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Upson Downs 8.10.22

Greetings! As our men revive their yearly baseball draft tradition, I give thanks for traditions. They help make us, shape us, and define us. Even some men who are not baseball fans (how is that possible?) learn to love it, check with each other about various players, strategize, and, of course, compete. It brings camaraderie and draws upon long-standing friendships as well as more recent relationships and connects and binds disparate individuals into a cohesive unit.

Many other events have come and gone, most recently our Celebration of the Children. This year the kids entered Storybook Land. The Pancake Man (a very close cousin of the Gingerbread Man) led the kids on a merry chase through the land of books.

They met some strange folk over by Pooh Corner, helped Eeyore find his tail, had a birthday party for Pooh, and whacked a honeycomb covered with bees. They whisked away to help Spider-Man catch the villain who stole some money and was trying to fly away in his airplane. They webbed the wanna-be robber and vanquished evil. But they weren’t done yet! The Pancake Man led them to a dinosaur dig where they found dinosaur bones that magically transformed into real dinosaurs. It was so authentic that one of the characters in the dinosaur book had actually tamed a dinosaur and was riding it around! They were swept into the little house on the prairie where they sat by a crackling fire, rounded up some pigs, and found some of the escaped animals rolling around in the mud! At the Double R Ranch they helped a couple of cowpokes break an unruly horse and do some competitive barrel racing. Then they jumped into Adventure Bay where they helped the Paw Patrol gang foil Mayor Humdinger’s nefarious plan to ruin their special clubhouse! Fisherman Sam then had some whopping sea stories for the kids who had to overcome many obstacles in the ocean in order to go fishing with the magic shark. The adults were in need of a rest, so we all headed over to Olaf’s Cafe and library for some “health food.” Laughter and joy are truly healthy food for our souls and we partook gratefully. I give thanks for this beautiful 40 year tradition and the great idea to make books and stories come to life and invite us all in.

We are especially sad today because our dear Abif was once again denied both a tourist and a student visa. Many prayers had gone up and will continue for a positive resolution to our problem.

We look forward to many things ahead: members’ retreat, Rich’s memorials, Nature and Purpose of the Church weekend seminar, Celebration of Life Together, trip to Tijuana to partner with Ramon and serve there, and our grand and glorious holidays. I give thanks for our rich and full lives.

We have a number of interested folks hanging around, and we hope to see them as disciples before too long. We’d appreciate your prayers for these and indeed for our lives and future here at Church of the Servant-King. Please especially pray for Abif’s situation and all of our various Bible studies that they would produce much fruit. Like our Lord’s Prayer in John 17, that we would be one.

Grateful for your care, prayers, and many forms of support. Grace and peace to you all.
For Church of the Servant-King,

Regan

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Blog Updates

Upson Downs 5.24

We all should know what happens to “the best made plans…” So finally, being quarantined in my room with COVID, there are no more reasonable excuses for such a lengthy delay. We have all stopped holding our collective breath and heaved that great sigh of relief over Maddy’s prognosis. The start of this year found us all in dreadful anticipation awaiting results from Maddy’s surgery, then oncology report, and finally the results of the 3 hour MRI. We have joyfully received the “all clear” as Maddy moves ahead, overcoming odds and difficulties with enough grit, determination, and naughtiness to carry her through. It has been so hard to even talk about all of it until we were on the other side of all the diagnostic measures. We were able to celebrate Maddy’s second birthday and to give thanks to the Lord for her life and His grace, but there remained that last obstacle (the long MRI results) before we could fully celebrate.
I’m giving thanks for Caring Bridge which allowed our friends and partners to be kept abreast of all developments when it was just too hard to answer people’s questions. What a great gift that was. And how blessed we have been for prayers going up around the world for our little wounded warrior. Jack and   Sarah were simply amazing in their faith in spite of doubts and fears. “It is well” will have even deeper meaning hereafter. 
In spite of such a drastic start, we still managed to accomplish much, including a teaching seminar on James, evolving into a SALT class for some of us. (These are college/graduate level classes in partnership with Hope International.) We took a trip to Tijuana to see Abif and to work in the orphanage. We even managed to create a mural for the kids, in spite of all their hands-on “help” as we tried to finish! There were too many glorious moments to recount, but we experienced true joy-being neck deep in what is right and good and true. 
We have practiced hospitality with Ramon, Julia (Jose’s mom,) and various guests for dinners. The Mark Bible study continues with Amelia Harmon and we have had regular visits during that time with another neighbor. Scott is continuing his EARLY morning Bible studies with our Burmese brethren which is a true encouragement to them. Here’s to Scott for being faithful in that commitment.
A busy year stretches out ahead of us, and we truly hope there are no more trials such as we endured in the start of 2022, but we pray for strength and courage for whatever lies ahead. We also hope that the profound realization that life is not promised, that each day is a gift, will help to keep us full of thanks. Alas, we forget so easily.
We are hoping to start a more regular newsletter type communication so that you can continue to pray for us, partner with us, and support us as you have been doing. We will keep you posted.
Grace and peace to you all.
With gratitude, Regan for Church of the Servant-King

