The PEACE Farm at Rancho Capistrano

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 w**d-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 w**ds 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!

03/19/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, March 21, 2026

Hello,

What a special day we shared at the Farm last Saturday. Sixty-five wives of Saddleback leaders, whom we affectionately call Angels, joined us for a beautiful time together. They enjoyed a farm-to-table lunch and connected with our volunteers, hearing firsthand about the heart and impact of the Peace Farm ministry. It was a meaningful day of fellowship, encouragement, and shared purpose.

We are so grateful for those who helped bring this gathering to life. Thank you to Pastor Matt, Bob and Ilene Bradberry, Randy and Deb Hild, Rachael Johnson, and Diane Douglas for your faithful leadership and the time you invested to serve and bless others.

There was also a tremendous effort behind the scenes. Many of our Farm volunteers gave generously of their time throughout the week to prepare the grounds. Sean Crowley, our beekeeper, spent long hours on the tractor clearing mustard w**ds around the perimeter. Rose Garcia, Phil Hayes, Dave Cardwell, Teresa Medina, and many others worked diligently through challenges like water line repairs, harvesting crops, and preparing fresh produce for the luncheon. We are also thankful for the generous support of Tanaka Farms and Glenn Tanaka for providing beautiful strawberries and vegetables.

We have continued to hear encouraging feedback from the women who attended. They were blessed by the meal and inspired by what they experienced at the Farm. One of our goals is to serve and support these families, and it is clear that God is already at work in powerful ways. There is so much more ahead.

Please check out our Prayer Box located on the wall under the shed patio. If you or someone you know needs prayer, please use the index cards to write your confidential request and place the card in the slot of the locked box. God answers prayers!

As we look toward this Saturday, we invite everyone to come ready to serve and rejoice together. It will be a warm day, so please plan accordingly.

Here are a few ways you can help:

Check containers and provide deep watering where the soil is dry

General grounds cleanup and organizing container pots

Remove w**ds 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 amendments for planter beds

Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops

Trim citrus trees to a height of about 7 feet

Psalm 85:12 reminds us, “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.”

Looking forward to seeing you there!

03/12/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, March 14, 2026

Hello,

We are grateful to share some exciting news. We have never seen so much interest from groups who want to visit the Farm and serve alongside us. Each week, Rose Garcia, our Farm Hospitality Manager, faithfully works to coordinate these requests. It takes patience, organization, and a heart for people, and Rose does an incredible job helping each group feel welcomed and prepared to serve.

Teresa Medina, our Grow Crop Manager, continues to guide us in understanding our planting and harvesting needs. Teresa brings both knowledge and passion to the Farm. She helps others learn how to grow healthy food while also encouraging spiritual growth along the way. One of Teresa’s gifts is teaching through hands-on experience. When people get their hands in the soil, they discover both the joy of growing food and the blessing of serving together. If you spend time helping Teresa, you may even hear about her famous sauerkraut recipe.

Keeping the Farm ready and welcoming for visitors takes many caring volunteers. Scott Rowe, Todd Voelker, Sean Crowley, Tom Staudenbaur, Phil Hayes, Dave Cardwell, Don Dale, Tom Iwash*ta, Paul Krause, and several youth ministry groups came out last Saturday to remove w**ds and prepare the grounds. Because of their efforts, we will be ready to host a special gathering this Saturday for 65 wives of Saddleback pastors. They will enjoy fellowship together while sharing a meal prepared from the crops grown here at the Farm.

Looking ahead to future gatherings, Paul Butelo recently restored our six burner barbecue stove. Paul also happens to be a wonderful cook, so we look forward to enjoying one of his specialties soon. Many people say “Until we meet again.” At the Farm, we like to say, “Until we eat again.”

On March 28, we will host a honey extraction demonstration from 8:00 am until 10:00 am to be held at the portable classrooms #4 & #5 across from the Espanol tent. 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.

God continues to bring wonderful people and meaningful opportunities to this ministry. We are thankful for the volunteers who step forward to serve and share their gifts. Take a moment to consider the gift God has given you and how it might bless others. The Farm Ministry would love to have you join us.

Below are some of the work tasks planned for Saturday. Come serve with us, say hello to someone new, and help us create a welcoming place for everyone.

