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Pacific Southwest District
of the Church of the Brethren
P.O.Box 219, La Verne, CA 91750-0219
UPS: 2705 Mountain View Drive, La Verne CA 91750
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Voice: (909) 392-4049 / Fax: (909) 392-4056

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Last updated 7/15/2010
Note 1: The home churches of persons listed, are in brackets, i.e. (Tucson)
Note 2: The descriptive paragraphs are from the District Constitution
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Ministry Commission

Stewards Commisison

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Program Committee

District Conference Officers

Nominating Committee

Calendar

PSWD Unity Statement

PSWD Mission Statement

PSWD Purpose Statement



back
to the
index		 District Staff:
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
Financial & Property Manager / General Counsel David Castenholz 909-392-4053
Treasurer Larry Woodruff
Administrative Assistant Joe Vecchio 909-392-4051
Secretary Brenda Pérez 909-392-4054


back
to the
index		 Policy Board
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
Board Vice-Chair Marye Martinez (Modesto)
 Thomas Dowdy (Imperial Heights)
 Nohemi F. (Cristo Sion / Pomona Fellowship)(for contact information call 909-392-4049)
 Rehana F. (Modesto)(for contact information call 909-392-4049)
John Gingrich (La Verne)
Dylan H. (La Verne)(for contact information call 909-392-4049)
Mauricio Iacuelli (Circle of Peace, AZ)
John Jackson (Glendale)
Norman Johnson (Waterford)
Janelle Keeling (Bakersfield)
Cady Laycook (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
Mike Martin (Glendora)
Karen Pierson (Church of the Living Savior, McFarland)
Elizabeth Rowan (Pasadena)
Sam Spire (Circle of Peace, AZ)
Linda K. Williams (San Diego)
Mike Wolfsen (La Verne)
Mercedes Zapata (Príncipe de Paz, Santa Ana)
Richard Zapata (Príncipe de Paz, Santa Ana)
Ex-Officio with vote
Clerk Laura Miller (Papago Buttes, AZ)
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)
Moderator-Elect Karen Walters (Papago Buttes)
Ex-Officio without vote
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
Treasurer Larry Woodruff (La Verne)
Standing Committee Lucile Leard (Glendale)


back
to the
index		 Executive Board (members chosen by Policy Board)
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
 Board Vice-Chair Marye Martinez (Modesto)
Ministry Commission Chair John Jackson (Glendale)
Stewards Commission Chair Mike Martin (Glendora)
Ex-Officio with vote (chosen by District Conference)
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)
Moderator-Elect Karen Walters (Papago Buttes)
Ex-Officio without vote
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052

District Board of Administrationback to the index (From the 2007 edition of the PSWD By-Laws)

