A Season of Pain and Possibility: North Central California Presbytery Rising to the Occasion
- Mary Westfall, Transitional Executive Presbyter
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It seems that each day we are greeted with more and more challenge; horrifying news of the war in Ukraine, the reality of draught and concerns over the upcoming fire season, civil conflict in Ethiopia, refugees on the move throughout the world, the despoiling of our precious planet, more gun violence, addiction, depression, even the threat of another wave of the pandemic. So much pain, uncertainty and agitation on our small little planet. In such times it is vital to remember that God’s Spirit is at work in the world through the hands, hearts, and hopes of God’s people. That is why, though we grieve losses and carry concerns about the future, we do not despair, but eagerly join in a season of promise and possibility, participating in the new thing God is doing, even now!
Despite the weightiness of these times, hope is aborning! In this issue of our NCCP digital update, you will be inspired by the work and witness of churches in our presbytery who are Earth Care Congregations and learn how to join that holy endeavor. You will be inspired that one of our smallest congregations was recognized by our denomination for feeding hundreds of hungry neighbors in the midst of the pandemic. Similarly, this issue of presbytery news carries information about numerous resources, trainings and programs to better equip your Deacons and Elders for leadership, assist those responsible for your church property or run stewardship campaigns, and those looking for tangible opportunities to improve lives and better the world through increased compassion, peace and justice.
In addition to all that, with just a few clicks on your computer you will:
- learn how to donate to Ukraine through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program
- learn about how to take a Spanish class in order to be a better neighbor
- find out about a new job opportunity in our presbytery
- get information about how to participate in one of several upcoming conferences or retreats our presbytery is hosting in the coming months
As your Transitional Presbyter and partner in ministry, I acknowledge these are incredibly challenging times, but I also believe that hope is a cultivated practice, something we can grow within us and within our communities through intentionality, engagement and by sharing the good news. I invite you to scroll down the page and find vital links to upcoming events that engender hope and help us, more effectively, be the body of Christ. We, as North Central California Presbytery are rising in the face of challenge and uncertainty, already stepping out upon the path ahead, ready to gather, equip and inspire ourselves and others to the glory of God and the healing of the people. Read on and be inspired and grateful. Read on and find your place on the holy journey ahead.
Together, let us boldly follow the Risen One, as we too rise to this moment with faith, courage, love, imagination and hope.
Read on!
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BECOMING AN EARTH CARE CONGREGATION |
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Two local congregations recognized.
Our Presbytery received word that the Carmichael and Davis churches were recognized for their commitment to Earth care and stewardship. In these times of increasing draught, fires, and other signs of global climate change it is truly holy and restorative ministry to be working on behalf of Gods good creation. We celebrate and affirm the visible witness of these two congregations and encourage others to read the following article on becoming an Earth Care Congregation. In the midst of so many assaults upon Gods good earth this is truly holy transformative work to which we are all called.
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EMBODYING MATTHEW 25 INITIATIVE: ONE SMALL NCCP CONGREGATION MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE
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Sometimes we measure the health of a church by its size, but we know that does not tell the full story. Please read the following inspiring story from Presbyterian News Service about one church in our presbytery, Countryside Community Church in Esparto, led by the Rev. Kathy McIntosh-Smith. Small, but mighty, this congregation has found a new passion and form of ministry that is bringing relief to its neighbors and a renewed spirit of hope, service and connection to congregants. Even the pandemic did not stop their vision and commitment. Please read their inspiring story.
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PROJECT REGENERATON: SUSTAINABILITY AND THE CHURCH |
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Our presbytery had the honor to recently host a Presbyterian Foundation workshop for congregations seeking to make wise decisions about their future. “Project Regeneration: Sustainability and the Church,” drew nearly 50 people for a morning of inspiration, resource-sharing and conversation. Nearly half of our congregations sent representatives to this event and it is hoped that a future event will provide more opportunity for discussion and reflection.
This is a time of immense change in the life of the church. The Presbyterian Foundation seeks to partner with congregations and walk with them through a process of discernment about how best to utilize their physical buildings and property. For more information about Project Regeneration and what is offers congregations at no cost, please contact Presbyterian Foundation Western Region staff person, Maggie Harmon,
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Are you or someone you know a skilled listener and writer? Familiar with our rules for meetings or a fast learner about such details? The presbytery is now looking for a new Recording Clerk. Check out the job description because it may be your calling or the calling of someone you know! For more information or to submit your cover letter and resume, contact:
The Rev. Brian Spangler
916-529-0805
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN ZOOM GATHERING |
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Presbyterian Women will be hosting a ZOOM gathering on March 24th at 1PM.
All women in our presbytery are invited to attend.
