The PEACE Farm at Rancho Capistrano

06/11/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, June 13, 2026

It's not often our Farm volunteers hear about the outstanding results of their service work. I received an email from Nathan Gipple, who coordinates the special education students from the Orange County Department of Education. Two busloads of students participate in various Farm activities every Friday. Below is Nathan's message to all of us.

Peace Farm Team,

As we have concluded our visits for the summer, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for the amazing site the Peace Farm volunteers have opened for our students, and the kind interactions between Farm volunteers and our staff and students. It has been a pleasure collaborating with all of you on taking care of the growing beds and garden site, as well as working on projects related to the harvests we were able to produce (lavender sachets).

We are currently planning to resume Peace Farm classes in September, and I would be happy to schedule a call ahead of that to discuss mutual goals and planned activities.

Again, on behalf of my fellow staff and their students, thank you for an amazing year! Please share this email with your wonderful volunteer team.

Nathan

Serving God brings so many benefits. I like the old hymn "The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows."

The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows

Thank you, Phil and Ilene, for setting up a Peace Farm volunteer booth last Sunday at the San Juan Campus. Several people became interested in visiting the Farm and showed interest in serving at the Farm. Thank you Vincent Patrick and Barry Cathey, for your continued interest in helping us to reach some incredible goals.

We continue to need leadership volunteer help. All one has to have is a willing heart. We'll help you with the rest!

Fun & Fellowship Saturday is almost here. Please join us for this week's tasks.

Harvest apples & vegetables

Prune & transplant tomatoes

Help transplant roses to new locations

Check the container for water needs. Deep water dry soils.

General grounds cleanup and container pots need to be organized.

Add fertilizer and cultivate soil for perimeter plants

Help split and bundle firewood

Organize tools and supplies in the storage container.

Add soil and mix in amendments for planter beds.

Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops.

Trim citrus trees to heights of 7 ft.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, working for the Lord, not for humans. Colossians 3:23

06/04/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, June 6, 2026

Hello,

You may notice something new as you drive down the gravel road to the Farm this Saturday. For the next six months, Southern California Gas Company will be storing pipes and equipment on the property between Sembrando Field and the Peace Farm parking area. This project will support the installation of new gas pipelines that will serve the City of San Juan Capistrano and several surrounding communities.

The Church has arranged for the company to lease this portion of the property during the project. I recently met with their project manager to discuss ways we can work together and support one another during their time here. They have expressed a desire to be respectful and helpful neighbors while on the property.

As you visit the Farm, please be mindful of the additional workers, vehicles, and equipment in the area. Most importantly, let us view this as another opportunity to extend kindness, encouragement, and the love of Christ to those who will be working alongside us in the months ahead.

Have you ever taken a moment to look at the erosion along Oso Creek, just east of the Farm? Over the years, this small waterway has faced many challenges. Depending on the season, it can experience either too much water or too little. The creek is also surrounded by invasive weeds and ongoing drainage issues.

Yet as we observe the struggles of the natural world, we are reminded of a greater truth. The river of God's grace never runs dry. Through Jesus, we have a source of hope, peace, and strength that sustains us through every season of life. When challenges come, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that His love is constant and His promises are sure.

Whenever I look at Oso Creek, I am reminded of the beautiful gospel song, "There Is a River." Its message points us to God's eternal love and the living water that only He can provide. If you have an opportunity this week, consider listening to it during your prayer time and reflecting on the faithfulness of our Lord.

See Next Post Below for a link to “There is a River”…

Saturday is approaching fast. Be prepared for Farm tasks, fellowship, and fun.

Harvest apples & vegetables

Prune tomatoes and peppers

Help transplant roses to new locations

Check the container for water needs. Deep water dry soils.

General grounds cleanup and container pots need to be organized.

Add fertilizer and cultivate soil for perimeter plants

Help split and bundle firewood

Organize tools and supplies in the storage container.

Add soil and mix in amendments for planter beds.

Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops.

Trim citrus trees to heights of 7 ft.

"When you pass through the waters, I'll be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Isaiah 43:12"

Send a message to learn more

06/04/2026

https://u19915824.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.5yUnRs9LpuFiOBN0NMCBiMOoo3rOgoooj0myK-2FjRhY9tImglv1yzta-2FMhNqtaEVAQJXSeLOopHOniDwFTQgQiw-3D-3DSmyT_znf745o0OOVBAMd9R7rOep3soLVjryzWAVcXkC-2F3eN0GMVoGwJKu1d2N979pFgXfhUpXeuR9Ifs6Ojwy6sSHcLRuTk8OJCk5bKF8sqme-2BX9VigK0rzJyvE7BD6sySgjCTSKx3QkKyb57QfeNAsMUfjJ-2B1ste2KMyEz3UUbGEfeZsMC2FNbHU2dtyuwa5ck0O-2BgXEnc-2B-2B7FTGqFRWVmFz6VmpbRn9v7TJ2UgF-2Ba2l4p010aWq7iA4k9f-2FrP8zCuzYWeC-2B-2BlBzH3extdJDDml5G4ohzkgDpmN8RUX2v-2FxE68RiDCDAOas-2BAEd7zbyQEYkE

Music video by Bill & Gloria Gaither performing There Is a River (feat. Gaither Vocal Band) [Live]. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. All rights reserve...

05/22/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, May 23, 2026

Greetings,

Good news. Next week, we are taking the Peace Farm ministry on the road. Pastor Jim Dobbs, who leads our Saddleback Church ministry in Laguna Woods, has invited us to make a presentation to Church members on Tuesday afternoon. Our topic is “Patio Farming.” Many residents live in smaller homes, from single-story residences to multi-level units, where patios with rail fencing are common. This presentation will help show how even small spaces can become places of beauty, growth, and encouragement.

