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SwIMC Newsletter Fourth Quarter 2015
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December 2015 Volume 23 Issue 38
Advent – A Time of Awakening by Ron Harmon
When I was a child, I was fortunate to enjoy Christmas as a time of
wonder and mystery. Like most children I looked forward to both giving
and receiving gifts but I also have vivid images of the many ways we retold
the Christmas story recorded in the Gospel of Luke. I remember memoriz-
ing lines for plays, practicing songs, sharing in readings, and hearing stir-
ring Christmas messages of the need for peace on earth.
As an adult Christmas is a time of mixed feelings. I love to tell the story as in times
past, but the story has much deeper significance as I am fully awake to a world character-
ized by fear, division, and suffering. In Mark, chapter 13 Jesus shares with his disciples
signs of the times that indicate the fulfillment of God’s purposes are close at hand. Jesus
reminds his disciples and us that no one knows the hour or day but goes on to predict the
current generation will not pass away until all things are fulfilled.
I have often wondered about this passage in Mark. Did Jesus have it wrong or was it
yet another invitation to embrace the truth of the Kingdom and live its message in the pre-
sent? Many throughout the ages have tried to pinpoint the time of Jesus’ coming by study-
ing Daniel, Ezekiel, Revelation, and other apocalyptic writings. These writings point to a
time where God’s redeeming love and grace become the foundation for all human relation-
ships and we become the global family of God. In our tradition and the language of the
prophets we know this condition as Zion or the Kingdom of God.
Many have looked to this time as a time where God will set everything right and
peace will prevail on earth. If we can just hold on to the end and be righteous, we will be
lifted up in God’s everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace. The interesting problem
with this perspective is that each generation has experienced human suffering and death in
cosmic proportions. Why has God not finally said “enough is enough” and intervened on
behalf of humanity? How many more precious lives have to die senseless deaths in our
country and around the globe because of fear, violence, terrorism, poverty, hunger, dis-
ease, and the crushing oppression of brutal dictators?
Is it possible that the redemption we seek in our world begins with each one of us? A
child born in the midst of poverty and oppression in Palestine reminds us first and foremost
of the gift of Emmanuel – God with us. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus is
not a substitution for our struggle toward a peaceful world but the assurance that God is
with us in this struggle and that working together there will be peace on earth.
The message of Christmas is a message for this generation. Jesus speaks to us this
advent season and reminds us that our generation could be the generation where God’s
purposes come to fulfillment if we will embrace and live the kingdom way of life.
(continued page 2)
Apostle Ron Harmon

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Advent – A Time of Awakening (continued)
Section 163 of the Doctrine and Covenants has recently called us to active engagement
with God in bringing peace to our world:
3 a. You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relation-
ally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is
embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.
b. Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of
God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that
are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.
Jesus challenged the people of his day to create peace by living lives of radical love
in relationship with one another – this is how peace is relationally incarnate. This includes
being fully awake to the basic worth of each person and seeking to eliminate unnecessary
human suffering.
Jesus also challenged the cultural, religious, and political structures that lead to op-
pression, poverty, division, and fear – this is how peace is culturally incarnate. This in-
cludes being fully awake to how human systems and structures can degrade human worth
and working to eliminate human suffering in these structures.
As hearers and doers of the Word, we are called to create hope by being the gener-
ation that fully embraces and lives Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on
earth. Here are a few ways we can accept Christ’s invitation this advent season:
Let us come together in our congregations and create the kind of experience that
signals to the world what the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth is like – a generous, in-
vitational, and loving people who tirelessly seek God’s kingdom of justice and peace.
May this advent season be filled with the warmth, joy, and peace in our relation-
ships with family and friends. May we also be disturbed as this advent reawakens us to the
unnecessary human suffering around us. May we offer them more than a prayer but our
commitment to join together with God in fulfillment of the angel message of peace on
earth.
Results from #GivingTuesday 12/3/2015
On 1 December, Community of Christ invited members and friends to celebrate
#GivingTuesday by contributing to the church. Through the generous support of more than 300
contributors from five countries, the church received $197,750 USD in online contributions and
matching donations.
Thanks to all those around the world who continue to generously support Christ's mission in
a variety of ways! We are continually humbled and excited by your generosity of spirit, service, and
financial support.
a. Let us continue to retell this mysterious story of love and discover anew its deeper
meaning for our lives and our world today.
b. Let us commit to understand and then pursue what matters most to God – ending
unnecessary human suffering.
c. Let us come together in our congregations and create the kind of experience that
signals to the world what the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth is like – a generous,
invitational, and loving people who tirelessly seek God’s kingdom of justice and peace.

