All NCCP Newsletter submissions are due by12pm on the 10th of every month.

Please contact cdmanager@nccpresby.org for more information.

May Presbytery Continues Theme of Building Up/Building Together

At our May 2 Presbytery meeting in Yuba City, we will continue to reflect together on our theme of Building Together. Our focus scripture for this gathering will be 1 Peter 2: 4-5 in which Peter refers to Christ’s followers as “living stones being built up into a spiritual house”. An old Sesame Street song introduced basic biology to pre-schoolers by asking how to tell if something is alive. According to the song, something is alive if it breathes, if it eats, and if it grows. Here in North Central California Presbytery, we might ask ourselves this same question as we wonder if Peter would find us to be living stones building a spiritual home for the people of our time. We might ask ourselves: 

Do we breathe? Are we animated by the Holy Spirit who breathes life and love and hope into the world? 

Do we eat? Are we constantly being nourished by God’s Word and at Christ’s table?

Do we grow? Are we inviting people to join us in our community of faith? Are we expanding our capacity to serve Christ as we encounter him in the hunger, the sick, the imprisoned, the vulnerable?

We will also offer another “toolbox” learning opportunity as we welcome Jennifer Perri from the Insurance Board to offer insights on important issues for congregations to consider when seeking insurance coverage for their buildings and ministries. She will also be available during lunch for those who would like another opportunity for questions and conversation.

Being in person will give us the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones.  

See you soon! And may God’s peace be with you.

Karen Sapio

Executive Presbyter, North Central California Presbytery

916-414-8105

Renting Well: 

Faithful and Sustainable Use of Church Property

Monday, April 27^th at 4:00PM, via Zoom

Many congregations have underutilized space.

If your church is considering new ways to use the space, wants to learn best practices from other churches, or is wondering how God is calling for the stewardship of these gifts ... this workshop is for you. Pastors, elders, treasurers, office managers, and others may benefit from the information that we have been gathering.

Executive Presbyter (Karen Sapio) and Treasurer (Maria Mar) will present an interactive workshop on the topic of renting church space, including:

·      Theology of Property and Mission Alignment

·      Legal and Operational Basics

·      Best Practices - Already Happening at Our Churches

·      Future Developments – Including Tax Implications

PCUSA Resources

NCCP now considers most grant applications in February, May, and October. 

Check this link for more information on Presbytery Grants.

We're collecting semi-perishable canned foods, especially proteins like canned meat and poultry, to support our local Food Pantry. If you can, please bring your donations to the May Presbytery meeting on May 2nd at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City.

Please contact, Steve Sylvanus, for more information!

HAA@nccpresby.org

I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to all the churches across the NCC Presbytery for your faithful support of local Food Closets and Food Ministry programs. Your donations, volunteer hours, and prayerful commitment are feeding neighbors, easing burdens, and living out Christ’s call to care for one another. The impact you’re making week after week is real — and it’s noticed.

NCCP is also excited to re-introduce the PCUSA’s Cents-Ability Ministry in the coming months. This simple, congregation-based offering invites each of us to set aside a few cents at every meal as a reminder to pray for those who are hungry. Those small gifts add up to significant support for hunger ministries locally and globally. 

At our May Presbytery meeting, we will have our Cents-Ability offering jars on the tables during our lunch gathering. We hope those attending will share as they are able so that the Presbytery can build up its Cents-Ability Grant fund to assist churches with their food ministries. We’ll also be reaching out to each church soon to provide information for those who would like to launch or re-launch this program with resources and ideas that fit your context. We also invite those attending the May Presbytery meeting in Yuba City to bring non-perishible food items to share with the food ministries of our two hosting congregations, First Presbyterian of Marysville and St Andrew’s Presbyterian of Yuba City.  

Finally, thank you for the warm welcome you’ve extended to me as your HAA Hunger Action Advocate. I’m grateful to be serving alongside you and look forward to working together as we respond to hunger with both compassion and action.

Steve Sylvanus, Hunger Action Advocate

HAA@nccpresby.org

We have recently seen an increase in phishing emails targeting our organization. These emails are designed to look like legitimate emails from trusted sources, but are actually attempts to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. To stay safe, it is important to remain vigilant and follow best practices for online security.

Here are some tips to help you stay alert for phishing emails:

-Check the sender’s email address and look out for suspicious or unexpected emails.

 -Be cautious of urgent emails

-Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources

-Verify the authenticity of any email that seems suspicious by contacting the sender directly

Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center is looking to hire an Interim Executive Director. Please see the job description below.

Our current tenant has built their own building after 6 years, and we now have 4 classrooms, a large dining hall, an office, and two playgrounds available for a new tenant.

The space is available beginning July 1, 2026.

