Prayers for Our Youth En Route to SPEC

Dear friends,

As you read this our high school aged youth should be in Des Moines enjoying some orientation and ice breaker games! We are on our way to SPEC!  SPEC, short for Spectacular, is our national high school camp centered around sports, leadership, arts, and worship. With hundreds of Community of Christ youth coming together there is a real opportunity to explore our faith and draw the circle wide. The theme for SPEC this year is Love First, we will be exploring choice, honesty, and transformation through the scope of love.

I look forward to sharing more about this experience at Reunion. Please, talk to the youth you are connected about their SPEC experience, and please share all future opportunities to gather with any youth that you know.

Thank you!

Clayton Troxell
Youth Minister

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
,

Registration Now Open! PSI Reunion @ Buckhorn

,

Update: 2026 PSI Reunion at Buckhorn – Registration now open!

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!

Registration & Pricing Details

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 Joy of YES!

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.

Support the Generosity Fund

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

REGISTER

Get to Know Your Guest Ministry

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.

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.

JOIN VIA ZOOM
,

Registration for SPEC 2026 is now OPEN

,

❤️ 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:

🗓️ The Details

  • 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!

✈️ Travel Schedule (Ontario Airport - ONT)

  • Departure: July 10th | Departs ONT at 8:35 AM.

  • Arrival Home: July 18th | Arrives at ONT at 10:40 PM.

📝 How to Register (Must Complete Both!)

To secure a spot, campers and staff must complete both of the following registrations by 11:59 p.m. on June 28, 2026:

  1. PSI Registration (Mission Center): Register Here

  2. SPEC Registration (Graceland): Register Here

For more general info, visit the Official SPEC Website.

🎨 T-Shirt Design Contest: Call to All Artists!

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

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.

Empower Your Youth to Make a Real Impact: Join Our Fast-o-Thon!

Empower Your Youth to Make a Real Impact: Join Our Fast-o-Thon!

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.

What is the Fast-o-Thon?

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.

Event Logistics

  • 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

How to Register

We would love to see your youth there! Please help them sign up and start gathering their pledges today using our registration form below.

REGISTER HERE

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:

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.

Young Adult Retreat @ Samish Island August 14-18

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.

Register Today for CIMM's Christian Ministries Certificate Program

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.

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

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.

JOIN US VIA ZOOM

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.

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.