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

Restoration Covenant (Redlands, CA) Norman is one of the HIV+ clients we deliver food to weekly. A few months ago, he had a seizure and broke his hips, so he had to relocate to a first floor apartment. Through helping him to move and spending an hour with him each week we've developed a relationship. He wanted to express his thanks to our church, so he took an offering among some of neighbors (none of whom are remotely connected to Restoration) and gave $50 to our church. Church Planter, Jon MacDonald reflects, "…easily one of the highlights of my career."

Rio de Vida Covenant Church (Surprise, AZ) recently held an outreach to bless four local families in need with food. Six sophomores from a local Christian school partnered with the church to shop, package, and personally deliver the staples. Church Planter, Patrick Brandlin reports, "The families (a single mom, a household of day laborers and two families without income) were blessed, and the students (all from well-to-do homes) came away impacted by the experience." One woman took time to explain through an interpreter why she came to the U.S. and express how the kids with their many blessings were gifted by God to help the less fortunate. The same six students will return to help with a Thanksgiving Outreach, February Community Outreach, and an April mission trip to Tijuana all in partnership with Rio de Vida. Brandlin writes, "This fits right in with our vision to combat racism through the Word taught and lived out."

College Center (San Diego, CA) partnered with Indian Hills Conference Center to do a week-long summer camp in the city for Sudanese kids. Youth minister, Colleen Sweeney, reported that twenty-five to thirty-five children attended each day for fun activities, Bible learning with small group sharing, and a great kid-friendly lunch prepared and served each day by Pastor Tom Eisenman and his wife Judie. The day camp was held in City Heights, San Diego, and was enthusiastically received by Sudanese families and kids and so will become an annual event.

PSWC Spiritual Directors Retreat for Training
By Jim Gaderlund, a PSWC Spiritual Director
Posted November 12, 2009

On November 2-3, sixteen of our PSWC team of pastoral spiritual directors gathered for a 24-hour retreat to receive advanced training and upgrade their skills. Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment of God's presence in one's life, and prayer. This team offers spiritual direction to PSWC pastors, staff, and spouses. (See pswc.org/resources for more information.)

On Monday afternoon and evening of the training retreat, Rev. Joanna Quintrell, a director in our network and director of The Journey Center, a spiritual life center in Santa Rosa, CA, taught on the enneagram. The enneagram is a tool for better understanding one's personality style and how it affects how one does one's ministry of spiritual direction. On Tuesday morning, the retreatants practiced spiritual direction skills in groups of three. Each person took a turn as director, directee, or observer. The retreat also included times of worship, encouragement, and reflection.

This ministry is in its eleventh year in the PSWC and is now serving as a model for other conferences in the Covenant as interest in spiritual direction grows. We had visitors from North Park Theological Seminary and the Midwest Conference who got an immersion in our community and how we offer continuing education to our directors. They return to their conference with a clearer idea of how they might create similar networks.

Theo Wilson Installed as Youth Pastor at Kerman Covenant
By PSWC Staff
Posted November 10, 2009

Theo Wilson joined the staff of Kerman Covenant in summer 2009. A graduate of Multinomah Bible College, he previously served as youth pastor at a church in Oregon. On Sunday, October 18, Superintendent Evelyn Johnson led an installation service for Theo in his new role as Youth Pastor including a time of prayers offered by church leaders, staff, and youth. We welcome Theo and his wife, Kyndria, and their two children, ParkerJean and Gianna, to the Pacific Southwest Conference.

Pasadena Churches Share Meal and Dreams
By Kreig Gammelgard
Posted November 9, 2009

October 27 was a historic day in Pasadena, CA, as four Covenant churches gathered for the first time to share a meal and ministry dreams. Pasadena is a somewhat unique city in the PSWC in that there are four congregations serving the diversity of one city in a rather small geographic area. Pastors and leaders from Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church (Camille Russell Wooden, church planting pastor), Hope Community Church (Rodney Walker, church planting pastor), Iglesia Misionera Hispanoamericana (Marcelo Alvarado, pastor), and Pasadena Covenant (Kreig Gammelgard, interim pastor) came together to talk about what God is doing in their respective churches, how they are meeting the needs of people in Pasadena, and how they might partner together to make an even greater impact. Both Walter Contreras and Wayne Carlson were present from the PSWC, and Carlson reflected, "This is an important step forward, not just for ministry collaboration between the four churches, which just makes good sense for ministry impact, but also for what you are modeling for other churches in similar contexts."

The four churches will share in a Thanksgiving Eve Service later this month, and plan to continue exploring how to be "In It Together".

PSWC Kea'au Church Breaks Ground
By Bob Thompson, Pastor of Puna Congregational Christian Church
Posted October 30, 2009

Click on photo to enlarge image.

On October 18 the congregation of Puna Congregational Christian Church in Kea'au, Hawaii broke ground on a new youth ministries building. Following a litany of thanksgiving and consecration, the first to wield a shovel was the congregation's oldest member, Nao Sugai, age 98. Mr. Sugai was one-year-old when the congregation was formed in 1912. Also particpating were Zachery Chang, age 16, representing the youth, and Maribel Dela Cruz, age 9, representing the children. Pastor for Youth Dale Pinkley said, "I appreciate our church's commitment to youth ministry. This building will be a tremendous tool in bringing young people to Christ." The $500,000 project is expected to be completed by June.

Camp Mosaic Debuts
By Zepeda, Ministry Advancement Manager of Alpine Camp & Conference Center
Posted October 30, 2009

"…His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5)."

The enduring truth of God's kingdom must be told from one generation to the next. Camp Mosaic, hosted by Alpine Camp and Conference Center, provides such an opportunity for one generation to serve another with resources for kingdom advancement.

"Equipping the next generation of servant leaders with a vision of the kingdom of God," is the founding mission of Alpine's Camp Mosaic. Successfully launched on October 9, 2009, Camp Mosaic brought together forty-four ethnically diverse young adults with a call to servant leadership, to be resourced by a highly experienced, ethnically diverse mentoring team. The students represented over ten churches, three from within the PSWC- Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church (Pasadena), Amigos de la Gracia (Rialto), and Iglesia del Pacto Eagle Rock (Los Angeles).

Associate Superintendant, Greg Yee, was one of the featured plenary speakers at this groundbreaking event. Pastor Greg passionately communicated the power of the gospel to tear down dividing walls and make the kingdom of God a reality in our society. Participants were compelled to consider their individual responsibility in this kingdom call to build unity and advocate for mercy and justice.

Camp Mosaic is targeted as one of the strategic initiatives of The Mosaic Center, as a proponent of the Center's mission: "To build healthy missional churches by breaking down barriers of injustice." (The Mosaic Center is a nonprofit subsidiary corporation of PSWC.) With the support of camp scholarships provided by visionary donors, Alpine will be hosting Camp Mosaic II, April 30-May 2, 2010.

Please pray for this ministry and the new generation of emerging servant leaders. With God's blessing, the truth of the kingdom will compel the next generation to "…act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [their] God (Micah 6:8)."

Alpine and Mission Springs Report New Lives in Christ
By PSWC Staff
Posted October22, 2009

John Gehring, Executive Director of Alpine Camp and Conference Center reports that "God is changing lives at Alpine!" Gehring continues by adding, "We know of 289 first-time decisions for Christ and 1265 rededications so far this year. At Alpines' Jr. High Summer camps there were 42 first-time decisions for Christ and 55 rededications."

Bryan Hayes, Executive Director of Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center reports that of all the kids who participated in eight weeks of camp at Frontier Ranch this summer, "114 campers made a first-time decision to follow Christ." Another 907 rededicated their lives to Christ.

For more information about the ministries of Alpine and Mission Springs go to www.alpine-cc.org or www.missionsprings.com.

Evelyn M.R. Johnson announced in summer 2009 her intent to step aside from the role of PSWC Superintendent as of July 1, 2010. She has served in this role since February 1, 2000. Following God's leading, Evelyn noted in her announcement letter that two primary factors contributed to the decision: (1) her own personal need to be more present with her husband, Phil, requiring tighter boundaries around travel and less work-related responsibilities and (2) a deep sense that a next phase of PSWC ministry is emerging for which a new leader must cast vision, guide discerning future strategic direction, and form a "vision to action" team. Evelyn's intent is to pursue a part-time ministry. The nature of that ministry and location is yet to be determined.

The Superintendent Search Committee was formed on July 31, 2009. In accordance with the PSWC Constitution and Bylaws the Search Committee is the Executive Board working in concert with the President of the Evangelical Covenant Church. The Executive Board has appointed advisory members to assure reflection of the mosaic of churches without this mission region in terms of ethnicity, size, and location. A listing of the Search Committee members is included within the letter linked here. The search committee process timeline has been established as follows:

Between July 31 and November 6 - gain input from the constituency regarding characteristics desired in the next Superintendent, priorities for the role, and names of potential candidates

November 6 - finalize listing of characteristics and priorities for role and identify persons to invite into the interview process

January 8-9 - interview potentials and select the nominee to be presented to the PSWC Annual Meeting for election on April 23, 2010.

