctuary where the children sit each morning for our opening program. They get pretty loud and excited cheering for their side as they hear the number of pounds of pennies that they have brought each day.
Q: Are there any plans to follow-up with the children who made first-time decisions? Children who make commitments to Christ have a letter sent to their home church for follow up as well as to their parents. Children who do not have a home church have a letter sent to their parents. All children receive our fall mailing highlighting ministries of Modesto Covenant for kids.
Q: Anything else you'd like to note? People are always amazed - myself included - when they see the number of volunteers who serve in our VBS. We include junior high students in the preschool, crafts, or recreation departments - many of whom grow up in our VBS and look forward to the day when they can serve. High school and college students and adults serve as counselors in the upper grades. We have our "Registration Ladies" (mainly our senior women) who welcome the children each day but also prep the craft projects throughout the week and serve as our first aiders. And then there is the penny team, "Frick and Frack" (mainly our senior men) who greet the children as they bring pennies and then spend the rest of the morning serving as needed. Our congregation is wonderful in that they donate hundreds of craft items and food so that we can not only feed a snack to the children but also our dedicated staff. There are many, many other volunteers, too many to list! There is so much more that happens -- you just have to see it to believe it!

Efrem Smith Elected To Serve As Superintendent of the PSWC
By PSWC Staff
Posted April 27, 2010

With great thanksgiving to God and anticipation for the future, delegates at the 108th PSWC Annual Meeting elected Efrem Smith to a four-year term as Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference. The standing ovation, cheers from the delegates, and encircling of Efrem, wife Donecia, and daughters , Jaeda and Mireya, by the PSWC staff expressed well the enthusiasm of those present in welcoming Efrem as their newly elected leader. After being elected, Efrem shared a vision for mission prior to the presentation of the 2011 budget noting the mission priorities would continue to be church planting, congregational vitality, and compassion, justice, and mercy. Later in the meeting, he shared his support for the relocation of CHET and the importance of engagement with the Latino community and learning from them, particularly in relation to their passion for transforming lives and communities.

The Friday evening worship service concluded with a service of blessing for Efrem, his wife, and daughters. The gathered community participated in a laying on of hands for the Smiths while prayers of blessing were offered by representatives of the PSWC constituency - Greg West, PSWC ministerium; Nelly Bothi -PSWC staff; Wayne Hofer, local church lay leaders; Ruby Long, spouses of pastors and ministry leaders; and Steve Wong, Superintendent Search Committee, Commissions, and Boards. The festive reception concluded with a unique welcoming of Efrem through cluster representatives presenting gifts symbolic of sixteen distinct geographical areas in the PSWC.

Efrem will be installed as Superintendent at the 125th Covenant Annual Meeting being held in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June. He and his family will relocate to the Bay Area in midsummer and he will begin full-time service as PSWC Superintendent on August 1, 2010. A basic introduction to Efrem is available as "Meet Efrem Smith, PSWC Superintendent-Elect ."

Life Covenant Church, Torrance,CA
Ministry to Mozambique
By PSWC Staff
PostedMarch 4, 2010

What does it look like for Life Covenant Church in Torrance, CA to be living out Christ's mission in Mozambique? Church planting pastor, Tim Morey, explains that the church desired a "laser approach" to missions, focusing in on this nation in sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of people live on less than $1 a day. According to Morey, in addition to being such a poor nation with a 70% unemployment rate, Mozambique is also one of the least evangelized nations in Africa.

Life Covenant's ministry in Mozambique has taken place in three stages. Initially the church focused on microfinance, providing loans of about $100 a piece through partnership with Opportunity International. Morey explains, "Mostly it is women who receive the loans; many are AIDS widows."

Since stepping into microfinance in 2005, Life Covenant has been able to help about 2,000 families come out of the lower levels of poverty and develop a means of working subsistence. Microfinance continues.

The second stage of ministry has involved partnering with a seminary in Brazil, South American Theological Seminary, to plant a seminary in Mozambique for purpose of preparing church planters who will start indigenous churches. The first class will graduate this year.

The third stage, which Morey reports has just launched, is an orphanage for children at risk in Beira, Mozambique. This ministry has unfolded out of relationship with persons in Mozambique that Life Covenant got to know during their first visit there. This last December, Life Covenant raised funds for beds, teaching supplies, and general costs of helping to underwrite the orphanage. The funds were raised in the midst of the church's "Advent Conspiracy", which challenged congregations to "Worship Fully. Spend Less. Give More. Love all."

