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

Six agencies and organizations were honored over the weekend by Bayside Church of Woodland led by pastor John Withem at Pioneer High School Theater, and were also given $200 to donate to their favorite charity. The organizations, represented from top-left, going clockwise: Sgt. Orrin Heatlie, Yolo County Sheriff's Department (M.A.D.D.); Mark Brooks and Richard Wirtz, Woodland Fire Department (Red Cross); Sgt. Derrik Kaff, Woodland Police Department (Yolo Wayfarer Center); M.C. Shaft, Veterans of Foreign Wars (Color Guard); and Officer Matt Stuller, CHP (Special Olympics). Not pictured are Yolo County's dispatchers, who were unable to attend. They donated to the Woodland Pregnancy Support Group.

Pastor Dan Schmitz Honored with Community Award
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/23/07

Dan Schmitz, pastor of New Hope Covenant Church of Oakland was awarded a Community Service Award from the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) at their 32nd Anniversary Celebration Banquet on October 3 in Oakland, CA. Schmitz received the award for his work organizing tenants of the Oak Park Apartments, which led to a class-action lawsuit against the apartment's slumlord, and in 2000 ultimately insured affordable housing for tenants of Oak Park Apartments.

To hear Schmitz's acceptance speech click here.:

In this speech, Schmitz reports, "When I hear the story [being told] of Oak Park Apartments and how Russell and I made great sacrifices to live there, what I don't hear is how much we enjoyed living there, how much we were welcomed by a community of refugees who had endured the bombing of their country by our country. And despite being completely broken and without resources, they welcomed us into their life."

The 56-unit apartment complex housed mostly Cambodian refugees and Mexican immigrants and Schmitz reports, "I loved it!" He concluded the first portion of his speech by saying, "This award belongs to them."

Schmitz continued by naming others to whom the award belongs, including Russell Jeung, who for years lived with Schmitz in a 1 bedroom unit in Oak Park Apartments, and was in inspiration to Schmitz.

He ended with the following statement (that gets cut off on the video link), "As a pastor I would be remiss if I didn't mention God, who long before I got there, had cared about these people and wanted something better for them."

EBALDC is a community development corporation that develops affordable housing and community facilities focused on tenants and neighborhood residents, with emphasis on Asian and Pacific Islanders communities and the diverse low income populations of the East Bay. (www.ebaldc.org)

Bayside of Placerville Installs Lead Pastor
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/22/07

It was a beautiful autumn morning in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas on Sunday, October 21st. This sun-soaked backdrop served as a perfect setting for Bayside of Placerville (formerly Sierra Hope Foothills Church) as they installed their new lead pastor, Brian Lopez. Greg Yee of the Pacific Southwest Conferennce led the installation service which culminated with the leadership team laying hands on and praying for Pastor Brian, his wife Rachel and three children. Mutual commitments between pastor and church were shared with joy and much anticipation. The church is continuing to think creatively about how to more effectively reach their surrounding communities. Pastor Brian aptly preached on how the congregation needs to learn to "Love at Any Cost," having compassion, taking real action, and making sacrifices. Following the service cake was served in celebration of this new season in Placerville. For more information about Bayside of Placerville click here.

Journey to Mosaic - an experience, not a tour!
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/9/07

Thirteen participants experienced the ninth PSWC Journey to Mosaic (J2M) September 13-16. This journey was a challenging and inspiring experience designed to open the hearts and minds of persons seeking a glimpse into how we as individuals and the church can be more compassionate to and stand with people whom we perceive to be very different from ourselves. Through the use of videos, visits with people in various parts of the state and many intimate conversations among participants, we began to work through our own perceptions about race and class. We were further stimulated to dive into how these perceptions shape how the church reaches and relates to people.

Am I willing to allow my heart to be broken by the injustice and lack of compassion which is so evident in the world around me? This was a question that we as participants asked ourselves throughout the trip. One unintended danger surrounding this journey is to perceive the journey as a tour of different cultures and historical lessons. On a tour, one's participation is limited to being an outsider looking in. Often, when the tour is over, one's heart is left the same as it was before the tour began. From my perspective, Journey to Mosaic is better described as an experience because my heart has been further compelled to question what impact I can have to effect change in the lives of broken, lonely and lost people. More importantly, I am challenged with the task of helping others to sense this need to have their hearts broken in the same way.

Part of the experience for me included walking and talking with Gabriel, a 23- year-old farm worker who lives in Plainview, a predominantly Hispanic community in the Central Valley. Gabriel left school in the 10th grade in order to work the fields to help his parents. Now, as the primary care giver for two young children, he must work over 70 hours per week in order to make ends meet. When I asked him how much he earned, he told me that he earns approximately $7.50 per hour with no benefits and has not seen a wage increase in over seven years. He also showed me the make-shift backyard sanctuary that his community uses for weekly church services. They worship in the evenings because most people work during the daytime. Like Job, despite such hardship, he still yearns to worship, praise and honor God for his life. How could my heart not be broken to by such hardships many people like Gabriel face daily?

During the group conversations, I recall a few participants who shared how certain ill-perceptions of different people and cultures were shaped by well-intentioned upbringings. I believe that it was during these moments that God began to move within the vulnerabilities of our hearts in order to prompt the "breaking" that is so necessary for us to truly engage in compassion and justice ministry. These moments provided a glimmer of hope for how the church may begin to move forward in this way. When Christians are willing to have the courage to dive deep into their hearts and expose some of the darkness that lies within, we allow God to move within us and towards this mission.

We ended the journey on Sunday morning worship at Church of the Redeemer in Los Angeles with Pastor Danny Martinez. This worship experience provided hope for how we can build up a "Mosaic Mentality" as part of our individual lives through worshipping together. It was a taste of what worship might look like in heaven with people standing together, in community, as children of God irrespective of culture, race or class.

2008 Journey to Mosaic experiences are scheduled for February 21-24, July 10-13, and September 25-28. For more information about these experiences go to pswc.org and click on the bus, or call Greg Yee at 916.479.3544.

Iglesia del Pacto Turlock and Turlock Covenant Church Launch Joint Classes
By PSWC Staff
Posted 9/18/07

The first classes of the new joint Sunday school between Iglesia del Pacto and Turlock Covenant Church began Sunday, September 9. Approximately 60 children and youth attended and were served by teams of teachers representing both congregations.

For more information about this shared ministry contact pastor Samuel Galdamez at sgaldamez@sbcglobal.net or 209.620.0529 or interim pastor, Wes Swanson at 209.667.1191.

New Church Plant hosts Labor Day BBQ
By PSWC Staff
Posted 8/20/07

Edgewater Covenant, one of the new church plants this fall led by John Fanous and his wife, Beckie, held a Labor Day BBQ in the Antioch/Pittsburg area with assistance from more than fifteen volunteers from Outer East Bay churches - Hope Center (Pleasant Hill, CA) and The Creek (Walnut Creek, CA) as well as San Francisco State University (the context in which John has ministered with InterVarsity). John noted, "God gave us the resources to serve food to at least 106 people. Many people told me how much they enjoyed the BBQ, how pleasant it was, and I received comments like, 'Everyone is so welcoming!' " Participants were invited to an upcoming dessert on September 20.

John completed a three month church planter residency at Hope Center in August. In addition to the people support from Hope Center and The Creek, Hilmar Covenant and Dolores Park Covenant of San Francisco have provided financial support to help the Pacific Southwest Conference launch this church.

For more information about Edgewater Covenant go to www.edgewaterthechurch.org or contact John at johnf@edgewaterthechurch.org.

River Life Celebrates Pastor's Ordination
By PSWC Staff
Posted 8/20/07

Members and friends of River Life Covenant Church in Sacramento shared in a celebration of ordination honoring their pastor, Bud Locke, on Sunday, August 19. Superintendent Evelyn M.R. Johnson led the affirmation service reflecting on the meaning of ordination and leading a time of reaffirmation of the vows taken at the Ordination Service in Portland, Oregon, in June. The chair of the church presented Pastor Bud with a gift of artwork from the congregation in recognition of this significant marker in his life. River Life Covenant was planted in 1998 with Pastor Bud as the church planter. Their permanent site purchased by the congregation several years ago is at 4401 A Street in Sacramento.