We seek your prayers for this search process and invite any persons (inside or outside the PSWC) desiring to give input to simply download the letter from the Search Committee and respond to their questions. Submit your input to suptsearch@pswc.org or any individual committee member by November 1, 2009.

Member churches within the PSWC are encouraged to begin planning for their representation through delegates at the 2010 Annual Business Meeting on Friday, April 23, at Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center to participate in the election of the new superintendent and welcoming of this new leader.

Grandparent for a week at Alpine
By PSWC Staff
Posted October 5, 2009

Alpine Camp and Conference Center reports two great summers of volunteers serving as Camp Grandparents. The concept of being a Grandparent for a week at camp was inspired by Grandma Jo, who joined Alpine's Mountain Adventure Camp in 2006 to help reach out to students when she was 90 years-old. Two years later, five grandparents gave of their time and energy to serve the kids at Alpine and in 2009 there were six.

Cheryl Santello, who coordinates the Grandparent program writes, "These faithful volunteers are finding out just how vital a role they play in a camper's experience. Sometimes it just takes a kind word or a loving embrace to open the heart of a wounded child to the truth of the gospel." She continues, "Young people come to camp insecure, afraid, and many times unloved and it's our job to teach them about the greatest love of all, Jesus Christ. That's why I feel so strongly about the Camp Grandparent program. The idea is for these grandparents to come alongside these lost, hurting children and provide them with the essentials they may not be receiving at home."

Russ and Pat Camp, former Covenant missionaries to Ecuador, both served the past two summers. Pat reports enjoying the time visiting with the children and counselors. Russ enjoyed answering questions, teaching songs in Spanish, and teaching campers to play the accordion. Camp smiles widely as he recalls a camper saying, "You really rock!"

Judy Dugas of Rolling Hills Covenant Church volunteered as a Camp Grandparent and had so much fun she decided to return for the week of Outdoor Adventure Camp.

In addition to the caring dimension Camp Grandparents bring there are other benefits. Alpine Executive Director John Gehring comments, "You insert 4-5 grandparents into camp and it just calms the mix!"

Interested in learning more about being a Camp Grandparent? Contact Cheryl Santello at (909) 337-6287 ext. 160 or cheryl@alpine-cc.org.

Nueva Esperanza Celebrates Back-to-School, God Steps In
By PSWC Staff
Posted September 21, 2009

As elementary students prepared to go back to school this fall, Nueva Esperanza Covenant Church (Antioch, CA) was ready to help families celebrate the transition and equip students for school. On Wednesday, August 26 the church partnered with Iglesia del Pacto San Francisco to host a "Back to School Party" in San Francisco. Families heard the gospel message, enjoyed snow cones, met Leo the Lion, and guest children from outside the church received backpacks with school supplies.

On the following night, the party was recreated at Antioch Evangelical Covenant Church, the location at which Nueva Esperanza Covenant Church meets weekly. Between the two evenings, over 70 children received backpacks and supplies, and 22 people responded to the gospel by beginning a relationship with Jesus. Pastor Fil Nesta reports, "God touched several people."

When asked how the churches publicized the events to their communities, he explained, "the kids brought a lot of friends!" Some may have been motivated by "Bible Bucks", a system which allows them to earn bucks, and ultimately a prize for memorizing scripture or bringing a friend to church, but the kids brought their friends and many who came met Christ.

New Youth Coffee House at Evangelical Covenant Church of Kingsburg
Reprinted from The Kingsburg Recorder, dated Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - http://www.kingsburgrecorder.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/doc4a956af1509cc738014694.txt
Posted September 14, 2009

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Kingsburg has transformed its old youth room into a brand new coffee house. As part of his goal to revitalize the youth program, Kurt Roberts, the director of youth ministries at Evangelical Covenant, came up with an idea to completely remodel the youth room.

"The new coffee house and youth room is mostly directed towards students, although even though we are focusing on students we are still inviting adults to use the room as well," said Roberts. "One of our main goals for the new room is to connect youth and adults more by having the adults come over to the coffee house to see what the youth is doing rather than always having the students go to where the adults are."

Roberts and his volunteers transformed the room from a former hang-out spot with couches to a full-on coffee house with tables and entertainment. They added a stage, two flat screen televisions, six mounted speakers positioned around the room, a sound board and DVD player as well as a library/study area where kids can come and do homework after school. There is also a kitchen complete with refrigerated drinks, candy and coffee makers as well as two blenders for making smoothies.

"The vision started with me but many ideas came from volunteers and our staff," Roberts said. "A lot of volunteers came in to help put it all together and many people put a lot of hours into making this idea come to life."

According to Roberts, it took three weeks to put everything in the room into place, while the actual planning process took three to four months. To pay for the upgrades, Roberts and his youth students raised money through fundraisers.
"What was great about the youth doing fundraisers is we told them that we had really big plans for the youth house, but we didn't tell them what the plans were," Roberts said. "So we told them it was going to be a surprise and that whenever we had fundraisers they needed to really jump on board and help out, so a lot of our youth did that."

The biggest fundraiser was working as servers at a wedding anniversary dinner, where they served food and drinks to more than 300 people. Roberts also wrote out a list of what he needed for the new youth room and presented it to the church board. The board promised to help out as long as the students raised a portion of the money themselves.

Evangelical Covenant head pastor Tim Boynton said the new room should help with the church's focus on developing relationships with Kingsburg's youth.

"Our emphasis as a church is having more of a relational ministry as opposed to just an event-driven ministry," said Boynton. "We wanted to have a place where real relationships can be formed and students love to have coffee and hang out so the new coffee house provides that."

The opening preview of the coffee house, which featured two bands performing live on the new stage as well as outside activities like a Velcro wall and an inflatable boxing ring, was held on Aug. 14. Epic, which is the name of Evangelical Covenant's senior high program, meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday nights.

"The bands brought in a lot of kids and the idea is this new youth room can help bring in kids and funnel them to our church," Roberts said. "Once we attract some of the kids we then try and encourage them to attend our Monday night Epic meetings, which are more intense and faith based. Now that we have this new room, our main focus is getting kids in here because that is who we are really trying to connect with."

PSWC Youth Pastors Gather
By PSWC Staff
Posted August 31, 2009

"In that precious middle time between really full summer and an even more hectic fall, 38 youth workers from across the PSWC chose to come together for rest, relaxation, encouragement and prayer," reports Ben Kerns, youth pastor at Marin Covenant Church and member of the organizing team. They met at Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center for the 2009 PSWC Youth Pastors' Connection, held Sunday evening, August 23 - noon on Tuesday, August 25th.

Kerns continues, "We had everyone from young interns, to 20 + youth ministry veterans sharing life and ministry together. Our four specific gathering times focused on connection, prayer, sharing resources, and sharing life. During each of these intentional program times we met in small groups to share, pray, and connect with a larger number of people in a more intimate way. There was plenty of laughing, and some crying. We collected fresh ideas for the fall and wisdom for some challenging issues. We are so thankful for Mission Springs for graciously opening up their camp to us for partnering in ministry with us. We are also thankful for our conference and for the growing sense of love and unity that is being shared among its youth workers. We can't wait for next year!"

The PSWC Youth Pastors' Connection has been taking place for three years. Each year, Mission Springs has provided the food, lodging, and meeting space at no cost to the Youth Pastors. If you missed this gathering, but are interested in connecting with other youth pastors, contact Ben Kerns (ben@marincovenant.org) in the North, or Erin Dougherty (erin@clairemontcov.org) in the South.

Collaborative Power - Working Together for the Kingdom
By Marv Gibbs, Interim Pastor of Emmanuel Covenant Church
Posted Ausgust 20, 2009

One of the questions a smaller congregation often asks is: "What can we do to meet the needs of others with our limited resources?" One of the answers to that question comes through collaboration. Some of our congregants looked at what we'd done over the past years at Emmanuel Covenant in Northridge, CA and the feeling was: "everything we've done has focused on our needs." Soon the decision was made to find a way to help others. That was the beginning of a six month process that led us to build a pre-fab house for a family in Mexico.

We had heard about the Hands of Mercy (HoM) organization through contact with Rolling Hills Covenant Church (RHCC). One weekend while RHCC was doing a pre-build on their parking lot, a team from Emmanuel went down to help and observe. We came away feeling we could, and wanted, to do a project like this. We knew we couldn't do it alone, but through a collaborative effort we could make it happen!

The process began by setting a date when we could work with RHCC to deliver our house to Mexico. We firmed this up with the HoM team and began fundraising the needed $3200. Over a period of six weeks we actually raised $4600. The date was then set for our pre-build weekend. With a complete list of needed materials from HoM, we placed our order for the materials at Home Depot.

On the pre-build weekend Mel Nygren and Jim Paul (and his three grandkids) from RHCC joined us along with Jeff, a representative from HoM . The work Saturday started early -- setting up the saws, working through the list of needed cuts, and giving each cut piece an identifying number. Larger sheets of plywood and siding were laid out and we began assembly. That's when men, women, and kids from our congregation arrived and started nailing! It was a great experience! Shortly after lunch the pre-fabricated house was loaded on the trailer provided by HoM and we were ready to head for Mexico the following weekend.