Please contact, John Crouch.

Johncrouch5570@gmail.com

916-717-1209

Auburn Presbyterian Church recently had a service for the Prayers on Global Peace and Justice. The speakers included members of Auburn Presbyterian Church, the Coopers from Global Fellowship, and the Eubanks, missionaries in the Ukraine.

Auburn Presbyterian Day Of Prayer Video

Dates: May 11-14, 2026

Event Theme: The work of Advocacy: Humble, Kind, and Just.

Description: Rooted in the prophetic call of Micah 6:8—to “walk humbly, love kindly, and pursue justice”—the 2026 Zephyr Point Justice Conference invites participants into a four-day journey of reflection, formation, and courageous conversation. This year’s theme, “The Work of Advocacy: Humble, Kind, and Just,” challenges us to explore how faithful communities can engage in advocacy with integrity, compassion, and courage in a polarized world.

North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $300 registration discount by selecting that you are a NCCP member during registration. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Department at 775-588-6759 ext. 113.

https://zephyrpoint.org/justice-conference/

Photo: Shari Egeland, the Executive Director of Omni Youth Programs, speaking with a participant at the workshop

On March 15, the members of three congregations met at Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church in Citrus Heights for a Parent/Teen Workshop given by Omni Youth Programs. About 40 people from Celtic Cross, GKI Indonesian Fellowship, and Comunidad Latina de Cristo learned about marijuana, opioids, and vaping.

Special attention was given to the impact of these substances on the human brain during the teen years, and the higher risk of addiction that comes with being a teenager. Participants were reminded that today’s drugs are more potent that those of the 60s: for example, the nicotine of 50 cigarettes can be delivered in one vape.

Special thanks for a successful event

to Elder Francis Sitorus of GKI Indonesian Fellowship, Rev. Sam Jun of Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church, Pastor Miryam Osorio of Comunidad Latina de Cristo, Jacquelyn Sneed of the NCCP, and from Omni Youth Programs Josselyn Guiterrez, Opioid Outreach Coordinator and Prevention Educator and Shari Egeland, Executive Director. 

The workshop inspired Comunidad Latina de Cristo to plan a Spanish language Parent/Teen workshop. It will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 1:30PM-3:30PM. Please use the flyer below to register and share it with friends and acquaintances who speak Spanish.

12 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids: Opioids are used medically to control pain and at some point, you, someone in your family, or someone you know will be prescribed opioids. Many people become addicted to prescription opioids.

Do you know what questions to ask your doctor that will either support you in using opioids safely or help you find alternatives?

Please watch “12 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before taking Opioids” so you can have informed conversations with your doctor about the use of painkillers.

Follow the link below to the “12 Questions.” It is on the Presbytery Webpage. The presentation starts one hour and 29 Minutes into the tape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPXF7XHboqk

Plan an Upcoming Activity For Your Church , Fellowship, or New Worshiping Community

Would you like to sponsor a Parent/Teen workshop? As a church, fellowship or new worshiping community, you  provide the space and Omni Youth Programs will provide the training, the food, the raffle prizes, and the swag (stuff we all get). 

Plan a “FatalVision training and introduce your neighborhood to drug abuse awareness and to your spiritual community through a variety of interactive activities that allow participants to experience the cognitive effects of marijuana and / or opioid use.  This activity is held within a festive, fun environment. Your church would provide the space and any handouts it would want the neighborhood to have, and Omni You Programs would set up the training environment and arrange for the food and swag. They would work with you on other types of fun activities to be offered. In the past, organizations have opted for bounce houses, face painting, and music, etc.

The Family Matters Program is a send-home program for families with teens, conducted by Omni Youth Programs. Families work with four booklets that encourage family communication and support families as they establish rules for alcohol & marijuana use, enhance parental supervision, and increase resistance to peer and media influences.

This program trains participants to be a facilitator which allows them to call families weekly to check in, motivate them, offer support and record outcomes as the families progress through the four booklets.

This program is free but open only to Sacramento County residents or people who will serve families who reside in Sacramento County. 

Next Steps:  Developing relationships with drug abuse prevention programs in counties other than Sacramento. We have a great working partner in Omni Youth Programs of Sacramento County. We are  interested in developing similar relationships in other counties. Are you interested in drug abuse prevention education for your spiritual community and neighbors and you are not in Sacramento County? Let me know and we will make it happen.

 If you have questions or are interested in any of the programs above, Please contact Jacquelyn Sneed at bethpreszoom@gmail.com or 916-761-7183

Calling all faith formation leaders! The Faith Formation Leader Connection Resource Zooms 2026 offers a welcoming online space to connect with peers, share what’s new in your ministry context, and explore timely resources together. These resourcing Zoom gatherings are hosted by the Office of Christian Formation (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and are designed for leaders across all settings and age groups.