Canto Nuevo Covenant Celebrates 5 Years
By PSWC Staff
Posted 8/10/07

The joyful spirit of festivity permeated the room as members and friends of Canto Nuevo Covenant Church celebrated its 5th anniversary on Sunday, August 5, in Walnut Creek. Members of their partner church, Hillside Covenant, and representatives of the Pacific Southwest Conference joined in the celebration. The worship service included multiple worship music specials by individuals and groups from Canto Nuevo and the youth worship team from Hillside Covenant. Certificates were presented by Pastor Willy Franco and his wife to many members who have served in special ways as well as to persons who experienced "new birth in Christ" during these first five years. Jeff Reed, pastor of Hillside, preached the sermon focused on commendations for the Canto Nuevo congregation as a people who display humility, faith, joy, perseverance, and love. Celebration continued as all enjoyed a meal together.

Love Comes to the Killing Fields
By First Covenant Church Staff
Posted 8/3/07

What would you do if you met the people who had once imprisoned you and killed many of your family and friends? If you are Chamron Phal, associate pastor of First Covenant Church, Oakland, California, the answer is: "love them."

Accompanied by at team from First Covenant, including other Khmer speakers like himself, Phal has returned from a 3 week mission to his native Cambodia. From 1975-1979, the Khmer Rouge killed an estimated 3 million Cambodians, a horrific period of history known as the Killing Fields. Perhaps what most Americans do not know, is that the Khmer Rouge remains a part of the coalition government of the scarred country.

"We are sharing Christ with the Khmer Rouge. The fields are white unto harvest. Atheism and cruelty has left them with empty hearts. They are very open. But most are scared to travel to the Battambang Province where the Khmer Rouge are still in charge."

Pastor Chamron and the team saw first hand the transformational power of the Good News of Jesus Christ. On July 20, 120 Khmer Rouge celebrated their new life in Christ through being baptized in the Chamlong Kuoy River. Another 97 (not Khmer Rouge) were also baptized in the Sangker River.

Paul Wilson, lead pastor of First Covenant says, "Pastor Chamron is in the vanguard of a new movement of foreign born pastors serving in American churches. With the support of their local churches, Godly and gifted pastors like Chamron are being called to do the work of the kingdom in their native countries. The fruit is unlike anything we have been used to seeing."

Phal mentors a core team of leaders in Cambodia, even when in Oakland. Team meetings are held via telephone, usually begin at 1 a.m.

While on this recent trip to Cambodia, Phal also conducted leadership training experiences for 331 pastors and leaders. Humanitarian aid, including the installation of clean water systems was also provided by the team.

Wilson believes that "if we will listen to the vision and dreams of the new Americans who come to us from many continents, and serve them with our gifts and resources as they seek to minister to their countrymen both here in the U.S. and back home, we will see spiritual awakenings of the likes that we have not seen in our country for more than a century."

17 Sudanese Youth Baptized
By College Covenant Church Staff
Posted 8/2/07

College Center Covenant (San Diego, CA) shared an extraordinary day with their sister Sudanese congregation on Sunday, July 29. Pastor Tom Eisenman baptized seventeen young people from the Sudanese congregation who have been meeting in recent months with College Center youth for instruction. After the baptisms, children, youth and adults from both congregations enjoyed fellowship, shared foods typical to their cultures, and celebrated the event with an exuberant and fun time in the pool. John Quek, elder and current leader of the Sudanese Covenant Fellowship reports, "Yes, It was a meaningful Sunday for all of us. That Sunday was one of the wonderful days that a person needs to enjoy in life."

For more information about College Center Covenant or the Sudanese congregation call 619.582.0226.

Bayside Covenant Church of West Roseville has Life-Changing Baptism
By Bayside Covenant Church of West Roseville
Posted 6/29/07

When a mother and her teen-age daughter went for a day on the beach, little did they know it was going to be life-changing. While laying there enjoying the sun, their peaceful beach was suddenly swarmed by hundreds of people.

On Sunday, June 3rd well over 350 people from Bayside Church of West Roseville (B0WR) gathered at Folsom Lake to celebrate the baptism of over 125 people. As people clapped and cheered, children, adults, couples and whole families were baptized in the lake. Lead Pastor Chuck Wysong said of the baptism, "This was one of the greatest moments in my ministry so far. Baptizing men, women, children, teenagers that were far from God just one year ago and seeing them take the step to publicly declare that they are now followers of Jesus Christ was humbling. God is good."

On the beach, a mother and daughter were watching the activity. As the mother saw the excitement of people coming out of the water, and witnessed the cheering and hugs of their church family, she started to cry. When her daughter asked what was wrong the mother pointed to the Bayside group and said, "All my life I've wanted that." The daughter said, "Let's go get it." Soon they were asking if they could be baptized as well.

Pastor Linda Sommerville spent some time talking with the mother and daughter and learned that they were believers but had never been baptized and were not part of a church family. So, after an hour of patiently waiting their turn they, too, walked out into the water and were baptized together. Afterwards, members of the church surrounded them with the love of Christ, congratulating them, introducing themselves, and inviting them to church. Within days the daughter was going on a youth event and the next Sunday they were both at church. They came for a day at the beach and went home a part of a loving church family.

For more information about Bayside of West Roseville and their ministries go to www.baysidewest.com.

Rolling Hills Covenant Church Presents a Special July 4th Tribute To Armed Forces and Public Servants
By Rolling Hills Covenant Church Staff
Posted 6/25/07

During the weekend services on Saturday, June 30 at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 1 at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m., Rolling Hills Covenant Church (RHCC) will present "Freedom -A Musical Salute to Liberty," to honor all American military personnel and public servants, including members of law enforcement, firefighters, and medical workers who serve our country. In an effort to honor as many uniformed personnel as possible, all public servants and military officers living in the South Bay are invited to attend in uniform to be recognized during the service. A Marine Corps Color Guard from Camp Pendleton will present the colors during the service and serve as greeters. Pastor Andy Noch will share a brief message titled "God's 911 Call for America."

"Freedom" is a cross-generational musical that combines narrations with inspiring original numbers, patriotic favorites, and three powerful new songs: Avalon's "For Freedom," Dennis Jernigan's "I Salute You," and an exciting new arrangement of the official song for the 2004 National Day of Prayer, "Let Freedom Ring." The music will be performed by members of the Rolling Hills Covenant Church Sanctuary Choir, Gloryland Singers, Contemporary Worship Team, Orchestra, and Children's Ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Halverson. The audience will be invited to sing along to some of the patriotic songs.

Contributions at the end of each service will be given directly to the Navigators Ministry, an organization that works with military chaplains at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to reach the troops and their families for Christ. Led by Michael and Thelma Jacobs and with the support of RHCC, the Navigators will make the following available for the marines and their families: gifts of Bibles, books, discipleship training materials, conferences and marriage retreats, welcome home celebrations, RHCC's Annual Car Show (a fundraiser for Christmas for Our Troops), and assistance for military chaplains to provide a Christian spiritual environment for the marines and their families. .

Children's classes for nursery through kindergarten are available at all services. Parents needing more information are encouraged to call the Children's Ministries office at (310) 521-2541.

Rolling Hills Covenant Church is located at 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North in Rolling Hills Estates. For information or directions to the church, go to RollingHillsCovenant.com.

Externally Focused Church Workshop
By PSWC Staff
Posted 6/2/07

The Church Outreach Commission sponsored its second Externally Focused Church workshop this past weekend at Pasadena Covenant Church. Representatives from five churches participated: Abundant Life (Pasadena), Chinese Neighborhood (Rosemead), Crown Valley (Laguna Niguel), God's Grace (Chatsworth), and Pasadena Covenant (Pasadena). PSWC consultant Martin Garcia (Program Consultant with First 5 LA - http://www.first5la.org) led the day-long workshop that started with addressing a theology of the city and moved into exploring an asset-based approach to community development. Participants left eager to apply the practical material presented as they continue to pray through and consider what it means to be a transforming agent in their communities.

If your church is considering a Churches Planting Ministries (CPM) grant please contact Church Outreach Commission chair, Cameron Wu Cardona (cwucardona@yahoo.com) or PSWC staff member, Greg Yee (greg.yee@pswc.org).