Saturday Work Tasks:

Check containers for watering needs and deeply water dry soil
General grounds cleanup and organizing container pots
Remove w**ds 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 amendments for planter beds
Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops
Trim citrus trees to a height of about 7 feet
You have shown me the way of life, Lord, and You will fill me with the joy of Your presence. Acts 2:28

03/05/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, March 7, 2026

What a beautiful day we experienced last Saturday at the Farm. Our middle school students and high school ministry, led by Cole Maihen, showed up ready to serve and they truly made a difference. With the support of Mike Malinauskas, Teresa Medina, Henry Teas and several faithful Farm volunteers, these young leaders stepped into meaningful work with joyful hearts.

They cleaned and painted plant stakes, refreshed and improved the soil in raised planter beds, watered planter beds, added coffee grounds to the vermiculture habitat and leveled mulch throughout the grounds. Every task mattered. Every effort counted. They left encouraged by what God accomplished through them and are already looking forward to returning for future projects. Please take a moment to look at the attached photos and celebrate what God is doing.

We were also blessed by the girls basketball team from Crean Lutheran High School. At Sembrando Field, they tackled large w**ds by hand and worked diligently for more than two hours. Their perseverance and positive spirit were inspiring. They even issued a friendly challenge, saying they could outwork the boys basketball team when it comes to w**d removal. After seeing what they accomplished, I would not doubt them.

A special thank you to Ilene Bradberry and Phil Hayes for investing in these young women and showing them how God blesses those who serve others. The fruit of that leadership is evident. Be sure to see the attached photos.

Rose Garcia, our Hospitality Manager, continues to serve tirelessly. She is coordinating our weekly special needs groups, welcoming a growing number of volunteer teams, and preparing our annual Farm program schedule.

There are so many dedicated volunteers who make Peace Farm Ministry a living testimony to God’s goodness. Each person brings a unique gift. Each act of service reflects His love. We would love to hear how you would like to use your God given gifts to serve. There are blessings every day when we step out to help others.

This Saturday’s work opportunities include:

• Check the container for water needs and deep water dry soils
• General grounds cleanup and organizing container pots
• Remove w**ds and repair plastic row crop covers at Sembrando Field
• Add fertilizer and cultivate soil for perimeter plants
• Split and bundle firewood
• Organize tools and supplies in the storage container
• Add soil and mix amendments for planter beds
• Prepare planter beds for upcoming crops
• Trim citrus trees to a height of seven feet

Come rejoice with us. Say hello to someone new. Help someone feel seen and welcomed.

“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:19

Grateful to serve together

02/26/2026

Did you know there is a farm at the Rancho Capistrano Campus of Saddleback Church? It seems to be a well kept secret!

We grow fruits and vegetables, have a succulent garden, grow flowers, have a bible garden and a butterfly garden. The beds are raised so you don't need to kneel or stoop over! We also have bee boxes and harvest the honey!

We need volunteers to help with a wide variety of tasks and we can even accomodate wheelchairs, walkers and canes safely. You are also welcome to go sit and enjoy the peace and quiet in the beauty of the garden if you need a tranquil place to chat with God.

The hours are:
Mon., Tues., Wed, & Fri 9-12
Sat. 8-10 (sometimes 12)

Serving at the PEACE Garden is a great family activity as well and you are also welcome to take your grandchildren with you.

We also have monthly events such as Goat Yoga, honey harvesting and more. In fact, right now we are trying to locate baby goats so give them a call if you know of a source.

You may contact Rose Garcia at [email protected] or 805-217-9466 to get more information or to ask to be put on our weekly newsletter so you are informed of their events and needs.

Send a message to learn more

02/26/2026

PEACE Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, February 28, 2026


Greetings,

Scripture tells us that the stars declare the glory of God and remind us of His promises. Recently, we were given a beautiful reminder of His majesty in the night sky. A waxing crescent moon rested above the planet Mercury, with earthshine softly illuminating the scene. It was a rare and breathtaking sight. Moments like these invite us to pause and remember that what we see is only a small glimpse of the greatness of our God. His love stretches far beyond what our eyes can see and our hearts can fully grasp.

Every day, God places blessings right in front of us. Sometimes we move too quickly to notice them. At the Peace Farm, we have the privilege of seeing those blessings unfold again and again. Last week, three church groups from the Central Valley visited the Farm. As they walked the grounds and heard about the ministries taking place, they were deeply encouraged. They asked if we could help guide them as they consider similar ministry efforts. Our answer was simple and joyful. That is exactly why we are here. We exist to serve, to equip, and to point people to our Savior. We are here to help others stay strong in their faith and to share the love of Christ in their communities.