We left for Mexico at 4:30 am on Friday to make the border crossing before noon. We had a great trip and good fellowship as we traveled, arriving at the HoM camp near Ensenada, Mexico around 4 pm. The HoM onsite team provided us wonderful hospitality. On Saturday morning we headed for La Bufadora, a community near Ensenada where we were to build our house. We'd been sent pictures of Umberto, Cintia, and Jennifer, the little family receiving our house. What a joy to meet the family we'd been praying for, and see baby Aaron who had arrived that week as the latest addition to the family!

The assembling of the house began about 10 a.m. with Mel, Jim and the HoM team giving on-site guidance. We had a diverse team from Northridge to assemble the house -- kids painting, men and women driving nails, others putting roofing on the roof sections. By the time we broke for lunch (1:30 p.m.) the walls were up. After lunch we put the roof in place and the final trim was put on and painted. One of the last things we did was to hang the front door and the curtains. By 5 p.m. we gathered at the front door, gave the family a Bible and presented the keys to Umberto and Cintia in the name of Jesus. What a JOY! What a blessing!

It all happened because we collaborated. We couldn't have done it without Mel and Jim from RHCC. The vision of the Hands of Mercy team sparked us all. The congregation from Emmanuel gave of their resources and provided hands for the work. And, we connected with a pastor in Mexico who selected a family and is providing on-going ministry to them there in Mexico. The Kingdom of God was effectively realized as we worked together.

To contact Hands of Mercy go to their website at http://handsofmercy.com/lofthouse/
To contact Rolling Hills Covenant Church go to their website at http://www.rollinghillscovenant.com/
To contact Marv Gibbs call 310-490-7410 or e-mail at marvncarol@yahoo.com

Changed Lives Through Day Camp
By PSWC Staff
Posted August 20, 2009

This summer the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kingsburg (ECCK) took a new approach to Day Camp and partnered with SonShine, the pre-school/after school care ministry of their own church. The result?

170 children (pre-K through sixth grade) participated in the week-long ministry. This was made possible through tremendous prayer support, much preparation, the involvement of 71 workers throughout the week, and the parternship with Sonshine. (All the children in the Sonshine summer program joined with the Day Camp while the Sonshine staff ran the Day Camp program for preschoolers - including children of Day Camp volunteers.)

Children from across eight different communities came together. Participating children represented 28 different churches in 8 communities. In addition to this, 46 children participated who came from unchurched homes.

71 workers from all stages of life got to serve. The program team that opened and closed each day was made up of 2 college students, 3 sixth graders, and 4 junior highers. Lori Douglas, Children's Ministry Coordinator at KCC, reports "They practiced daily the week before Day Camp and did such a wonderful job. The children really responded to their enthusiasm." Douglas further explains they had many other volunteers - junior and senior high students, parents of children in the program, and retired adults. In short, "…we were blessed to have adults at various stages of life."

The gospel went forward changing many lives. The children had opportunity to learn:
God is with us, God is powerful, God does what He says he'll do, God gives us life, God cares for us. 42 of the children began a first-time relationship with Jesus, (13 of them from unchurched families). Is it any surprise that excitement of the children overflowed to the adults? Go God!

First Covenant Church of Oakland Takes Day Camp on the Road
By PSWC Staff
Posted August 3, 2009

The week of July 27 -31, First Covenant Church of Oakland (FCC) sent out two teams of high school and college students that will brought a week long Day Camp to two sister Covenant Churches - Sierra Bible Church (Murphys, CA), and Grace Covenant Church (South San Francisco, CA).

The tradition of taking FCC's Day Camp on the road goes back to the late 1960's and a ministry by the name "Rural Outreach" (R.O.) Each year, teams of youth were sent out by the church to multiple communities, usually in the foothills, to lead a week of what is commonly known as VBS - Bible lessons, music, crafts and other activities. Nancy Olsen, FCC Children's Sunday School Coordinator, recalls participating as a young adult, being hosted in homes, and publicizing the ministry by taking leaflets throughout the community. Olsen notes, in the years that followed (under the leadership of Dave Hicks and Wally Glucklich, youth pastor and children's pastor at FCC respectively), both Rural Outreach (led by Hicks) and Day Camp (led by Glucklich) evolved into ramped up versions including original themes and curriculum, huge sets, skits, and more. The ministries were separate programs, but shared the same curriculum, skits, and sets.

Day Camp at FCC has always been an ongoing opportunity to intentionally train young people in ministry. "Under the guidance of Nancy Lewis," Olsen explains, "it became a more intensive training program for middle school and high school counselors". (Lewis came to FCC in 1997 as Pastor to Children and Family and currently serves as Pastor of Congregational Care.) "Kids look forward to the day they are going to be trained. They learn to give back." Olsen adds.

A few years into Lewis' service, having taken a break from Rural Outreach and the traveling Day Camp, the question was raised, "Why not take the day camp on the road again with the trained counselors?" Since then, FCC has sent their Day Camp team on the road to a Presbyterian church in Santa Cruz, Community Covenant Church (Scotts Valley, CA), Mosaic Covenant Church (Santa Maria, CA), Evangelical Covenant Church (Bethel, Alaska), Heartland Covenant Church (Ripon, CA), Sierra Bible Church (Murphys, CA), and Grace Covenant Church (South San Francisco, CA). Typically, Day Camp runs for three weeks at First Covenant of Oakland's location, followed by one week off, and a final week on the road sharing the ministry of Day Camp.

Over the years R.O. became known at FCC as an opportunity for high schoolers who know Jesus to share their faith with others. In 1990, the R.O. leadership made an exception and chose to let a high schooler who wasn't a believer go along with the stipulation that he wouldn't teach any Bible lessons. That week the young man, Danny Fitelson, gave his life to Christ. He now serves as Pastor of Student Ministries at FCC, and oversees the very high school and college students who will lead Day Camp this week.

Journey to Mosaic Squared Underway!
By PSWC Staff
Posted July 23, 2009

Nine young adults from across the U.S. are participating in Journey to Mosaic Squared 2009, a three-week residential experience aimed at building Kingdom vision in the hearts of young adults. J2M2 kicked off on Saturday, July 18th in Oakland, CA and runs through August 8th. Early in the three weeks, participants will participate in Journey to Mosaic, an intentional journey in California to better understand the story of African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. The itinerary also includes camping on Angel Island, taking part in a work project, and visiting a local prison. Such experiences will be interspersed between times set aside for biblical teaching and times for debriefing as a group.

Check out what participants are saying! J2m2 2009 Group Blog

Hillside Covenant Church - "Out in the World" 2009 Retreat
By Hillside Covenant Church Staff
Posted July 14, 2009

"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." -Dr. Robert Pierce, founder of World Vision

Hillside Covenant Church (Walnut Creek, CA) decided to do something differently with their community retreat this year at Mission Springs. Instead of being inwardly focused, we decided our retreat's theme should be "out in the world", and invited Angela Mason, a Women and Children's Advocate for World Vision (www.worldvision.org), to be our guest speaker. Angela is dedicated to being a voice for women and children suffering as a result of poverty, crisis, and injustice around the world. She has traveled around the world and has walked over landmines, been shot at, held babies orphaned by AIDS, met child soldiers, and walked into prisons, brothels and sweatshops where children are abused and exploited. Through her voice of compassion, she encouraged Hillside to be aware of injustices occurring around the world and to use our resources on behalf of the poor and the oppressed.

On Saturday morning, instead of having a traditional camp breakfast - we participated in a Hunger Meal. Everyone who came to breakfast received cards at their place setting which provided stories, facts, and details about global hunger. When the card was flipped over - some participants only received water for breakfast, others received simple oatmeal, and others (the smallest percent) received a full course breakfast overflowing with eggs, pancakes, sausage, and bacon. This exercise was an attempt to represent the truth of global hunger and the reality that over 1.2 million people (one-sixth of the world's population) live on less than $1 per day. The Hunger Meal provided our community with a small glimpse of the reality of poverty by creating an opportunity for reflection, conversation, and response about the hunger that exists around the world. The community moved from the Hunger Meal to worship where people poured out their hearts to God asking him to intervene on behalf of global poverty and hunger.

After the worship service, families gathered together to build 175 Caregiver Kits that will be sent to AIDS Caregivers serving in Africa. The Care Giver Kits include essential products such as a box of latex gloves, Vaseline, bandages, and other medical supplies to improve and prolong the lives of those living with AIDS while protecting caregivers and preventing the spread of infection. World Vision has trained and equipped over 77,000 caregivers in more than 20 countries around the world. The kits last for 2-3 months when the caregivers treat about 15 clients per week. In addition to the kits that were built at Mission Springs, the community who remained at Hillside built an additional 100 Caregiver Kits. For many people the most meaningful part of the weekend experience was filling out cards to be included in the kits. The cards often included Scripture passages, words of encouragement, and prayers for those who are working to alleviate the suffering of those with AIDS. It was beautiful to see families come together, build the kits, and extend a small piece of love that will hopefully encourage the body of Christ.

