Author: Regan

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Upson Downs: March Madness?

Shall I start with an apology or a cliche? Or shall I just start on the daunting task of updating you all on our latest goings-on? I choose the latter, so here goes: Already in the month of March (!!), we are shooting for full coronavirus vaccinations among our adults. I hope you get the point! As Covid-19 cases abate, we are opening up to more visitors. It was a  real joy to welcome a Peruvian family this past Thursday, who stopped by because our out front presence attracted their interest; we shared a meal and God’s word with our new acquaintances. As our Thursday zoom Bible study continued, we were relieved and thankful to see a brother from Myanmar. Things are getting worse there since the military coup, and danger seems to be escalating. Also, communications are being severed throughout the country, so contact with those in Myanmar is a real blessing.  


The Jesus Centered Bible has been our focal point for 2021. It’s a helpful way of synthesizing the Bible and helps to turn our eyes upon Jesus, which is only appropriate-as Colossians 2:17 states, “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” Everything coheres in Him. Without Him, the world is truly incoherent, and the void is filled with a “striving after the wind.” We are also continuing our reading. Currently we are being edified by Os Guiness’ book The Call, and are reading a Bible companion guide.


We are busy and productive, seeking to equip ourselves and grow in the measure and stature of our Lord. We are looking forward to a leadership study through Hope International University, led by Jack McCorkel in partnership with our mentor, Gene Sonnenberg. We seek to be ever more thankful, prayerful, and accountable to one another. It’s also crucial to connect with our culture and challenge what we are facing with God’s eternal truths. It is our prayer that others might say of us, “See how they love one another,” validating the identity of Christ in our lives.


We are looking forward (finally!) to the wedding of Leslie and Jeremiah in April. They have been very patient in the disappointment and uncertainty. Leslie will be sorely missed, but we are full of thanks, anticipating much fruit in the Kingdom and we are even glad for the delay in some ways, as it seems to have had some unforeseen benefits.


Rich is still deeply missed here, but continues to be integral to life together in so many ways. His memories, his teachings, his leadership and love linger among us. His library enriches us and his scholarship resonates in myriad ways. We were uniquely gifted by his presence.


As for me, I am recuperating here in this lovely space known as the B & B. It was designed and constructed by loving hands. Here it stands as a beautiful reminder of what love in action looks like. It’s named the Bird and the Baby in honor of Rich, and in honor of that great saint, C.S. Lewis, and his favorite pub in England. It is the perfect spot to heal after hip replacement. It’s amazing how the human body heals, and how human creativity and gifted hands of doctors are used in the process. Thanks be to God, the ultimate healer and Creator in whose image we have been made.
My physical therapist is on her way, so I will close, knowing I have missed telling you about so much of the joyful and abundant life with which God has graciously blessed us.


Keep us in your prayers, and thank you so much for your interest in our lives here at Church of the Servant-King.
Grace and peace to you all,

Regan

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Blog Celebrations Our story Updates

Upson Downs: Happy New Year!

For those of you who are interested in our life here, thanks for reading my intermittent writings. Never has a silly title, “Upson Downs” been more appropriate than in describing the year 2020. As Ben Rector sings in his Thanksgiving Song, “‘Cause we made it through, I do believe, the longest year in history…” And so I do also believe last year seemed to go on far too long. There’s always the recap of events from the previous year, and we had some truly unforgettable occurrences. 
Jack took his 3 week mission trip to Southeast Asia with Gene Sonnenberg where he literally preached to and taught thousands. What a truly remarkable opportunity! The joy of this journey was deeply overshadowed by the death of Rich, as Jack was en route home. Rich’s passing was not unexpected as he had been seriously ill for a long time, and especially in the last few months of his life. Thankfully Rich was home for his last Christmas, 2019, but was in and out of the hospital the rest of his days, more often hospitalized than not. We were able to be with him, never leaving him alone right up to his last breath. This was not the homecoming we had wished for Jack, but he and Rich had counted the cost together before Jack embarked. And it was especially costly for two men who had loved each other so intensely. The whole holiday season of 2020 was indelibly marked by Rich’s conspicuous absence. Rich, the tradition maker, the lavish gift giver, the master storyteller, the event planner, the one who made every occasion remarkable and unforgettable was not with us this year. But he was remembered and celebrated and will be forever I hope, as his legacy lives large in and among us.
Then Covid-19 came to our shores and changed all of us forever. On March 13th, an administrator came to my ESL class and sent everyone home, presumably for a couple of weeks while our buildings were sanitized. Most of us left a lot of our “stuff” in our classrooms, anticipating a short absence. And here we are, January of 2021, never returning to our classrooms, learning to teach remotely, attempting to navigate the wide and wild world of the internet to connect to our students. Zoom was the primary connecting point, with so many other platforms arising to meet the needs of reaching every student, keeping them interested and engaged from afar. Most of us worked from home and were able to stay employed. We were here in our homes still near one another, able to connect daily, reaping an unforeseen benefit of life in community. Our homeschooled children barely noticed the difference educationally, but navigated a new reality outside of school  with masks and restrictions and unspoken anxieties and uncertainties. 
New challenges brought new opportunities, and technology allowed us to reach across great distances for online Bible studies. Brethren from Myanmar have dropped in, along with local friends, new seekers, connections from Mexico and Ohio. We finished new books this year: Families at the Crossroads, Love Thy Body, Healing the Wounded, and Priests to Each Other. We have carried on our life together by God’s grace, and were able to send some of our own to strengthen and encourage our brothers and sisters in other congregations.
Notably, three new lives have graced us in 2020, Madeleine Jane, Richard David (Rocky,) and Julia Rose. Blessings all ours with 10,00 beside. Great is thy faithfulness, oh God our Father!
So much more I could say, but this has already gone on much too long. So to the “longest year in history” we bid farewell, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith to lead us through another year of life in the Kingdom. May we be found faithful. Here’s to a year of love, joy, partnership, repentance, challenges, adventure, and surprises. Keep us in your prayers. Grace and peace to you all.