Peninsula Covenant holds a second "Beautiful Day"
By PSWC Staff
Posted 5/31/07

Beautiful Day is a network of churches working in collaboration with businesses, schools, and other local agencies to unleash compassion into the local community in such creative and innovative ways that it leaves a significant impact. The idea emerged among the staff at Westgate Church in San Jose who invited area churches to join with them. Peninsula Covenant Church (Redwood City, CA) was one of over 30 churches who responded and participated in a November 2006 service day, resultantly blessing Kennedy Middle School in a huge way!

On May 19th PCC planned a second "Beautiful Day" that brought out 375 people and two other churches to serve at Roosevelt Elementary School. Lead Pastor of Peninsula Covenant, Gary Gaddini reports, "God showed up in unexpected ways!"

Following is a quick look at what this intergenerational team accomplished on May 19:

• Completed 5 landscaping projects, 4 in front of the school and 1 in the Kindergarten quad
  
• Transformed the teachers' room through painting, providing new artwork and curtains, stocking the refrigerator, and adding other touches
  
• Organized and cleaned the PTA kitchen through cleaning, sorting, and brought in a new refrigerator, desk, folding table and chairs for meetings
  
• Created and delivered baskets of goodies to teachers and staff - filled with supplies, gifts, and gift cards to stores like Starbucks, Target and Office Depot
  
• Placed pedestal fans in every classroom for upcoming hot days
  
• Painted blocks on the Kindergarten playground and cleaned and organized a staff room for Kindergarten teachers
  
• Cleared and rototilled space for a teacher to plant a class garden
  
• Participated in the blood drive held at Peninsula Covenant Church, yielding 42 pints

Even the task of serving lunch to nearly 400 people was an undertaking, but the Hispanic congregation that meets at Peninsula Covenant Church, Communidad Familiar Cristiana, did a wonderful job providing a Mexican fiesta-style lunch. Sequoia Christian Church was the second church who partnered in this event.

Pastor Gaddini sums it up well when he says, "As the church, we are called to build bridges to the community with the pavement of compassion."

For more information about Beautiful Day go to www.ourbeautifulday.org. For information about PCC's planning process, email Daisy Segal at daisys@peninsulacovenant.com.

Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, Celebrates 60 Years of Ministry
By PSWC Staff
Posted 5/29/07

On May 18-20, Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA, celebrated 60 years of ministry by recounting the blessings of their history, serving their community, and looking to the future.

"Sweet Memories" was the theme as Hillsiders gathered on Friday evening, May 18, to recount the journey of Hillside Covenant Church. During the evening attendees wrote memories on post-it notes that were then displayed on a wall to chronicle God's faithfulness throughout the years. A video history of the church and skit entitled, "T'ings Change", also underscored God's faithful leading.

"We really wanted a significant part of our time and energy [during the anniversary celebration] to be outward focused," explains Mae Cannon, Executive Pastor. As a result, four service project sites were selected - Parkmead Elementary School (just down the hill from Hillside), the Monument Crisis Center in Concord, and two local homes. On Saturday, over 100 people from Hillside gave of their time and energy to clean, landscape, organize, and/or build in an effort to bless their neighbors at these locations.

On Saturday evening the celebration transitioned to San Francisco's Treasure Island, and the emphasis of the evening transitioned to future. Hillside intentionally included members of Canto Nuevo Covenant Church (Walnut Creek, CA) and True Vine Fellowship (Oakland, CA), as the church sought to "mark" in a new way their commitment to future mission in relationship with these sister churches. Hillside's "NOISE Worship Band", comprised of middle and high school students led worship. Lon Allison, Director of the Billy Graham Center, brought a challenge from Revelation 22 asking what does it mean to be a glimpse of the "river to come" to others here and now?

Sunday's celebration continued at Treasure Island with four former pastors and current lead pastor, Jeff Reed, bringing both a word of commendation and a challenge to the church as it looks to the future. Former senior pastors who shared include: Alan Hearl, 1977-1982, Lon Allison (interim), 1982, Doug Stevens, 1983-1995, and Joel Kruggel, 1996-2001. Interspersed throughout the morning worship were video clips of other churches that have grown out of Hillside - Hope Center Covenant (Pleasant Hill, CA), Crossroads (Concord, CA) and The Creek (Walnut Creek). Hillside's growth strategy for spreading the Gospel has been to extend their ministry through church plants throughout the East Bay. Sunday wrapped up with a trip to the ball park to watch the A's and Giants play.

In many ways, the chorus of a song composed for the celebration by Jeff Reed and Pastor of Worship and Arts, Mike Loretto, summarizes well Hillside's mission - past, present and future:

All on our hill.
This place we call Hillside
We're seeking to do from our hill like you did.
To love the forgotten
Tell truth in the darkness
Welcome the dying to come start to live.

For more information about Hillside Covenant Church visit www.hillsidecovenant.org.

Kingsburg Covenant Celebrates 100 Years
By PSWC Staff
Posted 5/24/07

2007 marks the 100 year anniversary of Kingsburg Evangelical Covenant Church, and to celebrate this milestone the church has hosted a series of celebratory events, including special activities held May 18-20. The May weekend focused on the theme, "Celebrating God's Faithfulness", and coincided with the city of Kingsburg's annual Swedish Festival.

On Friday evening, May 18th the church hosted an open house reception for guests to view historic photos and visit over dessert. This reception was held following a community Smorgasbord just blocks from the church.

On Saturday morning the church didn't miss their opportunity to be represented in the Swedish Festival parade - young and old, long time attendees and recent comers to Kingsburg Covenant lined the church's parade float that also featured paintings of the original church and the current facility. Pastor Tim Boynton reports float riders were surprised to hear a "roar of people cheering" as they passed by Kingsburg Covenant.

Over 300 people convened Saturday evening for a banquet with guest speaker, Jim Fretheim, Superintendent of the Northwest Conference, encouraging all to "Live the gospel". Fretheim is the only pastor in the church's history to have served twice - first as a seminary intern from 1970-1971 and as senior pastor from 1981-1984.

Many former and current pastors helped to lead the Sunday morning worship celebration including: Brian Johnson, Youth Pastor 1997- present; Steve Carlson, Youth Pastor, 1991-1996; Jan Epps-Dawson, Interim Pastor, Worship Minister, Choir Director, Youth Pastor, 1990-1991; Carl Johnson, Interim Pastor, 1998-2001; Jim Fretheim; Ed Spongberg, Visitation Pastor 1997-2004; Gary Sander, Youth Pastor, 1983-1990; Bob Atkins, Senior Pastor 1991-1998; and Tim Boynton, Senior Pastor, 2001-present. The morning message was titled, "Looking Back to Move Forward", and focused on God's repeated word in Deuteronomy to "Remember", and "Never Forget" in preparation for entering the promised land. The service concluded outdoors with dedication of a large stone painted with these words, "Celebrating God's Faithfulness 1907-2007".

To learn about Kingsburg Covenant or upcoming Centennial events go to www.kingsburgchurch.org.

Bayside of West Roseville marks 1-year anniversary
By Linda Sommerville, Special to The Press-Tribune, Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Posted 4/26/07

How do you go from zero to 1,000 in just one year? Chuck Wysong, lead pastor at Bayside Covenant Church of West Roseville, said it's easy: Focus on being healthy. "Our goal is not to build a mega-church but to build a healthy church," Wysong said.

Bayside of West Roseville will celebrate its first birthday Sunday as a new church on Roseville's rapidly growing west side. Just one year after beginning weekly services at Silverado Middle School, BOWR welcomed more than 1,000 people to recent Easter worship celebrations.

As part of the celebration, BOWR is asking everyone to bring a birthday gift - but not the kind you might expect.

"We're asking people to bring nonperishable items to church that Sunday so that we can restock the depleted food bank at the Roseville Salvation Army," Wysong said.
This desire to give back to the community is part of what Wysong believes makes a healthy church, sending the clear message, "You matter to God and you matter to us."

The community is invited to celebrate BOWR's birthday by attending one of this Sunday's services at 9 or 10:45 a.m. Following each service, the party will include 30 birthday cakes, Jamba Juice and Starbucks Coffee, as well as jump houses and face painting for kids.

