Gateway USA Mission Center will be hosting a Zoom Temple School Class, MP 300 “Introduction to Priesthood Ministry,” on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm-9:00pm CDT June 4, 11, 18, July 2 and 9. Instructors: Travis Harder and Cheryl Saur.
Send registration requests to Cheryl Saur at csaur@cofchrist.org.
All are welcome!
Dear friends,
Planning for PSI’s 2026 Reunion at Buckhorn is well underway, and we are so looking forward to gathering in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains with you.
We are thrilled to announce that thanks to a generous partnership with the Carlsbad Congregation, the mission center has established an event generosity fund that will drastically reduce the costs for people to attend events at Buckhorn!
The actual cost to attend reunion is nearly $500 per person, which we know is difficult for many families. Our goal is to ensure that costs are not a barrier for anyone who wants to attend.
Registration Opens: Monday, May 4, at 8:00 a.m.
New Cost: Just $100/person for the week (Children under age 3 are still free).
Housing Deposit: A deposit of $25 per registration is required to reserve housing (refundable for cancellations prior to July 11).
Additional Assistance: Shared Campership funds (formerly known as DEEP) are also available.
Because of this exciting opportunity to reduce costs, and with President Janné Grover as our guest minister, we expect reunion to be full. Please register early!
The 2026 PSI Reunion planning and recruiting is starting, and there are already so many "YES!" responses for preparing to live in community. This year, we will go deeper into LIVING THE MISSION PRAYER for all ages.
As we prepare for an amazing week, we invite you to participate in a few ways:
Serve on Staff: Denise Leichter is recruiting and leading the reunion staff. If you want to serve that week, please let Denise know right away at denise@cofchrist-psi.org.
Share Your Ideas: If you have ideas you want to offer as we explore risking something new, please let us know.
Sacraments at Reunion: Do you know anyone who might want to be baptized, or who is participating in confirmation classes for that sacrament to happen at Reunion? Please reach out so we can plan for these special moments.
We are incredibly grateful to the Carlsbad Congregation for their contribution to this year's reduced costs. We invite individuals and other congregations to donate to this fund so that we can continue using this model for future events. Please contact Paul Harding with any questions about donating.
Mark your calendars now; you won’t want to miss this year. We look forward to our week on the mountain as we live the mission prayer together!
With excitement,
Paul Harding and Denise Leichter
We are looking forward to having Janné Grover with us for Reunion. Spend some time with this link from Historic Sites to get to know her better before we join together in community.
All are welcome to join the Gardena Congregation’s regular (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) online community gatherings.
This is an open forum. We have an assigned facilitator, and they select a meaningful topic. Sometimes we simply have a prayer service. Sometimes we discuss current events. Topics discussed in the past include Gaza, housing, violence, responsible gun ownership, gardening, and more.
Usually the facilitator will share for about 15-25 minutes and then we talk about it.
❤️ Love First: Join Calizonia at SPEC 2026!
Hi PSI Families!
It is officially time to get excited! We are gearing up for the highlight of the summer: SPEC (SPECTACULAR) 2026 at Graceland University. This year’s theme is "Love First," and we can’t wait to see our youth lead the way in living out that message through a week of sports, arts, worship, and lifelong friendships.
Whether your teen is a SPEC veteran or this is their first time heading to Lamoni, this is a week that truly changes lives. Here is everything you need to know to get them there:
Who: Teens who have completed grades 9–12.
Official SPEC Dates: July 11–18, 2026.
Calizonia (PSI) Travel Dates: July 10–18, 2026.
Cost: $750.
Note on Cost: We want every single youth to be there! If help is needed, please contact me directly. There are scholarships provided by SPEC and other ways to get the cost covered. Don’t let the price tag be a barrier!
Departure: July 10th | Departs ONT at 8:35 AM.
Arrival Home: July 18th | Arrives at ONT at 10:40 PM.