Covenanters Participate in Esperanza USA's
National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast
By PSWC Staff
Posted June 25, 2009

Fifty-four Covenanters representing five regional conferences of the Evangelical Covenant Church participated in Esperanza USA's 2009 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference June 17-19 in Washington DC. PSWC Associate Superintendent, Greg Yee, reports, "The Covenant Church stepped up to be an official denominational sponsor of the event."

The Department of Compassion, Mercy, and Justice, and the Great Lakes, Northwest, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Southwest conferences created financial resources to provide for the diverse group--in which half were African American, Asian American, and Caucasian-- to attend. Executive Minister of the Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice, Debbie Blue, addressed the Covenant group and shared how the issue of immigration will be part of what the department is envisioning for their new "Micah-Matthew Initiative" being introduced at the Covenant Annual Meeting. The initiative grounds our approach to compassion, mercy and justice in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46.

At this historic event, over seventy congressional visits were made to advocate on behalf of comprehensive immigration reform. Participants learned first-hand how politically challenging this issue can be. Although there are a variety of perspectives on immigration reform, there is a consistent desire to understand what Scripture is compelling us to do. There is a heightened understanding that the everyday realities of how this plays out in so many of our own communities are profound.

On Friday, prayers were expressed for our country, our leaders, and for the troops abroad. President Obama addressed the conference and declared his intentions to have comprehensive immigration reform passed soon. It was a particularly powerful scene to see as African-American Covenanters excitingly shook our nation's first African American president's hand as we were all together advocating on behalf of Hispanic issues. We are most certainly "in it together."

Bayside Woodland Hosts Stay-cation
By PSWC Staff
Posted June 2, 2009

On Saturday, May 23, Bayside of Woodland hosted all-out party, a Stay-cation as they termed it, for the city of Woodland, CA. Their objective was simple according to lead pastor, John Withem, to give the city of Woodland a big hug.

This "hug to their city" ultimately reached out to between 1200 - 1400+ with something for everyone - pony rides, bounce houses, a reptile petting zoo, free hamburgers, soda, water, cotton candy and more. Families, homeless people, and gang members were among those who took it in - sometimes seated next to each other.

Withem further explains that back during World War II the movie theatres in Woodland filled up because people simply needed some fun in their lives, and Bayside of Woodland sensed that same need was occurring again. The church's desire to host the city-wide party compelled them to take a second offering in order to help fund the effort.

They didn't go it alone, however. Withem is quick to point out that the mayor's office, the department of parks and recreation, the police department, Costco, 7-up and others were key partners. The city waived typical fees for such an event. The police department provided plain-clothed officers to be on-hand. Costco and 7-Up donated water and soda while another business provided the jump houses free of charge.

In all, Bayside of Woodland had 60 volunteers onsite serving during the day. The two guidelines they received from Withem were, "No advertising and everything is free." Despite these directions, there was reportedly a buzz throughout the crowd about Bayside of Woodland hosting the gathering. About 30 guests visited church the next day as a result, and one of those men received new life in Christ - the best gift of all.

Evangelism Workshop now in Spanish
By PSWC Staff
Posted June 2, 2009

One Step Closer, a workshop designed to equip and spur congregations in their ministry of evangelism, is now available in Spanish, reports Lisa Orris, Director of Evangelism for the Evangelical Covenant Church. The Spanish workshop is titled Un Paso Más Cerca.

On Monday, May 18th four PSWC leaders were among the six Spanish-speaking leaders who gathered in Chicago for training in leading this workshop and also to provide input on the workshop content and its contextualization in the Latino community. PSWC participants who will now serve as workshop presenters include Daniel Anabalon, Walter Contreras, Flor Graterol, and Michael Jordan.

For more information on bringing Un Paso Más Cerca or One Step Closer to your church contact Carla Erickson at 773.907.3352 or carla.erickson@covchurch.org.

Modesto Covenant Hosts Chinese HomeStay Weekend
By Modesto Covenant Church Staff
Posted May 15, 2009

April 3- 5, Modesto Covenant Church (MCC) partnered with Joe Lorencz of Chinese Outreach Ministries (COM) for the 7th annual Chinese Homestay weekend. Thirty plus Chinese students from U.C. Berkeley and their family members were hosted by MCC families for the weekend, arriving on Friday evening. Saturday activities included touring a dairy that milks 1000 cows a day, visiting an art studio, a picnic lunch, riding through wildflowers, visiting a local nursery that starts 2 million fruit/nut trees, line dancing and an ice cream social. The guests spent the evening with their host families and attended church with them on Sunday. The visit concluded with a potluck complete with American and Chinese songs. (See photo.)

Essentially, this was a mission trip in reverse. Lorencz, who is part of First Covenant Church of Oakland, first connected with the students through English classes and Bible studies he leads. Throughout the weekend, shared conversations and experiences provided a way for the students to taste Christian American family life. Jeff Norman, Pastor of Adults Ministries reports, "We feel it is an excellent way to partner with COM and to share God's love and a real life American experience with these scholars who are in the US for such a short time, yet will have such influence in their home country."

Beautiful Day HUNT '09
By Todd Gumbrecht and Anita Eyer
Posted May 1, 2009

On Saturday, April 11th Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC), Comunidad Familiar Cristiana, and Redeemer Lutheran Church (Redwood City, CA) hosted the third Annual Beautiful Day "Hunt 2009", a gift to their community in the form of a Beautiful Day Easter Egg Hunt.

Having welcomed nearly 3,000 participants last year with 20,000 eggs on hand, the 2009 plans called for 25,000 Easter eggs to demonstrate the measure of grace that God has given - LOTS! When 1:30 p.m. arrived on this Easter Saturday, over 5,000 people poured into Red Morton Park. Redwood City's Mayor, Rosanne Foust, served as the Grand Marshall, welcoming all and lending her support for the way which the churches are loving their community. Rolando Luna, church planter of Comunidad Familiar Cristiana, excitedly reports that over half of the families present were Hispanic.

Although the event was well organized, staff and supplied, the expanded event quickly became overcrowded. Todd Gumbrecht, Pastor of Care and Connect at PCC reports, "We ran out of eggs and lines were very long, BUT our teams from the three churches served all who came joyfully. Families celebrated, we took nearly 400 photos with the Easter Bunny, raffled off great prizes like bikes and ipods, and danced and sang with our children's entertainer."

Gumbrecht further highlights how the event impressed upon all serving the great need for free community events and celebrations. "In this challenging economic time, families have fewer resources for travel and entertainment. In this void rests a great opportunity for the church to be a blessing by hosting free community events, classes, and celebrations."

Shortly after the same trio of churches partnered to hold "Hunt 2008", Hunt Coordinator, Pamela Estes, received a flattering call from the San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department. San Mateo has been putting on an event for over 30 years known as Eggstravaganza. Held on Easter Saturday, this event has come to be known as the county's "signature springtime community event and largest egg hunt". They had heard reports of the Hunt and wanted to know if it really had gone as well as they had heard. Pamela simply shared about the day's events, which included 100 unpaid staff, 20,000 eggs, 6,000 prizes, a children's entertainer, a band, bouncy houses and nearly 3000 participants.

They asked Pamela about planning and staffing. She told them that three local churches got together to offer our city a gift. None were professional event coordinators and of the 100 member staff, only one person was paid.

They wanted to know how the Hunt attracted so many participants, and within two years doubled the size of their gathering with 30+ years of expertise and city funding. Pamela said, "You know what the secret was behind our success? We prayed."

Gumbrecht reports, "Actually we prayed a lot. You see, we didn't want to just throw another spring time event, but rather, we wanted to show God's love. That's what Easter is all about!"

MISSION TRIPS - REWORKED
By Anita Eyer
Posted May 1, 2009

In the wake of recent reports of increased violence in Mexico, many PSWC churches have creatively reworked their spring outreach plans that would have taken them into Mexico:

The first week of April, a team of youth and adults from San Andreas Community Covenant (SACC) with Community Covenant (Westpoint) traveled to Porterville to come alongside Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico and do a makeover of the Porterville church's facility. The team of 45 persons painted the interior, tiled the entrance and bathrooms, improved the parking lot, repaired air conditioning and sinks, and led a daily Bible class for children as well as a sports ministry for youth. Women on the team also provided sewing lessons to other women in the Tulare County migrant worker's camp, in the end gifting the students with a handful of sewing machines.

Tim Johnson, youth pastor at San Andreas explains that the idea for this "rework" came about as a result of being on a Journey to Mosaic. He also explains, "It was nice to do missions closer to home, and it was fun to partner and learn from each other."

In early July, a team from Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico will travel to San Andreas to bless the San Andreas church by bringing their worship band and pastor to the special community-wide celebration SACC will be hosting following days of focused community service.

