On the weekend of March 1st, the district held its 23rd annual district meeting. Calvary Community Church in Fullerton, CA. hosted the event this year.
Friday evening was a time of worship and fellowship. After a time of singing, each church in the district gave reports of praise and prayer regarding the issues they are facing. 
It was so exciting to hear about the continued progress being made at The Rock, (Chandler) still a "new" on-campus work reaching young adults. We were also thankful to hear about the ministry that Pastor Forrest and Julie have given to the Living Word community of believers. We pray that the Lord will guide Living Word in their search for another pastor.
Pastor Jim (left) reported on the work at Fullerton (see additional pictures below), and the ongoing ministries there. Pastor Terry (Yuma) gave an exciting report on the many avenues of outreach his church has had over the past year. The new church building is near completion and we await the news of the dedication of their new building.
District gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to share with each other some of the joys and concerns from our churches.
On Saturday morning, Dr. Jonathan Lunde, professor at Biola and Talbot School of Theology, gave a teaching seminar on Discipleship in the New Covenant. The first hour he discussed the nature of a covenant and its demands. The two underlying questions that were answered during the seminar were: "Because I've been saved by grace, why should I be concerned to obey Jesus' commands when He has fulfilled the law for me?" Secondly, "How can I obey Jesus' commands without becoming weighed down by legalism?"
One truth that was stated loudly and clearly was that God desires His people to be a righteous people who reflect His righteous character. God's grace is indeed very deep--but that does not diminish His demands of rightousness in His children. The world is NOT seeing Jesus in us, we should allow God's character to tranform us. 
During the morning break, the women that were present at the district meeting gathered at the parsonage for an informal meeting.
The district president, Delvina, gave a brief update of the plans for the PSW District Women's retreat coming in April.
Some ladies also participated in a skit advertising the upcoming retreat.
President Steve led the business sessions following Dr Lunde's seminar. 
Our district has been richly blessed by the presence of our African pastors Jean Mberebe (above) and Blaise Beboua and his wife Barbara. Their insight and wisdom are appreciated.
We had a unique situation at this particular conference. Eleven of the people in attendance had spent time in Africa (one third of the attendees)! The above three adults (plus Forrest, who had already left) grew up in Africa as missionary children. Missionary Kids (MK's) have a special bond that lasts forever.
Meanwhile at Calvary, over in the main sanctuary, Kevin was hard at work replacing the carpet in the church entryway. After tearing out the old carpet and cleaning off the floor, he and his crew were ready to lay the new flooring.
The finished look is wonderful! Thanks Kevin (and crew) for your hard work!
President Steve led the business sessions following Dr Lunde's seminar. Our district has been richly blessed by the presence of our African pastors Jean Mberebe (above) and Blaise Beboua and his wife Barbara. Their insight and wisdom are appreciated.We had a unique situation at this particular conference. Eleven of the people in attendance had spent time in Africa (one third of the attendees)! The above three adults (plus Forrest, who had already left) grew up in Africa as missionary children. Missionary Kids (MK's) have a special bond that lasts forever.
Meanwhile at Calvary, over in the main sanctuary, Kevin was hard at work replacing the carpet in the church entryway. After tearing out the old carpet and cleaning off the floor, he and his crew were ready to lay the new flooring.
The finished look is wonderful! Thanks Kevin (and crew) for your hard work!
Some of the ladies traveled many hours to come to the retreat, others had a shorter drive.
This proved to be one of the places of great memories! In this building, the women enjoyed delicious food and wonderful fellowship. At every meal, the ladies were treated to a fun little favor that co-ordinated with the weekend theme "Walk As Jesus Walked."
There was even a cute little coffee shop ("Altitude") that was open early in the morning for those ladies who needed that jolt of java upon awakening.
The women spent many hours in this building as they sang and prayed together, and listened to the teaching on the theme "Walk As Jesus Walked" from Mark 4. 
The guest speaker for the weekend was Casey Baardson. She challenged us to get to know Jesus intimately so that we can walk as He walked--to read and study the Word of God, to sit under the preaching and teaching of the Word so that we will be able to discern God's will for our lives.
Casey told the women, "God meets you right where you are, because He loves you and wants to lead you. He sees beyond your circumstances and wants to astound you with what He wants to do through you!"
The worship team (from Calvary and Immanuel) led the group in praise
Prayer partners for the coming year were chosen, and the women paired off and enjoyed a time of intercessory prayer for each other.
All of the churches brought items for the silent auction to raise money for women's ministries. This project was very successful, and not only was a good amount of money raised, but many women went home as "happy shoppers!" 
The very talented Faye gave her rendition of Rindercella...
...fears, false teachers, lack of knowledge, distractions. But if we will let Him, Jesus tenderly comes alongside us to open our eyes and ears to give us understanding; He carries our burdens, cleanses us from sin; teaches us the truth (by His Word), calms our fears and walks lovingly beside us all the way to eternity. 
As we closed the opening service, the worship leader, Micah 
On Monday evening, before Pastor Thor Foss (
The 