  1. Purpose. The purpose of the District Board of Administration is to manage and administer the religious and business activities of the District as authorized by the District Conference. The District Board of Administration is comprised of the Policy Board and the Executive Board. The Executive Board is the legal agent of the District and is empowered to act on behalf of the District ad interim except for those actions specifically reserved for the District Conference or the Policy Board as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws.
  2. Membership. The Policy Board consists of seventeen (17) regular members (3 year terms) and up to (3) youth / young adult members (1 year terms) elected by the District Conference with one regular member from each section and the remaining members at-large. Board members elected as sectional representatives need to reside in the section they represent. The Moderator, Moderator-elect and Clerk serve as ex-officio members with vote. The Executive Minister(s), Treasurer and Standing Committee delegate(s) serve as ex-officio members without vote. General Board member(s) residing within the District are invited to attend Policy Board meetings.
  3. Qualifications. A Policy Board member must be a member of a Church of the Brethren congregation within the district for at least one year prior to election and must have demonstrated leadership ability. Youth members must be at least 15 years old and less than 24 years old as of December 31 of the year elected.
  4. Tenure. The term of service is three years. Filling an unexpired term does not constitute a full term. A member is entitled to serve two consecutive full terms. The term of service for youth / young adult members is one year with a maximum of 3 consecutive full terms.
  5. Attendance. It is expected that Policy Board members will maintain attendance at Policy Board meetings. If a member misses three consecutive meetings, the Executive Board should consider declaring the position vacant and appointing a replacement to fill the vacancy.
  6. Organization. The Policy Board is organized annually, under the direction of the incoming Moderator, following election by the District Conference. The Policy Board selects from its elected members a chair, vice chair and the chairs of the Stewards and Ministry commissions. Some members of the Policy Board, excluding the Moderator, Clerk and the Board Chair, are assigned to commissions. The Executive Minister(s), Board Chair and Moderator are ex-officio members of all commissions. The Treasurer meets with the Stewards Commission.
    1. The Chair. The chair performs all duties ordinarily pertaining to the office and other duties that may be assigned by the Policy Board and these By-Laws and serves on the Nominating Committee and as ex-officio member on all committees of the Board and the District Conference Program Committee.
    2. The Vice Chair. The Vice Chair performs all duties and has all authority of the Chair when the Chair is absent and performs other duties as may be assigned by the Policy Board or Executive Board. The vice-chair may serves on a commission but not as a commission chair.
    3. The Treasurer. The Treasurer accounts for all District funds received and disburses same as authorized by the Executive Board;
      1. Makes written reports available to meetings of the Board;
      2. Makes written reports available to meetings of the Policy Board and the Executive Board;
      3. Serves as Chief Financial Officer of the corporation.
    4. The Recording Secretary. The Clerk functions as Recording Secretary, records all Policy Board proceedings and may act as recorder for Executive Board meetings. The clerk also performs other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board.
    5. The Policy Board meets at least 3 times per year;
      1. At District Conference to organize and elect officers,
      2. In retreat to define the "vision" for the year, and
      3. Once to review the "vision" and to review the actions of the Executive Board.
  7. Duties of the Policy Board
    1. The Policy Board shall maintain unity within the district and establish an overall vision for the district by fellowshipping, worshipping, praying, sharing and discerning together God's will for the PSWD.
    2. Review the actions of the Executive Board to ensure they comply with the directives of District Conference and the vision developed by the Policy Board.
    3. Have the sole authority for employment of the District Executive Minister(s). Changes to the employment status of the District Executive Minister(s) require a 2/3 quorum of the voting members of the Policy Board.
    4. Be a source of leadership for Task Groups / Commissions established by the Executive Board.
  8. Executive Board. The Executive Board is composed of the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Ministry Commission Chair and Stewards Commission Chair. Officers are Chair and Vice-Chair. The Moderator and Moderator-elect serve as ex-officio members with vote. The District Executive Minister(s), serve as ex-officio member(s) without vote.
    1. The Executive Board is the legal agent of the District and is empowered to act on behalf of the District ad interim except for those actions specifically reserved for the District Conference or the Policy Board as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws.
    2. The Executive Board reviews the Executive Minister(s) on at least an annual basis and establishes annual salary and benefits of the Executive Minister(s);
    3. Recommends employment and termination of the Executive Minister(s) subject to approval of the Policy Board and in consultation with the Director of District Ministries; and reviews executive staff employment contracts;
    4. Fills any vacancy which may occur in the Policy Board, District Conference officers or other elected offices when provisions for filling such a vacancy are not specifically stated.
    5. Fulfills the directives of the District Conference and makes an annual report to the Conference;
    6. Assigns, defines and interprets responsibilities of the commissions;
    7. Decides the number of members on each commission depending on size of work load;
    8. Creates and dissolves Task Groups when the direction of the District makes it valuable;
    9. Projects long-range planning, sets goals, and initiates new program in harmony with decisions of the District Conference and the vision of the Policy Board
    10. Promotes and administers the total church program in the District;
    11. Defines the number of and geographical boundaries of the sections of the District;
    12. Acts regarding employment of district staff
    13. Has custody of and manages all District capital funds, endowments and annuities, or arranges for such custody and management;
    14. Holds title to District properties;
    15. Negotiates the purchase and sale of property and the borrowing and lending of money on behalf of the District;
    16. Allocates and defines authority with respect to the establishment of bank accounts and the signing of checks;
    17. Prepares the District budget for presentation to the District Conference;
    18. Provides for an annual audit to be done by a public accounting firm and submits the audit to District Conference;
    19. Arranges for bonding of persons handling large sums of money, in an amount set by the Executive Board;
    20. Receives, considers and responds to concerns brought by individuals or church groups;
    21. Brings queries and other business items to the District Conference and processes queries from local churches for District Conference action;
    22. Acts on recommendations from the Ministry Commission regarding nominees for ordination;
    23. Acts regarding new church plants;
    24. Appoints committees and makes appointments;
    25. Annually appoints a Treasurer from outside its membership;
    26. Affirms commission appointments.