Don Dale, our wonderful succulent and flower grower, will demonstrate how to plant and care for potted plants. Each guest will have the opportunity to plant their own succulent and take home a special gift. Don Dale and Rose Garcia have done a tremendous job organizing the event and preparing the pots, soil, and succulents for the class.

During the presentation, Church members will also hear a thoughtful message about how healthy plants need care and attention, just as people flourish when we allow Jesus to be the gardener of our lives. A heartfelt thank you to Rose and Don for making this outreach possible.

Did you hear about last week at the Peace Farm? In addition to our regular volunteers, we welcomed 115 adults and students who came to learn about growing and harvesting food. What could have felt overwhelming turned into a joyful and memorable experience because of the incredible teamwork of Rose, Don, Paul Trocha, and many others. The feedback from teachers and guests was exceptional, and many shared that they are eager to return.

Thank you as well to Vincent Patrick and his team for the outstanding work at Sembrando Field. For the second week in a row, they partnered with Phil Hayes and Dave Cardwell to help restore new life to the field. Within the next few weeks, we hope to plant nutrient and vitamin-rich crops that will bless many people in need.

Every Tuesday morning, Tom Iwash*ta faithfully serves by weed-whacking and composting our green waste. Working quietly behind the scenes, Tom helps keep the Farm in beautiful, “show ready” condition. Thank you, Tom, for your faithful service.

We are also encouraged to see more people exploring volunteer and leadership opportunities at the Farm. If you feel called to help serve people in need through this ministry, we would love to hear from you.

To everyone who continues to support and serve at the Peace Farm, thank you very much. Your kindness, dedication, and love for others are making a lasting difference.

See you Saturday for help on the following tasks:

Thin apples to two per cluster

Harvest Vegetables

Check the container for water needs. Deep water dry soils.

General grounds cleanup and container pots need to be organized.

Add fertilizer and cultivate soil for perimeter plants

Help split and bundle firewood

Organize tools and supplies in the storage container.

Add soil and mix in amendments for planter beds.

Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops.

Trim citrus trees to heights of 7 ft.

Help transplant roses between perimeter citrus trees.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23 (NIV)”

714-336-6856 outreach program

Giving

If the PEACE Farm is special to your heart, your support helps this ministry grow and bless our community.

To give directly to the PEACE Farm, write checks to Saddleback Church and note PEACE Farm.

To invest in Saddleback’s local and global mission work, [click here to give online] and select “Relief + Mission” from the Fund Category.

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04/16/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, April 18, 2026

Greetings,

We are grateful for all that God continues to accomplish at the Farm. This past week brought meaningful progress as we near completion of the new sandbox and planter box designed especially for young children. A shade covering has been added so they can play, explore, and create comfortably out of the direct sun. See attached photo. This space will be a blessing for families and group classes, offering a place where children and parents can connect, learn, and enjoy time together. Thank you for celebrating these moments with us.

Our Farm continues to be not only a place of peace for people, but also a sanctuary for God’s creation. Each year, a pair of native Black Phoebe birds return to build their nest under the tool shed roof. It is a joy to watch as they work together, laying eggs and caring for their young. They carefully build their mud nest, lay their eggs, and faithfully care for their young. One gathers food while the other protects the nest. Please see attached photo. Their presence each morning, along with their cheerful chirping, brings joy and reflection. Watching them work together is a beautiful reminder of God’s design. As they provide and protect, we are reminded of how much more our Heavenly Father cares for us. There is something special about being in a garden, just as we see in the beginning of creation. Through this work, we are invited to experience His love and grace in a deeper way.

At times, we also face challenges in caring for the Farm. Some animals, through no fault of their own, can cause damage to crops. Rabbits are one example. We are thankful for Paul Krause, who helps us manage this in a thoughtful and caring way. He safely captures the rabbits and relocates them to open habitats where they can thrive without harming farmland or landscapes. His efforts reflect a heart of stewardship and compassion. See attached photo.

We ask for your continued prayers as we move forward in faith. So much of what is happening is because of your support, your prayers, and your heart to serve. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us share God’s love in such meaningful ways.

See you Saturday for help on the following tasks.

· Thin apples

· Harvest vegetables

· Check the container for water needs. Deep water dry soils.

· General grounds cleanup and container pots need to be organized.

· Remove weeds and repair plastic row crop covers at Sembrando Field.

· Add fertilizer and cultivate soil for perimeter plants

· Help split and bundle firewood

· Organize tools and supplies in the storage container.

· Add soil and mix in amendments for planter beds.

· Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops.

· Trim citrus trees to heights of 7 ft

· Plant planter beds

“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 (NIV)”

03/26/2026

Join us this Saturday, March 28, from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. We will be hosting a free demonstration on honey extraction from bee hives on the property. We will be demonstrating how to collect and process the honey from a bee hive to a canning jar. The demonstration will be held at the portable classrooms #4 & #5 across from the Espanol tent on the Rancho Capistrano Campus. Sean Crowley, one of the state’s most experienced beekeepers, will show us how honey is carefully extracted from our hive boxes and filtered for healthy food. After the demonstration, we will enjoy music from Saddleback Church’s Ukulele Group, “The Heavenly Strummers”. They bless us with joyful Christian music and it is a highlight. Bring the whole family! This is a great event for the kids to experience nature at its best!