For more information about Life Covenant's ministry in Mozambique contact Alex Viana, alex@markivmetal.com.

Author's Note: Ever interested in how great ministry ideas come into being, I asked Tim how Life Covenant initially focused in on microfinance. He explained that he had heard Tony Campolo address the incredible opportunity for impact through microfinance a few years earlier and the idea was seeded in his mind. "When we plant a church," Tim thought, "we have to do this!" Life Covenant was launched as church plant of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Pacific Southwest Conference in 2003, and as you've read, that seed of an idea took root. Thanks be to God!

Efrem Smith Nominated to Lead Pacific Southwest Conference
By Don Meyer, executive minister, Department of Communication for the ECC
Posted January 22, 2010

CHICAGO, IL (January 22, 2010) - Efrem D. Smith has been nominated to replace Evelyn M.R. Johnson as superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), it was announced today.

Smith, who currently serves as senior pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will stand for election during the Pacific Southwest Conference Annual Meeting April 23 at Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center located near Santa Cruz, California. If elected, Smith will be installed during the 125th Annual Meeting of the ECC in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June.

His selection by an 18-member search committee follows a months-long search process that began last fall shortly after Johnson announced that she will conclude her service as superintendent this year. His nomination also has received the unanimous endorsement of the ECC Executive Board.

"Upon meeting Efrem, you will find him to be a person of great humility and reliance on God," writes Will Davidson, chair of the Conference Executive Board, in a letter to conference churches. "Efrem has described his vision for the future of our conference as a 'kingdom' vision. His personal and ministry commitment to God's mosaic is unwavering. We are confident in his leadership as we seek to change lives and transform communities."

Smith, 40, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in theater arts from Saint John's University. He earned his Master of Arts degree in theology from Luther Theological Seminary and is completing work on his Doctor of Ministry degree at Bethel Seminary.

Smith was the church planter when Sanctuary Covenant was created in 2003. Previously, he served as associate pastor at Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis; as youth pastor at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio; as urban director at the Minnesota Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Minneapolis; as program coordinator at Hospitality House Youth Directions in Minneapolis; and as admissions counselor at Saint John's University in the College of Saint Benedict.

"It was not an easy decision for me to decide step away from being the pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church," said Smith during an interview following a worship service this past weekend at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, where he was the guest preacher for the weekend.

"I have a deep love for that ministry and its values," he said. "I just see this opportunity to serve the Pacific Southwest Conference as an opportunity to be a part of multiplying the spirit of that ministry. When I look at the focus on church planting and multiethnic churches and just the mosaic mission that is the Pacific Southwest Conference, I feel like it is Sanctuary Covenant Church multiplied. So, this was no easy decision for me - my heart is so much connected to Sanctuary. But, I feel like the broader mission of Sanctuary is moving itself throughout the Covenant. To be able to serve in a region of the Covenant in this way, I am just humbled and honored by it."

"Efrem's gifts will amplify the entire ministry of the conference and the ECC," says ECC President Gary Walter of Smith's selection. "Given the team already in place in the Pacific Southwest Conference, there is no doubt we will build on our impact as one of the leading missional forces in that part of the country."

The search committee, composed of the Executive Board plus five additional members, worked "diligently and prayerfully to discern God's person for this key leadership position" in the conference, Davidson notes. "At every step of this journey, we clearly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit."

In addition to Davidson, search committee members include: Stanley Long, John Engstrom, Mrs. Joy Champion, Mrs. Pamela Christensen, Chris Hushaw, Bill MacPhee, Yohsuke Miki, Mrs. Kathie Norman, Pat Stark, Max Villalobos, Cameron Wu Cardona, Pablo Anabalon, Sean Curtis, Jim Holst, Mrs. Valerie McCann Woodson, Steve Wong, and Walter. Mrs. Robin Honnette served as executive assistant to the committee.

Smith has been active in the Northwest Conference where his church is located, the Minneapolis Urban League, the national chaplains committee of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and serves on the Board of Trustees of North Park University in Chicago.

He and his wife, Donecia, have two children, Jaeda, 13, and Mireya, 10.

La Viña Covenant Church Begins Food Distribution
By PSWC Staff
Posted January 7, 2010

La Viña Covenant Church (Kerman, CA) is now serving as a distribution center for the Community Food Bank of Fresno. Each month volunteers pack and serve as a distribution site for families in need.

