Please enjoy our newsletter from February 2025
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Indelible Memories
Category: Celebrations
Throughout out year we set aside time to celebrate the faithful, to give thanks, and to turn and become like children.
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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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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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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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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
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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Upson Downs 9.15.21
Greetings friends and family! To catch you all up on our recent “doings” I will start with the infusion of new folks into our midst. We welcomed Angie, Trevor, Andres, Isai, and Liesl this past week, so our weekend was spent on work “parties” (WHEE!) to help them get settled in. Yes, we are rather bursting at the seams. We are discussing visions for a new congregation somewhere and are anticipating a move in six months to a year. In the meantime, we will need to find some extra space as the McCorkels are anticipating the arrival of baby #2 next year.
Patty, Jack Read, and I recently spent time in Sellwood visiting and hopefully encouraging the brethren there. Jack just returned Tuesday morning and hit the ground running.
Last weekend we had a Labor Day barbecue and welcomed many guests, friends old and new. We also celebrated Abby’s 4th birthday. It was a grand and glorious time.
Scott and Barb are currently in Atlanta helping with the grandkids and spending time with their daughter and son-in-law. We are glad for their chance to reconnect and pitch in but we will be thankful for their return next week. Speaking of grandparents, Jack M’s mom has been here loving and serving us and getting lots of time with her grandson Rocky, aka “Ruckus.”
My big news is that I finally retired from LAUSD after 37 years. It’s kind of weird and yet kind of wonderful. I discovered that it’s now much easier to lose track of days. Jack, Scott, and I are continuing to offer online exercise classes, and last week we also returned to in person fitness programs. It’s a bit surreal to exercise “socially distanced” and with masks on, but I am so glad to see people face to face (mask to mask?) and to be able to encourage them to be healthy and connect with others.
We are happily busy, celebrating the joy of being “neck deep in what is right and good and true.” We covet your prayers especially for Lyndsie’s health, a shared vision for moving ahead with a new congregation, loving and integrating our new partners, and continuing to love one another. May God’s Church be strong and faithful to God’s call, and may we exhibit the unity Christ appealed for in His prayer of John 17.
Thanks for your faithful friendship, love, support, and interest.
Grace and peace to you all,
For Church of the servant-King,
Regan
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
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