We’re excited to come together in community for our next women’s retreat gathering at Buckhorn Campground September 25-27. More details to come, so stay tuned!
GET READY: Buckhorn Camp Youth Retreat!
Calling all Jr. High and Sr. High students! It’s time to pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable weekend away at Buckhorn Camp.
Join us from September 18 - 20 for three days packed with outdoor adventures, awesome games, campfires, and a chance to disconnect and grow together. This is the perfect opportunity to kick off the fall season, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
📍 The Details:
Who: All Jr. High and Sr. High aged campers
When: Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20
Where: Buckhorn Camp
Cost & Registration: [Insert cost and link to register here]
🙌 CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! We Need Staff! An amazing weekend like this doesn't happen without an amazing team. We are currently looking for energetic, caring volunteers to help staff the retreat. Whether you're interested in being a cabin leader, helping run games, or just lending a helping hand behind the scenes, we would absolutely love to have you.
If you are willing to serve as staff for this weekend, please contact Clayton Troxell.
Memories from Our 2026 PSI Reunion Experience
BECOMING A BLESSING: MEMORIES FROM OUR 2026 PSI REUNION
Friends,
The 2026 PSI Reunion, themed 'Become a Blessing,' welcomed a large group of both new and returning campers. We began Saturday night with a beautiful Land Acknowledgement prayer for Buckhorn written by Glenn Johnson. We were able to express gratitude to the Carlsbad Congregation for their generous donation to make camp affordable for so many to attend. President Janné Grover was our featured guest minister for the adult class and other opportunities to share in ministry for and with the community, and she was amazing. The Holy Spirit was obvious in so many ways, supported by a wonderful Pastoral Care Team, and the entire community that cared for each other in every way needed. We got a superstar Graceland University representative, Christian Biwott, who participated in so many ways as the product of the Graceland experience and Kevin Grover was also there as a part of the Graceland Admissions office. Erika Wilson returned as our camp nurse and kept us all healthy and attended to.
The sacraments were abundant in April Sweetings baptism and confirmation, a beautiful communion service and message by Larry Mc Guire, Laura Bolton’s setting apart as our new Mission Center President, Denise Leichter was ordained as an Evangelist, and Crystal Moreno was ordained as an Elder. On any given day you could witness the Laying on of Hands for many with special needs. The special called conference allowed us to hear the names and testimonies of Pam Lindamood as High Priest, Steve Davis as High Priest-Evangelist and Gina Norton as High Priest-Evangelist with unanimous votes of support. We enjoyed a lovely reception to say goodbye to Larry and welcome the Bolton family now residing in Crestline. Andrew Huse was present to offer his special music, and receive abundant love and support from the community, and we got a flavor of David Bolton’s musical talents. The “We Remember” service offered the names of those who have died since our last reunion, and we got to listen to the Josh Groban song “Lord, I’m here, but not OK” and name the multitude of life journeys that brought all of us to camp and were named beloved. Elene Cloete, Executive Director from Outreach International, offered inspiring stories and how the Participatory Human Development Model works for many great successes.
We also had a great deal of fun at our carnival under the leadership of Crystal Moreno and a BIG team of volunteers, and a talent show hosted by Bryce Gunter with some real talent and loving support of a packed audience. There were chats Under the Pines, and a book review of “The Correspondent” which challenged many of us to return to the gift of handwritten notes and cards. The Young Adults were back together enjoying each other and offering service and presence to the community. We embraced the Mission Prayer at an international level being spoken in English, Spanish, French, Swedish, and through the experience of American Sign Language.
There were so many highlights, and we hope that everyone that attended will complete our reunion survey for next years planning. Next year’s date, similar to this year, will be announced in September after the Mission Center Team and the Buckhorn Board can review.
Living the Mission Prayer went far beyond content to the core of how it can actually be done. To all the many people who offered soooo much to the planning and experience…THANK YOU!
See you again next year,
Denise Leichter and Paul Harding
Buckhorn Campground Land Acknowledgement
Originally Shared on July 25, 2026, by Glenn Johnson
We gather in awe of the sacredness of creation: at the dawn of creation, Sophia, Holy Spirit of Wisdom, was present in this place. …
Across millions of years, the mountains formed; life sprang forth – primordial ferns, towering trees – butterflies and dragonflies carried nature’s divine signature from place to place. …
Thousands of years ago, people inhabited this place in summer and the deserts below in winter. Archaeological evidence in the form of acorn bowls worn into the granite reminds us of:
Agua Caliente. Augustine. Cabazon. Cahuilla (of Anza). Los Coyotes. Morongo. Ramona. Santa Rosa. Torres-Martinez. …
Pause to breathe in the sacredness of this place…
We respectfully acknowledge “the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (also known as the Cahuilla Band of Indians) and all nine sovereign* bands of Cahuilla people who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and continue to steward this land for all future generations.”[1]
The official Camp Buckhorn land acknowledgment is:
“In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge the ancestral, unceded territory of the Cahuilla First Peoples, the original peoples of the land on which Buckhorn Campground now sits.”[2]
Glenn Johnson, July 25, 2026
*The Cahuilla people comprise nine federally recognized sovereign tribes. See https://www.aguacaliente.org/documents/We_are_Cahuilla.pdf
[1] Idyllwild Arts Center, “Message from the President,” November 19, 2021, website, https://idyllwildarts.org/blog/message-from-the-president-november-2021/
[2] Buckhorn Camp, website, https://www.buckhorncampgrounds.com/
Join us for a Family Beach Day: San Diego Edition! ☀️
🌊 Sun, Sand, and Fellowship! Join us for a Family Beach Day (San Diego Edition)! ☀️
Get ready to soak up the sun and enjoy a beautiful day by the water! We are hosting a relaxed Family Beach Day at Ski 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 water.
🏖️ The Details
When: Saturday, August 22nd. Clayton Troxell (youth minister) will be out there arriving by 9:00 AM, so drop by whenever works for you!
Where: Ski Beach (San Diego). Note from Clayton: I have never been to this beach before, so I can't provide exact location details like I normally do. Just look for our usual blue, yellow, and grey EZ-ups!
RSVP Needed: Because the exact spot is TBD, please let me know you are coming and provide your phone number so I can help you find us once we are set up! Contact me at ctroxell@cofchrist-psi.org.
🍔 Food & Fun
Lunch is on me! I’ll be firing up the grill to serve cheeseburgers and hot dogs, as well as some snacks.
Note: If you'd like a veggie or vegan option, just let me know ahead of time when you RSVP, and I'll make sure you're covered!
We will also bring whatever games we can to keep the fun going, plus the grill and plenty of EZ-ups for shade.
🎒 What You Need to Bring
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!
SS 400: Intro to Scripture Online Course
Gateway USA Mission Center is sponsoring the required Priesthood Class, SS400 "Introduction to Scripture" on Thursday evenings beginning August 6th from 7:00-9:00 pm Central Daylight Time. This class has 8 lessons so class dates will be August 6, 13, 20, and 27. Travis Harder and Cheryl Saur will co-teach.
Please share this with all your congregational pastor/pastor teams and if anyone would like to participate, have them register with an email to Cheryl Saur csaur@cofchrist.org.
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 Online Worship Invitation with Gardena Online Congregation
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.