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Acts 1:4-5 (NRSVUE)
4 While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Dear Friends,
As we transition from Holy Week and Easter into the season of Eastertide, we are reminded of the anticipation of Pentecost. Just as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of salvation, we now await the coming of the Holy Spirit. Like the disciples who devoted themselves to prayer and waiting, may we also dedicate time to prayer as we eagerly anticipate Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit serves as our bridge to God, offering us hope and promise amidst life's challenges. This promise isn't one of ease or worldly success, but rather one of divine presence and connection. In Presbyterian tradition, connection is one of the pillars of our theology and polity. This serves not only in our relationship with God but also in our relationships with one another. We, as a new Presbytery, continue to find new ways to connect, and given that we are an exceedingly large geographical area, this is not simple task. It is only a short 3 ½ hour drive from the northern most church to our southern most or 220 miles. Fostering connections requires intentional effort.
I am so grateful for technology that now unites us in new ways, allowing people to join meetings from great distances. It is allowing an interim Stated Clerk to join us from Fresno, a distance too great to commute. It allows committee members to join meetings without having to drive an hour or more. While it is a poor substitute for a lunch or dinner table, it is far better than where we were before. Yet, it is with great hope I look forward to September’s Presbytery meeting, as we will gather in person as a Presbytery for the very first time. Until then, let us continue to seek opportunities to connect with one another, both familiar faces and new acquaintances, within our Presbytery.
May this season of Eastertide be one of fruitful waiting and prayer, yielding the fruits of the Spirit in our lives and communities.
Rev. Joshua Trautmann
Bridge Executive Presbyter
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Who knew when the Leadership Team (Wes Nordman, Grace Suwabe, John Sims with Tayler Stone and myself) and set the scripture and theme for this year how much it would be a gift and guide as we work through the personal and community challenges of this year—Following Jesus into an Unknown Future with a Spirit of Enthusiastic Letting Go?! It is one of countless ways God has been providing for NCCP. Thanks be to God! As you all take time to attend the work God has for you (and the stopping which will be the focus of the upcoming meeting) while I take some much needed time off, The Rev. Amanda Nevin is stepping in to help. As in the Lenten letting go, there’s more letting go, more sorting of priorities that God is calling us all to do. Grace abounds through it all! Again, thanks be to God!
NCCP, this is Amanda…
Greetings NCCP, my name is Rev. Amanda Nevin, and I will be filling in for Jeri while she is on medical leave from April 8-May 19th. I am an ordained minister and have been serving the Presbytery of San Joaquin for the past 5 ½ years as the assistant Stated Clerk and now as the elected Stated Clerk. My office hours for NCCP will be on Mondays and Wednesdays with Fridays on an as needed basis. I do have my responsibilities with my current presbytery on Tuesdays and Thursdays that will need to take priority on those days. I know there are several evening meetings that I plan to be in attendance and I will be present with the presbytery staff at your May presbytery meeting.
I look forward to working with you and supporting Jeri in her time away.
In Christ
Amanda Nevin
If you need to reach Amanda, she will be monitoring the NCCP Stated Clerk email address, statedclerk@nccpresby.org
If you have an urgent matter, please contact the NCCP Office 916-414-2080 and we will forward the message to Amanda.
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The Presbytery Executive for the Charlotte Presbytery, Jan Edmiston, wrote this as part of a piece regarding our Lenten reflections. I don’t know about you, I also get countless opportunities to look at how I’ve missed the mark throughout the year. As Stated Clerk for the presbytery, it’s easy for folks to think my job is to be an enforcer—to make sure folks follow the rules. Much as we sometimes try, we can’t make people do anything! I can and do encourage us all to be more thoughtful about how we relate with one another, how we do community. (Being community is very different than being family, but that’s another topic.) Here’s how Jan began her March 16th blog post:
What’s Considered “Okay” in Your Congregation?
And by “okay” I mean “acceptable.”
For example:
- Is it okay to mock your pastor behind their back?
- Is it okay to send anonymous letters to church members?
- Is it okay to use financial pledges as weapons?
- Is it okay to have secret meetings to strategize against something or someone?
- Is it okay to make purchases “for the church” without authorization?
- Is it okay to serve in the same role for over 6 years?
- Is it okay to yell “shut up” in a meeting?
- Is it okay to yell at the pastor and storm out during worship?
- Is it okay to make racist comments in meetings?
- Is it okay to ignore signs of addiction among staff members?
- Is it okay to use church credit cards for personal purchases?
- Is it okay to gossip?
- Is it okay to expect the pastor’s family to participate in everything?
- Is it okay to date the pastor?
- Is it okay to get drunk with the pastor?
- Is it okay to expect the pastor to be available 24/7?