In addition to relevant messages and upbeat worship, calling themselves "the Flock that Rocks," BOWR seeks to connect with families.

"We're excited to be a place where kids actually enjoy worship rather than endure it," Wysong said.

The same could be said for the growing number of teens who are finding a church home at Bayside West.

"The youth here are hungry and thirsty to know truth," explained Donnie Hinshaw, BOWR's youth pastor. "We're providing them with a safe place to ask tough questions and know they'll be accepted. There's really nothing else quite like it in West Roseville."
After only eight months on the job, Hinshaw has more than 100 middle school students and 75 high schoolers attending weekly youth group programs. He encourages students to check out BOWR's Web site at www.baysidewest.com to find out more about upcoming youth events, including a "drive-in movie night" for which teens will construct their own mock vehicles before viewing the movie. "The word is getting out that something cool and different is going on here," said Debbie Harris, a BOWR founding member. "There's a warmth and realness to the people, which makes it easy for newcomers to connect."

Bayside West is one of several new churches in the Sacramento area launched in the past two years by Bayside Church of Granite Bay, led by Senior Pastor Ray Johnston.

With a passion to reach the broader community, Johnston's vision is to start 200 churches on the West Coast in the next 10 years. The churches will have Bayside in their name and be similar to the Granite Bay church.

"They'll have our DNA," Johnston said. Wysong said he also believes being part of a "future-thinking community" has contributed to BOWR's growth. He said he's impressed with Roseville's well thought-out plan for growth, and sees how BOWR will continue meeting a huge need for this area.

"As the community grows, we can grow along with it," said Don Male, a BOWR founding member who lives in West Roseville. Male said he also appreciates the neighborhood feel of this new church.

"One day recently I was shopping at the local Bel-Air and ran into three different friends from church," he said.
So what's down the road for Bayside West?

"We plan to continue meeting the needs of our community," Wysong said. "But eventually we'll move into a more permanent facility that reflects what I believe are the four areas of a balanced life, including: physical, emotional, spiritual and social."

Wysong said his hope is BOWR will develop a facility that promotes healthy living, with a park-like feel to be used for the community. "We want a place where singles and families can connect and make friends," he said. "We want to make a difference with counseling and support groups. We want to bring spiritual health by declaring that you matter to God and we matter to each other."

PSWC Sponsors 8th Journey to Mosaic
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/29/07

On Sunday, March 18, 37 people returned home from their three-day Journey to Mosaic experience, the eighth offered by the PSWC. Hearts were enlightened and stirred as the California-based ethnic immersion experience took people from Oakland, into the Central Valley, and down into LA's Skid Row. But more importantly, the J2M took people from a limited view of how race affects our Gospel work in the church, to a greater realization and desire to do something about it. One new stop added to this trip was Allensworth State Park where the first African American settlement in California is being preserved. After many decades of different challenges, Allensworth is nicknamed "The Town that Never Dies". See a related article here. South Bay Community Church (Fremont), Bay Area Christian Connection (Oakland), Visalia Covenant, and Church of the Redeemer (Los Angeles) were all integral in making this J2M the powerful experience that it was.

Most of the participants were from the South Bay Area cluster of churches. Others came from Amigos de la Gracia Community (Rialto), Bayside of South Sacramento, Cornerstone (Turlock), Crossroads (Concord), Hillside (Walnut Creek), Vida Abundante (Sacramento), and the North Pacific Conference (NPC). Participant and NPC intern, Christa Mazzone, will be working this summer to begin a North Pacific version of the J2M. When asked, J2M leaders and PSWC staff members, Walter Contreras and Greg Yee explained that the larger vision is for all eleven of the Covenant's conferences to have their own version of the J2M, set in the specific history and challenge of that geographic area.

On a related note, Director of Church Planting, Wayne Carlson, recently worked with the leadership of the Covenant's Department of Church Growth and Evangelism to require all new church planters in the PSWC to participate in a J2M. A denominational discussion has begun to explore if this idea can be expanded to all church planters in the Covenant.

Upcoming 2007 Journey to Mosaic experiences are scheduled for July 19-22 and September 13-16. For more information about Journey to Mosaic go to pswc.org and click on the bus or call Greg Yee at 916.479.3544.

Externally Focused Churches
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/26/07

In their book, Externally Focused Churches, Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson state, "Externally focused churches bring beauty to their communities. Their love is a garland of grace." Many churches across the Pacific Southwest Conference are doing just that in their communities - they are finding creative ways to meet people, grow friendships, build trust, provide for needs, and empower children. Rusaw and Swanson say this is what defines externally focused churches:
w They are inwardly strong but outwardly focused
w They integrate good deeds and good news into the life of the church
w They value impact and influence in the community more than attendance
w They seek to be salt, light, and leaven in the community
wThey see themselves as the "soul" of the community
w They would be greatly missed by the community if they left

Rusaw and Swanson write, "Size has nothing to do with a church's ability to be externally focused...being externally focused has much more to do with mind-set than size." Following is the story of one such church with the mind-set of Christ and heart set on the work of the gospel.

College Center Cancels Service

College Center Covenant Church, San Diego, cancelled worship in December to host Christmas in the City, an event aimed at providing low-income families the opportunity to purchase affordable new gifts for their children this Christmas. Nearly fifty families from the East San Diego urban area bought toys and other gifts. Hope in the City, an urban development ministry associated with the church, gave direction and oversight for the event, while over forty adults and many students from the congregation worked the stations and provided a warm welcome. After items were purchased, and gift wrapping had been provided, families gathered together outside for refreshments and games with prizes for the kids. One single mom expressed with thankful tears in her eyes that the toys she was buying at the church were all the gifts her children would get this Christmas.

To read another story of an "externally focused church" click here: Invitation to Racial Righteousness story

Valley Hi Covenant Church Hosts "Invitation to Racial Reconciliation"
“written by Invitation to Racial Righteousness participant”
Posted 3/26/07

Over 100 people from Valley Hi Covenant Church and Agape Christian Fellowship in South Sacramento participated in a life-changing weekend during the Invitation to Racial Righteousness February 16-18. Sitting around tables in multiethnic groups of 6 to 8 people, we listened to each other's stories. Debbie Blue, Carolyn Poterek and Ali Hassan facilitated conversation, exposed us to thought-provoking video clips, and directed experiential exercises that caused us to reflect on our individual experiences with race. We probed our feelings about each of our own ethnicities and culture groups and faced the current reality of racial strife and separation in our country and in our churches.

One group exercise that stretched our understanding of our different experiences was called the Race race. We began in a line holding hands, facing one side of the parking lot where Carolyn was holding a bag with a prize in it. Then, we individually took steps forward or backward, depending on our responses to the questions Carolyn asked. For example, "If you had 10 children's books and at least 30 books total in your house growing up, take a step forward. If you or anyone from your ethnic group has ever been pulled over by a police officer for being in the 'wrong neighborhood,' take a step backward." We began to separate, and quickly we were no longer able to keep our connection holding hands. By the time the questions ended, the people at the front of the line were all Caucasian, and the people at the back of the line were almost all African-American, while the people from most other ethnicities were somewhere in the middle. Then Carolyn said, "Now the race begins! Ready, set, go! Come get the prize!" It was powerful to acknowledge (many of us for the first time) that the race doesn't start out equally for everyone. It was especially powerful to see that inequality, and the consequential pain expressed after the exercise, within our own family of faith - with brothers and sisters who are dear to us.

As we continued through the day sharing within our groups, there was a tremendous bonding that occurred as we saw each other's hearts. Many shared the pain of living with racial injustice (personal and systemic), others exposed their ignorance of the life experiences of those who live outside the dominant culture or their ignorance of the benefits of living as Caucasians in a majority-white culture. We shed tears, remembered formative experiences, and grew from the connections we made with each other.

We agreed on several action points as a community of believers that ranged from moving outside of our Sunday morning comfort zones in order to begin relationships with people who are different from us, to intentionally starting multiethnic small groups to deepen those relationships. We left as changed individuals and a changed people of God as we walked out of the building on Saturday evening. We look forward with joy to see the next step God has for us on our journey toward racial righteousness.