To secure a spot, campers and staff must complete both of the following registrations by 11:59 p.m. on June 28, 2026:
PSI Registration (Mission Center): Register Here
SPEC Registration (Graceland): Register Here
For more general info, visit the Official SPEC Website.
We want our Mission Center to look sharp this year, so we are holding a contest for our official Calizonia t-shirt!
The Rules:
Deadline: Submit by June 17th.
Ink: Use 3 colors or less. (You can specify the shirt color!)
Requirements: Must include the CZ Logo.
Submit to: Clayton Troxell at Ctroxell@cofchrist-psi.org.
We are so looking forward to this incredible week of community and growth. If you have any questions about registration, travel, or scholarships, please reach out.
Let’s go put Love First!
Clayton Troxell
Youth Minister
Community of Christ Pacific Southwest Int'l Mission Center
We are reaching out to share information about a Youth Leader Check-in. This is a great opportunity to provide important updates and to offer blessings, build community, and share encouragement before the busy summer camp season.
Local congregational leaders and teachers, mission center youth leaders, and youth camp directors are invited to attend.
Join us—May 22
10:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time
More information about the new Camping Guide
Updates to Registered Children and Youth Worker training
Information about upcoming national and international youth events
We will be recording the event, but we strongly encourage live participation so everyone can fully enjoy this time together.
Thank you again for all that you do!
Humberto Tinsman, Emerging Generations Specialist
🌲 Epic Summer Road Trip! Join us for Jr./Sr. High Camp at Big Spruce! 🚐⛰️
Calling all Southern California Middle and High Schoolers! Get ready to trade the beach for the mountains this summer. Pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure with the Community of Christ Pacific Southwest International Mission Center!
This isn't just any summer camp—the adventure starts the second we hit the road. We are taking an epic group road trip from SoCal all the way to the beautiful, towering pines of Big Spruce, Colorado. It’s the perfect chance to make memories, bond with friends, and enjoy the scenic ride before we even arrive at camp!
Who: Middle and High School Youth
What: PSIMC Jr./Sr. High Summer Camp
Where: Big Spruce, Colorado
When: June 7–13
Your travel costs are entirely COVERED! All you need to bring is yourself, your gear, and your excitement for a week filled with campfires, outdoor adventures, deep connections, and a whole lot of fun.
Note: Please select, "Southwestern USA Jr/Sr High Camp" when registering.
Get ready for the road trip of the summer. We can't wait to see you there!
Harmony Hosts First-Ever Reunion This June (June 20–26, 2026)
Harmony warmly invites members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community—and the allies who love and journey alongside them—to gather this summer for a meaningful reunion experience at Samish Island Campground & Retreat Center in Bow, Washington.
Together, we will explore the theme “Discord & Grace: Where Sacred Tension Meets Radical Belonging,” and be enriched by the ministry and presence of Presiding Evangelist Mareva Arnaud Tchong.
Participants may choose to attend the core campground reunion from June 20–24, or extend their stay through June 26 for the full experience, including opportunities to explore the Pacific Northwest alongside fellow attendees.
This inclusive gathering is thoughtfully designed to create a space where all can experience the deep blessing of authentic community.
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2026
More Information & Registration: https://www.harmony.lgbt/reunion.html
Questions?
Contact Sean Langdon (sean@harmony.lgbt) or Molly Wilkins (molly@harmony.lgbt)
In October 2026, a small group of 8 riders will travel by bicycle from Georgia to Independence, Missouri as part of the Nomads for Peace and Love -Peace Ride 2026 — a pilgrimage dedicated to pursuing peace, honoring the sacredness of creation, and affirming the worth of all people.
We are not simply riding for distance, but for purpose — carrying a message of peace mile by mile, trusting in community, and inviting others to be part of something meaningful.
