News

Invitation to Partner in a Journey of Peace-Nomads for Peace Ride

Dear Church Leaders,

Grace and peace to you!

I am excited to share that the Nomads for Peace & Love Peace Ride 2026 is now officially under 100 days away. What began as a prompting to "risk something new" and listen to the spirits calling is quickly becoming a reality, and I am grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we prepare for this journey.

Below you will find:

  • The complete ride itinerary, including day to day start times, our estimated mileage and overnight stops, and what congregations are graciously offering hospitality. You will see that times vary based on the miles we are hoping to accomplish. When we are being hosted by congregations, we will be blessed with a meal and in return we will be offering a testimonial style praise and worship service.

  • Small bios of our riders and the support team members, who have said that sacred YES to this mission of spreading peace, hope and love. Each individual creates a beautiful tapestry of unity in diversity. Each individual sees the worth of all people and desires to walk gently and care deeply for our Mother Earth.

Beginning October 2nd, our team will embark on a 955-mile cycling pilgrimage from Rockmart, GA to the World Plaza at the Temple, a place dedicated to the pursuit of peace. Along the way, we will be messengers of peace, build relationships, engage in service, honor the sacredness of creation and share the love of Christ, the Peaceful One in the communities we encounter.

As we enter these final months of preparation, we invite you to join us in prayer for:

  • The safety and health of all riders and support staff.

  • Opportunities to create meaningful connections in each community and congregation we visit.

  • Favorable weather and smooth travel.

  • Encounter open hearts to receive messages of peace, reconciliation and hope.

  • Strength, endurance and especially spiritual and transformational growth for the whole team.

I fully believe in this journey and am aware that it is far more than the miles traveled. It truly is an opportunity to embody Christ's peace in a world that is desperately longing for healing, hope and connection. I am honored; we are honored to carry the prayers and support of our church family with us every mile of the way.

Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers, encouragement and genuinely taking interest in this new expression of ministry, Nomads for Peace & Love. I will continue to offer updates as the ride approaches and throughout the journey.

Nomads for Peace-Mission Prayer: God of the open road, we ride today as nomads of peace, carrying love into every mile. Make our bodies strong, our hearts gentle and our spirits open. May every turn of the wheel become a prayer for the world and a blessing of love and peace. Amen

With sincere gratitude and hopeful anticipation,

Andrea Johnson (she/her)
Nomads for Peace and Love – Peace Ride 2026
269-271-4300 || johnsons12012@yahoo.com
http://www.nomadsforpeaceandlove.com || http://www.cofchristsemc.org 

Click each image to enlarge.

VIEW SIGN-UP SHEET
VIEW FLYER
DOWNLOAD TRIFOLD
WHY WE RIDE
ITINERARY

"Shared Campership Program" Replaces DEEP Funds

In an attempt to ensure our events remain financially accessible to all, we have long utilized DEEP Funds (Disciples Event Empowerment Program). This program continues today, but we have changed the name to clarify this program’s purpose. DEEP is now called PSI’s “Shared Campership Program.” We’ve updated the form on our website under ‘Resources’ and you can find it below.

VIEW FORM

Easter Reflections from Denise Leichter (Ventura and Beach Church)

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.

Summer Employment Opportunities at Buckhorn

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.

ATTN: Young Adults: Join The Circle!

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!

JOIN THE CIRCLE

INPUT NEEDED: DRAFT Statement on Nonviolence

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.

VIEW DRAFT STATEMENT

Curated Playlist: Community of Christ Sings!

Do You Know How to Find Community of Christ Songs Online?

Glenn Johnson has created a playlist that allows you to select Community of Christ Sings hymns by Community of Christ artists such as the Beyond the Walls Choir. Click here to see the hymns in numerical order.

CCS 457 Healer of Our Every Ill has been recently added to the list here. 

VIEW PLAYLIST

Online Doctrine and Covenants Available

As we approach Christmas, International Headquarters shares a special gift that will enrich our spiritual journey and deepen our connection to the scriptures.

An online searchable version of the Doctrine and Covenants is now available in English, French, and Spanish on CofChrist.org.

Although G-5 Universal Scripture Access was not approved at 2023 World Conference, the First Presidency supported the desire to provide greater access to our sacred scriptures. As a result, the Communications Team has been working since conference to bring this gift to life.