Patterson Covenant Church Installs Pastor Glen Morden
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/6/07

The bright Sunday morning in the Central Valley on March 4 provided the perfect setting for the beginning of a new chapter at Patterson Covenant Church. That morning Patterson Covenant installed Glen Morden as pastor and welcomed Glen's wife, Marci, and their four children. Greg Yee, PSWC Director of Congregational and Leadership Development, led the installation. Patterson Covenant Church will celebrate their 96th anniversary this May.

A spirit of joy and celebration filled the church, who had waited some time for a pastor. At the end of Glen's sermon, Glen shared a song he wrote entitled, "Wash Over Me", as an invitation to respond. Expressions of thanksgiving were many as people reflected on God's faithfulness and perfect timing. Pastor Glen then expressed his excitement and eagerness to see what God will do in the community and world through Patterson Covenant Church in years to come.

Following the service, all shared in a delicious potluck topped off with a cake. Sharing in the morning celebration were guests from Redeemer Covenant Church, (Orangevale, CA), where Glen served since 2000, most recently as associate pastor. The chair of Patterson Covenant's search committee also celebrated his 50th birthday on Sunday, making it an especially memorable day.

Hilmar Covenant Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry with Pastor Bruce Metcalfen
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/5/07

It seemed a normal Sunday worship service as Pastor Bruce Metcalf welcomed the congregation and began the service on Sunday, March 4… until the chair of the church stepped forward and took charge!!! As the chair shared the nature of what was going to happen, Pastor Bruce stood speechless. Entering from the back of the sanctuary came members of his family including his father and mother and other family members, his children, and grandchildren and Superintendent Evelyn M.R. Johnson. Pastor Bruce was invited to be seated and the service proceeding with members of the congregation, the Superintendent, and staff sharing words of commendation, a video presentation of Bruce's life, and a meditation by Bret Widman, associate. Celebration of Holy Communion symbolized in a special way the unity of the many who have participated during these 25 years of ministry at Hilmar with Christ at the center.

Celebration continued during a lunch following the service. The joy of the "behind the scenes" secret preparations for the lunch and service was evidenced in the smiles and laughter among congregants. They had, indeed, surprised their beloved pastor and rejoiced in celebrating the past with a special sense of hope for the future.

San Andreas Community Covenant Installs Pastor Dan Boyce
By PSWC Staff
Posted 2/27/07

Sunday, February 25th was an exciting day for Community Covenant Church in San Andreas as they celebrated the installation of Dan Boyce as lead pastor. Wayne Carlson of the Pacific Southwest Conferennce led the installation service with several members of the church participating by offering symbols of the minsitry to Pastor Dan, affirming his call to the church and acknowledging him as their pastor and spirtitual leader. Dan and his wife, Teresa, moved to the San Andreas community fourteen months ago to serve as the interim pastor of the church prior to being called as lead pastor in January. Following the service of worship, a luncheon was held at the church in honor of Dan and Teresa.

7th Journey to Mosaic Trip - January 2007
By PSWC Staff
Posted 2/5/07

The newest adaptation of the Journey to Mosaic (J2M) completed its pilot trip January 18-21. Twenty-one participants representing our north Los Angeles cluster of churches set out on their immersion experience beginning at Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church in Pasadena. The participating churches began planning this trip in early 2006. All of the churches shared the vision of this cluster- based trip with their congregations with the goal of seeking follow- up opportunities after the trip since the churches are in close proximity to each other. They wanted their hearts stirred to the social and spiritual realities that we must face as the Church, but they also wanted to be sure that they would follow the J2M with action.

Travels went into the Coachella Valley to visit the Fred Jordan Academy (Cornerstone Covenant provided lunch), the Torres-Martinez reservation, the border wall (Calexico), Second Baptist Church in LA, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Fred Jordan Mission in Skid Row LA. The J2M ended with great celebration and a delicious lunch at Church of the Redeemer. COTR sent 10 participants including Pastor Danny Martinez and his wife Donna. Pastor Danny reflected after the trip, "The feedback from Church of the Redeemer was unbelievable! All attendees felt their time was well spent and were challenged in many different ways…The impact in their lives will be felt for a while in our neighborhood…Everyone else was blessed by every single event. My heart was broken over and over to see the injustice that we do to one another under the guise of race. Our sin has made us fall so far away from our Lord and Savior and his command to love one another."

Upcoming Journeys in 2007:

March 15-18
July 19-22
September 13-16

For more information contact Greg Yee at greg.yee@pswc.org or 916.479.3544. To download a registration form click here.

Stratton Honored for Service to Sacramento Community
By PSWC Staff
Posted 1/29/07

On Monday, January 15, Kacie Stratton, member of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Sacramento, California, received the "Programs for Children" award at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Gospel Celebration, a Sacramento-wide gathering of churches and community leaders themed, "We are Better Together". Stratton was one of seven honored with an award for her service to the community - specifically for her role as the Executive Director of the GreenHouse, a Christian Community Enrichment Center, that began out of Sanctuary Covenant Church in July 2002.

The GreenHouse was formed to help unlock the inherent resources of the densely populated Niños Park neighborhood and transform it from one that is merely surviving into one that is thriving. By providing families with opportunities for education, artistic expression, fitness and spiritual growth, the GreenHouse is nurturing the seeds of community renewal. The GreenHouse focuses on children, teens and families - and their programs clearly reflect this focus. A sample of offerings include: afterschool tutoring, summer day camp and evening youth group. For more information about the GreenHouse go to www.thegreenhousecenter.org.

Pastor Frank Riley to Serve as Military Chaplain
By PSWC Staff
Posted 1/19/07

On Sunday, January 21, Frank Riley, lead pastor of River47 Covenant Church in Orange, California will fly to Newport, Rhode Island for twelve weeks of training in preparation for military chaplaincy. Five weeks will be devoted to Officer Indoctrination School, where Frank anticipates learning military law, the specifics of marching and wearing a uniform and doing more physical training. Later weeks will be devoted to the specifics of chaplaincy in the military, field experiences and amphibious assault training.

Physical training won't be new to Frank. Upon first applying to become a Navy chaplain reservist, recruiters told him he was too old and too heavy. But that didn't stop him. An article run by the Orange County Register on April 20, 2006 reports, "Within two weeks, Riley lost the required 10 pounds by amping up his workout and cutting his food portions. He ran six miles and swam three miles a day."

As for Frank's age, upon hearing that the Navy was having a tough time securing adequate number of chaplains, Frank made a second contact to recruiters and in February of 2006 his application was approved. On Sunday, July 2, 2006, Frank was sworn into the U.S. Navy as a chaplain with attendees of River47 Covenant on hand to share in the occasion.

After completing training, Frank will return to River47. He will also serve as a chaplain in a MEFREL (Marine Expeditionary Forces Religious) unit for two days each month at Camp Pendleton in the San Diego area. The number of chaplains deployed out of Pendleton has created the need to "backfill" chaplaincy roles at this location.

Upon answering why he's chosen to serve, Frank explains, "First it's genuine call, and secondly, there is a reality that there is a shortage of chaplains. Families separated from loved ones, or marines themselves shouldn't be hard pressed to find a pastor - and it is that way now."

Please pray for Frank, his wife Jennifer their two children - Cora (13) and Jack (11) and River47 during this season. Frank specifically desires that he would be a good example while serving and that the church would remain strong.

Others serving in military chaplaincy from or within this region include David Kim (awaiting orders), Mark Nakazono (Iraq), Andrew Richards (Federal Prison at Terminal Island), and Jeffrey Saville (Camp Pendleton).

God in the Trailer Park
By PSWC Staff
Posted 12/22/06

About a month ago, Greg Fauss, Community Outreach Pastor of Shiloh Covenant in Windsor, California, woke up from a nap with the strong sense that their church was being called to find a trailer home for a local single mother living in a fifth wheeler with her five children. Greg shared his mental picture of welcoming this family to a new home at Christmas with lead pastor, Todd Michero, the church's outreach team, and Shiloh Covenant, asking them to pray alongside his family.