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A team of youth from Montecito Covenant Church led by youth pastor, Lisa Holmlund, experienced a "rework" of their own. Their new experience included a mini Journey to Mosaic in Southern California. Students took in the Japanese American National Museum, stayed overnight and served at the Fred Jordan Mission on L.A.'s skidrow, worshipped at Fountain of Life Covenant Church (Long Beach), and toured the Tolerance Museum where they met Dolores Huerta, civil rights advocate who worked alongside Caesar Chavez and is now credited with the phrase, "¡Sí, se puede!" (Yes, we can!"). Students also explored the issues of prisons and violence through conversation with a former jail warden and a Federal Marshall. An additional day in San Diego connected them to a nonprofit that works with immigrants along the U.S./Mexico border.

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First Covenant Church of Oakland reports that their trip was canceled five days before they were to leave for Mexico, creating the feeling of having been cast "Into the Great Wide Open". Danny Fitelson, Pastor to Student Ministries, explains, ITGWO actually became the name and theme for the new trip on which each day's itinerary was kept a secret from the youth (who did know they were going to the L.A. area for a trip of service, education, and fun). The reworked itinerary included the Fred Jordan Mission where they prepared Easter baskets that the mission distributed, and a guided tour at the Museum of Tolerance from a Holocaust survivor that profoundly impacted the group. Fitelson reports, "During the trip we studied Abraham and Jesus' disciples who left the comforts of home for a life of following God 'Into the Great Wide Open'."

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Bayside Covenant Church did a rework of their own, also going to the Central Valley, connecting with the leaders and ministries of First Mission Covenant Church and Southeast Asian Covenant Church (Fresno).

Walter Contreras, PSWC Director of Outreach and Hispanic Church Planting notes, "We are understanding that God is allowing us to make an impact in our own backyard."

Unique CHIC Fundraiser at College Center Covenant, San Diego
By College Center Covenant Church
Posted March 26, 2009

The congregation at College Center was treated February 22 to a celebration of Sudanese Culture as a CHIC fundraiser. The church youth group has both College Center students and students from the Evangelical Sudanese fellowship at College Center attending CHIC this year. The Sudanese congregation wanted to do their part in raising funds for the trip. They prepared and served foods typical to their culture, the women's choir gave a delightful concert, and the young women provided a marvelous up-beat worship dance to traditional music. Pastor John Kuek shared his testimony about the difficulties of growing up in the Sudan under oppression, suffering great losses of life and property, and barely surviving disease and starvation in refugee camps. And yet, his testimony throughout was of the faithfulness and many miracles of God. His message deeply impacted all present. Over $800 was raised to support the College Center and Sudanese Youth to attend CHIC.

Gabrielson honored with 2009 Meritorious Service Award
By Covenant Village of Turlock
Posted March 24, 2009

Turlock, Calif.-Aging Services of California named Covenant Village of Turlock Executive Director Dwayne D. Gabrielson the recipient of its 2009 Meritorious Service Award. He will receive the award at the association's annual conference, scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Monterey, Calif.

Covenant Village residents and staff nominated Gabrielson for the award, which recognizes an individual for ongoing commitment and service to aging services.
"This is truly an honor for Dwayne and for the Covenant Village community," said Steve Anderson, Covenant Retirement Communities senior vice president. "He exemplifies our commitment to the betterment of this profession and to the service and care we provide residents at Covenant Village of Turlock."

Gabrielson has been with Covenant Village of Turlock since 1992 but has worked at Covenant Retirement Communities since 1980. In addition to CRC's community in Turlock, he served at communities in San Diego; Batavia, Ill.; and Chicago.

Gabrielson earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from North Park University, Chicago, and a master's degree in long-term care administration from North Texas State University, Denton, Texas. He is on the board of directors of Aging Services of California, region chairman for its Delta region, and a member of its continuing care retirement community residential services sub-committee.

A resident of Turlock, Gabrielson has been a member of the Turlock Rotary since 1992. He also serves as treasurer of Turlock Covenant Church.

Aging Services of California represents more than 400 nonprofit providers of aging services-including affordable housing, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, skilled nursing, and home and community-based care-that serve more than 100,000 seniors.

Nationally accredited Covenant Village of Turlock, 2125 N. Olive Ave., Turlock, is one of 14 retirement communities nationwide that are administered by Chicago-based Covenant Retirement Communities Inc. on behalf of the Board of Benevolence of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information call (209) 632-9976 or visit www.covenantretirement.com.

Christmas On The Avenue, 2009
College Center Covenant
By College Center Staff
Posted January 20, 2009

On December 7, College Center Covenant cancelled its Sunday morning service in order to open its facilities to families in need. Christmas on the Avenue, 2009, helped provide Christmas joy this year to 35 families in our urban neighborhood.

These families were able to purchase new toys for their children at a fraction of the retail cost. Parents could feel good about actually buying the toys, and then after making their purchases, volunteers from College Center Covenant gift wrapped everything at no cost to the families.

Our members have many stories to tell about engaging parents in conversation and learning that the toys parents purchased that Sunday were all the gifts their children would have this Christmas. Many of the parents, leaving with their beautifully wrapped purchases, had tears of thankful joy in their eyes. And the words of appreciation flowed from thankful hearts.

Mt. Miguel Covenant Village was a major supporter of the project this year. People at the village made generous donations through offerings taken in their worship services and by purchasing new toys. For more info about College Center Covenant go to www.collegecentercov.com.

PVCC serves the Local Community through Palomino Elementary
By PVCC Staff
Posted January 8, 2009

Last summer Paradise Valley Community Church (Phoenix, AZ) formed a group of volunteers for the purpose of tutoring local students in reading skills. Each of the 17 volunteers has committed to spend at least one hour a week tutoring a third grader from Palomino Elementary School. Many of the volunteers devote several hours each week to one or more students. Most of the third graders in tutoring speak English as their second language which makes the sessions a bit more challenging, but also a bit more rewarding. Palomino Elementary serves an area of Phoenix that is home to a predominantly Hispanic population that has been particularly hard hit by the current economic turmoil.

In addition to the tutoring program, PVCC has recently committed to providing a minimum of 20 bags of groceries to the school's food pantry each month. Donations totaled more than 80 bags of nonperishable food the first month. These encounters, which feed the mind and body, are slowly opening other opportunities to feed the souls within this community. To learn more about PVCC go to www.paradisechurch.com.

New Life Covenant Church Serving Santa Clara County Refugees
By Andrea Lee, New Life Covenant Church Staff
Posted October 3, 2008

New Life Covenant Church of San Jose is working with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Refugee Transitions, and a local Nepali pastor to help house and serve the needs of 200 "free case" refugees who arrive in San Jose each year. Free case refugees arrive with no family or friends to sponsor them, so Catholic Charities serves that role. The two churches, working together, are developing Refugee Outreach Partnership, an affiliation of faith communities who have a heart for refugees and wish to contribute their time, talents and resources to serving this vulnerable but highly motivated population. New Life has found this partnership approach to be the most effective way to pool resources and knowledge to meet the needs of the refugees. The churches are now included in county-wide forums of agencies serving refugees and are giving a voice to serving this population in a way that respects the wholeness of the individual. But more than the partnership itself, the New Life congregation has met people whose stories and trials are humbling us, changing the way we see the world, and making God's work all the more powerful as we His hand in this ministry every day. On Sunday, September 22, New Life hosted visits to Sunday service by 8 refugees who have asked to attend our church, including 2 Iraqi Assyrian Christians, 5 Bhutanese Hindus and 1 Iraqi Muslim.

To learn more about this ministry partnership, please visit http://www.refugeeoutreach.org or contact New Life Covenant Church at http://www.newlifesanjose.org.

Over 500 Attend September Women's Retreats
By Meagan Gillan, Chair of PSWC Women Ministries
Posted October 3, 2008

Over 500 wonderful PSWC women worshiped, celebrated, played and were renewed in their faith September's three "Fresh Brewed Life" women's retreats-two at Mission Springs and one at Alpine. Speaker Rachel Johnston, Pastor to Women at Bayside Covenant Church, Granite Bay, CA spoke from Revelation 3:20, encouraging all to grow in their relationships to Jesus. She worked with both planning committees to enable women to have a quiet time after the Saturday morning session-a highlight for many. Barbara Johnson, retired missionary now active with Oasis Training Center in Pingliang, China exuded passion and enthusiasm for the school's ministry to 18-22 year olds. All three retreats offered a tantalizing array of workshops and opportunities on Saturday afternoon for those who didn't come just to relax. Participants, ranging in age from 20-somethings to 90-somethings, left encouraged, uplifted and steeped in God's love and the warm fellowship of His women. Thanks be to Him! Photos of both retreats are available on the PSWC Women Ministries Commission website.

10th Anniversary for Grace Community, Palo Alto
By PSWC Staff
Posted September 16, 2008

It was a packed house at Grace Community Covenant Church on Sunday, September 14 as they celebrated their 10th anniversary. GCCC is the Covenant's first Asian-American church plant and third Asian-American church overall. The denomination has had Korean-speaking churches since the 1960's, but it wasn't until ministries like GCCC that the Covenant started reaching 2nd+ generation Asian Americans, one of the most unreached groups in America.