-Regan

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Upson Downs

Greetings all! Remember me? I’m so sorry I haven’t kept up on the latest info from us. I hope you are well, as we have been. Since our Covid encounter and quarantine adventures, we have all stayed negative. Who ever thought being negative would be a good thing?? We have had to undertake some traveling for Kingdom purposes, and we all have deemed this as acceptable risk, evaluating each need on an individual basis. As a result, some of us are currently observing a quarantine period, as will some others when they return. It is our hope and prayer that we will all be clear and available to celebrate Christmas together. This year promises to be bittersweet as we mourn the loss of a beloved one as we welcome three new little ones to their first Christmas.
Thanksgiving was wonderful albeit quite different from the past where we ministered together to the lonely and needy. We prepared 15 extra meals which we delivered to recipients who were alone or needing the sustenance of food and encouragement. We ate together outside with our small gathering and only 2 guests. Our traditional Dance of the Leftovers was modified to conform to Covid restrictions. But we remembered those who were not with us with a classic, “Werewolves of London,” and not just a few tears. Dancing six feet apart lacks the intimacy and some of the joy we have experienced over the years, but we did our best.
As we anticipate the advent of our Savior into our lost and broken world, we strategize for a modified version of Christmas caroling, celebrating the light and hope of the world. We pray for the year ahead, and look forward to a wedding in January, and all the adventure of life in the Kingdom.
Be well and be of good cheer. God rest ye merry!

Regan

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Blog Our story

The Richest Estate

The envelope arrived in the mail with no fanfare: from the estate of H. Richard Read. Inside was nestled a check for $1.82. That’s correct; the entire estate of H. Richard Read amounted to $1.82. I think I will frame the check so I can be reminded of the true riches he left behind.

You can’t put a dollar amount on the “real” estate that Rich left all those who knew him. My kids and grandkids now share the home that we bought together forty some years ago. This old house has seen a lot of life, and that continues to this day. Just this week a man who recently was released from prison, someone we had helped years ago, stopped by to say hello. Even in this age of Covid, people who have been loved, cared for, touched by us, show up. It’s a relief for them to know that we are still here. There’s something to be said for just staying. Constancy is a rare but precious commodity. Longevity too often loses the battle to novelty, and we are the worse for it.

Yesterday, my son and older granddaughter watched the Yankees play in the post-season. This is the first baseball season that Rich and Jack have missed watching together. And it was bittersweet. This is but one of many traditions Rich instigated and which continue to this day, this week, this season, this year. The baseball draft, meticulously choosing fantasy teams, enjoying yummy food, and launching lighthearted rivalries-this is part of the Rich estate. Opening day at Dodger stadium with the traditional stop at Phillipe’s for French dip is eagerly anticipated annually. Perhaps some day in the future, the grandkids will continue to honor Gramps’ legacy in this way, taking their children to Yankee games, laughing, cheering, and munching their way through nine or more innings. May it be so.