Pastor Michael commented regarding the beginnings of this ministry and its facilitator, Aida Diaz, "Aida has been doing ministry of Compassion and Justice before she even knew what they were. She has received furniture, refrigerators, food, clothing, and Bibles from people and has kept them in her garage when there was not an immediate need. Once I called her up to ask if there was anyone in need of a refrigerator because someone wanted to donate a used one. She responded, 'Pastor, you always tell them that we need whatever they have to give.' So now it is pretty easy for me when people call wanting to donate something. I just say, 'Yes' and call Aida up. She has raised money for those in need and then has gone out and bought things in yard sales for them. This sister has a huge heart." Isaiah 58:6-7 has been the biblical call for Aida and for this young ministry at La Viña Covenant.

Ocean Hills Covenant Assists Two Westmont Students
By PSWC Staff
Posted January 5, 2010

When Westmont College sophomore Robyn Bickerton's roommate, Kim, learned she had cancer and determined she needed to move off campus while continuing her education, Robyn committed to stay by Kim as her roommate. The girls knew their move would need to take place during finals week and that they would need significant help - both to make the physical move and to help furnish their new residence.

Enter the picture Ocean Hills Covenant Church (Santa Barbara, CA) where Bickerton enjoys attending church when she is away from her home church, Hope Center Covenant (Pleasant Hill, CA). Jon Ireland, pastor of Ocean Hills learned of Robyn and Kim's need via an email from a member of Hope Center Covenant who suspected that Ireland and Ocean Hills would desire to be a support to Robyn and Kim, if aware of their need. Ireland threw out the idea to the church's leadership team and leadership team member, Kip Bradley came back with this response, "Let's do it all! If we want to be the church that people would miss if we ceased to exist, then this is the kind of stuff we must lean into!"

By the following Sunday, Bickerton was up in front of Ocean Hills Covenant sharing the story and Ireland was inviting people to help with the move and the wish list of needed furnishings. In response, over a dozen people came out with four trucks on Friday, December 18 to facilitate the move.

Ireland reflects, "I marvel at the kindness, generosity of the people at Ocean Hills - it's weird. Here I am the pastor but our people continue to inspire me by their generosity and kindness to live beyond myself. And I am reminded that when God's people get their hearts touched you usually see the response in generous living and giving."

Christmas On The Avenue, 2009
College Center Covenant, San Diego
By Tom Eisenman
Posted December 17, 2009

On December 6, College Center Covenant cancelled its Sunday morning service in order to serve families in need in their community. Christmas on the Avenue, 2009, helped provide Christmas joy this year to over 40 families in our City Heights urban neighborhood.

Fifty tickets were given out for the event to families in need through the three churches that meet at College Center, and through the local food distribution ministry, Mid-City Christian. Families paid $15 at the door and then could shop freely, choosing four age and gender appropriate gifts. The retail value of the four gifts chosen by a family was approximately $75 to $100. Parents seemed pleased to be able to "purchase" these gifts, and actually shop specifically for their children. Over 200 new toys were made available for the families to shop this year.

After purchases were made, free gift wrapping was available. Shoppers also received gift bags with a variety of treats, a note about the "Greatest Christmas Gift," and a flyer announcing the opening of the "The Closet," a new clothing closet ministry at College Center Covenant.

College Center Youth served coffee, cookies and doughnuts to families waiting in line outside. As people entered they were greeted by members who warmly welcomed them and helped them understand the shopping process in the language easiest for them-whether English, Spanish, or Sudanese Nuer.

Many of the parents leaving with beautifully wrapped purchases had tears of thankful joy in their eyes. Words of appreciation from thankful hearts flowed.

Mt. Miguel Covenant Village was a major supporter of the project this year. People at the Village donated generously through offerings taken in their October worship services.

Breaking the Chains
By Betty Hansen, edited by PSWC Staff
Posted December 17, 2009

River Life Covenant Church (Sacramento, CA) hosted a Women Ministries "Break the Chains" dinner in late October at which Betty Hansen and Alita Richter of Modesto Covenant Church spoke. They screened an ECC Women Ministries video which included the unpleasant truth that sex trafficking victimizes persons in the United States as well as other countries. Richter shared how, as God has stirred her to get involved in this issue, she has learned more about the extent of the problem in California. The previous evening she had heard an FBI agent report on the high number of under-age prostitutes in Sacramento and how just a week previously his task force had rescued two girls from the streets. Hansen and Richter closed the presentation with a handout of ways to take action against human trafficking, including a hotline phone number for reporting suspected cases.