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Blog Celebrations Holidays Special events Updates

Upson Downs 1.3.22

Greetings friends and family, Here we are beginning a new year once again. Loosely quoting Dylan Thomas from A Child’s Christmas in Wales, “It was a never-to-be-forgotten day in a memorable year.” Of course, the author is referring to one of those snowy, wonderful, Christmas days of his childhood. Among many other traditions, we watched the sweet, lovely, and charming movie of the same name after our prep night. We had some newbies for our glorious Christmas season this year, the Williams and Liesl. Yearly traditions include Advent, anticipating Christ’s coming into the world for the 4 Sundays before Christmas. We begin caroling practice (or try to) in November, aiming at excellence in our singing to shut-ins, elderly, lonely, and friends. This year we were able to once again venture out in a truck packed with carolers of all ages and sizes. This was followed by the much anticipated pozole and clam chowder, warming up our cold insides, and then on to an abundance of homemade goodies. The faces of those we sang for made the climb in and out of the truck, the cold fingers, and the practice so very worth it. This is the essence of joy: being neck deep in what is right and good and true! We viewed The Nativity Story, as we have done for several years now, preceded by delicious seafood bisque. Once again we revived the tradition of a stroll through Naples and devoured some of John’s amazing Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, filling the little shop with our raucous presence. Christmas Eve found us  savoring anew a scrumptious dinner, the whole evening full of feasting, friends, frivolity, and fellowship. Together we celebrated the Light of the World, and talked about how Jesus brought light into our own lives. What a grand and glorious, never-to-be-forgotten season! 
Is it already time to pack away all our Christmas decorations? No more stockings, hung by the chimney with care until the same time next year.  January promises to be full and meaningful, having a baby shower, members’ retreat, Rich’s memorial (finally), and sending off some folks for a sojourn in the Northwest. 
We covet your prayers and your so many other forms of support, keeping the faith here in this little outpost of Christ’s Kingdom. Like Motel Six, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” May it ever be so.
For Church of the Servant-King,

Regan

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Blog Celebrations Our story

A Reminiscence

When I was in Tucson recently I stayed with a high school friend who graciously allowed me to invite myself into her home. Fifty plus years past high school brings incredible changes in all of us, so we spent some time reacquainting ourselves. Barbara surprised and also blessed me with the question, “Why Rich? What was it that drew you to him?” I got to talk about some of the wonderful things about my husband of 46 years. Sometimes the simple answer would be, “There’s just no one else like him,” which I suppose is true of everyone, but even more so of Rich. If you knew him you’d understand. I told Barbara that I never knew a more courageous nor generous man. He was truly courageous in myriad circumstances, never did I doubt that I was utterly safe in his care. He was not a “tame lion,” but he was good. His generosity knew no bounds whether it be his money, his time, his gifts, his wisdom. His courage and generosity combined when he was not afraid to tell you exactly what he thought! He was generous to share his faith and to carry heavy burdens for others. There was so much more I could have said. Sometime after our initial conversation I texted Barbara and said, “laughter.” Never ever did I enjoy more laughter than in my years with Rich. Barbara gave me a gift by asking me that question, and I could find it easy to talk about that man for a very long time. But subsequently I’ve thought much and realized anew that no one ever loved me so fiercely and deeply as he. He once wrote a song for me when he was on a trip. When he came home he sang it for me. I found it written on a yellow pad and framed it, but I can scarcely look at it without weeping. And I was saddened when all the voice mails I had saved were lost when I got a new phone. Some were sweet, some just asking for something at the store, some cryptic, “Guess what’s my favorite nickname for you?” He had so many terms of endearment, but I never got the answer to that one. I know I will never lose his voice in a song, or in a message, but there was something comforting about being able to hear him ask for a favor. The dance of the leftovers was especially rough this year as it was the first real one we had since he left us. And he is such an integral part of that event: in choosing the songs, and the spirit of joy and gratitude that permeates the time. We were still “Taking Care of Business,” admiring the perfect hair of those “Werewolves in London,” and I could just see him delighting in our line dancing, even in later years watching from his wheelchair but making it fun for others. I also know that Rich was not perfect. He was a terrible patient far too often in his last few years, too stubborn at times. Yet in spite of all, and living in constant pain and frustration, he still was a gift, though the package was much bruised and battered. So I thank my kind and hospitable friend for reminding me how blessed I am to have shared so many years of life, love, laughter, joy, and sorrow with this remarkable man. Thanks!