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The Presbyterian Foundation is pleased to offer the Day of Learning again with presentations and conversation about planned giving programs and best practices for your congregation. There will be time for questions and answer and giving resources. |
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LEADER FORMATION WEBNAR FOR DEACONS AND RULING ELDERS
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There will be a webinar, “Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons: Good Stewards of God’s Grace,” Wednesday, March 30, from 4:00–5:30 pm Pacific. This webinar is put on at the national level and will provide a deeper understanding of worship and the role of Deacons and Ruling Elders in settings such as the Service for the Lord’s Day; services of ordination, installation, and commissioning; the extended service of communion; and other ministries of compassion and care with those who are sick, homebound, or hospitalized. David Gambrell, Associate for Worship in the PC(USA)’s Office of Theology and Worship, will lead the conversation.
You must register by March 23 to allow time for interpretation to be arranged in Spanish and Korean for those who request it. There is no fee—your per capita contributions at work! If you are unable to participate live, there is no need to register in order to access the recording in English afterwards.
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WESTMINSTER WOODS WOMEN'S RETREAT WEEKEND |
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The Westminster Woods Women’s Weekend offers a respite and the quiet relaxation provided by the fragrant, hushed calm of the Sonoma County Coastal Redwoods. During the retreat guests can expect to be kindled by quality and applicable biblical wisdom presented by our weekend speaker, inspired to worship through music and poetry, and encouraged by a community of women who gather together with the unified purpose of knowing God, knowing each other, and knowing ourselves.
Take this opportunity to walk through the woods, hang out with the girls, dive into Scripture, eat great food and discover again (or for the first time) what it means to be called by Christ. Come - You are invited!
The featured speaker for this weekend is Pastor Jeanie Shaw.
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COMPASSION PEACE AND JUSTICE TRAINING 2022 |
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As we look around the country and around the globe, the issues of human rights have never been more pressing. The attack on voting rights at home and fierce suppression of human rights activists internationally are signs that we must be ever vigilant in pressing for human dignity and rights for all.
Join us for Compassion Peace and Justice Training 2022! This year we will once again be centering our event around the Ecumenical Advocacy Days theme addressing the fierce urgency of human rights both at home and abroad!
This year’s event will be offered in two parts:
On April 19th we will host a roundtable discussion and workshop on the work of the Compassion Peace and Justice Ministry in supporting international human rights. We will lift up the work we and our partners are doing to support human rights globally and the intersection of human rights with the issues of food sovereignty, migration, racism, climate change, corporate accountability and corruption, militarism, and development. Join us to learn what you and your church can do!
On April 20th we will be hosting a roundtable discussion on the work of the Compassion Peace and Justice Ministry on domestic civil and human rights. We will hear from staff who are working and organizing nationally on the issues of voting rights, poverty, racism, environmental justice, LGBTQIA+, gun violence, and domestic human rights for all of god’s children. Learn how you and your church can plug into the work and contribute to further civil rights at home!
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May 2-4, 2022
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center
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The Missions Committee is excited to host its first annual Justice Conference entitled "Connect with Creation – Heal Our Communities". This will take place May 2-4 up at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center. Rev. Dr. Claudio Carvalhaes of Union Theological Seminary will be our keynote speaker and he is very much looking forward to being with us.
To register for the event, please click the link below. This will give you all the information that you need and an in depth bio of Dr. Carvalhaes. Sponsoring this conference is the North Central California Presbytery Missions Support Committee, Pastoral Support Committee and the Committee on Representation.
*Please note that if you are with the North Central California Presbytery, we have limited scholarships for one pastor and one lay person per church on a first come, first served basis. If you have the financial means, we encourage you to pay the full price so that this can give the opportunity for greater participation. Thank you for your understanding. With that being said, please know that everyone is invited. For example, if you have eight people coming from your church, that's great! Come! Just know that we only have scholarships enough for one pastor and one lay person of each church and then everyone else would pay regular price. We look forward to seeing you all up at the Lake!
Submitted by Rev. Pamela Anderson
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Casa de Español is a Spanish language school and cultural center in Sacramento. The school offers Spanish language classes with a 15% off discount (using POS15) to our presbytery members!
The Spring session 4 day Workshops - April 18 -21.
The Spring session for grammar and conversation classes is April 25 - June 23.
Check out their website at the link below!