The pastor of another church and her husband attended the dinner. The next morning a person walked into their church asking for help. Trafficked from out of state, the individual had been forced into prostitution and was looking for a way to escape. Using the hotline number, the pastor contacted law enforcement authorities, who learned the victimized person was brought to Sacramento by a group under investigation for years. Church members are providing support to the individual, who is hopeful that others will also escape.

This immediate application of the Break the Chains presentation has motivated the women of River Life to learn more about what they can do about this problem. As Dena Heasty, Women Ministries Coordinator, said, "God is moving and is making a difference in one person's life and in the life of two churches."

For further information on human trafficking go to http://www.covchurch.org/humantrafficking/ht-in-north-america

Eastside Covenant Church, Tucson Collects Food for Local Needs
By PSWC Staff
Posted December 10, 2009

Beginning in late October Eastside Covenant Church (Tucson, AZ) collected non-perishable food over a three week span. They did so in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Tucson in order to raise awareness of the significant reality of hunger locally and to help meet the need. On November 15, the church went out into
the neighborhood to personally collect food in place of having a morning sermon. "Our congregation walked
instead of talked", explained Darcy King of Eastside Covenant. She further explains, "we mailed postcards
beforehand within the neighborhood advising our neighbors we were coming and needed their assistance."

In total 1100 pounds of food were collected.

Dan Johnson, pastor of Eastside Covenant reports, "the Food Bank is experiencing an unprecedented increase in requests for help. Never in their 33 year history has there been such great need."

Since the church's initial food drive, they have also started a Christmas drive for cereal, a common source of nutrition for people in poverty that is currently absent from the Tucson Food Bank's shelves.

The Faces of Hunger in Tucson o Children are the largest group in need, representing 40% of the food bank's clients. o 45% of our households represent the working poor - people who work, but do not earn enough to be self-sufficient. o Nearly 21% of Tucsonans are living under the federal poverty line.

Abolitionists in the Round: Fighting Modern (and Local) Slavery
By PSWC Staff
Posted December 4, 2009

David Greco

On Saturday, November 7, a group of independent musicians came together to play at the Elbo Room in San Francisco's Mission District in an effort to raise funds to fight human trafficking. Funds raised were then forwarded to the International Justice Mission (IJM). I emailed with David Greco, worship leader at Marin Covenant Church (San Rafael, CA), and organizer of the gig to find out more:

Q: How did the idea for this gathering come about?
David: I was stirred by the cause and felt a need to respond to a need. It was shocking to learn that the [San Francisco] Bay Area contains one of the highest populations of trafficked people in the United States. This is a worldwide problem with very local implications. Quite simply, it shocked me into action and all I know how to do is write songs and play music. The hope was that if I brought my peers together, we could raise money and enable conversations that would lead to fighting the modern-day slave trade.

Q: How many people came out and how much was raised for IJM?
David: It looks like there were 200-250 in attendance. Many came because of a passion for the cause. We raised $2000.

Q: What was the role of other singers/songwriters in pulling this off, besides playing on the 7th?
David: We all played and promoted it in our networks.

You can purchase absentee tickets for the event you missed at www.abolitionistsintheround.com

Grace Covenant Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry
By Cameron Wu Cardona, Pastor of Grace Covenant Church in So. San Francisco
Posted December 1, 2009

On November 15, 2009, Grace Covenant celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the dedication of its building, marking the beginning of its missional work in South San Francisco a half century ago. The celebration also included the installation of a new stainless steel cross on its steeple. Previous pastors Paul Springer and Robin Dummer were in attendance, as was Superintendent Evelyn M.R. Johnson, who presided over an "affirmation of ordination" for current pastor Cameron Wu Cardona. Pastor Wu Cardona was ordained by the ECC in Portland this past summer, coinciding with his family's move to South City upon becoming the church's full-time pastor, after serving two years as its part-time bi-vocational preaching pastor. Past friends and current attendees gathered to share stories about the faithful longevity of the church and to "re-vision for rebirth" the focus of Pastor Springer's message for the morning out of the book of Nehemiah. The church looks forward to the next phase of its ministry to the local community as it continues to invite others to "come and see" what God is doing in South City.

PSWC Churches - Connecting with Real Needs
By PSWC Staff
Posted November 12, 2009