Knowing that this would take intervention beyond Shiloh's resources, Greg then decided to search online for a trailer home, in hopes that he would find one being given away. Even still, he had no clue how they would cover the moving expenses, if the home was found. People were praying as the weeks passed and a few quick searches (which spanned the Bay Area up to Eureka) hadn't pulled up anything. But the results on Wednesday, December 13 were different - the searching uncovered a free trailer home. The wonder of it all was that the home was located in Windsor! Greg connected with the owner only to discover that it was in the same trailer park community in which the mother and the children currently lived. The owner agreed to gift the family.

On Monday evening December 18, the Shiloh outreach team invited the mother and her children to venture out to view Christmas lights. Perhaps the brightest lights they took in that night were those that shone from their new home - a home that was filled with well-wishers and welcomers from Shiloh as well as gifts for the mother and her children.

At one point in the process of seeking to secure the home, Greg's son brought him Psalm 34:6-7, 18 as encouragement. While all were gathered on Monday evening those words were read, "This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them…The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Sankofa Journey 2007
By PSWC Staff
Posted 12/15/06

Desiring to move forward in your journey toward racial righteousness but confused about where to start? Have you considered a Sankofa Journey? In March 2007, the Covenant's Department of Christian Formation will sponsor a Sankofa Journey. The dates are March 29 - April 1, 2007.

Go to http://www.covchurch.org/formation//j2rr/sankofa for more information and a link to a downloadable version of the flyer/registration form. Registration and deposit deadline is January 26, 2007 or while space is still available. Space is limited, and seats will only be guaranteed with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grab your cross-racial partner and contact Linda McIntosh at linda.mcintosh@covchurch.org or 773-583-0220, ext. 511. If you cannot find a cross-racial partner, let us know, and we'll do our best to assist you.

62 graduate from CHET
By PSWC Staff
Posted 12/14/06

Saturday, December 9th marked the graduation celebration for 62 CHET students completing studies within four CHET programs. Following are the number who graduated from each program: Basic program - 27, Ministerial program - 5, Licenciatura (Bachelor in Christian Ministry degree) - 8, and the Lay Family Counseling program - 22. More than 200 people attended the ceremony, held at Primera Iglesia del Pacto de Bell Gardens. Ten awards were distributed to students for academic achievement and significant contributions to the Hispanic community during the year 2006.

Four Montecito Churches Send 1000 HIV/AIDS Care-giver Kits
By PSWC Staff
Posted 12/5/06

On Saturday November 18th, about 50 attendees of Montecito Covenant gathered with equal number of attendees from the three other churches in Montecito to bless the world in Jesus' name. These Covenanters, Catholics, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians gathered with the goal of assembling 1,000 "Care-Giver Kits" to be sent to World Vision trained HIV/AIDS caregivers in Rwanda, Africa. Each kit provides about three months worth of supplies to care for 7-8 people, and costs only $20. After watching a video about what the simple kits do, and assembling kits from 9 a.m. until noon, each kit was packed with a handwritten prayer to the caregiver. Pastor Don Johnson writes, "All morning long I saw whole families sit down and carefully write their prayer for the care giver. In a few months a Christian care-giver trained by World Vision will be walking with their kits and prayers into desperate villages inRwanda. And the cost? about $17.50 for supplies and $2.50 for shipping!"

Don continues, "When all 1,000 kits were packed into shipping boxes and set on pallets, we all gathered around and laid our hands from our four churches in the one name of Jesus and prayed them off." A skeptical world wants to know if we care about anyone other than ourselves. November 18th was a delightful way for four churches to come together and say, "It's not about us, it's about God's children in need". To learn more about this effort you may email pastor don at donnJohnson@mcchurch.org. To view additional photos of the day go to www.markkuroda.com/worldvision.

Charter Members Welcomed at Rock Harbor Covenant Church
By PSWC Staff
Posted 11/30/06

On Sunday, November 5, Rock Harbor Covenant Church led by church planter, Greg Krieger, welcomed charter members during a service of commitment led by Superintendent Evelyn M.R. Johnson. In addition to signing the church's charter member list, the charter members signed a large banner to highlight this occasion. The celebration continued after worship during an outdoor barbecue lunch. Rock Harbor Covenant Church became an official member church of The Evangelical Covenant Church at the June 2006 Covenant Annual Meeting.

Meadow Depot Makeover
By PSWC Staff
Posted 11/20/06

Saturday, November 11th, brought three congregations together to bless the ministers and residents at Meadows Depot, a women's shelter in Lodi, CA. Bayside of South Sacramento (BOSS), Bayside West Roseville, and a Lodi group that is moving toward becoming a church plant (led by Pastor Ellen Tanouye) set their hearts and bodies toward doing an "extreme makeover." The rain would not deter the 120 volunteers as an amazing amount of work was done in just one day. Together they:

wpainted the interiors of 3 homes
winstalled new carpet in 3 homes
wrepaired sheetrock
wbuilt a children's play set
wcreated a gravel walkway connecting the houses
wcreated a new look in the kids room in the community hall
wraised more than $4500

Coordinator Joel Trumbo added in a note to all the volunteers, "Most of all however, we made sure that the Meadows Depot families knew that they are loved by God and by our 3 church families…It's because of you that the Meadows Depot families have the hope that comes from love...a love that flowed from Christ to them through your working hands."

There is more work that the group anticipates finishing: painting the exterior of all three houses, replacing the exterior wood and stucco on one house, and rebuilding the storage shed and phone booth. The group looks forward to growing their relationship with this important ministry that provides women with their children a safe place to recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

Fountain Of Life Covenant Church Congregation
By PSWC Staff
Posted 11/17/06

Fountain of Life Covenant Church led by church planter, John Teter, is focused on serving the Compton/Long Beach area. The group has completed its monthly preview services and is preparing for the launching of weekly worship on December 3. God is preparing them in unique ways including the call for flexibility at their last preview service on November 12, when due to the "locked out" status of the school facility they were renting, they regrouped and led the worship service outside in the immediate neighborhood.

New Hope Covenant Church 10th Anniversary Celebration
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/23/06

These were among the values of New Hope Covenant Church written by cell group leaders on rocks during the 10th anniversary worship celebration on Sunday, October 22nd . The message, Remembering God's Leading, given by Pastor Dan Schmitz, was supported by creative visual, auditory, and kinesthetic experiences during worship. Included among those experiences was reflection on as well as ongoing creation of a historical timeline plus visions for the future. A celebration lunch following worship provided opportunity to continued sharing of memories and hopes for the future. New Hope Covenant maintains its base at 2626 East 16th Street, Oakland, and worship on Sundays at 2300 International Boulevard in the Youth Employment Partnership building.

Visalia Community Covenant Church Celebrates Calling of Pastor
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/16/06

Members and friends of Visalia Community Covenant Church gathered in worship on Sunday, October 15th, to share in the installation of their new pastor, Jason Backlund, led by Superintendent Evelyn M.R. Johnson. As representatives of the congregation shared symbolic gifts of the ministry and prayers of blessing, Jason's call as their leader was strongly affirmed. Jason, who served as part-time interim for the church since late April 2006, began his call as permanent pastor on October 1. Jason, his wife Trish, and children, Alia and Elijah, recently moved to the Visalia community. A native of Winnetka, Illinois, Jason completed his undergraduate work at the University of California Santa Barbara and served with InterVarsity in the Santa Barbara area for five years until moving back to Chicago to attend North Park Theological Seminary from which he received his M.Div. in 2005. The presence of Chicago family, college friends, and InterVarsity colleagues at the installation service added a special joy for this day of celebration in Visalia.

Celebration Of Installation At Marin Covenant
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/3/06

Great is thy faithfulness…
God is so good to me…

These worship songs led the members and friends of Marin Covenant Church into a time of celebrating the goodness of God on Sunday morning, October 1, as they gave praise for His calling of Peter Batchelder as Pastor of Outreach and Jeff Mazzariello as Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Prior to joining the team at Marin Covenant Church, Peter served as Director of Noncredit Continuing Education at Fuller Theological Seminary, and Jeff served as Executive Director of Covenant Bible College in Windsor, Colorado.
Evelyn M.R. Johnson, Superintendent, led the service of installation for Peter and Jeff with the congregation participating in the presentation of symbolic gifts and affirmation of their commitment to be colaborers with these new staff persons. Art Greco, lead pastor, focused his sermon on God's love and care for all of His children negating the idea of God as Paparazzi.