Celebrations actually started on Saturday as the church took a mini Journey to Mosaic, or a one-day experiential bus trip to go outside their walls into the community. Stops included community development partners they have supported over the past decade: East Palo Alto Family Center, Green Pastures, Leland House, and Silicon Valley Christian Health Alliance (founded by GCCC members). The multigenerational group was challenged to be advocates on behalf of the last, least, and the lost, and together considered how they can make a greater impact in their community.

Pastor Steve reflects, "The thing that struck me [about the bus trip] was how God is using small things to accomplish Kingdom work. The Silicon Valley Christian Health Alliance clinic has no paid medical staff, the Family Center's neighborhood is being engulfed by a corporate land developer, and we only send about 6 people to Leland House to make dinner and socialize once a month. But we kept hearing how our presence is changing people's lives by bringing God's presence into these situations. That's a real encouragement for us, especially in a time of limited funds when we as a church community are feeling our resources being stretched by our approximately 70 kids under the age of 12!"

On Sunday there was a buzz in the air as uplifting music, missions sharing, and a challenging sermon by Pastor Steve Wong marked the service. The message was on biblical hospitality from Peter's vision recorded in Acts 10. Pastor Steve pointed to the church's future and put forth a challenge that they must move to include people who do not look like them. He went on to declare they must take risks and be willing to lay personal preferences on the line for the sake of building the Kingdom in their part of the south bay and beyond.

"What are we risking?" Pastor Steve questioned.

Two short weeks after his kidney/cancer surgery, Pastor Jim Gaderlund was present with the entire Foothill Covenant Church (Los Altos) congregation who hosted GCCC and shared in ministry for GCCC's first seven years. Pastor Jim led communion wonderfully exemplifying the hospitality that has been shared between the two congregations. Members from Foothill took especially great joy in reuniting with many of the children from GCCC whom they taught in Sunday school.

The day of celebration culminated with a video montage of GCCC's shared life and ministry and a picnic in front of the church.

Walter Contreras Assumes New Role as Director of Outreach and
Hispanic Church Planting
By PSWC Staff
Posted September 11, 2008

We are pleased to welcome back to our leadership team in the Pacific Southwest Conference our ministry colleague and friend, Walter Contreras. Walter began September 1 as Director of Outreach and Hispanic Church Planting. In this role he will assume the primary responsibility, previously assumed by Associate Superintendent Greg Yee, in working with the Church Outreach Commission to network and resource local church leaders involved in compassion and justice ministries as well as overseeing the Churches Planting Ministries grant application and approval processes. In the area of Hispanic church planting, Walter is returning to the PSWC role in which he previously served (2000-2007), focused on recruiting and preassessing potential Hispanic church planters, developing new projects, working with partner churches, and coaching. Working with a newly formed Hispanic Coordinating Team, he will also help facilitate connections among our Hispanic churches and assist in supporting development of healthy missional Hispanic churches. Having just completed a year of service with the Covenant's Department of World Mission, he returns to the PSWC with an enhanced interest in and passion for global ministries and will be providing support for PSWC churches that are currently planting ministries in Mexico and other countries in Central and South America.

Walter and his wife Cecilia reside in the great Los Angeles area with their two daughters, Margaret and Emely.

PSWC Pastor Surprised - Argentinians are Singing His Songs
By PSWC Staff
Posted September 11, 2008

Aristides Mendez, pastor of Vida Abundante Covenant Church in Sacramento, CA, first showed an interest in music when he was seven years old. Living with his grandparents in his native Guatemala, he pulled the elastic bands from the underlayer of his grandmother's skirt and fashioned them like guitar strings by attaching them to a hanger. This was both his first instrument and the cause for punishment when his grandmother realized what young Aristides had done. By the time he was twelve he had his first real guitar and was singing at school. By the age of nineteen he was playing in night clubs.

That same year Aristides came to know Christ in a personal relationship. Looking back, the night club musician turned pastor sums up the transformation by saying, "He changed my song and put a new song in my mouth!"

Seven years later Aristides came to the U.S. to serve as the worship pastor at Elim Los Angeles, a Latino church in the Los Angeles Area with about 2000 people at the time. It was there that he began to write worship songs and released a number of CD's.

In 2003 he traveled to Italy, Sweden, and Spain and discovered that songs he'd written had been translated into Italian.

In August, he traveled with Walter Contreras, PSWC Director of Outreach and Hispanic Church Planting, to Contreras' home country of Argentina. Together they journeyed to multiple churches to minister through special services and workshops, and also be encouraged by the churches' ministries. Once again, Aristides had the experience of being surprised that so many he visited recognized both him and his music. Contreras reports, "Aristides was used by God in a very unique way on this trip; he had no sense that his songs had reached so far south. His call to music and ministry has been confirmed in a land where many people have been blessed by his music. In Argentina Christians called him 'un salmista' (Psalmist)."

One of the better known songs Mendez has written is titled "Toda La Noche Sin Parar" which translated to English means, Singing All Night Without Stopping. Another is titled "El Tabernaculo de David", or The Tabernacle of David. As known and gifted as Mendez is as a musician, it is clear in speaking with him that the prayer of his heart is simply, "Lord, make me a vessel". It is in this reality of serving God, and being a vessel that allows the Lord's blessings to flow through him to others, that he finds his greatest joy.

Aristides has served as the pastor of Vida Abundante Covenant since 2006. His connection to the Covenant came through Contreras and Greg Yee, PSWC Associate Superintendent, who Mendez explains introduced him to the Covenant family and its vision for planting churches. He was taken with this vision and now says of the Covenant, "I am at home!"

To hear a cut of Mendez' worship music go to www.elsalmista.com.

Journey to Mosaic Squared
B Regina Wang, j2m2 co-facilitator
Posted August 7, 2008

As a person of color, 21-year-old Sandra Santiago thought she knew all about diversity. But a three-week summer experience in Oakland, she said, has overturned her understanding of the world - especially the role of the church - in an increasingly diverse America.

Santiago was one of the seven young adults who participated in Journey to Mosaic Squared (J2M2), an inner-city plunge that aimed to explore God's heart for justice. Together they shared a two-bedroom house in East Oakland, and in the span of three weeks they undertook an intensive formative experience which included learning from local pastors, camping on Angel Island and washing the feet of the homeless in San Francisco.

Her teammates not only came from different geographic areas, they also attended churches very different from hers. Santiago, a junior at California Lutheran University, worships at Nueva Esperanza, a Hispanic-American church in Simi Valley. One of her teammates, Dominique Gilliard, hailed from Georgia and grew up in a Gospel-singing African-American church where going to church on Sunday was an all-day event.

"It was a little crazy," Santiago said with a chuckle, admitting that she had never shared a bathroom with anyone before. But in Oakland she played, cooked, hiked, and most often, worshipped with her teammates whom she came to love, she said. "They had so much to teach me."

During the second week the team jumped on a bus and traveled throughout California in four days, exploring the history of African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Hispanic-Americans. They were joined by and paired up with a group of leaders from various Covenant churches.

Santiago said it was mind-blowing for her to hear fellow Christians talking about hot-button issues - like race and immigration - especially when they pondered the role of the church in the midst of them.

The most powerful experience for her on this trip, Santiago said, was when an African-American pastor shared her personal fears. The pastor wept when she recalled her young sons being followed in stores and often, she worried her six-foot-five husband was being suspected as a criminal.

Racism, Santiago realized, is still alive and divides people - even Christians - as churches in America still remain segregated in ethnicity and class.

When she and her teammates returned to Oakland after the bus journey, she said she did not know what to do with this new knowledge. "I was depressed. I felt powerless to change things."

"Where is God?" She found herself wrestling with this question during J2M2.

And God surprised her, she said, as she saw him in a place she least expected - inside a county prison.
During the last week of J2M2, the team visited a Santa Clara County prison, and through the help of Rev. Peggy Bingham, a Covenant pastor and chaplain, they had the opportunity to meet with some inmates.

Santiago was flabbergasted when these inmates shared their love for God and gave testimonies of miracles in a place where she expected the presence of God like the presence of water in a sun-parched dessert.

"I knew God had to be there, because it was impossible for someone [without God] to live in that condition and praise God," she said. "He showed me that he is there - and He wants to use us."

And she had another revelation. The church, she realized, bears the hope to a world thirsty for living water.

"Before I thought church was all about entertaining and caring for people in your church, watching out for them. Now I see the opposite - people who are outside the church are important."

The experience of living with people of different ethnicities, hearing their stories and learning about their cultures has broadened her vision of who God is, she said. And she wanted to share this vision with her church in Simi Valley, Nueva Esperanza.

At the same time, she said she understood the challenges that her church faces - as most immigrant churches do. She has seen the tensions that occur between a Spanish-speaking and an English-speaking congregation. Alienation can occur between an immigrant church and a more established mainstream church.

But she said Nueva Esperanza, as well as all churches, needs to live out the purpose Christ intended for his bride.

"I want to share the need for the church to go outside, to open its eyes to the reality we are living in, and to make them aware that there are people out there who need help. He taught me to be bold and open to whatever he has for me. And to let him show me the way, and I will follow, instead of doing things the way I want. There's so much more than my selfish plans and goals."

"I am excited," Santiago said.