Recently Jack was appreciating his long friendship with Ryan, remembering Rich’s example of enduring friendships. Rich had great and faithful friends because he was a great and faithful friend. To find one true friend in this world is elusive, especially in the age of virtual “friends.” But Rich formed those strong alliances; loyal, faithful, and long lasting friendships which stood the test of time. As Rich’s health declined in his later years, these friends just “showed up,” as Rich had done for them countless
times before. That’s what I call “real” estate!


And books… a cavalcade of books, from the ridiculous to the sublime. As we are still organizing Rich’s voluminous library, we find everything for the bibliophile: knock-knock jokes, theology, history, children’s books, Bibles, animal, vegetable, mineral, it’s all there. There are first editions, dust covers intact, in pristine condition, and books gleaned from thrift stores, with stickers of 99 cents, or even $1.99. Books are to be treasured, revered, and cared for diligently, whether expensive or bargain basement. This legacy is also bequeathed to future generations. Stories are carefully culled over and selected, just the right words for the right occasions. Christmas stories, scary stories, poetry, allegories all come alive as read by Rich to audience
young and old. Funny bedtime stories are read at Wineskins year after year, eagerly anticipated. Whether we hear them for the first or fourth time, they are always special and memorable. Personal stories, created for each child bring characters to life: Murky, Urbootie, and Noah Growl. The stories are as unique and individual as each child. The characters are as unforgettable today as their creator.


Music came to life in the Read estate. Songs were sung every night at bedtime. There were always the classics, and then the made-up songs, again each tailored to and special for each child. Today the son sings the same songs to his daughters; the daughter sings to her son. Special songs bring a flood of memories. “Now Is the Hour, When We Must Say Goodnight,” “Danny Boy,” “Heart of My Heart,” “Shine on Harvest Moon,” are just of few of the nightly renditions the kids eagerly anticipated. Once, when Rich returned from a trip to the Northwest, he told me he had written a song for me. And he had. And he wrote the words down and he sang it for me. It is framed in my room, one of the ineffable memories of Rich.


These are but of few of the invaluable gifts bestowed on all who knew Rich, with ripple effects ever extending outward. Some gifts are tangible, they are worn, or read, or listened to, or looked at, or admired, or played with. We are still finding hidden treasures among all that has been left behind; Rich’s special gift of presence and presents. Thoughtful foresight left gifts for the babies coming whom he would never get to meet. While they will never meet Gramps, he will have indelibly touched their lives, and the lives of those yet to come.


In the worldly sense, the estate of H. Richard Read: $1.82. In Kingdom currency: priceless.
Regan Read
October 10, 2020

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Upson Downs 9-17-2020

Last week we had another ESCC (El Segundo Christian Church) ecumenical meeting with 13 people, pastors and other church folk, discussing topics and concerns of today. We dipped our toes in the murky waters of racial reconciliation. We do not expect to exhaust this issue by any means, but we know it is at the heart of the Gospel, and we must try. Opening up communication in Christ’s name is a start, always remembering that Christ died to break down the dividing wall of hostility.

To that end, and to the goal of mutual understanding and respect, we are committed to seeking unity in Christ’s kingdom. This is a daunting task to be sure, not for the faint of heart, but necessary if we want to live authentically in Jesus’ name.

We are continuing our “international” Zoom Bible studies on Thursday nights, as well as our Sunday morning outdoor gathering, with social distancing. This seems to be of great benefit to all those participating. This week we will be working on apologetics, equipping the saints to always have an answer for the hope that lies within us. Please continue to pray for all our outreach endeavors.

This week a few old friends stopped by, and it reminds us how great it is to be found faithful where people can still locate us.It seems to bring comfort to people through the years to know that we are still here. We were glad to hear some wonderful memories of Rich, how he has touched peoples’ lives, and how he loved others so deeply and so well. A young man recounted that Rich was the first person who said “I love you” to him when he was 14 years old. That’s the Spirit.

We wish you all well and are grateful for your prayers, support, encouragement, and interest in our lives. We can’t be us without you, and we believe the reverse is also true, according to God’s word. Stay well and faithful. Grace and peace to you all.

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Apologetics Updates

On Reading Books

book with Kindle
On Reading Books by Regan Read

For my 70th birthday I got a Kindle, something quite new and different for me. It’s amazing and thoughtful; there are 1000’s of books at one’s fingertips. It’s so lightweight and compact that it’s entirely portable. I shall never again be stuck somewhere without something to read.

Strangely, this wonderful gift caused me to do some serious reflection on something very dear to me-books. I grew up in homes surrounded by books of every kind. Both my parents were serious readers; I looked forward to going to the library to get…more books! The Kindle is ingenious, and I will make great use of it, but there’s nothing to compare with books, at least in my book.

