Loss of Civility

³⁴ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”                                                                                                   John 13:34-35 (NRSVUE)

Jesus’s Command

An attorney asked Jesus what the greatest Commandment was. His answer was simple, to love the Lord with your heart, soul, and mind. The second was to love others as yourself. Jesus took and combined all Ten Commandments into two simple requirements, simple but not necessarily easy. With this support, Christians have the key that would help us create the strongest movement on Earth. All we have to do is work to perfect this new command. Sadly, we continue to fail in our implementation of what we were instructed to do.

It seems that civility has been lost, or at best misplaced. We no longer seem to be a society that can depend upon the kindness of strangers. Today the focus is all to often placed upon “me” with little regard to others. From the way people drive, to how people interact at the grocery store. The internet is filled with videos of people demanding that others provide for what they feel entitled to receive. Social media further allows this incivility to fester by providing the safety of relative anonymity and allowing people to say cruel and terrible things online. Kindness is severely lacking today.

This is not a new problem. It is a natural proclivity for people to focus on their own needs or the needs of their loved ones first. We have to be intentional about learning to care for others as much as we care for ourselves. This is why God had to send prophets and teachers to remind us. They came to help us realize we had slipped back into the comfortable place where we care for our needs but ignore the needs of others. We need to be reminded that the “we” is just as important as the “me.”

Jesus calls the listener to be mindful of how we fail to prioritize God and other people. Because we naturally focus on ourselves while neglecting God and the people around us, this shift towards becoming more mindful requires effort and intentionality. According to Jesus, all of the Law was written and every single prophet came to remind us that we were to pay attention to how we loved God and other people as much as we loved ourselves. This love is more than acknowledgement. It is more than empty lip service. This love requires action. Just as it is easy for our actions take good care of ourselves, our actions must also take care of God and one another. When speaking to the crowds, Jesus sets this bar pretty high. With this alone, we have our work cut out for us.

However, Jesus does not stop there. In John Jesus is talking to his disciples and gives them a new command. He requires that we love others just as God loves us, not just as we love ourselves. This raises the bar so much higher. We can see how we might accomplish loving others as we love ourselves, at least some day we can. How then can we ever hope to love others just as God has loved us? Jesus, who willingly laid down his life for us is now requiring that we love others the same way, with that selfless and unconditional love. Just to understand the scope of this command would require a lifetime of dedication. Learning to love in such a way would require more time. When contemplating how to earnestly begin following this command, I am left wondering where to begin.

The best place to start might be with the continued development of empathy. Empathy is being aware of or sensitive to the feelings, thoughts, and/or experiences of another person. Empathy recognizes the legitimacy of the other person. When we develop this awareness or sensitivity, we can the recognize that other people are as entitled to the love and care we ask or take for ourselves. They are worthy of the respect and dignity that we are. Our worthiness does not diminish their worthiness. When we are able to offer this kind of recognition to others, we begin to see others as God see them, with loving eyes, with tender hearts. To love others as God loves us raises the bar for God’s love is immeasurable.  

Empathy and humility are two characteristics that go hand in hand and are the antithesis to characteristics like pride and righteousness. Peace comes from empathy, whereas strive is borne of pride. Today we need peace, we need civility. Peace begins with us. When we as Christians accept the mantle of love and empathy, we open the door to peace. Thankfully, love and empathy are as contagious as rancor and division. If we show and share love, there is a far greater chance that those around us will be able to do the same. Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me. Amen

Rev. Joshua Trautmann

Bridge Executive Presbyter

On behalf of the Personnel Committee and the Presbytery Council, we thank the Rev. Joshua Trautmann for serving as our "Bridge" Executive Presbyter for the past six months. Joshua's contract ends on September 1.

We appreciate Joshua providing leadership through a time of change. Thank you, Joshua!

As we prepare for our new Executive Presbyter to arrive in November, we will have one final "Bridge" Executive Presbyter serving in our midst.  

The Personnel Committee and Presbytery Council are pleased to share with you that the Rev. Dr. Les Hyder is serving as our "Bridge" Executive Presbyter, from August 15- November 15.

Les brings the gifts we need at this time, just as each of our "Bridge" Executives brought the gifts needed for their times of service.

Below you will find Les' picture and bio.

Praise and Thanks be to God for providing the leadership our Presbytery needs.

Rev. Brian Spangler

Chair of Personnel Committee

North Central California Presbytery

In person! Breaking Bread Together! Singing!

Old Friends and New Friends

Regular Meeting of Presbytery

First Presbyterian Church of Stockton

Saturday, September 7^th

8:30am greeting one another, coffee, fruit and pastries

9:00am meeting start

Session—please arrange for commissioners as early as possible!

Lunch will be catered; reservation deadline will be noon Aug. 31^st.