Turlock Covenant Church Los Angeles Mission Trip Reflection...
By Megan O'Connor, Turlock Covenant Church
Posted August 5,, 2008

During the week of June 16-21, a team of teenagers and adults from Turlock Covenant Church and La Familia de Dios (Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico Turlock) served with the city of Los Angeles through the Center for Student Missions. Through prayer, action, and communication, the team passionately served people from all different stages of life. The Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, LA Regional Food Bank, Midnight Mission (on L.A.'s skid row), and Long Beach Rescue Mission are all examples of the places that the group served throughout the week. The team was intimately faced with the overwhelming problems of poverty, homelessness, and gentrification. Yet "spending themselves" on behalf of the poor in Los Angeles caused them to be passionate about how they can serve those in the community of Turlock. The team is grateful to have had the opportunity to share God's love in this way.

(with permission as printed in the Turlock Covenant Church July 08 newsletter)

Cluster Lunches Life-Giving for Many South Bay Pastors
By Jim Gaderlund, Foothills Covenant Church
Posted June 9, 2008

From September through early June, the South Bay cluster of Covenant pastors, staff, and missionaries get together over lunch about once a month for the purpose of supporting and encouraging one another in ministry. In recent years, the group has also welcomed numerous people who were exploring the Covenant and wanted a feel for pastoral relationships within the Covenant or answers to their questions about the Covenant.

The cluster met for their last lunch of this past season on Tuesday, June 3rd at Great Exchange Covenant's new facilities. Typically the two-hour connection begins with informal conversation over brown bag lunches - an important time for connecting with ministry friends or welcoming new attendees. Often cluster members pair up in prayer teams outside the monthly lunches, and so the lunch becomes a time to catch up on prayer concerns and how life is going. Given the shared sense of a common mission field among participants, informal connecting usually evolves into sharing ministry ideas that are being tried in one congregation that might work in another, or in simply inviting others to an activity that might be of interest.

If there is a formal aspect of these lunches, it has been focused on considering a question of shared importance to the ministries. Earlier this year, staff from two churches described how they welcome and assimilate new people and a broad discussion followed. An alternate discussion might ask participants to reflect on the biggest new developments they are having to take into account as leaders. The group then breaks into small groups of four or five to respond. These discussions have been a crucial time to take the pulse of the South Bay mission field, discover what R&D is happening in sister congregations, and learn the best sources for training and development.

Prayer has been a key part of the group, both at and outside of lunches. Most lunches end with a time of sharing followed by prayer for one another either in small groups or as a large group. At the June 3rd gathering, attendees prayed in small groups and then the whole group gathered around one cluster member who was facing a difficult decision.

Most in the cluster who participate in the lunches (which is most of the cluster) say they couldn't do ministry without the knowledge and support of their peers. These lunches are life-giving and sometimes life-saving. They're already looking forward to re-gathering at the kickoff Fall 24-hour retreat in September.

Kerman Covenant Church Undertakes Graffiti Abatement
By Debbie Shelton, Kerman Covenant Church
Posted May 23, 2008

"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for". -- The Message: Matthew 5:7

Barbara Nord, a member of Kerman Covenant Church, walked to her mailbox and was greeted with a new sight - her mailbox tagged with graffiti. She cared enough about the situation to scrub her mail box and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper in which she asked, "How come we get jazzed about programs like "The Big Give," "Extreme Home Makeover," and others that give a hand to people and assist them in making a better life, while ignoring actions and conditions that spoil and devalue our own hometown? Maybe it's because we can sit in our easy chairs in front of our big screen TVs and cheer others on. We feel better because someone is helped and is happy and we didn't have to lift a finger!…"

Kerman has grown within the past few years. New subdivisions have developed, parks have been built, and schools are bursting at the seams. With the positives of growth have come some negatives - graffiti, trash abandoned on sidewalks and streets, and vacated homes and lots.

Mrs. Nord's concern about the community led to a special event sponsored by Kerman Covenant Church. On Saturday morning, May 17th, volunteers from Kerman Covenant Church and the City of Kerman gathered together at the KCC parking lot with a common purpose - to remove graffiti from mailboxes, signs and fences. Pastor Dan Shelton organized the event. He reported, "It was refreshing that Barbara was not just lamenting the problem but wanted to be part of the solution." In addition, he noted, "It was a joy to see volunteers from KCC and city officials (City Manager, Police Chief, City Council member and Director of Parks and Recreation) working side-by-side to help beautify our wonderful community." Teams went out into the Kerman community to clean graffiti off mailboxes and paint fences.

Indeed we are blessed when we care. We are blessed to have community members come together to be Christ's hands and feet in action. We are blessed to have individuals voice their concern. We are blessed to have leaders who listen to the concern and take action. We are blessed to live in a wonderful community that cares and will continue to care for generations to come.

Grace Community Covenant - Palo Alto Team to China
By Brian Wo, Associate Pastor, Grace Community Covenant Church
Posted May 1, 2008

From January 6-23, 2008, a team of five from Grace Community Covenant Church in Palo Alto traveled to China with International China Concern to work at an orphanage for disabled children. Our eyes were opened in new ways to the world of the truly abandoned and outcast. The hopelessness inherent in these childrens' situation was cause for much despair. We were assigned kids with autism, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, Downs syndrome and more. They lived in dismal conditions with minimal attention to their basic needs.

Yet we brought the hope of Jesus with us, and we experienced the privilege of spending focused time loving individual kids who desperately need hope, and we were imbued with grace that only God can provide. Our time with the kids was lived "at the center of God's very heartbeat," as team member Sarah Ago noted. The physical and emotional difficulties we faced during the trip were nothing compared to the reward of unadulterated joy with which the kids received us.

We returned with new perspectives, feelings and thoughts. We will have forever with us the laugh of Hao Hao, the face of La La, and the smile of Pei, along with the smells of disease and despair, the whimpering cries of babies, and the withered legs of the crippled. Our lives will never be the same as we begin to see the needs around us through the eyes of Jesus, and live with the confidence that God can use us to make a difference in the lives of the "least of these." The team included Sarah Ago, Sophak Pak, Jusson Koo, Eric Gruenberg and Associate Pastor Brian Wo.

LEADERSHIP EQUIPPING EXPERIENCES AT CELEBRATION 2008
By PSWC Staff
Posted April 25, 2008

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Youth Pastors' Connection, August 24-26, 2008, at Mission Springs Conference Center near Santa Cruz. The only cost to you will be your own transportation to/from Mission Springs.

Churches Pull Out Stops for Easter Crowds
By Stan Oklobdzija - March 24, 2008, Sacramento Bee

Patrick and Adeana Terrill and daughter Meagan get an Easter portrait taken by John Wallauch before Easter services at First Covenant Church in Rancho Cordova. They'll have to return for services next week to pick up the finished portrait.

Though it took no less than a miracle to get people in the door of First Covenant Church on Sunday, it's guys like Granite Bay's John Wallauch who make sure they come back next week.

With the pews packed all over the country Sunday for Easter - the day most Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus - some local churches also used the day to showcase their centers of worship, hoping folks will see something they like and keep coming back.

First Covenant Church, near Folsom and Sunrise boulevards in Rancho Cordova, offered free family portraits, courtesy of Wallauch and some other volunteers. "Lots of people are here with their grandkids," he said, displaying the nearly 200 shots he'd snapped between Saturday night and Sunday morning services.
The portraits, which were printed and pasted onto large pieces of poster board, are available to anyone who comes back next Sunday to claim them after services, he said.

Along the way, explained Senior Pastor Ted Smith, people can see the merits of First Covenant, which is celebrating its ninth Easter at its expansive new facility. "We're a happy church. We're a warm church," he said.

So far, it seems to be working. Smith expected about 4,000 people to come through the church over the Easter weekend. Even with a new center, 12 full-time pastors and a paid staff of 28, the church gets cramped at times, said Director of Church Ministries Katie Nielsen. "It's a good problem to have," she said.

Another local church with no shortage of attendees Sunday was Granite Bay's Bayside Christian Church.
Kerry Shearer, a volunteer at the church, said estimates for weekend attendance were about 15,000 people.
"We're a church for people who don't like church," Shearer said.

The church features a massive sanctuary that holds about 2,400 people and comes complete with state-of-the-art video and speaker systems. "It's about being relevant," Shearer said. "You don't water down the message, but you make it accessible. … Jesus communicated to the current culture with methods and language they understood and that's what we're doing here."

Led by Pastor Lincoln Brewster, a 30-something with blond streaks in his faux-hawk who used to tour with Journey's Steve Perry, the standing-room-only congregation swayed back and forth, arms aloft, through the start of the 11:30 a.m. service. Brewster preached in a print T-shirt and blazer with a Fender Stratocaster hanging from his neck. His sermon mixed upbeat Christian rock with colloquial musings on the story of Jesus.
"He is risen," Brewster said, "If he's not risen, then we've got serious problems here."

The energy of the church has brought Amy Bem of Granite Bay back every Sunday since she first attended last Mother's Day. "Every time we do worship, I get a cold chill that I'd never felt before coming here," she said.