We would love to partner with you in one or more of the following ways:
Hosting a simple fundraiser or love offering opportunity (We would gladly connect via zoom to share)
Inviting your community to join our Virtual Peace Ride-Prayer-Submit a Prayer Per Mile (PPM) -Submit a Prayer of Love and Peace
Sharing this journey through your congregation or organization
Offering encouragement, connection, or support in any way that feels meaningful
Below you will find a short YouTube promo video and sign-up opportunities to make participation easy and accessible. You can join our Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram. We are working on getting our website fully accessible so that signing up and news will go smoothly, but feel free to look at that as well.
Our hope is to create a shared movement- where even those who are not riding physically can walk alongside us in prayer, intention, and support. Every mile becomes more meaningful when carried together.
If this resonates with you, I would love to connect and explore how we might partner in a way that fits your community.
Thank you for the ways you already embody peace in the world. We would be honored to journey alongside you.
With gratitude and hope,
Andrea Johnson
Nomads for Peace and Love – Peace Ride 2026
269-271-4300 || johnsons12012@yahoo.com
http://www.nomadsforpeaceandlove.com || http://www.cofchristsemc.org
🌊 Sun, Sand, and Fellowship! Join us for a Family Beach Day! ☀️
Get ready to soak up the sun and enjoy a beautiful day by the water! We are hosting a relaxed Family Beach Day at Huntington State Beach, and we’d absolutely love for you and your loved ones to join us.
This is a totally free, completely no-pressure event. Feel free to come and go as you please throughout the day—it’s all about relaxing, connecting, and enjoying some great fellowship by the ocean.
When: Saturday, May 23. I’ll be out there setting up by 8:00 AM and will be hanging out until just before sunset, so drop by whenever works for you!
Where: Huntington State Beach, right between guard towers 13 and 14. Just look for the blue, yellow, and grey EZ-ups!
Lunch is on me! I’ll be firing up the grill to serve burgers and hot dogs, along with chips, fresh fruit, and plenty of ice-cold water.
Note: If you'd like a veggie or vegan option, just let me know ahead of time and I'll make sure you're covered! Contact me at ctroxell@cofchrist-psi.org
I'll also be bringing plenty of activities, including frisbees, a volleyball net and ball, a kite, the grill, and plenty of EZ-ups for shade. (And probably a few extra surprises I think of between now and then!)
Yourself and your family!
Beach chairs
Whatever you normally pack for a day at the beach (sunscreen, towels, sand toys, etc.)
Can't wait to see you out there for a fantastic day at the beach!
Reflecting on such a beautiful and life-giving Easter Sunday.
I had the privilege of worshiping with the Ventura community for a truly lovely Easter Communion service. The absolute greatest joy of the morning was the presence of three young families—hearing the sweet oohs and coos of five little ones throughout the gathering was such a blessing and a perfect reminder of new life and hope.
Down by the water, the Beach Church shared a beautiful gift along the shoreline. It was so moving to watch passersby naturally stop, take a quiet pause in their day, and snap pictures to remember the moment.
Sharing a few glimpses below from a deeply special day of community and celebration.
Are you looking for a meaningful way for your youth to connect with others, build empathy, and actively make a difference in the world? We would love to invite them to participate in our upcoming Fast-o-Thon!
This unique overnight event is designed to challenge our youth, teach them about global and local needs, and give them hands-on opportunities to serve others—all while bonding with their peers.
During this event, participants will take on the shared challenge of fasting with the goal of lasting 24 hours. Rather than just a test of endurance, this is a purpose-driven experience. Youth are encouraged to gather pledges for their fast, with all proceeds going to Outreach International, a global charity dedicated to fighting poverty.
Through this shared experience, your child will:
Learn: We will dive into the realities of food insecurity, discussing what we can do to help and learning how Outreach International addresses community needs worldwide.
Serve: We are hosting two hands-on service projects during the event:
Foster Love: We will be rolling up our sleeves to assemble brand-new bicycles or skateboards, which will be donated directly to local children in foster care.
Color a Smile: We will be creating bright, cheerful coloring pages to be distributed to senior citizens, overseas troops, and anyone in need of a smile.