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Dear Friends, December 13, 2015
We are pleased to share that Southwest International
Mission Center Conference and Southern California Mis-
sion Center Conference have now both approved merg-
ing into a new Pacific Southwest International Mission
Center effective January 1, 2016. Southwest Interna-
tional Mission Center Conference voted unanimously to
support the merger yesterday in their conference.
Southern California voted unanimously to support the
merger at their conference on November 14, 2015. Both
conferences were blessed by the presence of the Holy
Spirit in worship, sharing, and consideration of confer-
ence business.
We look forward to continuing our shared journey to-
gether as we seek to embody and live Christ’s mission in
our congregations, neighborhoods, and new mission cen-
ter. May you find peace and hope as you journey to the manger this season of
Advent. In Christ’s Peace,
Ron Harmon Denise Leichther
Interim Mission Center President Associate Mission Center President
Denise Leichter Daniel Harmon leading the
songs.
Photo by Rickie Miller
Photo by John Kazyaka
Photo by Rickie Miller
Photo by Edward Van Meter
Photo by Edward Van Meter Photo by Edward Van Meter
Photo by Rickie Miller Photo by Rickie MillerPhoto by John Kazyaka

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It is My Experience…. by John Kazyaka
God asked, “What would make you the happiest man in the world at this time?”
“Knowledge,” I said.
“Knowledge?”
“Yes, Knowledge.”
“Knowledge about what?”
“In my readings, I came across a quote by John Locke, where he wrote; “No man's knowledge can go
beyond his experience.” I find that faith has no limitations and hope springs eternal, happiness is completed
in knowledge. First, hope gives us the desire to know about Jesus and salvation, although we do not fully
comprehend. Second, faith is our acting upon and pursuit of the things that we hope for. Knowledge is the
accomplishment that our hope and faith can be achieved.”
“Are we still in agreement?” asks God.
“Yes.” I replied. “The knowledge that I can achieve my hope is the experience that I have with your
love God, the presence of the Holy Spirit and salvation through Jesus Christ.”
In Remembrance of Shirley Cordova by Lora Davis
Servant
Musical minister
Mother to more than whom she birthed,
Patient, kind, insightful
Giving, humble, loving
Shirley Cordova touched so many, many of which she would never know their names. Service-
men longing for home would hear her piano playing and know God's peace. Young pianists struggling to express
their musical talent found the freedom to do so because Shirley gave them wings.
I was lucky enough to have Shirley coordinate our wedding, 35 years ago. So many blessed to have our
lives and souls bettered because of her touch.
We will miss you!
Christmas Greetings from the Mission Center Staff

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Tecate Posada by Linda Espiritu Santo
The Tecate Posada was another fun day for both children and
adults. It began with a reenactment of the Christmas Story by chil-
dren of all ages. The pastor, Georgina Venegas, always writes a spe-
cial play for the season and this year was no exception. A lunch of
tamales was fol-
lowed by a num-
ber of piñatas and
lots of candy.
Then came the
time the kids
were all waiting
for; the toys!! But the best of all was
the excitement of the moms and dads
to receive blankets for the family.
The toys were thanks to the of-
fering from the SWIMC conference; and
the blankets, thanks to a generous do-
nation from Vista-Park congregation. The
SCMC conference provided an offering for Ensenada toys and other items the congregation
needs. The Ensenada /El Sauzal Posada is scheduled for December 19th. The best part
was each child and adult thanked me for their gifts---and I thank each of you for making it
possible.
2016 WORLD CONFERENCE DELEGATES
An important piece of business at the recent Mission Center Conferences was to
elect delegates for World Conference in June. We each had 27, and this is the combined
list that will be seated as the Pacific Southwest International Mission Center.
There is still time to add your name if you want to attend; please keep me posted.
Let’s begin our personal study and discernment in preparation to be ONE IN CHRIST.
Denise Leichter - Phone: 3120-403-9973 - Email: Denise@CofChrist-psi.org
Albin, Jan Albin, Jim Barentine, Greg Beebe, Cynthia
Beebe, Gary Bethel, Jacquie Bethel, Paul Cooper, Diane
Dick Cordova Davis, Dustin Devakumar, Charlie Escobedo, Letha
Garcia, Georgina Gobble, Darrin Gordon-Cave, Connie Graves, Douglas
Harmon, Daniel Jamriska, Jan Johnson, Glen Jones, Becca
Juarez, Sara Juarez, Sergio Kazyaka, John Kullman, Jeremy
Leichter, Denise Lute, Gwen Mell, Robert Metcalf, Charles
Nol, Martha Orendorff, Lori Orendorff, Robert Ramos, Isaias
Read, Andrea Read, Linda Rivera, Noe Rose, Emily
Rose, Sam Thomas, Barbara Troop, David Troop, Stacey
Van Meter, Ed Wade, Karen Wiley, Don Wiley, Sue
Wise, Dennis Logan, Erin alternate Logan, Kyle alternate
Gracias, Thank You
Christmas story written by Pastor Georgina Venegas
Photo by Linda Espiritu Santo
Photo by Linda Espiritu Santo