But the rock 'n' roll atmosphere didn't sit too well with Steve Purcell. Purcell, who just finished a six-month stint in Soledad Prison, is staying in Granite Bay and was looking for Easter services. He picked Bayside Christian Church because it's only about a mile from where he's staying. "I love God, but this place is kind of fluffy," he said. "I appreciate the effort to create an environment of freedom, but it's not too solid in other spiritual things."
Sitting outside the front door, Purcell said he'd originally planned on sitting through the service. "But now," he said, "I'm not so sure. It's a real nice day out."

Memorial Service on March 29 at Pasadena Covenant for Roy G. Johnston
By Catherine Barsotti
Posted 3/24/08

A memorial service for a long-time servant of the Pacific Southwest Conference, Roy Johnston, 94, will be held a Pasadena Covenant on Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. Johnston died on March 13.

A member of the Pasadena Covenant Church since a teen, Roy sat on the church council in various capacities for over 50 consecutive years, including 19 years as Sunday School Superintendent, a brief stint as janitor, and many terms as Chairperson. He also used his professional expertise in service of his church, denomination, and Christian organizations. He volunteered his engineering services in designing the sanctuary, the educational building, and the gymnasium of the Pasadena church. He gave of his expertise to both Alpine and Mission Springs Conference Grounds. While on the board of the Pacific Southwest Conference, he advised on the purchase of land and construction of new sanctuaries for a number of Covenant churches. He also designed the first buildings at Fuller Theological Seminary where his son, Rob, has served as a professor since the early 90s.

The son of Swedish immigrants, Roy was born in Chicago, but moved to Alhambra as a teenager where he contributed to his high school track and debate teams. In the Depression years, he boxed vegetables and mixed cement, but his goal from earliest memory was to be an engineer. Fortunately, his communication skills earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California where he was the first and, probably only, engineer to make the debate team.

Following the completion of his structural engineering degree in 1935, Roy worked for consulting engineer Clyde Deuel. When war broke out, he became chief engineer at Lummus, designing refineries to support the military. In September 1945, Roy joined forces with George Brandow, a fellow USC Trojan, and founded Brandow & Johnston Inc., the structural and civil engineering firm where he practiced the profession he loved for the next 57 years, retiring in 2002 at the age of 88.

Brandow & Johnston has been responsible for the structural design of some 20,000 projects, including high-rise office buildings, hospitals, convention centers, universities, airports, schools, and industrial facilities. Among the firm's early achievements were the Los Angeles County Courthouse and Administration Building, the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the California Bank (first building over the 12-story height limit), and the Superior Oil Building (first all-welded structural steel building in Los Angeles). Later projects included the University of California Irvine campus, most of the modern USC campus, the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Bradley International Terminal at LAX and the Kaiser Baldwin Park Medical Center (one of many facilities for Kaiser).

Throughout his life, Roy served as a "mentor, inspiration and role model for many engineers." He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1981. He was recognized by his peers with the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Construction Industries Committee Achievement Award in 1981, the USC Engineering Alumnus Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1982, the Institute for the Advancement of Engineering's Southern California Engineer of the Year in 1985, and the Structural Engineering Association of Southern California's Engineer of the Year in 1990. In 2000, the Institute for the Advancement of Engineering presented him its Lifetime Achievement Award, the only time this award has been given.

Roy's contributions outside the sphere of engineering were also noteworthy. Deeply appreciative of the opportunity for higher education which had been granted him, he served for twenty five years on the Board of Trustees at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, being chairman from 1972-1988. During this time (1973-1977), he also served as a Director of the Independent Colleges of Southern California.

Pre-deceased by his first wife Naomi, Roy is survived by his wife Lucille; his daughter, Judith; his son Robert, and wife Catherine; two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Margaret and her husband, Kevin; and a brother Paul and wife Lillian. Roy was the stepfather of Curt Peterson, Executive Minister of World Mission for The Evangelical Covenant Church. The family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the building fund of the Pasadena Covenant Church or the scholarship fund at Westmont College, Santa Barbara.

To read article on the Evangelical Covenant Church page click here.

Closing Celebration at Grace Covenant (Sunago Grace) of Compton
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/10/08

Celebration brings joy into life and joy makes us strong. The reality of this joy was mixed with moments of sadness as members and friends of Grace Covenant Church of Compton (Sunago Grace) gathered on Sunday, March 2, for the closing celebration of its 40 years of ministry. This church's place in the emergence of a mosaic of PSWC churches is notable. Grace Covenant Church of Compton was the first church in the PSWC to serve a predominantly African American congregation. In the late 60s, the vision of several Covenant laymen serving on the Rescue Mission Board opened the pathway for Robert Dawson, a lay pastor, to meet the PSWC Superintendent, Ed Larson, and the rest is history.

The gathering of persons representing past, present, and future was evidence of God's faithfulness through the generations. Lowell Edwards, worship pastor of Generations, a church plant in Gardena, with a team of musicians provided the worship music. Evelyn M.R. Johnson, Superintendent, led the service including testimonies and prayers offered by many of the worshippers. Mary Ann Owens from Atlanta, Georgia, brought greetings from her husband, Robert Owens, Superintendent of the Southwest Conference, and former pastor of Grace Covenant. Mary Ann also shared an overview of the history of the congregation. She and her family participated in the beginnings of the church in the late 60s.

Pastor Charles Patrick and his wife, Gwen, who have served the congregation since 1992 offered prayers for future ministries in Compton. The sermon was preached by John Teter, church planter of Fountain of Life which current serves the Long Beach/Compton area. The ministry of Fountain of Life having been launched less than two years ago is visible evidence of God’s provision for the continuance of the missional focus of Grace Covenant Church (Sunago Grace). Following the service a festive lunch prepared by member, Julie Allen, and time of fellowship was shared.

Andrew Wollitzer Installed as Pastor of Berkeley Covenant Church
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/10/08

Offering praise to God for answered prayers, the Berkeley Covenant congregation joined in celebrating the installation of Andrew Wollitzer as their pastor on Sunday, March 9. Andrew who came to the church as college pastor in the early 2000s had served as the interim pastor during the transition period since Al Tizon's departure in June 2006. Although Andrew is a familiar face in their midst, both the congregation and Andrew experienced this installation as a significant marker. The 105 year old congregation enters into a new chapter now with an emphasis as stated by Andrew and the leaders to engage in ministries that are healthy, sustainable, and incarnational.

Journey to Mosaic – Our Journey Continues
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/7/08

February 21-24, marked the 10th Journey to Mosaic experience in the PSWC, a four-day experiential ethnic immersion trip from Northern California to Southern California focused on providing a safe time and place for the church to talk about race realities in America that affect how we live and minister. Twenty-four participants shared in this rich experience including Invitation to Racial Righteousness trainers from across the country. Find out more about opportunities to bring the I2RR to your church from the Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice here (773.907.3368). Sign up now for the July 10-13 or September 25-28 J2M experiences by calling Nelly at 925.677.2140.

Spiritual Direction in the PSWC
By Jim Gaderlund
Posted 11/26/07

Twelve men and women from PSWC churches met for an overnight spiritual retreat on November 12-13. They make up most of the network of pastoral spiritual directors which is offered as a caring ministry to PSWC pastors, staff, and their spouses. They came to meet God in silence and worship and conversation so that in caring for their own souls they could better care for the lives and souls of our conference ministers.

With this retreat, the pastoral spiritual direction ministry observed it tenth anniversary of service in the conference. Pastoral care and encouragement has long been a top priority of the Pacific Southwest Conference. It has created a number of ministries to meet this need. One of those is the Pastoral Spiritual Direction network. Over ten years ago, the PSWC designated Associate Superintendent Ron Lagerstrom to give pastoral care to the conference's pastors. As Ron's retirement approached, a group of interested pastors and staff who had benefited from Ron's care assembled to explore ways to extend his ministry. Out of those first meetings the ministry of pastoral spiritual direction was born. Spiritual direction is an historic ministry in the Christian church that is being rediscovered. It is a ministry of listening, discernment and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Pastoral spiritual directors serve as "companions on the journey" with other pastors. They offer "soul friendship" to help another recognize God's voice and respond to his presence.

Twice a year the network of pastoral spiritual directors gathers for 24 hours of training and practice to learn and improve their skills. These retreats are a form of basic training and continuing education for our directors. Recently the directors have decided that every third retreat will be purely a retreat - a time for directors to renew and refresh their relationships with God, hopefully as a model to others as the best kind of self-care.

Our team of pastoral spiritual directors is drawn from the pastors and laity of our conference, women and men who volunteer their time to encourage other pastors, staff, and clergy spouses. Over the ten year existence of the ministry, more than two dozen different people have served as members of our network. They have served well over 100 pastors, staff, and spouses in the conference as soul friends. Former members of the network who have moved to other conferences in the Covenant are now helping some of those conferences form ministry networks of their own.

If you would like to learn more about the PSWC ministry of pastoral spiritual direction please use the following weblink. http://www.pswc.org/images/Pastoral%20Spiritual%20Direction.pdf

Heroes, Every Day
By PSWC Staff
Posted 11/20/07