Booksigning Celebration Held At Bay Area Christian Connection On Sunday
By PSWC Staff
Posted 10/3/06

Members and friends of Bay Area Christian Connection and colleagues from the surrounding community joined together Sunday afternoon, October 1, to celebrate the release of Servant Brian K. Woodson's book, Meditations of a Madman: Musings of a Madman. A presentation and question/answer period was followed by a book signing with Pastor Woodson in the setting of a festive celebration of food and fellowship. The book is a compilation of Pastor Woodson musings during devotional times over a number of years. As one of the pastors from the area noted, this is a book that one must chew, swallow, and digest to benefit from the deep insights shared by the author. The book is available through mail order. Click here for order form.

Pilot of "Leadership Essentials" Underway
By PSWC Staff
Posted 9/26/06

On September 22-23, the pastors and leadership teams from River's Edge Covenant (Brentwood), Shelter (Concord), and The Creek (Walnut Creek) participated in a pilot of "Leadership Essentials" led by Alan Forsman, PSWC Leadership and Congregational Coach, and Greg Yee, PSWC Director of Leadership and Congregational Development. The participation of these East Bay churches marks a one-year commitment to focus on key leadership challenges unique to their ministries.

Developed by the PSWC Church Development Commission, the Leadership Essentials pilot was designed to address the need for intentional training of church leaders over an extended period of time. So often leaders are presented with great challenges at workshops and seminars only to return home with few tools for implementing change. Leadership Essentials is designed to provide training with follow-up. Follow-up will focus on key self-identified areas of challenge through goal setting, on-site visits, and regular coaching.

Co-leader Greg Yee reports, "From what I saw and heard of these leaders, we hope to see significant things come out of this."

Hope Center Completes New Space, Holds Open House
By PSWC Staff
Posted 9/26/06

Sunday, September 25, 2006, marked a lively celebration at Hope Center Covenant Church in Pleasant Hill, CA as the congregation welcomed their community, neighbors and friends to view the newly completed Generations Wing at a grand opening. The Generations Wing adds not only an additional 8000 square feet of much needed space to the church facility by way of classrooms, kitchen, and meeting rooms, but changes the entire façade of the church building.

Purchased nearly 28 years ago, the building was originally a movie theater and until the new addition, looked much as it did when first purchased. The changes are dramatic with new signage, a grand entry tower, and a cross which lights at night.

Hope Center put their best foot forward for the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, lunch for all who visited, music, ministry displays throughout the facilities, give-aways, and videos playing in two rooms. Joining Pastor Dean Honnette at the ribbon cutting event were, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Charley Daly, Executive Board President of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Dawn Block, City of Pleasant Hill Council Member, Michael Harris, Construction Contractor, Skip Bergesen, and Project Manager, Scott Walker. When asked why the huge celebration, pastor Dean Honnette enthusiastically responded, "To celebrate God's goodness."

September 2006 Journey to Mosaic
By PSWC Staff
Posted 9/18/06

Forty participants reentered their "normal" lives after a life-changing Journey to Mosaic (j2m) last week. Yet, life will be anything but normal as they integrate their experiences into life with their families, ministries, and communities. The group participated in the sixth j2m since its pilot in January 2005.

We were privileged to host the church planting leadership of the denomination including the directors of church planting from many conferences. A special guest for this trip was Dr. Michael Emerson from Rice University and author of Divided by Faith, a required reading for all j2m participants. This was a strategic time to journey with our colleagues throughout the country in moving forward in multiethnicity - kingdom life together.

The journey began at Bay Area Christian Connection with Pastor Brian Woodson in Oakland. Through a videotaped Bible study with Dr. David Nystrom, participants were challenged to see that breaking down the walls dividing us by race, class, and gender IS the gospel. The Lord's Prayer "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…" was our prayer throughout the four days together.

In the Central Valley, participants were privileged to see the fruit of a love offering spontaneously collected by a previous j2m as they met in a newly constructed backyard sanctuary in Tonyville, the only church in its area. The group also had a special opportunity to join evangelical leaders from the Hispanic community in LA for prayer in front of the federal building in Los Angeles. The time was committed to the reading of scripture and the raising of prayer for peaceful resolution on immigration.

In Little Tokyo, the docents at the Japanese American National Museum walked the group through the tragic history of yellow peril, which, in part, culminated during World War II in the internment of Japanese Americans. Participants remarked that so much is overlooked in our history books concerning Asian Americans (and others).

On the last night, the group found an endless presence of drugs, prostitution, and lives that have bottomed out in Skid Row. Walking around such a wide spread of destitution is humbling. It removes you from your comfort zone and forces you to refocus. Participants found themselves asking: What is the true call of the gospel? How is my church supposed to respond? How do I take all of what I've learned and experienced and incorporate it into my life?

The trip culminated in a wonderful celebration of worship at Church of the Redeemer (Los Angeles) with Pastor Danny Martinez in a beautiful multicultural, multi-class, multiethnic setting. The participants experienced first hand what mosaic can actually look like.

Applications are still being received for the October 26-29 j2m. Please contact Vonda Peterson at the conference office, 925.677.2140, extension 12 or write vonda.peterson@pswc.org.

Grace Community Covenant Church Celebrates Its 8th Anniversary
By PSWC Staff
Posted 6/13/06

Becoming like Jesus… together! This theme characterized activities at the 8th anniversary celebration of Grace Community Covenant Church in Palo Alto, California, on Sunday, September 10. The core values of the church --- to be relational, inviting, celebratory, and encouraging --- were emphasized as various members shared stories of how the church's ministry had influenced their own personal lives. Specifically highlighted were the men's ministry group and the mission trip to provide assistance in the aftermath of the Katrina disaster. A slide presentation captured the highlights of the past year including the move to the new Palo Alto location which provides them with 24/7 space.

Will Davidson, Chair of the PSWC Executive Board, and Evelyn M.R. Johnson, Superintendent, shared greetings from the conference as well as an overview of its ministries followed by a presentation to Pastor Steve Wong and his leadership team of a plaque of recognition for their significant partnership through mission giving to the PSWC during these past 8 years. Grace Community Covenant Church is a leader among our 143 churches in giving almost 10% of their local income to further Christ's mission in this region.

The worship celebration was closed with a communion service followed by a distribution of gift cards for Peets or Rich's Ice Cream for persons to commit to "becoming like Jesus" with another person through spending time with them. A lunch complete with anniversary cake was served following worship.

Journey to Mosaic Squared (j2m2)
By PSWC Staff
Posted 9/5//06

On July 22, the pilot of the PSWC's Journey to Mosaic Squared (j2m2) began with facilitators Michelle Dodson and Stephen Sharkey from New Community Covenant Church, Chicago welcoming eight 17-25 year-old participants. The diverse group would call a house in the multicultural lower Fruitvale District of Oakland home for the next three weeks. In the end, "the next three weeks" would prove to be a life changing experience.

The vision for j2m2 came at the intersection of the growth of Journey to Mosaic bus trips (j2m) and the closure of discussions in summer 2005 for a CBC West with the established Covenant Bible College (CBC). Pastor Brian Woodson of Bay Area Christian Connection, Oakland, offered this imagery during the last worship service of the j2m2. He preached about how we train young people in the military to be fighting machines. Orders are given to go take a hill and kill as many people as possible. "Wouldn't it be great," Woodson said, "if likewise, we train young people to love. If we say to them, go! Go to that city, that area, that neighborhood and love. Love as many people as possible." This is the vision for j2m2 - training young adults to think more biblically and more Christ-like about the world. The desire is to help expose, educate, and challenge them about life and ministry in an urban context.

A rhythm of teaching, experiencing, and reflection organized the three weeks. Teachers from Chicago and within the PSWC unpacked biblical topics including compassion, justice, love, community, and the church. The students also learned experientially while visiting and serving at such places as the Santa Clara County jail, an inner city mission, a day laborer center, a senior care center, and at a local school. All of this was followed up by group debriefing sessions.