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“HARMONIES” by Lora Davis
The Harmonies brought their ministry of music to the Clairemont Congregation on Sunday,
December 6. The singers were: Tomoko Burke, Akiko Koumpounis, Yukako Takai, Kano Omote.
This musical group originally started in 2003 as "The San Diego Japanese Mixed Chorus".
They have been singing Japanese traditional & popular music to American songs. They celebrated
their 10th anniversary concert at Scripps Ranch Library in 2013 with about 15 members includes
the Taiwanese members.
They changed the name to "The Harmonies" since that concert. They have been performing
regularly at the Cherry Blossom Festival at Balboa Park Japanese Garden every March, Japan Festi-
val in July, and in August at Naval Station, San Diego.
Naomi Hobbs, the director, arranges most of the songs for them. As a
concert pianist, she has received/earned two prizes at the International
Piano Competition in Mexicali in 2012 and in Seattle in 2015. Here is a
link regarding her award. Congratulations to her! https://
www.seattlepianocompetition.org/competition/winners/2015-2/
#amateur
As a Service Project, the Clairemont Congregation created
50 "Blessing Bags" for those without a home at the Vista
Park Church.
Miss Hobbs, director, announces
the next song the choir will sing.
Unexpected Outcomes by Tami Perryman, Outreach Minister, the Park Church
It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by. Our Park Mission has been grow-
ing in ways we never anticipated. As we continue to reach out to the disenfranchised in
our community, we find that we are blessed beyond our imaginations by the love and gen-
erosity of friends. One of our unexpected blessings has been the blessing of reconciliation,
and we see God’s fingerprints all over this. As we have offered unconditional love and ac-
ceptance, many of our friends are starting to understand their personal worth. For people
who have been neglected or thrown out by their family, it takes a while for them to be-
lieve in that love.
Sometimes it starts with just a smile and graduates into a hug and a desire to be
intimately involved in each other’s lives. Now, after all this time, we are starting to hear
stories of families reconciling, adult children being able to finally go back to their parent’s
homes, call each other, talk after years of separation. There is pride and joy in families re-
uniting, and more than once we have heard the words, “he/she is a changed person”.
(continued page 8)
Photo by Lora Rizzo