to the
index		 Youth / Young Adult Members with vote (one year terms)
Nohemi F. (Cristo Sion / Pomona Fellowship) (for contact information call 909-392-4049)
 Rehana F. (Modesto) (for contact information call 909-392-4049)
 Dylan H. (La Verne) (for contact information call 909-392-4049)

Ministry Commission: (From the 2007 edition of the PSWD By-Laws)
  1. The Ministry Commission gives counsel and guidance to all ministerial matters in the District;
  2. Counsels and assists churches and individuals in extending and receiving calls to the ministry, becoming equipped and trained for ministry, and licensing and ordaining ministers;
  3. Annually reviews the status of licensed and ordained ministers and lay speakers in the District and makes recommendations to the Executive Board regarding any change in status;
  4. Seeks ways to strengthen the relationships and understanding between congregations and pastors;
  5. Encourages and assists pastors in their professional and personal growth.
  6. Along with the local congregation, the Ministry Commission in behalf of the Board, has the authority for licensing persons to the ministry and for overseeing their nurture in the process of preparing for ordination.
  7. The Ministry Commission reviews all applications for ordination to the ministry and makes recommendations to the Executive Board. The Commission shall proceed with ordination when the Executive Board and local congregation vote approval.
PSWD By-Laws: III.F. . . . All members of the Board, excluding the Moderator, Clerk and the Board Chair, are assigned to commissions. The Executive Minister(s), Board Chair and Moderator are ex-officio members of all commissions. The Treasurer meets with the Stewards Commission.


to the
index

Ministry Commission, District Board of Administration
Chair John Jackson (Glendale)
Bill Haldeman-Scarr (Pomona)
Janelle Keeling (Bakersfield)
Karen Pierson (Church of the Living Savior, McFarland)
Ex-officio members
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)

Stewards Commission: (From the 2007 edition of the PSWD By-Laws)
  1. The Stewards Commission aids and challenges the churches and other District groups to be faithful stewards of God-given resources;
  2. Promotes programs of general stewardship education and enlistment;
  3. Encourages support for the general work of the board, commissions, and Task Groups and for specific projects;
  4. Supervises the financial interests of the district;
  5. Safeguards and utilizes the property, assets and equipment of the District; and Recommends the annual budget.
PSWD By-Laws: III.F. . . . All members of the Board, excluding the Moderator, Clerk and the Board Chair, are assigned to commissions. The Executive Minister(s), Board Chair and Moderator are ex-officio members of all commissions. The Treasurer meets with the Stewards Commission.


to the
index

Stewards Commission, District Board of Administration
Chair Mike Martin (Glendora)
John Gingrich (La Verne)
Norman Johnson (Waterford)
Elizabeth Rowan (Pasadena)
Mike Wolfsen (La Verne)
Richard Zapata (Principe de Paz/Santa Ana)
Ex-officio members
Treasurer Larry Woodruff (La Verne)
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)
Related Staff
Financial & Property Manager David Castenholz (La Verne)
(From the 2007 edition of the PSWD By-Laws)
The District Conference Program Committee consists of five members: Moderator, Moderator-elect, and three persons elected by the District Conference. The Moderator-elect convenes the first meeting. The committee chooses its own Chair. An elected member serves for three years and may serve two successive terms. Terms are staggered so that one member is elected each year. The Board Chair; the President of Pacific Southwest Women, or her representative; and the District Youth Coordinator, in years when this or a similar position is filled, serve ex-officio. The committee is responsible for planning the conference program, obtaining leadership, and making all necessary arrangements for the conference, in cooperation with on-site representatives.


to the
index

District Conference Program Committee
Russ Matteson (Modesto)
Sara Haldeman-Scarr (San Diego)
Annette Martin (Glendora)
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)
Moderator-Elect Karen Walters (Papago Buttes)
Ex-Officio Members:
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
Virginia Diaz, District Women's Fellowship President (Pomona Fellowship)
District Youth Coordinator, in years when this or a similar position is filled
Richard & Linda Hart, On-Site Coordinators (Pomona Fellowship)

