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

Please contact cdmanager@nccpresby.org for more information.

The 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will gather June 22–July 2, 2026, under the theme “Persevering Toward Wholeness” (Revelation 22:2). The Assembly begins with online plenary and committee meetings June 22–24, followed by in-person plenary sessions in Milwaukee June 28–July 2. The election of the next Moderator or Co-Moderators is scheduled for July 2.

Our North Central California Presbytery Commissioners to the 227th General Assembly are Tiffany Nicely Holleck, Minister of Word and Sacrament from St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Yuba City and Candace Peterson, Ruling Elder from First Presbyterian Church, Turlock. Please hold them in your prayers as they begin this journey! They will present a report on their experience and activities at our next Presbytery meeting, September 12th.

Our Stated Clerk will be observing the Assembly Committee meetings and the plenary sessions online. Executive Presbyter, Karen Sapio, will attend the plenary gathering in Milwaukee June 27-July 2 along with our Commissioners.

Matters coming before the 227th General Assembly, include:

• Constitutional amendments and matters related to church governance and polity.

• A proposed policy statement addressing White Christian Nationalism and its impact on church and society.

• Overtures related to Israel and Palestine, including responses to the war in Gaza and the church's public witness for peace and human rights.

• Questions concerning racial equity, mission strategy, environmental stewardship, and international concerns, including nuclear disarmament.

• Reports from church agencies and the ongoing work of denominational restructuring and unification. 

All Assembly worship services and plenary sessions will be livestreamed. The livestreams are open to all Presbyterians! We encourage you to follow the Assembly's work online. Registration is required and free. Use the link, make sure you are on the “Advance Registration” tab (the other tab color will be blue) and click on “Register Today.” This will give you access to “MyGA.” It is wise to register and to look at how it is organized before you want to watch. You will go there to choose what you want to observe. You will not receive links.

https://pcusa.org/227th-general-assembly-2026/observer-registration-info

Schedules, business materials, livestream links, committee reports, and daily updates can be found on the General Assembly website:

https://pcusa.org/about-pcusa/church-structure/general-assembly/general-assembly-gathering

Please keep commissioners, advisory delegates, moderators, and staff in your prayers as they discern together the future witness and ministry of our church.

Pastors are invited to participate in the Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Financial Literacy and Leadership Program. This program equips and trains pastors and church leaders in financial management and leadership for their congregations. 

The Foundation believes it is important to resource pastoral leaders and the congregations that they serve in the areas of church financial literacy, leadership, and management to promote vitality and excellence in ministry. For more information, visit the program website: https://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/resources/church-financial-literacy-and-leadership-program/.

This summer NCCP continues our commitment to offering opportunities for learning and skill building for leaders in our congregations.

ZOOM Toolbox Workshop

June 22, 4pm

What New Worshiping Communities can teach Established Congregations

Does your church often ponder these questions?

How can we become a more welcoming and inclusive community?

• What barriers prevent younger generations or newcomers from feeling at home?
• How can we use our building and resources to bless the broader community?
• What cultural groups around us remain unreached or underrepresented?
• How can worship become more participatory, creative, and life-giving?
• What ministries can emerge by listening deeply to community pain and hopes?

These are exactly the questions the New Worshiping Communities of our Presbytery are exploring and they have a lot to teach us! Join some of our NCCP New Worshiping Community leaders for a ZOOM Workshop and panel discussion on Monday, June 22nd at 4pm to hear what they are learning and discovering about what new forms of ministry can transform churches to engage new generations and new people in your community. 

ZOOM Toolbox Workshop

July 13, 4pm

How Any Church Can Use New Technology to Simplify Ministry: The Rev. Steve Netniss



Many churches struggle with scattered communication, personal email accounts, disconnected documents, and limited technology resources. In this 45-minute session, we’ll share how Grace Presbyterian Church in Lodi has built a modern, affordable technology platform for its small congregation using Google Workspace for Nonprofits. 

Steve will also discuss practical best practices that every church can implement, including purchasing and managing your own domain name, creating church-owned email accounts for pastors, staff, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders, and building systems that preserve institutional knowledge when leadership changes occur. Whether your church has 50 members or 500, you’ll walk away with practical ideas for reducing administrative overhead, improving collaboration, strengthening security, and allowing your team to focus more time on ministry and less time on technology. 