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Genuine Thoughts from the Youth Minister: by Daniel Harmon
I want to extend greetings to each of you during this Advent season. I hope and
pray that you are encountering the peace of Christ during this time, reflecting on what has
been, and anticipating what may come. Though life has been abnormally busy the last few
weeks, I’ve actually found myself able to practice reflection. In that reflecting I’ve asked a
lot of questions, some of which may have answers, and many of which probably don’t:
What will life in our Mission Center look like in the midst of immense change and struggle?
How do we fill the holes that seemingly can’t be filled? What does all of this mean for each
of us? How does this shape what comes next in Youth & Children’s Ministry?
These questions don’t by any means provide a sense of peace or
comfort in my life, but rather leave me feeling anxious and un-
certain. With such questions comes a sense of mystery. With
such questions comes an unknown future that can’t always be
planned for. This is radically counter to my natural instinct,
which is to plan and think my way out of situations that give me
any sort of trouble. Though reluctantly, I’m discovering that cer-
tain outcomes can’t be pre-determined, regardless of how much
preparation is done. Though I’d
love to plan out and know the fu-
ture and know exactly what Youth and Children’s ministry
will look like in 6 months, there are essential questions that
make what is to come beautifully mysterious. I’m realizing
that I’m unable to plan for everything, and rather needing to
simply “be” in the midst of it all.
Though this sense of unknowing in
my life have caused me grief, anx-
iety, and fear, I wonder if it is
seeking to awaken me to something deeper. My mom reminded
me on the phone a few weeks ago that deep grief is a reflection
of deep love. I find profound truth in this sentiment, and realize
that the grief and anguish I’ve encountered isn’t generic sad-
ness, but rather an ensign of a great and powerful love. In Zac
Harmon-Mclaughlin’s poem Life & Awareness of Being, he de-
scribes such a love in this way: “Actually this love is so grand
and extraordinary it completely consumes love, so much so that we both realize it is actu-
ally the awareness of being.” Perhaps that is what I’m discovering in these moments of
pause. While I bear the weight of all that is, and enter a mode that is intensely contempla-
tive, maybe its because I’m awakening to life, in all of its joys, pains, and sorrows.
Words from the Hymn CCS 547, Healer of our Every
Ill speak to us:
Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow
Give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow
You who knows our fears and sadness, Grace us with your peace
and gladness Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts
Christmas Day Camp 2015
Christmas Day Camp 2015
Day Camp Drummers
Christmas Day Camp Participants(continue page 8)
Photo by Daniel Harmon

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Unexpected Outcomes (Continued from page 5)
One of our Park brothers, Jesse, testified during a worship service
that Community of Christ has not only fed and clothed the people in
the park, but they are a changed people, kinder, more respectful and
caring about each other, even when the church is not around. Is this
the meaning of Mission? We are awakening to the call of Jesus Christ
to go out into the world and make disciples of all people.
Another unexpected outcome is the generosity of others. Often on
Sunday we have people bring us additional clothing and blankets and
toiletries. Sometimes they are simply “cleaning house”, but some-
times, as in the case of our dear sister Hannah Cummings, the gen-
erosity of her spirit caused her to ask her friends to contribute to our ministry for her 13th
birthday. Instead of getting gifts for herself, Hannah received blankets, food, and even a
backpack, all of which she donated to the Park Church. After a blessing of the gifts and a
prayer of thankfulness to God, everything found a home.
When we started our mission, we provided coffee, and sometimes doughnuts.
Eventually we started feeding everyone a full meal, spaghetti at 9:30 am? You Bet! The
burden of cooking was becoming overwhelming, so the
word went out, Norio needs help, and the call was an-
swered. We now share the Joy of providing a nourish-
ing meal each Sunday, and Norio coordinates our ef-
forts instead of doing it all by himself. We are becom-
ing our own little community; living as Christ wants us
to live, sharing our blessings. On the Sunday before
Thanksgiving, we came together like they did on the
first Thanksgiving, bringing what we had and offering it
all to the community. No one went hungry, we were
fed by the smiles and the hugs and the love that we
shared as one in the body of Christ.
We often talk about what we would like to do,
and then say the word “but”. But we are a small congregation. But we don’t know how.
But we are afraid. For coming year, the Park Church would like to challenge everyone to
“risk something new”, and know the unexpected blessings of God’s love and peace. Amen.
Genuine Thoughts from the Youth Minister: (continued from page 7)
May the Spirit of all comfort fill our hearts. I pray that we may be awakened to an
awareness of being by reflecting on the moments that matter, rather than seeking to pre-
dict a future that can’t be known. I hope that we are willing to invite our youth and chil-
dren into this journey of presence. In fact, they can likely teach us all about being present
and attentive, even while the future is uncertain. As I approach this next year’s Snow
Camps, Hunger Challenges, Reunion, and other youth events, I pray that I may practice
such presence in the planning and discerning of what these events will look like, but also
in spending time with our youth and children, embodying the radical relational love Christ
calls us to. May our future unfold in beauty and grace.
Love & Peace,
Daniel Harmon
Youth Minister/ Associate Financial Officer
Jesse and his father.
Thanksgiving meal together at Park Church.
Photo by Norio Morota
Photo by Steve Tignor

