| | |
Presbytery of San Jose
May 7, 2025
| | A successful NEAR in Monterey with Rev. Jihyun Oh | | |
From EP Neal Presa's Facebook Post 5/3/2025:
Presbytery of San Jose conducted its first NEAR Gathering May 3, 2025, hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Monterey.
NEAR (Nurture, Equip, Advocate, Resource) are held twice a year, in-person gatherings for worship, meal fellowship, thoughtful conversations, equipping God’s people for ministry, nurturing Christian life.
We welcomed as preacher and keynoter, The Rev Jihyun Oh, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency... What a blessing it was!
The recording of the gathering is at:
https://www.youtube.com/live/ONU66y--4zc?si=drje0UMg0vVxaA8n
Photos are by Elder James Lee (Daesung) and EP Neal Presa. Click images to zoom.
| | NEAR Gathering II will be Saturday, September 6 (8:00am-1:00pm) at First Presbyterian Church, Mountain View where we will have as a conversation partner/preacher, The Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton, President Emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary, with the focus on God’s Mission and Character and the Church’s Witness. More information is forthcoming. | | | | |
2025 Pacific Region Conference
Administrative Personnel Association of PC(USA)
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center
September 11-14, 2025
| | |
Susan Weir, First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, is President of the APA. She invites all who serve churches in an administrative role to train and fellowship at beautiful Lake Tahoe September 11-14 2025. Membership in APA and this conference in particular are inexpensive.
| | |
As more and more medications are advertised online and on TV, there are some phrases that come up that are not well explained. Tardive Dyskinesia is one of those phrases. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a long-term effect of some psychiatric medications especially those referred to as “first generation” antipsychotics, like Thorazine. Thorazine was the first antipsychotic medication. It was made in the 1940’s and was very helpful for people who had psychotic disorders like Schizophrenia. As helpful as Thorazine was, it had an unexpected effect on the brain for about 30% of patients taking it long term.
TD is involuntary movements of muscles most often in the face and limbs. It can be as limited as a wiggle in the chin or as pronounced as lip-smacking, excessive blinking, finger movements and leg twitching, to name a few.
Tardive Dyskinesia tends to be less common for those taking the more modern antipsychotic medications…but it is still a risk. Unfortunately, people with Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders may have to risk TD in order to manage their symptoms.
How can we as part of Christian Communities help those affected by Tardive Dyskinesia? It is important to remember that these movements or ticks are involuntary. Often those with pronounced movements are very self-conscience and even embarrassed. If a person with TD comes to church, we need to welcome them, sit with them if they wish, and realize they are another stranger to be welcomed.
| |
If you need support, here are some channels:
- Teaching Elders/Ministers in the Presbytery, can contact Neal Presa, Executive Presbyter and he will connect you to the Pastors Supporting Pastors (PSP) program.
- As well, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit through the Board of Pensions for six free 1-hour sessions with a licensed therapist and unlimited 24/7 crisis counselor phone calls.
- For anyone (clergy and anyone) experiencing suicidal ideation, you should immediately contact 988 or 911.
Blessings.
| |
Erratum/Correction
In last week’s Digest, there was a quote mistakenly attributed to EP Neal Presa regarding the June 20-22 peacemaking event at Sunnyvale Presbyterian. Please note, Pastor Hardy Kim offered that invitational quote.
| | | | |
PDA Film Screening + Panel Discussion & Q/A
Evicting the American Dream
Wednesday, May 7 @ 7 – 9 pm
Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church & on Zoom
Evicting the American Dream amplifies the voices and stories of children and families confronting eviction and homelessness. This film explores the root causes and systemic issues that perpetuate this epidemic. Followed by a panel discussion & Q/A with PDA filmmaker David Barnhart, Benaifer Dastoor (Bill Wilson Center), Ruby Ramirez (PACT), Dr. Tim Thomas (UC Berkeley's Urban Displacement Project). Learn more here.
Quick links:
Facebook Event (can be shared)
Digital flyer (can be attached to emails)
Web landing page (more information)
Resource guide for Evicting the American Dream
Zoom Link
| | | Westhope Presbyterian Church, Saratoga invites you to an evening of Social Justice Saturday, May 17, 12850 Saratoga Avenue, 5pm-9pm. | | |
An evening with
Vote Common Good
May 17, 5pm - 7pm
12850 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga
Register.
An alternative to MAGA Christianity and Politics for People of Faith. Executive Director Doug Pagitt, Creative Director Tim Gilman and Westhope Elder Beth Wylie will introduce the mission and work of Vote Common Good and what lies ahead in 2025 and 2026.
| |  | |
Documentary Screening:
We the People Ride
May 17, 7pm-9pm
12850 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga
Register.
"As we biked across the United States along the US/Mexico border, we heard the stories of the people who live on the border, those who work along the border, and those who know the best way forward for our immigration and border practices."
| | | |
7 May, 6:30pm Coordinating Council Meets by Zoom.
7 May, 7pm "Evicting the American Dream" Screening and panel discussion, Sunnyvale Pres.
10 May Sustainability Dinner at First Pres., Palo Alto (RSVP by May 8 to Elder Cynthia Chin-Lee)
11 May Unity Candle is at Stone Church of Willow Glen.
18 May Unity Candle is at Westminster Presbyterian Church, San Jose.
18 May, 1pm CROP Hunger Walk, Almaden Hills UMC. (Collaborative Youth Ministry)
25 May Unity Candle is at Taiwanese American Presbyterian Church
29 May No Other Land, 2nd Screening, Westhope Presbyterian Church
1 June Unity Candle is at Trinity San Jose, GKI Fellowship
3 June 6:30 Taize Service at Stone Church
6 Sept N.E.A.R. Gathering at First Pres Mountain View
9-11 Sept Fall 2025 Clergy Retreat for all Teaching Elders
13-15 October Leaders of Color Retreat at Zephyr Point (Register)
| | | | |