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You may have other behaviors that can be added to this list. Instead of dwelling too long there, how can we describe desirable behaviors without going to the flip side—toxic positivity? What if we wrote a set of “It’s okay to…”? See what you can come up with. Do keep in mind there are many right ways and cultural context is an important factor. In a couple of months, I’ll have a follow up opportunity for you to share your creative, realistic positivity!
Jeri Viera Dahlke
Stated Clerk
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Executive Presbyter Search Committee Update | |
Round 1 Complete!
The EP Search Team has completed the first round of interviews, and we were able to have wonderful conversations with candidates to learn more about them and to share what is going on in the NCCP. After a break for Holy Week and Easter, a refined set of candidates were selected to continue in the process. We had another good check in with our Synod Executive, Rev. Dr. Nancy Martin Vincent, to discuss our process and received some good guidance on next steps. Over the next few weeks, a second round of interviews are scheduled where we plan to dive in deeper with the candidates to better discern which candidate is the best fit to become the Executive Presbyter.
We are continually thankful for the many prayers that continue to cover the team in both health and discernment in this important work of meeting with candidates.
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Funding Our Values:
Fund Distribution Task Force Report Q&A
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In preparation for the May Presbytery meeting, the Council and the Task Force would like to invite the Presbytery to participate in a Town Hall meeting April 29th, where the Task Force Report will be previewed by the larger Presbytery with a
Q&A period and a time for comments.
Monday, April 29,2024
7pm-8:30PM
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Apr 29, 2024 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsc-mrrjguEtExrJyjPqb9BUIa2Mx4vOzO
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the meeting.
If you need assistance with registering for the Zoom Meeting, please contact the NCCP Office at 919-414-2080
If you have any questions related to the Q/A, we ask that you fill out the Google Form below prior to the meeting.
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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) “Bikes to Work” Program.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives in countries around the world.
Since 2016, Sierra Vista Community Church has partnered with the Sacramento office of the IRC to assist Refugees by donating cash, creating welcome kits for furnishing bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens and new adult bicycles for low-cost transportation to employment interviews and commuting to and from jobs.
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SVCC contributes bicycles and safety gear for the Sacramento office of the International Rescue Committee's Bikes for Work program that annually provides adult bicycles to the breadwinners of local Afghan refugee families; so that that can find work beyond their local neighborhoods and can commute to and from work at no cost.
SVCC's budget for 2024 will only allow us to provide half the number of bicycles and safety gear kits that we have been able to provide for 2022 and 2023.
SVCC is the only IRC "Community Partner" in California to provide these bicycles and safety gear kits that are highly valued by our refugee neighbors.
Sierra Vista Community Church is not soliciting funds from other churches to support our partnership with the IRC, but rather is encouraging other churches to become IRC community partners to help the IRC to provide bicycles and safety gear to their Bikes for Work program.
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Congregations interested in partnering with IRC can contact Tom Tortora from SVCC for the name and contact information for the IRC manager who is responsible for this program. Tom is also willing to visit your church to discuss how to be successful in supporting your own IRC Bikes for Work Mission.
Tom can be reached at (916) 214-1827 or by email at: tortoratom320@gmail.com
Article written by Tom Tortora, IRC Coordinator, Sierra Vista Community Church.
Article submitted by Nancy Disher, NCCP Mission Organizer (916) 792-7725.
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Intercultural Mosaics Spring BBQ Fellowship! | |
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Embrace the vibrant spirit of Spring with the Mosaics Spring BBQ Fellowship! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20, 2023, as we gather from 4:30 pm to 8 pm amidst the serene ambiance of the Davis Community Church North Lawn Picnic Area.
This delightful affair extends its warm invitation to all Mosaics, esteemed DCC members, cherished Presbytery church friends, and their beloved families. Let's unite in the embrace of community and the burgeoning season's bliss.
Indulge in an evening of culinary delights from 5 pm to 7 pm, accompanied by soul-stirring melodies and the enchanting camaraderie of fellow attendees. Our menu boasts a tantalizing fusion of Korean-Hawaiian grilled BBQ, showcasing succulent Lemon Chicken, savory Ribs, delectable Fish, and a medley of grilled Vegetables. Complementing this feast are an array of delectable side dishes, while you're welcome to contribute your signature side dish, beverages, or desserts to enrich our shared table.
Kindly confirm your attendance by RSVPing and contacting Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon for any additional inquiries at 916-217-5470 or catalyst@nextg.org.
Let's revel in the joy of Spring's awakening together, anticipating the cherished moments awaiting us at the Mosaics Spring BBQ Fellowship!
