Halloween Family Night at Chula Vista: October 17

Join us for a spooktacular evening at our Halloween Family Night!

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026

  • Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm

  • Location: Community of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 1320 4th Ave. Chula Vista

What to Expect:

  • Games and Prizes!

  • Trick or Treating for ALL Ages!

  • Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share!

Costumes are highly encouraged! All ages are invited, so please bring your friends and families.

We hope to see you there!

Photo Recap: PSI Women's Retreat

Our Women’s Retreat at Buckhorn Campground was a beautiful success! It was a wonderful time of fellowship and connection, filled with the simple joys of doing puzzles together, taking in the peaceful blessings of nature, and sharing some truly delicious meals prepared on Westside.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the weekend so special. Take a look at a few photo highlights below from our time together below! 🌲🧩

RSVP Today: PSI Mission Center Conference Nov. 13-15

We are excitedly planning our Mission Center Conference and want to extend an invitation to everyone across the mission center to travel to Simi Valley Congregation and join us in person!

For those who are unable to attend in person, a Zoom option will also be available.

To help us appropriately plan for food and materials, we are asking everyone to RSVP for the weekend.

This year, we’ve added some extra opportunities for food and fellowship! We’ll begin Friday evening with pizza and a game night. Apostle Kat Hnatyshyn will be with us throughout the weekend and will be preaching at Simi Valley on Sunday morning.

Saturday lunch will be provided with a freewill donation benefiting our youth program.

Friday, November 13

  • 6:00 p.m. – Game Night & Pizza

Saturday, November 14

  • 9:45 a.m. – Gathering Devotion**

  • 10:30 a.m. – Class led by Apostle Kat Hnatyshyn**

  • 12:00 p.m. – Lunch

  • 1:30 p.m. – Ordination of Pam Lindamood to High Priest**

  • 2:00 p.m. – Business Meeting**

Sunday, November 15

  • 10:00 a.m. – Worship at Simi Valley Congregation with Apostle Kat Hnatyshyn preaching

  • Potluck immediately following worship

We hope you’ll join us for as much of the weekend as you’re able. We’re looking forward to gathering together for fellowship, worship, learning, and the important work of our Mission Center Conference! 

**Zoom will be available during these activities

See you there, and don't forget to RSVP!

PHOTO RECAP: Youth Justice Summit

Hello, PSI Family -

I wanted to share the experience that we had during the Youth Justice Summit in Sacramento August 28 – 31. After a long drive the four of us representing the southern California cohort arrived at the Sacramento congregation. On the Friday night we spent some time playing ice breakers and getting to know the group of about 50 participants. 

On Saturday we heard from multiple groups doing work on environmental justice. There were three different session times, and we learned a lot about the many ways that environmental justice is tied to social justice and what some strategies are for working toward betterment. We learned about lobbying, protesting, gardening, and the effects of invasive species and how to manage them. 

Sunday was spent enjoying the blessing of community and sacredness of creation at a lake where we had a church service, grilled out for lunch, and enjoyed time on the lake with paddle boards and kayaks! That evening was spent preparing for our time at the capitol with writing out our questions and preparing to share our position on the given issues that were up for legislation. 

On Monday morning we went to the capitol with a message to share. There were signs, poems, and songs shared in front of the capitol building, afterward we entered the offices of our different representatives to share our point of view through the lens of our enduring principles. I have to say that I was so proud of our youth who mustered the courage to speak. I, myself, was very intimidated by this whole process, and I knew our kids were too. After we spoke with them, we were surprised at how we felt heard and how encouraging the staff we spoke with was. Regardless of how they responded to our actual point of view, they were very encouraging to our young people to get involved and share their voice. Reflecting on the long ride home we found all felt like it was a transformative trip and we all learned how simple it can be to enact our civic voice. 

To those that helped make it possible I want to share a great gratitude as I really believe this experience is helping to engage the next generation to stand up for what they believe in.

Clayton Troxell
Youth Minister
Community of Christ Pacific SW Int'l Mission Center

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.

"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.

Online Community Gatherings with Gardena (2nd/4th Wednesdays)

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.

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!

Weekly Prayer for Peace Live-Stream Details

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.

Weekly Monday Morning Coffee Group

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 

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.

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. 

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.