As I write this, our hearts are breaking at the news of the destruction and devastation in the Texas hill country.  Presbyterian colleagues, friends, and family from Mission Presbytery and The Synod of the Sun are sharing their grief and asking for our prayers. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already at work in the region, mobilizing resources and volunteers for recovery. (See article later in this newsletter on how to be part of those efforts). 

Our hearts also break at the divisions and conflicts in our country and how these are impacting vulnerable communities and persons. In a letter to the Church, PCUSA Stated Clerk Jihyun affirmed our commitment to continue to stand with the most vulnerable among us. One portion of that letter states:

We will work toward the day of God’s wholeness when all tears are wiped away, weapons are hammered into plowshares, hunger and violence are no more, Earth and all that inhabit it are restored, and God’s love and justice reign…. As Presbyterians, the Lord of our conscience calls us to stand up against the abuse of power and authority, especially when it is done in the name of Christ but not in the image and likeness of Christ and his earthly ministry.

May it be so.

Karen Sapio, Executive Presbyter

Treasurer’s Report

The PHS Research Fellowship program is designed to encourage faculty, independent researchers, and students to use and publish from the society's rich holdings. The program awards research and travel grants of $2,500. The application deadline for 2026 fellowships is March 2, 2026. Awards will be announced on or before April 6. 

More information about this opportunity is available at the PHS website. 

On Trinity Sunday (June 15) at GKI Sacramento, our hearts were filled with joy as we celebrated the baptism of three beloved children—a sacred moment overflowing with hope, healing, and the blessing of new beginnings. Just as Hannah in 1 Samuel poured out her heart in prayer and dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord, we too witnessed a legacy of faith passed on with love and commitment. Baptism marked the start of their journey with Christ, embraced by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and welcomed into our church family with open arms. It was a day of celebration and renewal—a reminder that God is faithful, that every child is a gift, and that together we are called to nurture and guide them with grace, just as Hannah did, trusting in God’s purpose for their lives. 

Submitted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, Liaison and Moderator of GKI Sacramento

In a world shaped by migration, multicultural identity, and social fragmentation, the Church is being summoned by the Spirit into a new kind of faithfulness. In North Central California and across the globe, God is calling us into unfamiliar spaces—in-between cultures and beyond traditional sanctuaries—to rediscover what it truly means to be a people of hope and hospitality.

Two transformative ideas help guide this journey: Third Culture and Third Place. Though sociological in origin, they point directly to a deeply biblical vision of intercultural belonging and redemptive presence—and they may just be the keys to our church’s renewal.

Submitted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon

In a spirit of collaboration and hope for the future, three dedicated pastors came together at the office of our Executive Presbyter, Rev. Karen Sapio, to begin shaping a vital new resource for our presbytery. Rev. Dr. Margaret Boles (Walnut Grove Community Church), representing the Personnel Committee; Rev. Dr. Sarah Nave (Parkview Presbyterian Church), representing Pastoral Support of VIM; and Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon (Intercultural Mosaics), representing New Ministry Initiatives, gathered to begin drafting the NWC Handbook—a thoughtful and practical guide designed to nurture, support, and empower our New Worshiping Communities across the North Central California Presbytery.

This collaborative effort marks an important step in building a shared vision for how we walk alongside emerging ministries, celebrate innovation, and embody Christ’s call in diverse and creative ways.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 14 at Parkview Presbyterian Church, as this important work continues to take shape. Stay tuned!

Submitted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon

Davis Community Church, Full Time Pastor 

First Presbyterian Church, Stockton, Music Director

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

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sacramento Bridge 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 eldoradofederatedchurch.org.

We look forward to hearing from you.)

Westminster Woods Summer Programs

What is Youth Triennium?

A time of worship and faith formation designed by and for young people. Find out more: https://presbyterianyouthtriennium.org

Spread the news to those who will be freshmen through graduated seniors in high school in the summer of 2025 so those interested can attend with others around our presbytery!

Spread the news to wise faithful persons who relate well with young people and are 22 or older and would make a good chaperone.

Spread the news to young adults up to 23 years old who might want to be on the Work Crew.

The presbytery has funds to contribute 1/3 of the cost to attend. Generally, the family contributes 1/3 and the church the other 1/3.

NCCP’s Registrar: Vicki Henderson (St. Andrew Church in Yuba City) … vshgolfer@syix.com  

For the past thirteen years, in partnership with the Metlakatla Presbyterian Church, we have sponsored a life-changing mission trip to Metlakatla, a Tsimshian native village on the island of Annete, in southeastern Alaska.

Join us as we share the extraordinary opportunity to partner with our Tsimshian brothers and sisters for work projects, Vacation Bible Camp, Youth Camps and sharing in the beautiful culture of the Tsimshian clans. The Presbyterian Church of Metlakatla is a historic faith community on the only First Nation Reservation in Alaska.

SOULutions Ministries is sponsoring this trip. For questions contact Nancy Disher or Jeanie Shaw at (916) 996-6236 or revjeanshaw@yahoo.com

 Soul Shop™ for Faith Leaders is a workshop for clergy, lay pastors, and faith-based clinicians. It aims to help them build safe communities and prepare them to address suicide as a standard part of their work and life. This crucial training is designed to equip faith community leaders with the skills to provide support, hope, and connection to those affected by suicide. For more visit: https://www.soulshopmovement.org/upcomingtraining

Dates: October 6-8, 2025

Retreat Leadership: My Anchor Holds

Registration opens April 15 https://zephyrpoint.org/pastors-renewal-retreat/

North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $200 registration discount by entering 25PRR at checkout. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Department at 775-588-6759 ext. 113.

Dear NCCP Clergy of Color,

We are excited to invite you to our first-ever joint Northern California Regional Retreat—the Leaders of Color Retreat—happening October 13–16, 2025 at the stunning Zephyr Point Conference Center!

This meaningful retreat will bring together leaders of color from four presbyteries for a time of rest, renewal, connection, and shared visioning.

🌟 Special gift for NCCP clergy:

While other presbyteries are offering $400 scholarships (with participants covering the remaining $200), NCCP Clergy of Color Network (COCN) is offering a full scholarship—covering the entire $600 registration cost per person. That means no cost to you to attend!

⏳ Space is limited to the first 30 participants, and registration is on a first come, first served basis—so don’t wait!

🗓 Registration deadline: September 15, 2025

We can’t wait to share this space with you—to be nourished, encouraged, and empowered alongside one another.

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to:

Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon – catalyst@nextg.org | (916) 217-5470

Rev. Dr. Grace Suwabe – gsuwabe02@gmail.com | (916) 835-8380

With joy and anticipation,

The NCCP Clergy of Color Network Team

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org