The EP search committee has completed the search process and has recommended a single candidate to become the next Executive Presbyter of the NCCP! Negotiations are continuing with various committees (the need for confidentiality explains the absence of an update last month) and we are looking forward to the in-person Presbytery meeting on Sept 7 for the big reveal!

We are continually thankful for the many prayers that continue to cover the team in both health and discernment in this important work of selecting a final candidate.

Shepherd of the Sierra is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant who will primarily welcome visitors, answer phones, and sustain congregational communication. The Administrative Assistant will prepare weekly bulletins and content for Sunday worship as well as maintain church office needs. This position supports the Operations Manager. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Qualifications include excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organization, working knowledge of Microsoft Windows programs, and other computer skills (including databases and website). 

Interest and questions about this position, including the job description,

should be directed to secretary@shepherdpres.org.

Our North Central California Mission team returned on July 14^th from a whirlwind three-day Volunteer trip. Our team stayed at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville, California, our Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Host Site for the Camp Fire. On November 8, 2018, the community of Paradise was devastated by the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California. The Camp Fire destroyed over 18,000 structures and 85 people lost their lives. This trip was organized and led by Nancy Disher, NCCP Mission Organizer, and Rev. Jeanie Shaw, PDA National Volunteer, and our team of 17 volunteers was comprised of Mission Leaders from five Congregations. Our goal of the trip was for these leaders to experience the work of rebuilding Paradise, and the hospitality of the Oroville Church and will return with teams from their churches.

Our Volunteers met at Trinity at noon on Friday, and we traveled the short distance to the warehouse of Tiny Pine Foundation, a not for profit building tiny homes on wheels and small footprint homes for fire survivors. Tiny Pine is run by Alyssa Hofman, who began building tiny homes on faith in 2019. The Tiny Pine Foundation has built 48 tiny homes on wheels donated free to fire survivors. The Foundation is currently building small footprint homes on foundation with 15 more tiny homes under construction currently and welcomes teams. Alyssa’s story and faith is absolutely beyond inspiring.

On Friday evening our team was hosted to a delicious dinner gifted by the Trinity Congregation, and Elders and members of the church joined our team for conversation and fellowship. Elder Mike Ratto gave our team a thorough orientation to the host site and shared how much his church appreciated volunteers. We welcomed a fire survivor as our dinner speaker who shared the harrowing story of evacuating the hospital and then driving home to pack a few belongings and her sons into the car to escape the fire roaring down the mountain. As she described trying to navigate roads that were barely visible because of the smoke, our team had a glimpse of the horror of what the community experienced.

On Saturday, our volunteers divided into three work groups:

The first team went to a Habitat for Humanity site and worked on roofing brackets and baffles under the direction of an excellent Habitat Contractor.

The second work team went to the Performing Arts Center in downtown Paradise and did a landscaping project. The Center is run by the beloved Mayor and Fire Survivor of Paradise, Woody Camp. During our break, Woody shared his experience on the day of the fire and many of my team members were in tears. 

The third work project was working with Alyssa Hofman on a small footprint home in Concow, the community where the Camp Fire started. Our team installed a stove, wired a ceiling fan, painted, sanded, and plastered. During the day, the owner of the home came by with her daughter and shared her gratitude for helping build her a home. They have been living in a tiny camping trailer for the past 6 years.

On Saturday night we hosted Bruce Yerman, Director of the Campfire Collaborative, and his family for dinner. Bruce shared his great appreciation for the support of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and North Central California Presbytery.

On Sunday morning, our team worshipped with the Trinity Congregation and were welcomed by the members of the Trinity Presbyterian Church! We are so blessed to have this amazing PDA Host Site in OUR presbytery!

A volunteer trip is a great opportunity to SERVE and experience fellowship across our Church communities.

We extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our team members: Susan Wilcox, Alex Cooke, Dennis Larsen, and Sue Larsen from Davis Community Church; Virgil Nelson from Shepherd of the Sierra, Loomis; Kathleen Gunn, Polet Yonan, Martin Purdy, Jana Purdy, Alison Aldax, and Pat Weisel from First United Presbyterian Church, Turlock; Richard Comp and Becky Davin from Eventide Community and Doug Hengehold and Karen Taylor from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Sonoma.

If your church is interested in a volunteer trip to serve in Paradise, please contact Nancy Disher, NCCP Mission Organizer at (916) 792-7725 or njdisher@gmail.com. Rev. Jeanie Shaw and Nancy are planning to lead a volunteer leadership trip to Paradise again this Fall.

We LOVE Mission!

Nancy Disher, Mission Organizer, NCCP

Rev Jeanie Shaw, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team

Thank you for participating in " Subversive Witness. Scripture’s call to Leverage Privilege " Summer Book Discussion Zoom Class (June 27 to August 1, 2024). May our discussions help us move forward with greater intentions, insights and impact in our families and community. With joy and gratitude.   Dr. Beatrice Russell, Book Study Group Facilitator.