Regan

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Blog Celebrations Holidays Hospitality Service

Upson Downs 11.29.2021

Well, we did it! We had a grand and glorious celebration of grace and thanksgiving. We received rivers of grace: a visit from the Williams with a good time of connecting, Ramon’s annual holiday weekend with us, okie dokie Henrietta sharing words of wisdom, and seeing Anne after a long absence. Ash dropped in for a visit as well.

Our feast of the leftovers reminded us once again of our abundance, enjoying together  the delicious food prepared by hands of love, and hopefully filling ourselves by returning thanks and remembering blessings too many to fully recount. The dance was wild and crazy as always, with some fun surprises, some poignant moments, and plenty of action. Of course, “midnight bowl” was earlier than usual due to Covid issues, followed by the obligatory trip for more food with the youth after the bowling. There were many achy knees, feet, and general weariness the next day; nevertheless, it was a time to be treasured for years to come.
We began the blessed season with an opportunity to partner with Ramon in his Lutheran Border Ministries by building a house in Tijuana, visiting a children’s home, and providing dental care by Jose and Mary. The delicious icing on that particular cake was reconnecting with our dear Abif. This great event could not have happened without the generous support of the VanHofwegens, Johnny Colombero, and Patty Will. We give thanks for their kind offerings which allowed us to bring joy and shelter in Jesus’ name, and to serve our faithful brother Ramon.

Sunday night was the first Sunday of Advent, anticipating the light breaking into this dark world in the coming of Jesus. We head into this glorious and blessed time with joyful expectation. All the traditions continue as the mantle passes to the next generation. We will be busy in a time full of purpose and profound significance. We are most blessed.
Grace and peace to you all in the name of our beloved Savior.
For Church of the Servant-King, Regan 

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Blog Celebrations Hospitality Special events Teaching Travel Updates

Upson Downs10.31.21

Well, it’s nearly Halloween and fall is upon us, (whatever that means in Southern California!) We have been making several trips to the Northwest (where they do have actual autumn,) hoping to encourage our brothers and sisters in their struggles. As the McCorkels return from Portland, the Kjos duo heads up to hang out for a bit. We will see what lies ahead for us all in this endeavor. Coming off break finds us full and busy as usual, looking forward to life together in God’s great adventure.
One event we are anticipating is our Halloween party on Saturday. We are aware that many of our brethren don’t celebrate this event for obvious reasons, but we approach it as a chance to redeem one more fallen and worldly occasion. We look for fun and frivolity, no evil or scary costumes, and an excuse to eat yummy homemade goodies. The kids’ candy exchange as a post Halloween tradition is great to behold; it’s an exercise in shrewd bargaining, tact, diplomacy, with a little peer pressure thrown in for good measure.
November will keep us occupied with Gene Sonnenberg’s long awaited teaching on leadership, taking the place of our reluctantly canceled Wineskins. We are also anticipating hospitality with the Bynum clan, looking forward to welcoming this faithful family.
We are planning a working trip to Tijuana later in November, working with our brother Ramon in a house build and participating in other aspects of his border ministries. One highlight will be joining Abif there and working alongside him after far too long being apart!
November brings our celebration of Grace and Thanksgiving, one of our life-giving traditions. We also look forward to welcoming the Williams family coming from Bend, Oregon to celebrate with us.
So we continue apace, entering with joy the holiday season ahead. We will miss our dear Rich, as always, remembering our last Thanksgiving together, ever in our hearts and minds with thankful gratitude.
Grace and peace to you and yours, especially in this joyful holy season ahead.
Yours in Him, Regan

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Blog Hospitality Partnership Updates

Upson Downs 8.24.21

Greetings dear ones! It’s time for an update. The “summer of hospitality” continues as we say goodbye to three guests and welcome five more. What an honor and a privilege. I truly marvel that God has found us worthy to be a cup of cold water to our brothers and sisters. As Cassidie is on modified bed rest in order to maximize pregnancy health, God has graciously provided abundant help. That help has come in various forms such as light housework, dinner preparation, and primarily toting around that big baby known as Rocky. He is rambunctious and adventurous, so he needs some alert supervision. Our guests have generously offered assistance, and we are most grateful.