When: May 12, August 26, and October 20, 2026

Time: Varies by date (all sessions are 1 hour)

Where: Zoom — register once to attend any or all dates.

Each session offers conversation, ideas, and encouragement for everyday faith formation work. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration, practical tools, or a chance to ask questions with fellow leaders, these Zooms are a great way to stay connected and resourced throughout the year.

👉 Register today and mark your calendar: https://cfportal.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3387419

Plans are underway for the second annual PCGN Conference, taking place October 5–7, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The PCGN Conference brings together leaders from across the PC(USA) committed to learning together how to lead churches toward faithful growth.

PCGN Leadership looks forward to sharing the official conference announcement soon, including the theme, speakers, and registration details. Registration will open in the summer of 2026.

Email pcgn.contact@gmail.com to be added to the PCGN mailing list. Find more information on the web at https://www.pcgrowthnetwork.org.

THRIVE: Preparing for the Next Chapter of Ministry

Thinking about retirement in the next decade? The THRIVE Seminar from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of Pensions helps pastors and church leaders explore retirement planning from a holistic perspective—covering finances, health care, housing, and vocational purpose in the next season of life.

This interactive seminar is designed for Benefits Plan members within about 10 years of retirement, and spouses are welcome to attend.

👉 Learn more and register:

https://pensions.org/your-path-to-wholeness/lifelong-learning/seminars/thrive

The North Central California Presbytery Mission Support Committee stewards a legacy fund specifically designated for ministries with older adults. In 2026, the Committee is offering up to $750.00 to each congregation as grant funding for outreach to older adults in your community. Projects could include ministries that promote the spiritual, physical, social, or emotional well-being of Senior adults. 

To apply for the grant, please use the new Common Grant Application for NCCP. Grant applications will be considered in May and October. The deadline for consideration in May is April 1, for October the deadline is Sept 1. For more information, please contact Mission Committee Co-chairs Tiffany Nicely-Holleck, or Edrine Ddungu.

We are inviting all of the local affiliated churches to attend the 2026 Racial Justice Conference in Sacramento April 24th (evening) and April 25th (day). 

The conference will have speakers from Ecumenical, University and Community presenting convergent and intersecting ideas between all the stakeholders.

Where: Sierra Vista Community Church, 890 Morse Ave. Sacramento, 95864

Program: Friday Evening focus on Sacramento State University, a Leader in Advancing Racial Justice. Dinner included. Saturday focus on Interfaith Communities as catalysts for Racial, Immigration and Homeless Justice. Lunch provided.

Vision Statement: To cultivate a just and loving society where Universities, Churches and Communities unite to dismantle Racial and economic inequities through education, faith and social action, upholding the dignity of every person.

Cost: Free for all who attend

We ask that participants register before the event so the planners can calculate how much food to order from the caterer. 

To register please visit: www.ncncucc.org

Save The Date: Pastors Renewal Retreat

Dates: October 12-14, 2026

The NCCP Immigration Task Force has learned that recent ICE activity within the bounds of our presbytery is impacting our congregations and the communities they serve. We have heard about family separation, emotional trauma, and, quite frequently, significant financial hardship because of lost income, emergency travel to detention centers, and other urgent needs.

Because of the great need for immediate relief, the NCCP Mission Support Commission has authorized our Immigration Task Force to provide small amounts of funding to meet emergency needs. If you know of members of your congregation or community who need help and could use this assistance, please complete the attached form and forward it to Executive Presbyter Karen Sapio at karen@nccpresby.org 

If your church, Presbyterian Women’s group, or other groups within your church would like to contribute to this fund, please contact the NCCP treasurer, Maria Mar, at treasurer@nccpresby.org

For further information, please contact the Presbytery Office.

First Presbyterian Church, Colusa, Part Time Pastor

Please contact, Bob Harper, Bob@chiconut.com for more information.

First United Presbyterian Church Turlock, Part Time Pastor

Auburn Presbyterian Church, Part Time Pastor/ Full Time Pastor

Davis Community Church, Communications & Outreach Manager

Davis Community Church, Children & Youth Program Director

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Yuba City, Church Organist

Grace Presbyterian Church, Lodi, Part Time Pastor

Clergy Bible Study

Please consider joining us on Zoom weekly (Tuesday at 1-2pm) to discuss the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. Our group shares thoughts, insights, and questions about the passages. Our conversations not only offer differing perspectives, they provide a forum for support and connection for clergy.

(If you would like to know more about the group or to join, please e-mail Laura Barnes at revlaura@eldoradofederatedchurch.org

We look forward to hearing from you.)

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org