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.)

Dear friends of the churchwide Special Offerings,

Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ! The 226th General Assembly (2024) approved several changes to the churchwide Special Offerings to take effect January 1, 2026. These changes were recommended by the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board through the Special Offerings Review Task Force. Thanks to members of the Task Force for their creative work. The biggest change you will note is a new lineup of offerings: 

• One Great Hour of Sharing
• World Communion Offering
• Christmas Joy Offering

That means:

1. The Pentecost Offering will be discontinued after the 2025 Offering. However, all current recipient causes will continue to be funded through the churchwide Special Offerings. Specifically, ministries focused on children-at-risk, youth, and young adults will now be part of the Christmas Joy Offering.
2. The Peace & Global Witness Offering will transform into the World Communion Offering beginning in 2026. Through 2025, congregations and mid councils are invited to retain a percentage of gifts from their Pentecost and Peace & Global Witness Offerings. In 2026, there will be a new grant-making program to support local and regional ministries. Your congregation or mid council will be able to apply for a grant for your own ministries that align with the causes supported through this new Offering. PMA staff are already working to create an accessible grant process that centers equity, creativity, and flexibility.
3. Overall, causes, rather than programs will receive funds as determined by leadership of the future unified agency. This does not mean currently funded programs will no longer receive funding. Broadening the scope of funding areas will invite more congregations, mid councils, and individuals to support the churchwide Special Offerings while discovering new ways to do God’s work in the world.

Over the next year, we will be redefining the Special Offerings experience to encompass this new direction. Be on the lookout for occasional updates on this process while continuing to receive resources, communication, and opportunities for the current schedule of Offerings.I’m excited that the Holy Spirit led this General Assembly to approve these recommendations. They will bring a renewed spirit of gratitude, compassion, connection and justice-centered giving. It is my prayer that God use these gifts to help us know that We Are the Church…Together!Please reach out to me or anyone on my team with any questions, comments, or just for further conversation. We look forward to speaking with you!

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Wilson Kennedy

Associate Director for Special Offerings and Appeals

"Journey of Faith: Embracing Diversity, Serving Together & Impacting Lives!"

We invite all friends and families of NCCP! Please join us for an exciting intercultural fellowship as we celebrate our 22nd Anniversary!

• Date: September 15, 2024

• Location: Celtic Cross Church

Schedule of Events:

• Praising Worship: 4:30 PM

• Celebration Dinner Fellowship: 6:00 PM

Support Our Cause:

All donations will be used to support GKI-Sacramento's children's and youth ministries. Your support helps us reach out to the MZ and Alpha generations, fostering a brighter future for our community.

Thank you for your support and prayers for GKI-Sacramento!

For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon (Liaison) at 916-217-5470 or catalyst@nextg.org -or- Rev. Tri Yeni Sulistiani (Interim Pastor) at 916-547-8060 or triyeni_s@yahoo.com.

For questions or donations, please contact NCCP Mission Organizer, Nancy Disher.

missionorganizer@nccpresby.org

Mission Support Emphasis Week

The Pastor’s Renewal Retreat (formerly Preaching Pastors Retreat) is an opportunity for clergy and other ministry leaders to come together along the shores of Lake Tahoe to rest and recharge for the ongoing sustainability of their ministry. Not only will you get the chance for some Pastoral R&R, but you will have the opportunity to get inspired through collaborative roundtable conversations with colleagues in ministry, participate in rich and varied worship experiences, and connect with the earth as

you encounter the breathtaking beauty of the Tahoe basin.

Recognizing that there are many ways of exercising pastoral leadership, all ministry leaders, lay and ordained alike, are invited to participate in the Pastor’s Renewal Retreat. We hope that no matter where you are in your ministry journey, you will find spiritual nourishment throughout the event.

October 7-9th, 2024

Zephyr Point Conference Center

 We are so excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Theresa Cho, as our keynote speaker for 2024. 

Theresa is a pastor at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. For 20 years, she’s integrated intergenerational ministry with visual and communal art. Her ministry has also focused on leading congregational and organizational change as well as immigrant justice and converting church buildings into affordable housing and community centers. 

*North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $200 registration discount

Ethnic Concerns Consultation, or ECC, is dedicated to bringing education and awareness of the concerns of ethnic groups to churches and all of Christendom. The ECC is a place of encouragement that provides avenues for ethnic groups to be connected to and involved in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Special time for youth engagement and activities for all ages is planned. The ECC invites those who seek the full diversity of the church in our growing and changing culture. All are welcome to join us at Zephyr Point in October as we come together to enable spiritual growth and cultural awareness and learn how the ECC will advocate for

racial and economic justice issues in the church and society.

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org