It is always exciting to hear the ministry ideas God is placing on your hearts. If you feel called to lead or help lead a ministry, and you want to use the gifts God has entrusted to you, we would love to connect with you. The world needs the hope and grace of Jesus now more than ever. Together, we can share His amazing grace in ways that transform lives.

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14. We will be hosting lunch at the Farm for 65 Saddleback Church pastors’ wives. This is a special opportunity to serve and to share the heart behind the Farm’s ministries. We want them to know we are here to support and encourage their churches as they seek to reach their communities.

As we prepare for this gathering, we want the Farm to be ready to welcome our guests with excellence. Below is a list of tasks we hope to complete as we get everything prepared.

Help is needed to add fresh ground mulch to the walking areas in and around the raised planters and field office.

Say hello to someone new and make them feel welcome.

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

Remove w**ds 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.

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)

Thank you for being faithful, available, and willing. God is using you in powerful ways.

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.

Send a message to learn more

02/21/2026

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, February 21, 2026

Before you read further, take a moment and consider this question. How many people in Orange County are at risk of not having enough food?

I recently spoke with two friends who serve as Executive Directors of the largest food banks in Orange County. They shared insights that help us better understand the real needs in our community and how we, as a church family, can respond with practical love and the hope of Christ.

Here is what they shared. In Orange County, 360,000 residents are food insecure. The majority are children. Many families are also struggling to keep up with utility bills. In addition, 3,700 legal residents who are not citizens are seeking help with food and basic living expenses. These are not just numbers. They represent neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and families in our own communities.

Take time this week to read Matthew 25 and ask the Lord what it means for us to feed the hungry and care for those in need.

The Food Bank Directors will soon provide the number of people in South County who are at food risk. Loving locally is what Pastors Andy and Stacy are calling us to do. The Peace Farm has the capacity to help. While we can only provide a limited amount of food directly from the farm, we can inspire and influence others to join us. Many companies and corporations are looking for meaningful ways to support families in need through community programs. This is an opportunity for partnership and impact.

Please pray and ask God how we can step forward together. Prayer opens doors and aligns our hearts with His. Let us talk more this Saturday as we serve side by side at the Farm.

Thank you for the ways you already serve and bless families in need. Your faithfulness matters. God uses simple acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary things.

Send a message to learn more

12/26/2025

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, December 27, 2025,

The Christmas season is here, and the New Year is just ahead. What a gift it is to be a child of the King. We have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to as we step into 2026.

As we serve in the year ahead, we know there will be challenges. Yet as we serve together, we are never alone. Our Dear Savior walks with us, and we have one another to help us overcome what may seem difficult or even impossible.

Thank you for your faithful service, generous financial support, prayers, and thoughtful ideas as we minister to those who are lost, brokenhearted, discouraged, physically and mentally challenged, and even those who appear to have everything yet are still searching for purpose.

Everyone is loved by God, yet many still do not know His love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. There is a song that beautifully captures this truth, "Oh What a Savior." It is sung by a wonderful tenor, I've included it here for you to enjoy during your meditation time.

As we look ahead to 2026, pray and ask God how He wants you to use the gifts He has given you. The fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are few. This is going to be a great year to serve and to bring God's love to a hurting world.

12/23/2025

The Peace Farm | Saddleback Church - Saturday, December 20, 2025

Happy Christmas Season!

We pray you are enjoying this special time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas at Saddleback is truly meaningful, and our Christmas services are something you will not want to miss. We encourage you to invite your family and friends and come expecting God to move in powerful ways.

Last Friday evening at the San Juan Campus, nearly 400 parents, children, and extended family members from our Latino community gathered for a beautiful dinner celebration. The evening included special gifts, uplifting music, and meaningful Christian fellowship. We are deeply grateful to Pastor Matt, Missions Director Bob Bradberry, our campus leadership team, generous family sponsors, and dedicated volunteers, including many from Peace Farm. Together, they helped create a night that reflected God's love and the heart of our church.

It was inspiring to see so many guests express a desire to become involved in the life and ministry of Saddleback. The greatest blessing of all was that more than 30 people made the decision to accept Christ as their Savior. It truly was a hallelujah moment.

This is a season to lift our voices in praise. The Hallelujah Chorus, composed by George Handel in 1741, reminds us of the joy and victory we have in Christ, now and forever.