Join your Presbytery colleagues and friends for a friendly gathering to watch the Stockton Ports play the Fresno Grizzlies on July 10th at 7pm at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton. An evening at the ballpark is a great opportunity for us to gather and get to know one another better in a setting where we have no Presbytery business to conduct. The tickets are $13/person.  Please sign up at the link below by July 3rd.  Once we have all the sign ups, we will send out an email to those participating with the payment link and instructions on how to pick up your tickets at the stadium on game night.

July 6-8 our Presbytery staff will be packing up the Presbytery Resource Center so the books and other materials can be donated. Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate boxes: We need packing boxes of a size appropriate to pack books. If you have some on hand, please drop them off in the Carmichael Presbyterian Church office before July 2.
2. Help pack! Please join us at the Presbytery office July 6-8 any time between 9 and noon. Please call Tayler at the Presbytery office to let us know what day you will be coming.
3. Suggest organizations to receive donations.  Do you work with an organization that could use gently used books and/or bookshelves? We would love to hear from you. Please send an email to cdmanager@nccpresby.org

Presbytery is investing in our churches by extending our agreement with Mr. John Fong for congregational coaching.  His coaching is individualized, practical guidance for churches to improve church visibility in the community, increase visitor follow-up and build relationships.

 John Fong is a PCUSA Elder from upstate New York who has been working with Presbyterian churches and presbyteries to develop new strategies for outreach and growth. 

Following his presentation to our Presbytery in January of 2026, a number of our NCCP congregations have worked with Mr. John Fong to develop a 30 day outreach strategy to improve their use of social media and enhance their welcome and follow-up with visitors. Our Vitality in Ministry team voted to extend our agreement with him so that more of our congregation can have the opportunity to work with him. If your congregation has already developed a 30 plan, you can opt to continue to work with Mr. Fong to further develop your vision for outreach. If you have not yet had the opportunity to get started with an initial consultation, your church leadership may contact him to get that scheduled any time between now and November 1. 

 Mr Fong has a depth of experience and ideas for churches of all sizes to get the word out to your neighbors about the events and mission endeavors of your congregation so that more folks participate and stop in to see what’s going on in your church Overall, this will help your congregation meet more people so that members can build relationships that can lead to more attendance in worship.

He is ready and willing to meet by zoom with some of your church leaders to talk about how his coaching works.  He will overview the type of guidance he offers to churches and how he helps members with follow-up and improving publicity.



To schedule an initial meeting--or to make plans to extend your congregation’s coaching relationship, contact John directly at johnchoufong@gmail.com

Looking for a meaningful way to grow your church membership? John Fong, our church growth mentor, tells us that inviting new families into your church community is one of the most effective first steps—and summer is the perfect time to do it.

He reminds us that during the summer, families often have more flexibility, are searching for meaningful activities, and are more open to trying something new. It is an ideal season to build relationships, create a welcoming first impression, and connect families with a caring faith community.

Is your congregation ready to try something new? Would your church be willing to partner with the Presbytery and Omni Youth Programs to host a fun, engaging Family Day that welcomes new families through your doors?

Imagine your church buzzing with families enjoying games, music, arts and crafts, food, and helpful resources designed to support health, safety, and community connection.

If your church is located in Sacramento—or serves Sacramento residents—Omni Youth Programs can fund your Family Day. In return, your church would offer at least one of Omni’s educational activities such as “Fatal Attraction,” an immersive virtual reality experience that helps teens and adults understand the effects of alcohol and opioids. It is engaging, eye-opening, and memorable.

Your church community would choose the other activities, select the food, and staff a table or booth to introduce families to your congregation and its ministries. Omni Youth Programs would cover the food and activity costs. Think musicians, bounce houses, face painters, video games, and more—all designed to create a welcoming, family-friendly experience.

Omni Youth Programs has experience working with Russians, Ukrainians, Afghans, Hispanics, Hmong, Native Americans, and the deaf and hard of hearing. They will work with diverse congregations and communities.

Want to learn more? Join me and Josselyn Gutierrez of Omni Youth Programs on Wednesday, June 17^th, at 2:00 PM for a Zoom meeting on hosting a Family Day. Bring your questions—we would be glad to answer them. Send me an email at jacqsneed@sbcglobal.net, and I will send you the meeting link.