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Highlights from GKI-Sacramento | |
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On April 7th, Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon led a special Worship Service at GKI-Sacramento, the Indonesian Presbyterian Fellowship, directing the congregation towards embracing a Third Culture identity. Through his message, "Embracing Third Culture: Lessons from Joseph and Paul," attendees were encouraged to deepen their intercultural understanding and adopt a missional perspective. The service featured Holy Communion, prayers for healing, and concluded with the ordination of Mrs. Sherley Pongoh as GKI's new Elder. This marked a significant milestone in the church's dedication to spiritual growth and leadership development. For further information on the sermon, visit:
https://nextg.org/embracing-third-culture-lessons-from-joseph-and-paul/
Additionally, beginning in mid-April, GKI-Sacramento will embark on an eight-session Presbyterian training program aimed at exploring the foundational principles of PC(USA) Polity. Under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, who serves as GKI's liaison and pastoral advisor, this initiative seeks to deepen the congregation's understanding of church governance and practices.
Following the worship, all Elders of GKI-Sacramento convened for a group photo, while the congregation (without their children) gathered for another picture.
Submitted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon
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Mission, Conferences, Special Days, Resources for Matthew 25,
Stories about Special Offerings and EVERYTHING you wanted to
know about what's happening in our PCUSA this Spring!
Our Ministry Engagement Advisor, Jeanie Shaw, has a report with ALL kinds of great informative information and all you have to do is..... wait for it.......... click below!
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Exciting Opportunity: Join Us in Leading the Digital Media Work Group! | |
The Digital Media Work Group (DMWG), a non-elected and open-ended group, will focus on creating social media content, managing group pages, video channels, and providing support to all worshiping communities and intercultural ministries of NCCP. The primary aim is to boost engagement with the MZ and Alpha generations, strengthen the Presbytery community, and establish meaningful connections with modern generations.
If you are interested in dedicating 6 months to 1 year to this work group, please reach out to Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon at catalyst@nextg.org or 916-217-5470.
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
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Come Join the Conversation
You are invited to join with clergy colleagues who gather via Zoom each week (Tuesday at 1-2pm) to discuss the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. The group shares thoughts, insights, and questions about the passages. The conversations not only offer differing perspectives, they provide a forum for support and connection.
Come be a part of the conversation!
(If you would like to know more about the group or to join, please e-mail David Ratcliff at davidratcliffu2@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.)
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Ecumenical Racial Justice Conference | |
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April 26-27, 2024
Time and Location: Friday: 6:00 PM - 9 PM & Saturday: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Sierra Vista Community Church 890 Morse Avenue (Morse & Northrop) Sacramento, CA 95864. Contact Number: (916) 483-5501
Register at the link below!
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Dates: May 6-8, 2024
Event Theme: Beyond the Land Acknowledgement
Keynote Speaker: Kaitlin Curtice
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Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing.
As an inter-spiritual advocate, Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships.
Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, Apartment Therapy, On Being, SELF Magazine, and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes at The Liminality Journal. Kaitlin lives in Philadelphia with her family.
*North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $200 registration discount. Discount will automatically show up at checkout. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Department at 775-588-6759 ext. 113.
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Zephyr Point Spring and Summer Events | |
Zephyr Point Job Openings | |
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JOIN US FOR A WORK TRIP TO PARADISE
NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SKILL - WE NEED YOU!
FRIDAY JULY 12 to SUNDAY JULY 14, 2024
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The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, destroying more than 18,000 structures in the first four hours. 86 people lost their lives.
While the 2018 Camp Fire is long out of the news there is a continuing need from rebuilding homes to clearing brush in the area. Tiny Pine Foundation is now building tiny homes on foundations. You can visit the website for inspiring details: https://www.tinypinefoundation.org/about
The struggle to rebuild is complicated. It takes a long time for insurance claims and issuance of permits. Opportunities abound for us to lend a hand. Our work will include building homes for families whose insurance did not cover rebuilding. It takes substantial time for the completion of all the steps in the rebuilding process.
We will be staying at the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Host Site at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville, CA. Please visit the Church website https://trinityoroville.com/
To register for this trip of making a difference, please contact :
NCCP Mission Organizer Nancy Disher at (916) 792-7725
Please email: Missionorganizer@nccpresby.org and njdisher@garlic.com
The cost is $90.00 per person and will cover the host site lodging and
all meals for our 2-night stay.
Checks may be made to Disaster Response Ministries and sent to:
Nancy Disher 1193 Clemensen Circle, Folsom, CA 95630
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The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program sponsors travel study seminars to different parts of the world to provide Presbyterians with the opportunity to learn firsthand from our partners about efforts for peace, justice and reconciliation in contexts of conflict, injustice and oppression. Participants return from these travel study seminars informed and transformed by their experiences, ready to share stories and bear witness to all that they have seen and heard.
Travel study seminars are planned in partnership with World Mission staff and mission co-workers and in cooperation with our partner denominations and organizations.
May 28 – June 6, 2024
Exploring the Legacies and Lessons of the Civil Rights Movement in the US South:
A Pilgrimage to Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, Jackson, the Mississippi Delta and Memphis
October 14-24, 2024
Lithuania: Healing the Legacies of War and Oppression
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North Central California Presbytery
5645 Marconi Ave.
Carmichael, CA, 95608
www.nccpresby.org
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