May this gift be a source of inspiration, reflection, and joy during the festive season and throughout the coming year.

Call for Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas

Community of Christ, along with more than 70 interfaith and nongovernmental organizations in the United States, called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in a letter. Additionally, the British Isles Mission Centre, together with 13 organizations and over 700 church leaders, signed a letter to British Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, urging him to engage in dialogue and de-escalation in response to the violence between Israel and Hamas.

We are profoundly saddened by the senseless loss of life in the region. We extend our heartfelt prayers to the families and friends of the victims and stand steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with organizations devoted to promoting peace.

Steve Veazey Releases Video Concerning His Planned 2025 Retirement

President Steve Veazey announced on 6 March 2023 in a letter to the church that he plans to retire as prophet-president and World Church employment at the 2025 World Conference.

In this video, President Veazey invites the worldwide church into intentional time to discern who is called to be the next prophet-president for Community of Christ. Learn more about the discernment process on CofChrist.org.

Featured Congregation: Long Beach (Part 2)

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Long Beach Congregation (again) to highlight a quick update.

The transformation journey continues.  We are still working on bids for roofing repairs, Jerry Webb has completed the lighting journey, and these beautiful signs are in the building for usage in sharing our messages in the near future.  I bought a set for Santa Barbara too as we increase our shared space with others.  You can contact GwenLute@mac.com about ordering these for your congregation.   I have made a trip to the Fremont congregation Childrens Peace Pavillion to assess their content to share , and there are some other discernment journeys being considered. 

Featured Congregation: Long Beach

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Long Beach Congregation!

The Long Beach congregation began in 1966 and it is a large campus for ministry.  The memories of people, events and ministry have been special to reflect upon with pictures and stories.  The members still attending voted to disband as a congregation on 1-31-2023, and surrendered the building and all assets to the mission center.  Paul and I are working with Roger Saylor on all the elements of this transition while attending to the relationships and people impacted by this decision.  The first step is to assess some of the physical needs to repair or remedy.  The roof is a major issue and being evaluated this week. 

There is NO PLAN TO SELL the building.  We are working with a team of folks local to the community and beyond to discern the multitude of ways we can re-purpose the facility for added neighborhood relationships and ministries.  The going deeper journey has discovered two capped oil wells under the property that would impact any type of selling in the future, but selling is not the plan in this moment.

The ”Dreaming Team” of Transformation for a New Expression for Community of Christ is energized and passionate about what could be next.  Diverse members have been recruited for specific tasks.  Crystal Moreno volunteered to go by the church on Sunday after services in Orange to measure for a refrigerator.  We want to move forward with options for complete hospitality. Good thing she went!  She called me to say there is a dove in the sanctuary.  I asked if it was a Peace Dove to guide our future, and she laughed and said no, it’s a morning dove and it’s flying all over and hitting windows trying to get out to another panicked dove on the other side cooing. 

I know how good Crystal is at wrangling kids, so I asked if she could catch the dove!  She could now see how it got in, which we reported to Roger, and he said he could block the upper window panes that were missing.  The pictures show you our guest, and Crystal’s success in safely catching and releasing the dove!  One point for the Sacredness of Creation!

All of the contents of the building are also being reviewed for a final removal by members for items of personal significance or special sharing with others.  There will be another time when we will notify the mission center to come, look, and take items useable in other congregations or ministries after we inventory items.

Crystal asked about two children’s rocking chairs in the nursery, and they had not been identified to be held for the congregation, so I released them.  Vivian and Maddie are thrilled with their new special chairs as seen in the pictures.

In the first week of this transition, I was called about available space to host a CALIZONIA Rally for youth from Sierra Pacific, Arizona, and PSI to begin relationship building for SPEC.  It’s our first big YES!  Please keep this journey in your prayers, and contact me if you have any questions or comments on what might be on our horizon.  Peace for all!

Denise

Featured Congregation: Tecate

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Tecate Congregation!