Blessings,

Jacquelyn Sneed

Presbytery Council and staff members participated in the Intercultural Development Inventory. The IDI is a widely used assessment tool that helps individuals and groups better understand how we experience and engage cultural differences. It is designed not as a test with right or wrong answers, but as a learning tool that can help us grow in awareness, communication, and effectiveness as leaders in the church.

The Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Technology Grant program will assist Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors and leaders serving churches or New Worshiping Communities. Funds are available for those pastoral leaders seeking to enhance their ministry through technology in a variety of ways:

• Upgrade existing technology or purchase new technology
• Upgrade a church website
• Online Training

Pastors with the greatest need serving congregations of color, small churches, new immigrant congregations, and congregations in economically challenged locales are invited to apply. Grants will be given to churches or presbyteries for release to the pastor for direct purchase or reimbursement for technology purchases and training. Those who received grant funds during the previous Technology Grant cycles are asked not to apply.

Visit presbyterianfoundation.org/tech-grant to apply for the grant. The application process will be open from May 20 to July 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. We anticipate more applicants than available grants.

Concerned About Gun Violence?

Join individuals, congregation leaders, and clergy from across the country at

the James Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage.

Participants will engage in workshops, training, and community-building to help congregations take meaningful action to prevent gun violence.

September 15–18, 2026

Kansas City, Missouri

Registration is now open for Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026, an ecumenical conference focused on cultivating generosity, stewardship, and sustainable ministry in today’s church. The conference will be held September 21–23, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland, and will bring together leaders from the PC(USA), ELCA, and other faith communities for worship, workshops, and practical learning.

This year’s workshops include topics especially relevant for congregational leaders, including stewardship and worship, church property redevelopment, sustainable funding models, social media storytelling, rural ministry sustainability, planned giving, governance, and creative approaches to generosity in changing ministry contexts. Both in-person and virtual participation options will be available.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to offer practical tools, inspiring worship, and meaningful networking for pastors, treasurers, stewardship teams, session members, and anyone interested in strengthening congregational generosity and mission. Learn more at Stewardship Kaleidoscope.

For over 27 years, the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet has been a beacon of hope for families and individuals experiencing food insecurity in Central Placer County. Since beginning operations in early 1999, AIFC has provided consistent, reliable support to neighbors in need by offering groceries—enough to prepare 12 meals for each member of a household every 30 days or more. In the 27 years AIFC has been around they have served over 5.7 million meals since inception. Through its Home Delivery program, AIFC also ensures that homebound individuals receive monthly groceries, extending care beyond the walls of the food closet.

 While rooted in a spirit of service, AIFC does not identify as a religious organization or ministry. Rather, it is an expression of the compassion and generosity of its volunteers and donors, who are united by a shared commitment to addressing hunger in the community. Many volunteers come from a variety of churches and faith traditions—all from within the community —demonstrating a broad and inclusive dedication to helping others.

 Supported by local congregations, volunteers, and generous donors, the Food Closet creates meaningful opportunities for the community to serve. Through outreach and practical assistance, AIFC continues to make a tangible difference—ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry.

 For more information on how your congregation can support this work, visit https://auburnfoodcloset.org/

Respectfully Submitted 

Stephan Sylvanus 

haa@nccpresby.org

Peace of Christ 

www.nccpresby.org

(916)-715-3649

2026 Pastor’s Renewal Retreat

Dates: October 12-14, 2026

Event Theme: Sacred Curiosity

What if the most powerful resource for renewal isn’t found in more answers, better strategies, or harder work — but in the ancient, grace-filled practice of curiosity? This fall, we’re gathering at Zephyr Point to explore Sacred Curiosity with author Britney Winn Lee, whose work invites exhausted leaders back to wonder as a way of life. Come ready to slow down, pay attention, and leave with practices your congregation can embody.

*North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $200 registration discount by selecting that you are a NCCP member during registration.

The Equipped For Service Form is to be used by the Nominating Committee as a tool for aligning gifts and passions with a person's service.  This form is made available to all members of the presbytery willing to serve on committees, commissions, task forces, and as officers in leadership.

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

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:  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.

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.

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

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