Some think of books as relics of a bygone era, bound for obsolescence, but I object! The feel of a book in your hands, turning the pages, now that’s sublime. A new book has a smell rivaling that “new car” smell. And leather binding really seals the deal for me. Or what about holding the book of a loved one, and seeing all their notes and observations, or just cherishing the thoughts of someone no longer here? That’s a privilege not for everyone but the very blessed.

Not everyone gets the joy of having a book, but today it’s much taken for granted. When people misuse or abuse books, it makes me a little sad. They just don’t understand the treasure they possess. When kids dog ear book pages, it’s a bit outrageous. And when the book is turned upside down to hold a place, well, that’s simply cruel and unusual punishment. Sometimes I will say, “Can’t you hear that? It’s your book crying because you are breaking its spine.” Okay, so that’s a little weird. Tear a book’s pages? Write in it? Leave it on the ground and step on it? Perish the thought!

Many years ago Rich taught a class on how to read a book. You might think that’s rather obvious, but I’m just sorry that most of you missed it. First, look it over. Then, read the table of contents. Anticipate what you are about to discover. Thumb through the pages, carefully, of course. Scan for meaning. But most important of all, “skim the cream.” Anyone can critique a book, pick out its flaws and deficiencies, but it takes discipline to purposefully choose to find what is good. Sometimes there’s more chaff than wheat, but there may always be a nugget you might have otherwise overlooked.This lesson will serve you well in life; seek what is good, right, and true, and you will more likely encounter it.

We all know that books are full of words, and we know that Jesus was the Word from the beginning, so we must never take words, nor books lightly. From them we can discern truth from falsehood. A discerning reader can find truth in myriad places. After all, our Lord was a consummate storyteller, and the ultimate truth teller. In fact, He is the Truth, and the Way, and the Life. And of course, we have The Book, the word which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Many have given their life for it, dedicated their lives to translating it, taken it to the ends of the earth. Do not make theirs a vain sacrifice.

In many a doomsday scenario, there is no electricity, power source, civilization. Only darkness. Once there were Dark Ages, where it seemed light, and truth, and wisdom, and culture, and history, and words, and knowledge were in danger of extinction. Who were the keepers of these treasures? The dedicated God fearers, who preserved for future generations the words of life and light. Who will keep them for those who come behind us? There is yet beauty to behold in the pages of a book, to edify, instruct, delight and bring joy to others. But today we have books. Let’s treasure them.

If I were a poet, I’d write an ode to the glory of books, or if I were a musician, I could write a symphony. But for today, I will let this small tribute to one of my favorite things suffice. And I will try to keep my own counsel, never again to take a good book, or The Good Book for granted. May it be so.

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Upson Downs 9-4-2020

Another busy week flies by here at Church of the Servant King. We are getting ready to celebrate Labor Day weekend with a barbecue and a celebration for Abby’s third birthday. A heat wave is expected, so we may need to barbecue in our wading pool. 

We finished reading Where Is God in a Coronavirus World? and are finishing up Families at the Crossroads which presents a cogent argument for a new paradigm for the church. ..

“We do well to remember that the early church was based in the households of Rome. The Christians of the New Testament worshiped together in their homes, welcomed and supported missionaries in homes, evangelized in homes, assisted the poor in homes and challenged the undue claims of Caesar in homes. On all counts, they regarded the home as something more significant, more challenging, more exciting than a haven.” 

Rodney Clapp Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Tradition Modern Options

The book is remarkably relevant today though it was written in 1993. 

Our new babies are thriving. Surprisingly although close in age, Rocky has far outdistanced Julia in size (and appetite!) They’re gradually getting the hang of nighttime vs. daytime, for which their parents are very grateful.

We give thanks for our Thursday night Zoom Bible study which is taking us and our guests through the book of Matthew. We have new folks “Zooming” in, as well as our “regulars.” In spite of Corona-virus, we are able to reach into our community and even further in the world (Mexico and Myanmar.)

Please continue to pray for us. Further up and further in.

Regan

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Updates

Upson Downs 8-27-2020

Greetings readers, once again it’s been awhile since I last wrote. When it seems life will slow down, it just gets busier. But that’s a good thing (I think.) We have been praying for people to show an interest in Bible studies, or perhaps just asking life questions. Our prayers have been positively answered, and folks are coming our way with various questions, curiosity, life issues, and experiences. We have gone global with some of Jack’s contacts in Myanmar participating in our Thursday Zoom Bible studies, as well as folks throughout the United States and also Mexico. In addition, we have two personal Bible studies happening weekly face-to-face (or mask-to-mask!) We also have a Sunday morning socially distanced gathering which includes 4-6 visitors at various levels with different needs and wonderings. Be careful what you pray for! 