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FLU SEASON GUIDELINES by Denise Liechter
Tis the season for large gatherings and risk for community illnesses. The reportable
cases of flu (gastrointestinal and respiratory) are beginning to mount, and as a Healthcare
Advocate for all our congregations; I would like you to consider the following plans for
community gatherings.
 Bring JOY to each other at church without any hugging; kissing and handshaking…
make your joyous SMILE your greeting.
 Stay home if you are experiencing flu like symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal
pain or cramps, watery or loose diarrhea, significant fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle
aches and pains.
 Keep hand sanitizers available in the church, but WASH YOUR HANDS as often as you
can, and especially when working with food fellowship.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow, or with a cloth… not your hands. Did I
mention WASH YOUR HANDS ALOT!
Dehydration can escalate very quickly with infants; children and seniors… STAY HY-
DRATED. Consult your physician after 3 days of illness that is not getting better, or
with symptoms that are escalating.
Sending you body, mind and spirit blessings for the best of health.
Denise Leichter, RN, SHAMROCK Minister
MEMORIAL SERVICE
The third and final service will be in Los Angeles California area, Saturday, January 16th,
at 1pm at the Temple City Congregation & Center for Christian Living, 9468 Broadway,
Temple City, CA 91780. In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider making a donation to
one of the following organizations that Terry loved and supported:
Community of Christ: 1001 West Walnut, Independence MO 64050. Please mark these funds
“unrestricted” for use wherever needed most. Terry’s life was spent first as a lay minister then a professional
minister for this faith tradition he loved. www.cofchrist.org/give-now
Camp Buckhorn Peace Center: 24641 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Camp Buckhorn is our
faith tradition’s campground in Southern California and the Peace Center was designed and built during Terry’s
tenure as President of the Southern California Mission Center. In addition to being a deeply spiritual place of
worship and retreat it also has a wonderful gym where Terry spent hours playing basketball and volleyball dur-
ing camps and retreats. http://www.active.com/donate/peacecenter
Outreach International: PO Box 210, Independence, MO 64051. Terry, Andrea and I have been
longtime supporters of Outreach. Their participatory approach to sustainable human development ignites
hope, instills dignity, and sustainably transforms people affected by poverty and their communities around the
world. Andrea currently serves as the Director of Field Operations for Outreach.
www.outreach-international.org
Southern California Ecumenical Council (SCEC): Terry served as a board member and treasurer of
the Council. They bring faith traditions together from all over Southern California to work for immigration jus-
tice, environmental responsibility, and reconciliation among varying points of view. SCEC represents one of
several ecumenical boards Terry served on during his tenure as a regional minister.
http://scec1.org/donate.html
Please feel free to visit the various websites to learn more about these wonderful organi-
zations. May we continue to remember and uphold Linda and Andrea Read as they jour-
ney through the various stages and ways of grieving their loss.

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11
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 2016
1 New Year's Day
16 Terry Read Memorial Service
18 Martin Luther King Day
24 SCEC Prayer Service at Fuller
FEBRUARY
10 Ash Wednesday
12-15 Northern Congregations Retreat
12-14 Jr. High Snow Camp
14 Valentine's Day
14-19 Arizona Winter Reunion
15 Presidents' Day
26-28 Sr. High Snow Camp
MARCH
5 SHAMROCK St. Patrick's Day South
12 SHAMROCK St. Patrick's Day North
13 Daylight Saving Time starts
19 Orange Peace Award
25 Good Friday
27 Easter Sunday
APRIL
3 President Veazey's Presidential Address
15-17 Youth Hunger Challenge
22 Earth Day
30-May 1 Tecate Gathering
SwIMC Newsletter
SwIMC Newsletter is e-published quarterly by the Community of Christ Southwest International Mission Center.
Senior ED I T O R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Leichter, 17125 Hart Street, Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Denise@CofChrist.org . . . Mission Center Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-577-5907
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Kazyaka, 4467 Mount Castle Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117
swimcnews@earthlink.net No phone calls, email only.
Hello from El Cajon!
In October we had a Luau at Cheryl
Daily’s home. We had great fellowship
with everyone and had a lot of great Ha-
waiian food! We also learned a Hawaiian
dance from Helen Ishizaki.
In November we had a baby shower
for Samantha Davis at Dianne Cooper’s
home. We helped Samantha get ready for
her son Abel, who is due around Christ-
mas time. Samantha received a lot of nice
gifts and some advice from the other
moms at the shower.
At our business meeting in Novem-
ber we elected a new pastor. Cheryl Daily
will be leading our congregation starting in
January. We look forward to working with
her and want to thank our previous pas-
tor, Paul Allen for all of his leadership and
help for the past 2 years.
We would like to wish everyone a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

NEWS1504

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