We started our very very early Bible study with our Burmese brethren. Friday morning is the next day in Myanmar and Jack and Scott hosted our first pre-dawn zoom gathering last week. As our brother Garu wrote, “The word of God is the only joy and hope for their lives which give us strength in time of difficulties.” We will be discussing the feasibility of adding another early morning session. Please continue to pray for Myanmar as it is under siege from many directions.
Other than a few colds, we are generally in good health here. Please continue to pray for Lyndsie as she struggles with chronic conditions and the ongoing attempt to ascertain further issues through more testing. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful and encouraged. We are finding ourselves in need of more space as our families continue to grow. We are on the lookout for housing, so keep your eyes and ears open. We’d be thankful for any helpful tips!
Our outdoor Bible study has resulted in some timely contacts in our neighborhood. It was a great blessing and joy to host the Garcia family and to offer housing to the teens while their apartment was being made ready. They are now settling in and making it a home. On Sunday we had two visitors who dropped into our gathering. I believe Rich would be very proud. I think he would be most pleased, but not satisfied, as he often said.
In our Jesus Centered Bible reading for August, in the introduction to Nehemiah, he is described as an “unstoppable hero with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other.” May we be found as well, with the word of God as our sword, and our sleeves rolled up to steadfastly continue the work of God’s Kingdom in this world.
Thanks again for your prayers, love, support, and partnership. Grace and peace to you all, blessings all ours with “ten thousand beside!”

Regan

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Blog Hospitality Partnership Updates Wineskins

Upson Downs 8.1.21

Dearest friends, please continue to pray for us as we welcome more guests. It is critical for us to welcome others and be hospitable; it is even more urgent that we extend that love and grace to those among us here. “Above all hold unfailing your love for one another..” (I Peter 4:8) We must be knit together in love in order to not become easily untangled. The church is both local and universal, yet it is in our day to day dealings with one another that Christ is made manifest and authenticated for others to experience. As Fran and Steve depart, Craig returns, followed by Linda, Liesl, Sean, Kirstin, and subsequently the Miller clan. I want to be full of thanks that the Lord has deemed us worthy and filled our plate with lots of good stuff! May our shoulders be broad enough and our sleeves sufficiently rolled up. Some of you ask about ways to participate in our lives here in Gardena. We have many things happening now and anticipate future events which need your prayers and any other more tangible help you might offer. We look forward to reviving Wineskins, to bringing a young Burmese pastor here to share in our life for an extended stay, to getting Abif back here for good, and to finally having a memorial remembrance for Rich. These are but a few. Many of these things are beyond our reach, so we covet your prayers, your financial support, and your continued friendship and support. Grace and peace to you all for Church of the Servant-King,

Regan

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Blog Celebrations Hospitality Nature and Purpose of the Church Partnership Unity Updates

Upson Downs 7.20.21

The Garcia Reyes family has arrived from Peru! We are again given the honor of being hospitable. Romans 12:13 succinctly states, “Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.” And who knows? We may be “entertaining angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2) The Old Testament is also replete with admonitions to welcome the stranger. It’s a needed reminder to the Israelites that they were once strangers in a strange land. And so are we all, just beggars showing other beggars where to find bread. We have welcomed Jake and Joanna, Ramon, Molly and Paapa, Cassie, Jeff and Linda, the Dickersons, and the Williams in the time since our last update. It’s possible that I have even missed a few! We’re not finished yet as we anticipate the arrival of Liesl, Linda, and the Miller clan in August. I am confident that the Lord will bring more guests to our door. May we be found worthy.
We give thanks that the world is opening up again, and we look forward to what lies ahead. Some of what we are anticipating: Celebration of the Children, Wineskins, Rich’s Memorial, Nature and Purpose of the Church classes, and Member’s Retreat to name but a few. As always, we need “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” We are thankful for your prayers and partnership. Our world desperately needs to see unity manifested; thereby Christ is proclaimed. 
Grace and peace from Church of the Servant-King

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Blog Celebrations Hospitality Our story Special events Updates

Upson Downs 4.1.21

Greetings! Tonight our men are reviving an old tradition- the baseball draft. I am giving thanks for the special memories that such celebrations bring. Jack Read has been participating in this event since his teen years; now he carries on his father’s legacy. Some things, of course, have been interrupted by Covid-19, notably dinner at Phillip’s and opening day at Dodger stadium. But many others remain the same, such as delicious varieties of hot dogs, haggling and negotiating over teams, and lots and lots of laughter. We have been watching The Chosen in anticipation of Easter and also plan to watch The Passion on Good Friday. We will join together for a celebratory meal on Easter Sunday. Easter is the ultimate joke on the Devil: “He is not here. He is risen!” He is risen indeed. Hallelujah! Sean, Kirsten, and Kristy came for a wonderful visit last week. We are so glad to be opening up again, albeit cautiously. It was especially great to enjoy a special meal on the Le’s first anniversary with much of the wedding party in attendance! Our international Bible study has been encouraging and kind of amazing too. Our visiting angels drop in from Mexico, Peru, Myanmar, and closer to home, Oregon. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we are teaching a Spanish Bible study and watching our kids. That’s a lot to cover for our little congregation. He is strong in our weakness. Well, that’s it for now. We are blessed to have the abundant life here, keeping us busy and living life with purpose. There truly is “never a dull moment.” Grace and peace to you all, and joyful Easter. God bless us all, everyone.

Regan