(From the 2007 edition of the PSWD By-Laws)
Officers of the District Conference are the Moderator, the Moderator-elect, and the Clerk. The Board chair and the District Executive Minister(s) are ex-officio.
  • The Moderator prepares the agenda for District Conference, in cooperation with the officers of District Conference; becomes familiar with parliamentary procedure; presides at the business sessions of the District Conference; appoints tellers and timekeeper; serves on all District committees and on the Policy Board and the Executive Board as an ex-officio member, with the exception of The Shalom Team; studies the needs and program of the District and makes reports and recommendations to the District Board of Administration; may deliver a moderator's address at the annual District Conference; and is an ex-officio member (without vote) on the Board of Directors of Brethren Hillcrest Homes.
  • The Moderator-Elect performs all the duties of the moderator when the moderator is unable to serve; may assist at the moderator's request in presiding over a portion of the business session; contacts local leaders and congregations in the interest of the District program; represents the moderator on inter-church agencies and serves as an ex-officio member of the Policy Board and the Executive Board; and serves as a member of the District Conference Program Committee and will convene its first meeting.
  • The Clerk serves on the Nominating Committee; records the minutes of the District Conference, and in cooperation with the District Executive Minister(s) prepares the minutes for publication and distribution to the local congregations; forwards to the Annual Conference secretary any queries passed to Annual Conference by the District Conference; assists in the interpretation of the minutes of the District Conference; serves as an ex-officio member of the Policy Board; and records the minutes of the Policy Board. The Clerk may be requested by the Executive Board to attend its meetings as the recorder.


to the
index		 District Conference Officers
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)
Moderator-Elect Karen Walters (Papago Buttes)
Clerk Laura Miller (Papago Buttes, AZ)
Ex-Officio Members
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052


to the
index		 Legal Officers of the Corporation (From the 2007 edition of the PSWD Constitution & By-Laws Constitution Article II) All legal documents shall be signed by two of the officers:
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
 Board Vice-Chair Marye Martinez (Modesto)
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
(From the 2007 edition of the PSWD Constitution & By-Laws By-Laws Article III.F.3.c.) The Treasurer serves as Chief Financial Officer of the corporation.

(From the 2007 edition of the PSWD By-Laws)
The Nominating Committee consists of six members: district moderator, clerk, chair of the Board, and three members elected by the District Conference. An elected member serves for three years and may not serve successive terms. Terms are staggered so that one member is elected each year. The Moderator convenes the first meeting, at which the committee elects its chair. Members who serve by virtue of office serve for the duration of the office they fill.
  • Nominating Committee presents to the District Conference a ballot for each vacancy...


to the
index		 District Conference Nominating Committee
2010 Donna Stanford (Waterford)
2011 Christi Bowman (Church of the Living Savior, McFarland)
2012 Thelma Keeling (Bakersfield)
Clerk Laura Miller (Papago Buttes, AZ)
Moderator Felton Daniels (Modesto)
Board Chair Don Fancher (South Bay, Redondo Beach)
Ex-Officio Members
District Executive Minister Don Booz 909-392-4052
 
2010 Statements:
PSWD District Conference, 1/9/2010
Mission:  To support congregations in their calling to serve, baptize, and teach in the name of Jesus Christ.
Vision:  To be a visible community of faith, supporting and engaging a variety of Christ-centered ministries.
Core Values:  Christ-likeness, Love, Service, Peacemaking, Simplicity, Diversity, Social Responsibility,
Fiduciary Responsibility, Ecumenism
 
Unity Statement:
PSWD District Conference, 10/13/2007
On this 300th anniversary of the founding of the Church of the Brethren, we remember the words of Jesus:
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13: 34, 35; The Message)
Recognizing we are a living peace church, and that God is constantly revealing, we commit to humble ourselves, and to engage in the tension of community necessary for new birth.
Not focusing on our differences, but in the spirit of love and acceptance, we choose to focus on Christ.
We purpose to remain open, as we listen to one another and to the Holy Spirit, working in love to mutually support and encourage our various ministries.
 
Mission Statement:
PSWD District Conference, 10/12/1996
The Pacific Southwest District supports the life, growth, and witness of Church of the Brethren congregations within its boundaries, for the building up of the body of Christ, through nurturing its congregations toward healing and wholeness, consciously lifting up joys and sharing in pains of its members and congregations, building inter-congregational and denominational relationships, within the faithful witness of Scripture, recognizing that the statements of Annual Conference reflect the consensus of our larger community of faith.
(Some Scriptures that undergird and direct the above thinking are: Ephesians 4:11-16; Galatians 6:1-10; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Matthew 5-7; Luke 15; and John 15.)
 
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of the Pacific Southwest District is to coordinate and promote the religious and business activities of the Church of the Brethren in the District and of other religious organizations as they relate to the activities of the Church of the Brethren in the District consistent with the polity of the Church of the Brethren as established by Annual Conference.
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