As one participant concluded, "One common theme that ran through the entire program was that of 'dreams.' God desires to place in each of us a dream, a vision, to pursue…I walk away from j2m2 not only ready to pursue my own God-given dreams more resolutely, but to actively engage in seeing that the dreams and visions of other men and women and children might be made a reality for God's glory." Our dream for influencing the emerging generation of leaders began with eight. Plans for future j2m2 experiences are already being made.

Special thanks Bay Area Christian Connection (Oakland), Canto Nuevo (Walnut Creek), First Covenant Oakland, Bethel Covenant (Oakland), and New Hope Oakland for providing teachers, meals, supplies, and prayer. Thanks also to PSWC staff persons, Greg Yee and David Nystrom; ECC's Director of Adult Ministries, Debbie Blue; Rey Guevara, youth pastor from Los Angeles; and Peter Hong, pastor of New Community Church, Chicago, for helping with the conceptualization process.

Congregation Affirms Phoenix Pastor
By PSWC Staff
Posted 7/17/06

Richard and Vicki Parrish

One year ago members and friends of New Hope Covenant Church in Peoria, Arizona, surprised (perhaps shocked is the better word) their pastor, Richard Parrish, with a spontaneous "bell ringing" at the morning service. The occasion was marking the beginning of the last lap for his process of completing his M.Div. degree with Fuller Extension in Phoenix and his ordination with The Evangelical Covenant Church. This past Sunday, July 16th, the congregation was joined by a number of Richard's fellow students from seminary classes and cohort group to celebrate his completion of this last lap.

Praising God and giving thanks for his provision was the dominant theme during the special morning worship service and the celebration luncheon hosted by New Hope Covenant Church immediately following at a local hotel. During the service, special music was provided by Richard's wife, Vicki, and an ensemble from New Hope. A service of Affirmation of Ordination was led by PSWC Superintendent, Evelyn M.R. Johnson. During his sermon, Pastor Parrish reflected on his own journey in responding to God's call and the importance of the congregation, his family, and friends as a support community in this recent process. At the celebration luncheon, numerous words of commendation were shared by congregants of all ages and Richard's fellow seminarians.

Hispanic Church Planters and Covenant Leaders to D.C.
By PSWC Staff
Posted 6/13/06

Over 20 Covenant Hispanic Church Planters gathered in Washington D.C. June 6-8 from California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. Accompanying them were several leaders from across the Covenant including Gary Walter, Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism; Dave Olson, ECC Director of Church Planting, Ed Delgado, ECC Director of Prayer and Evangelism; Larry Sherman, Director of Church Planting for the Great Lakes Conference; and Walter Contreras and Wayne Carlson, Directors of Church Planting for the PSWC.

The group's itinerary in D.C. began Tuesday with the dinner program focused on "The National Hispanic HIV/AIDS Initiative. Senator Hilary Clinton was the speaker. In summary Contreras reports, "The issue of HIV and AIDS among Hispanics is very serious and calls for awareness and advocacy on the part of clergy."

Wednesday kicked off with Dave Olson giving a presentation on "Preaching from the Gospels". The rest of the morning and afternoon was given to Advocacy Training and multiple meetings with Senators and members of the House of Representatives on the topic of immigration reform. The goal of these meetings was advocating for an effective, comprehensive and workable immigration reform. That evening the delegation shared in a dinner meeting with a program focused on "the State of Hispanic Housing".

On Thursday, the group participated in the 2006 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast with President George W. Bush as the keynote speaker. Minority Leader Senator Harry Reid, as well as Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain were also present.

In reflecting upon the journey, Contreras notes the ongoing importance of creating resources for the Hispanic community, and the need to advocate on behalf of people of faith. He states "The investment in this trip has helped our Hispanic leadership and others to better understand the importance of assuming civic responsibility and being informed advocates." He urges them and us to continue to pray for immigration reform that will be just and provide a comprehensive solution.

Mutual Blessings Service at Berkeley Covenant
By PSWC Staff
Posted 6/5/06

Ronald Sider and Al Tizon

Andrew Wollitzer,University and Youth Pastor, Al Tizon, and Royce Tanaka,Children's and Administrative Pastor

Members and friends of Berkeley Covenant Church shared in a time of blessing their concluding pastor, Al Tizon, and his family in a special "send off" on Sunday, June 4, as the Tizons move to Philadelphia where Al will be assuming a teaching role at Palmer Theological Seminary. Words of commendation and prayers were offered separately for Al, Janice, and two of their children -
Corrie and Zoey, who are moving with them. But, the blessing was mutual as the Tizons shared a blessing for Berkeley Covenant Church noting "it is often as intentional and courageous to STAY as it is to GO."

Guest speaker for the service was Ronald Sider, Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy and Director of the Sider Center of Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer (formerly Eastern Baptist) Theological Seminary, where Al Tizon will be joining the faculty.

Installation of Youth Pastor and Coordinator of Christian Education at Good Samaritan Covenant Church
By PSWC Staff
Posted 6/5/06

Dave Standlee and Dani DuBurg were installed as Youth Pastor and Coordinator of Christian Education, respectively, at Good Samaritan Covenant Church in Valley Springs, California on Sunday, June 3. Dave (and his family) comes into this position with ten years of youth ministry experience in the mid-west and Dani (and her family) has been a part of the Good Samaritan church family for a couple years. Jeffrey Mitchell serves as the Lead Pastor of Good Samaritan Covenant.

The Valley Springs area continues to grow with many young families moving into the community, so the opportunities for ministry to children and youth are great. The church is preparing to break ground soon for the building of a new worship center as well as space to accommodate the growth and expansion of their ministry.

Sanctuary Covenant Church in Sacramento Installs New Pastor
By PSWC Staff
Posted 5/12/06

Eric Bain was installed as lead pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Sacramento, CA on Sunday, May 7. Eric came to Sacramento last July to serve as the interim pastor at Sanctuary. After a ten-month search process, the pastoral search committee recommended Eric to the congregation as their candidate for lead pastor and the congregation extended a call to him on April 24. PSWC staff member Wayne Carlson, also a member of Sanctuary Covenant, led the installation celebration. Eric and his wife, Courtney, have two children.

New PSWC Church Plant - Woodland
By PSWC Staff
Posted 5/2/06

John and Nancy Withem and family

May 1st marked the start of additional new church plant in the Pacific Southwest Conference, Bayside Covenant Church of Woodland. Woodland, California is a growing community northwest of Sacramento with a large Hispanic population. Over the past few years the Pacific Southwest Conference church planting team has sensed a growing desire (and need) to plant a church within this community. Meanwhile, Pastor John Withem, resident of Woodland, has sensed a growing desire and calling to be a church planter within this community. Through the partnering support of Bayside Church of Granite Bay, a church plant, led by Withem, is now underway.

The new church currently meets at Pioneer High School in Woodland. For more information visit www.baysidewoodland.com or contact John at john@woodlandgathering.com or 530.312.2012.

Externally Focused Church Retreat
By PSWC Staff
Posted 4/3/06

This past weekend, the Church Outreach Commission (COC) brought together 38 leaders from 7 churches for an overnight retreat at Mission Springs to explore what it means to be more externally focused. Working teams from Bay Area Christian Connection (Oakland), The Bridge (Riverbank), Grace Community (Palo Alto), Nueva Vision (Canoga Park), Peninsula (Redwood City), Shiloh (Windsor), and Valley Hi (S. Sacramento), including pastors from each church, were led by COC members John Bruce (lead pastor of Creekside Community Church, San Leandro) and Martin Garcia (World Vision, and contracted by the PSWC to resource the COC). As we explored how our local churches can do more effective ministries of compassion, mercy and justice, the different churches began to dream and move into planning. Transforming current office space to a community center to address the dire state of families, to serving the high population of HIV/AIDS in one church's zip code, to creating strategies to reach day laborers in the community, to serving the high population of single parent families, to reviving youth programs, to committing to expand ownership of church members -- these were all the challenges that the participants took away in anticipation of potential ongoing resourcing by Martin Garcia and a 6-month follow-up retreat.

Fountain of Life Covenant Church- Latest Church Plant in PSWC
By PSWC Staff
Posted 3/28/06