Bond: While fasting is a challenge, tackling it together builds incredible camaraderie! We have plenty of fun group activities planned to keep everyone engaged and supported.
Worship: To wrap up the experience, the youth will have a special opportunity to participate in our Sunday morning church service.
When: Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 3
Drop-off: 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday
Pick-up: The event concludes with a celebratory potluck starting at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Sunday. Families are welcome!
Where: Chula Vista Church of Christ
1320 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911
We would love to see your youth there! Please help them sign up and start gathering their pledges today using our registration form below.
Learn More About Our Partner Organizations: If you or your youth would like to read more about the incredible organizations we are supporting this year, you can visit their websites below:
Outreach International: outreach-international.org/about-us/
Foster Love: fosterlove.com/about-us/
Color a Smile: colorasmile.org/about_us/
Greetings PSI friends,
The 2026 Charlotte Jones Scholarship application period is now open. Each year, we are honored to support students with financial assistance as they pursue their educational goals.
These scholarships support post secondary education in its broadest sense; college, specialized certification or training. Age is not a barrier, as long as the program is college level or professionally accredited. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. PDT on May 15, 2026.
Do you know someone who might be interested? The committee would appreciate your help in spreading the word. We do honor friends and relatives of PSI members, but applicants must reside in the mission center.
If I can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
On behalf of the CJS Committee,
Pam Lindamood
760-310-3662
pamlindamood@sbcglobal.net
Summer Employment Opportunities at Buckhorn Camp
Buckhorn Camp in Idyllwild, California is seeking a few seasonal (May-September) team members to join us this summer in supporting our retreat and camping ministries. These positions offer a unique opportunity to serve in a beautiful mountain setting while helping create welcoming and meaningful experiences for a diversity of guests.
We are currently looking for individuals interested in assisting with kitchen support and housekeeping. Kitchen support staff help with meal preparation, food service, dishwashing, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Housekeeping staff help prepare guest rooms and facilities by cleaning lodging areas, restrooms, and shared spaces so that visitors experience a comfortable and well-cared-for environment.
Working at Buckhorn Camp is more than a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to a ministry of hospitality and care. Staff live and work in a small mountain community and support one another in creating a welcoming atmosphere for retreat groups, families, and youth.
Current positions are seasonal. Ideal candidates are dependable, flexible, and willing to work as part of a team in a communal camp setting. Buckhorn is a non-smoking and sober environment from alcohol and drugs.
To apply or get more information; please contact Mia Yip at myip@buckhorncampgrounds.com.
What does it mean to Love on Purpose? Young adults from across the USA are invited to explore intentional love during a young adult retreat hosted by western USA mission centers. This event is open to all young adults who want to spend a few days in community, service, and shared experience.
August 14–18, 2026
Samish Island Campground, Washington
Registration is $200.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984159432274?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you would like to help support young adults attending this retreat, you can donate here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/3ERR7AA9P43BY
For questions, contact Travis Rees at trees@cofchrist-gpnw.org.
The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) launched the "Christian Ministries Certificate" a little over two years ago as a learning opportunity following the MEADS program at headquarters. Through the Community of Christ Seminary, students are provided a mid-point of education between the Ministry and Priesthood courses and the Seminary master's programs.
The Christian Ministries Certificate provides seminary-vetted instructors in a community of learners online covering the following topics:
Introduction to Christian Theology
Peace and Justice
Spiritual Formation
New Testament
Hebrew Scriptures
Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture
Ministries of the Church
Missional Leadership
Community of Christ Theology
Practical Ministry
World Religions
...and more to come
Completion of any 10 classes awards the certificate, which can be presented at a Mission Center conference. Students take one course per 8-week period on their own weekly schedule. Summers are off for the camping season. If a student misses a class, they can choose to take another later on.