This year we thought we might need to skip our spectacular Celebration of the Children, but decided to go ahead with a revised, truncated, covid-style COC. As usual, God multiplied our loaves and fishes and we had a great time with our kids. Our water day was really amazing with an impressive water slide and plenty of shenanigans. We saw some fun movies, enjoyed buddy dinners (at home), played hilarious yard games in which we all remembered our childlikeness, and we took this small opportunity to honor and appreciate God’s gifts of our children. We do need to be reminded of our Savior’s admonition to “turn and become like children.” This seems to require prodding at times, as well as personal decisions to embrace Jesus’ words. It was good and important, and we trust that the event was pleasing to our Lord. 

Once again, God sent more than just a cup of cold water our way in the form of Kirstin and Sean, courtesy of our brothers and sisters at Refuge. They may seem unlikely angels, but it was timely and much needed. They watched our kids, sawed logs, mowed lawns, ran errands, cooked dinner, organized, and pitched in wherever and whenever needed. With only minor burns and other mishaps, they definitely laid down their lives. This is the family of God as it should be. We prayed them on their way this morning, and hope their journey home is safe and uneventful.

Stay well and encouraged. Rejoice in the Lord always!

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Upson Downs 8-7-2020

This week we are all giving thanks that the new babies are back to birth weight and thriving. With their early appearances and various health challenges, it’s been even harder to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) with newborns than usual. It’s great that fathers these days are given time off from work, too. What a wonderful gift to parents and infants as well.

We find ourselves challenged and excited about many new opportunities coming our way. Accordingly, we are rearranging our schedules and teaching times to accommodate new folks who are asking some of the great questions of life. As we are admonished, we must always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. If we really believe that Jesus has the words of life, we must be equipped to share those truths. We are utterly dependent on the partnership of Christ’s Holy Spirit in all our endeavors. If there’s no hope in Jesus Christ, then we are without hope, indeed. Especially in these days where hope seems to be in short supply, we want to be purveyors of it even more than ever before. John Lennox’s book, Where Is God in a Coronavirus World, has been timely. Although small, it covers weighty matters succinctly. 

If there’s no hope in Jesus Christ, then we are without hope, indeed.

We teachers are preparing for another strange and remote school year, seeking to use the many new tools and technological advances wisely. Some of us have a much steeper challenge than others in that regard. We want to reach and to care for our students as best we can from a distance. Nothing can really replace the experience of being face to face, connecting personally, not virtually. But we will strive to make the most of what we have, and like everyone else, hope and pray for breakthroughs in the eradication of a virus that currently holds the entire world hostage. At the same time we are giving thanks to the God of all hope who keeps us busy, gives us purpose, and reminds us of his constant presence among us.

Stay well,

for Church of the Servant King, Regan

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Blog Gospel Our story Teaching Updates

Upson Downs 7-30-20

Summer is racing by with no resolution to many of our modern dilemmas: worldwide pandemic, social unrest, economic challenges, remote work and school. There is no end in sight, and it’s easy to get caught up in the politics of the day, or look for magic solutions. We believe that Jesus really is the answer, but what does that mean in a practical sense? 

We believe that Jesus really is the answer, but what does that mean in a practical sense? 

Regan Read

We at Church of the Servant-King are wrestling with these very questions, challenging ourselves to greater faithfulness in unprecedented times. The politics of Jesus: radical forgiveness, loving your enemies, life laid down for others, uncompromising faithfulness, sacrifice, loving God-these are timeless truths. In light of this, as Francis Schaeffer poignantly asked, “How shall we then live?” 

Rather than be utterly paralyzed by the overwhelming weight of God’s call on our lives, we strive to at least be faithful in small things, which Scripture tells us, will enable us to be faithful in grander achievements. Accordingly, we have expanded our Thursday night Zoom Bible Study, reaching out more purposefully to our community, loving the lonely through calls, notes, and encouragement.

screenshot from a recent online bible study
Experiencing digital connections with Zoom at a recent Bible Study.

We are beginning an online forum with church leaders, seeking an ecumenical dialogue and partnership regarding how to love the world in turbulent times. We are ever more aware of the need to break down barriers and are working with a large sister congregation to embody the truths we say we believe. As we take nightly walks, we have an increased burden to greet our neighbors and make friendly connections. Community building is a call on all our lives. 

Enough for now! We hope you stay well and encouraged, and, as always, we appreciate your prayers and feedback.