Michele Mc Grath and I made the journey back and forth on Sunday to Tecate.  Lessons learned from past trips is to leave the car on the USA side and walk across the border, then get picked up and returned to the border by Nacho....”easy peasey.”  Georgina’s family met us with tender hospitality and had done all the preparations for the worship service and a delicious carne asada luncheon with large tortillas that melted in our mouths.  Michele delivered a heartfelt scripture-based homily with contemporary stories, we served the congregation of approximately 30 the sacrament of Communion, and I offered a pastoral prayer for the congregation.  We were standing and clapping for the songs of praise, experienced emotional gratitude for being gifted with communion as an international community, and checked in on the family and congregation.  

Georgina’s family is honoring her with a commitment to the spiritual well-being of the congregation and beginning professional grief support to live with her memories guiding their lives through love and deep faith in all the next steps.  They want to stay engaged in the scholarship program, go deeper in their studies of scriptures and our Enduring Principles, and NEED a speaker for their speaking microphone while another speaker is needed for  providing their music. If you have one to share, or choose to offer generosity for the need, contact GinaNorton52@yahoo.com.  

It was a wonderful, yet wet, day of hope that was blessed with each other.

Denise

Featured Congregation: Las Vegas

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Las Vegas Congregation!

The Las Vegas Congregation has started the year off right with the 2nd Saturday event. The congregation came together for a family meal of Olive Garden lasagna, salad, and breadsticks. Members also brought desserts and other items for the event. After the meal was served, some serious gaming took place. There were a couple of games of Mexican Train Dominoes being played and also a game of Red Light, Green Light was played. There was lots of laughter and fun fellowship. It was a joy to hear the youngest of the party say, "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!" after she won a hand of Red Light, Green Light. The competition of the Mexican Train Dominoes games was fierce and fun. It is such a great game to bring people together and have some fun competition.

The idea of the 2nd Saturday event is to bring the members of the congregation together so they can understand each other more fully. This allows the group to then be able to discern more freely the call of God in the mission here in Las Vegas. It is the hope that the Congregation will continue to experience great fellowship and reach out to friends to attend the 2nd Saturday events to help spread love of Christ. If anyone is ever in town on the 2nd Saturday, we would love to have you stop in for fun and fellowship.

Mark Lowry

Featured Congregation: Santa Barbara

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Santa Barbara Congregation!

The Santa Barbara congregation finished the Christmas scripture story with an Epiphany scripture and participating in the gifts from the wise. Our manger was filled with packets of new socks for the Showers of Blessing project for those unhoused in our communities. I blessed the socks for warm feet and warm hearts that they are loved. After church Kathy McGuire decided to type up our gift story with the prayer offered and indiicate who is sending them love for each pair of socks. We have also re-committed to our NA & AA friends for a space for their Higher Power to bring them healing. The Congregation B’Nai B’rith temple, our neighbors, will be vacating their premises next month for a major construction project. Many places of diverse faith traditions are offering space to them for the next 14 months. We are sharing our space for after school Hebrew studies, youth events, and other classes of value for their learning about Judaic culture, religion and Mitzvah service to others. We are being the Good Neighbor engaged in something new!

Featured Congregation: Orange

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Orange Congregation!

There were an abundance of gifts for the children at the Orange Friendly Center that Orange works with year- round.  Orange and Gardena members also support CLUE-Orange County and showed up to protest this last year and go to the tables with community bargaining voices.  The success at many levels had them working for justice in the communities they live.  Read the full article by clicking the button below.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Featured Congregation: Escondido

We will be featuring congregations and emerging congregations periodically to share the good news!

This week we are featuring the Escondido Congregation!

Advent Play Day at Escondido on Dec. 4th provided fun, food, listening, learning, creativity, and more fun, for 12 children ages 5 to 13 from different congregations in the San Diego area. Suzy Hawthorne presented 5 stories of Advent and Christ's birth with a craft and game for each, culminating with decorating cupcakes and singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Each child also took home an Advent bag filled with a different activity to do each day until Christmas. A joyful time for kids and adult helpers alike!

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures from our Peanut Butter Sandwich Sunday activities! We already did it last Sunday for this month, so it will be January before we can take pictures. One Sunday a month, after a short worship service, we all gather in the kitchen and fellowship hall to make 150 sack lunches to be delivered to Interfaith Community Services. Interfaith provides breakfast and a sack lunch every day for homeless people, as well as counseling services, housing help, employment help, behavioral health services, and more. We are glad to contribute in a concrete way and have fun and fellowship together in the process.

Merry Christmas!

Bobbi