We encourage you to consider ministers in your area and proactivly approach individuals who may not only benefit their personal ministry, but bring expanded understanding to your mission center leadership. Some mission centers have chosen to subsidise the $100 fee of the classes for some ministers.
Students who wish to enroll should do so by starting with any upcoming Christian Ministries class. We are starting our second round of these courses August 25 with Dr. David Anderson teaching the "Christian Theology" class.
Visit our website, www.graceland.edu/cimm for more information on the Christian Ministries Certificate and registration. Please let me know if you have any questions about this ministerial leadership program, or any other CIMM learning opportunity.
Calling all young adults and youth/young adult leaders!
Parker Johnson, PSI Communications Specialist has created a new online community for young adults called The Circle.
This space is intended to provide young adults- as well as leaders working with youth and young adults- with a “third space” to gather.
“Third space” is a sociological term and essentially refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place").
The Circle is intended to be a space for networking, socializing, theologizing, planning, collaborating, mentorship, and even asking if you can crash on someone’s couch while you’re on a road trip.
Community of Christ members are some of the kindest, most generous people many of us have ever met, and one of the most valuable aspects of membership/affiliation with the church is access to its passionate people.
A few housekeeping items to be completely transparent from Parker:
🆓 This space is 100% FREE.
🌳 The Circle is an initiative offered by Cottonwood Creative, a cross-border marketing agency I started in 2021. I use my agency’s resources to give back wherever I can to social impact organizations and my own denomination: Community of Christ.
If you'd like to join, just complete the form to get started!
The practice of praying for peace is a powerful witness of Community of Christ’s commitment to the pursuit of peace on and for the Earth.
Community of Christ’s Formation Ministries Team invites all to participate in the Prayer for Peace via live-stream on the church’s Facebook page and Youtube channel at 1:00 p.m. Central US Time (11:00 a.m. Pacific) each Wednesday. The weekly worship is also open to the public at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA.
* Join on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CofChrist
* Join on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CofChrist/streams
The Center for Living Water and Formation Ministries collaborate to make these events possible.
Additionally, resources for individuals, families, and worship leaders will be provided on https://cofchrist.org/daily-prayer-for-peace/. Users can explore additional materials to prepare a Prayer for Peace service, including scriptures of justice and peace, prayers for peace, and more. Prayer for Peace worship elements also will be available on HeraldHouse.org.
All staff are encouraged to add this weekly event to their calendars and participate in this important practice. Join us in this transformative journey as we come together in prayer for a peaceful world.
Join us weekly on Mondays at 7:30 a.m. This is a great covenant and sacred group community - all are welcome!
About this Group
This is a dynamic group meeting every week for laughter, learning, and love for each other. Please join us, all our welcome in this safe space, for sharing and spiritual growth.
Meeting ID: 870 5122 1903
Passcode: 568336
Draft Statement on Nonviolence
Since the 2019 World Conference, the church has explored nonviolence in response to WCR 1319, utilizing the alternative common-consent process. At the 2023 World Conference, delegates addressed the question: Should the First Presidency continue to develop a statement on the role of nonviolence in the pursuit of “peace on and for the Earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d) and in the life and mission of the church?
Given the overwhelming support from delegates, the First Presidency has crafted a draft Statement on Nonviolence. The statement is presented to the church for feedback, with a deadline of 28 February 2025.
Your input is important. Read statement here.
You are invited to provide feedback on the “Introduction,” “Statement on Nonviolence,” and “Further Context” sections. The survey is provided in English, French, and Spanish. Choose the language of your choice in the upper-right corner of the survey available here: https://forms.office.com/r/FQcZpPzchL
In March 2025, the First Presidency will review the feedback and update all three sections as necessary. The latest versions of the “Introduction,” “Statement on Nonviolence,” and “Further Context” will be distributed to the church by 1 May 2025.
The delegates of the 2025 World Conference will consider just the section titled, “Statement on Nonviolence” using elements of the alternative common-consent process. Plan to be part of this historic experience.