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PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE RESPONSE IN UKRAINE |
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As the violence continues, the number of people being displaced internally and fleeing to neighboring countries increases by the day. The first priority at PDA is to provide funding to partners on the ground; sibling churches and ecumenical partners who are already providing assistance with basic items for survival. Funds are being used for emergency humanitarian aid such as food items, shelter, medicines, diapers, hygiene items, etc. Join us in praying for a peaceful solution and an end to the violence. |
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Rev. Carrie Lane, a minister member of NCCP, and her husband, Mike, lost their brand new home to a fire a little over a week ago. Carrie serves are Parish Associate at Federated Placerville Church and serves as a Chaplain in a local elderly residential facility. Previously, she was part of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lodi. They are doing fine, physically, but will be displaced for 8-9 months while rebuilding occurs. Prayers and cards of support are welcome.
They can receive mail at: 2993 Knollwood, Cameron Park, CA 95682
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June 4th, 2022
9:30AM- 4PM
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Please mark your calendars and plan to attend “Covenant Conversations,” a day of education, inspiration and conversation as, together, we explore how our churches, communities and presbytery might become more welcoming and inclusive of LGBTQ persons. The issue of full inclusion has divided our denomination for decades, but after debates, votes, departures and new partnerships, the PCUSA is in a season of re-engagement about how best to model gospel values and truly create a “table of welcome” for all. Covenant Network of the PCUSA will be offering this regional event in North Central California Presbytery, June 4th. All congregations of the presbytery are encouraged to send participants. Be watching for more details coming soon.
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POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN IN D.C. |
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Dear NCCP, I wanted to share with you some exciting news about the Poor People's Campaign. We are organizing folks in California to head to D.C. for a mass poor people's and low-wage worker's assembly and you are invited! This will take place on Saturday June 18 beginning at 10am. Our goal is to get 100,000 people to DC! The Poor People's Campaign is a continuation of Dr. King's work to fight poverty and not the poor. Bishop Barber and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis are the co-moderators of the campaign and if you would like to learn more about the work we are doing go to www.poorpeoplescampaign.org. Additionally, there will be a west coast Moral March on Monday, May 16 in Los Angeles. This will be the only west coast gathering that will be taking place before heading to DC. Please note that we are organizing buses for faith groups and organizations for LA and D.C. So if you would like to learn more how to get to the Mobilization Tour on May 16 in Los Angeles and/or to Washington D.C. for June 18, please reach out to me at revpamelaanderson@gmail.com. I am a California state organizer for the campaign now and I would like to help get you mobilized, organized and energized!
Submitted by Rev. Dr. Pamela Anderson,
CA Organizer for the Poor People's Campaign
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October 7-9, 2022
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center
-Elona Street Stewart
-Bruce Reyes Chow
-Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis
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This year's annual Consultation is the Jubilee Celebration of the Ethnic Concerns Committee. For fifty years the ECC has been active in our presbytery (formally Sacramento and Stockton Presbyteries) and Nevada Presbytery, and previously San Joaquin Presbytery. The ECC was formed in response to a General Assembly Overture that restructured Synods in 1972. Each new regional synod provided for its ministry among the ethnic minorities within its bounds, administered by ethnic minority personnel and with budgeted financial resources. The Sierra Mission Area (SMA) of the Synod of the Pacific began the Ethnic Concerns Committee which at the time included nine ethnic backgrounds and churches. It increased quickly to 36 congregations and three Synod supported ministries. The purpose was to share ethnic concerns and to explore ways of Christian outreach meaningful to ethnic persons in the four presbyteries of the
Sierra Mission Area.
SMA Associate Executive Rev. Bryce Little was instrumental in helping chart and shape the direction of the Ethnic Concerns Committee. Since then the ECC has touched many lives and provided opportunities for an active and sustained faith journey, personal growth and leadership development. The ECC has been active in learning and advocating for immigrant communities and justice issues of those marginalized or invisible in our communities. Youth programs have nurtured youth leadership and participation in churches. Members of ECC have answered calls to ministry, and have served at all levels of the denomination. (History taken from the "40th History of the Ethnic Concerns Committee; Multicultural Ministries", Presbyterian Church 2012, Editor Joan Alston).
This Jubilee Year will be a celebration of the 50 years of the Ethnic Concerns Committee, as well as a time to begin shaping the new directions of ECC for the coming years. We are on the threshold of new beginnings in a growing multicultural church and presbytery, and we have new issues to address with focus, advocacy, and witness to God's justice for all people. This Consultation invites all people interested to join in celebrating our diversity and to hear from guest speakers who will challenge us to form the future witness of inclusion and witness for all
God's people.
Submitted by Rev. Nancy Clegg, Administrative Staff to the ECC
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Pastors, Ruling Elders, & those serving in validated ministries!
October 10-12, 2022
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center
All NCCP Clergy are invited to attend for only a $50 registration fee
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NCCP
5645 Marconi Ave
Carmichael, CA, 95608
916-414-2080
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