Presbytery of San Jose

February 26, 2025

The February 27, 2025 4pm - 5:30pm Presbytery meeting is a zoom meeting.

On the docket:

Installation of Rev. Dr. Libby Boatwright, 2025 Moderator.

Coordinating Council and Nominations Committee will bring committee nominations.

COM will bring their Commissioned Ruling Elder Policy for approval.

The Polity and Government Subcomittee will bring recommendations on amendments to the constitution (Book of Order) forwarded by GA 226 to presbyteries for ratification.

• PCUSA.org compiled proposed amendments ot the constitution (PDF)
• At PCUSA's vimeo page, find short videos that address each item of business individually. https://vimeo.com/showcase/11413656

On Executive Orders

The Rev. Dr. Neal D. Presa, Executive Presbyter

February 21, 2025

The full text of Neal Presa's Pastoral Letter to the Presbytery is at this link.

Neal D. Presa | neal@sanjosepby.org | (408) 763-5004

We're asking all churches and worshiping communities to pray for the host of the Unity Candle each week, including mention in their worship bulletins and pastoral prayer/congregational prayers.

http://www.gonzalescpc.org

Follow the path of the Unity Candle: http://tinyurl.com/SJUnity2025

March 2 - Gonzales Community Presbyterian Church

March 9 - Northminster Presbyterian Church

March 16 - St. Philip's Presbyterian Church

Regardless of how we vote RED or BLUE, these are anxious times we are living in. It can be a little more difficult to be friendly to the person who holds the door or the grocery clerk who smiles even when the line is long or even “Peace Be With You” on a Sunday morning. Sometimes our anxiety can spill over on our families, and we get overly upset about little things. So, what can we do when anxiety is on overload?

As Christians, we might go first to prayer. Seeking God’s help is always a good idea. Turning to scripture such as John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Also, Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:13; and Jeremiah 29:11-12; to list a few.

There are also some other things we can do. Checking on our breathing… is it shallow and fast? Deep breathing…especially exhaling slowly at least 3 or 4 times; listening to calming music; putting a warm washcloth on our face; funny, light reading (I recommend “Far Side”); and any other things we like to do with the purpose being slowing down, being still and not watching news. These are anxious times, but we can act to calm our anxiety with God’s help.

Resources: caring for vulnerable communities

sanjosepby.org chronicles efforts across the presbytery to do justice.

2/14/25 PC(USA) joins religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches

Office of Public Witness lobbies lawmakers and organizes actions that promote PCUSA's point of view in Washington, DC.

- Instagram

- Holy Discontentment

Advocacy Guide

Office of Immigration Issues offers advice, resources, and maintains the Family Care Plan page of PCUSA.org, to help communities come together in support of one another and create plans for the worst-case scenarios.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in contact with communities hit with recent ICE raids and is involved in multiple initiatives to offer a safe and stable environment for refugees and asylum seekers.

• 27 Feb, 4pm Presbytery Meeting by Zoom
• 1 March Youth Triennium Interest levels due (contact Rosaleen Zisch)
• 5 March Ash Wednesday
• 5 March, 1:00pm Anti-Racism Book Club by Zoom
• 16 March, 10:30am Rise Against Hunger, FPC Palo Alto
• 22 March, 9:30am Treasurer Training Zoom (registration link)
• 22 March Registration Deadline, NAPW Retreat
• 29 March, 1:30pm Church Mystery Book Club, PCLG
• 13 April Palm Sunday
• 20 April Easter Sunday
• 3 May N.E.A.R. Gathering, First Presbyterian Church of Monterey

www.sanjosepby.org

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