RESCUE25
- PSD
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Trinity Lutheran Church in Simi Valley, CA joyfully hosted what is now set to become the Annual Region 1 RESCUE event, gathering youth and leaders from across our Pacific Southwest District. Even with periodic rain and cooler temperatures, God provided a day overflowing with energy, fellowship, and Gospel-centered purpose.
More than 45 students in grades 6–12, alongside 15 pastors and youth leaders from seven Region 1 congregations, came together for worship, a hands-on mission project, games, great food, and shared encouragement. The day was strengthened by the presence of six DCE students from Concordia University Irvine and the dedication of 15 Trinity volunteers, all working collaboratively to support and serve our youth.
RESCUE25 was born from a growing District commitment to cooperation and collaboration among congregations—standing shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters in Christ from different communities to do ministry together. In addition to the youth programming, pastors and leaders gathered for meaningful conversation about deepening collaboration across Region 1 in all areas of ministry.
Worship framed the day, led by Trinity DCE Jonah Sielaff and Pastor Robert Barker, centering on the theme of being rescued by Christ through Colossians 1:12–14. Students were reminded that Jesus has delivered them from darkness into His kingdom—and that they are sent to share that rescue with others who do not yet know Him. The call to live fully as salt and light rang clearly throughout the day. Trinity’s Praise Team, along with CUI students, brought joyful leadership and helped sustain an atmosphere of celebration and faith.
Throughout the afternoon, students connected through icebreakers, group challenges, and games that kept everyone engaged. Dinner was provided through the Habit Food Truck, offering a relaxed space for conversation and relationship-building across congregations.
A special strength of RESCUE25 was the intentional inclusion of CUI DCE students, giving them opportunities to serve and lead beyond their usual contexts. Their presence was a gift to our youth and to the wider ministry of the District.
The service project captured the spirit of the event in a powerful way. Students assembled and decorated “Hopebooks” in partnership with WeLive, a youth-led leadership group in Los Angeles focused on supporting teen mental health. Each journal was filled with Scripture and encouragement, reminding recipients that they, too, are loved and rescued by Christ. In a beautiful reflection of our theme, students were quite literally rescuing students with hope rooted in Jesus.
We give thanks to God for the many partners who made this day possible: Trinity Lutheran, Region 1 churches, the Region 1 Circuit 3 Mission Society, Concordia University Irvine, and the Pacific Southwest District. Because of this shared effort, the Gospel of Christ was proclaimed with clarity, joy, and unity.
As the event closed, one message was repeated again and again by students and leaders alike:
“Can we do this every year?”
Praise be to God - He is @ Work in the PSD!
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