“The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness….”   Isaiah 35:10

It was such fun to participate in the NCC Presbytery meeting on September 7, 2024! That was my first time to be with you. The first time to meet your newly elected Executive Presbyter. The first time you had gathered in person as the newly constituted NCCP. The joy and excitement were infectious as everyone could reconnect and even exchange personal greetings. This demonstrates the blessings of a connectional church polity. We are not in this mission and ministry alone. We have scores of disciples all working together to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in northern California. That creates joy, encouragement, and strength to our efforts on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Some of you know that my ministry included four decades as an Air Force Chaplain. Over those years I worked with numerous clergy who served in isolated non-denominational parishes. They often longed for colleagues to encourage or support them in their congregational ministry. That longing even drew them to the National Guard Chaplaincy seeking peers for friendship, advice and inspiration. On Saturday I could see that fellowship amongst you generating hope, support, and joy. Leon Bloy has written that “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” God was definitely present at our assembly in the historic and beautiful First Presbyterian Church of Stockton. It was a jamboree of renewal, new beginnings, and new leadership that ushers in a new chapter in the life of NCCP. Please continue to take advantage of our blessings as Presbyterians. We are not alone in this trek! We have scores of companions and friends on the pilgrimage with us. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!” (Phillipians 4:4) 

Rev. Dr. Les Hyder

Bridge Executive Presbyter

Though our IT service has attempted to make it possible for our staff to communicate with you in small and larger groups, we are still encountering several difficulties, even with internal email. Meanwhile, for the Presbytery meetings we will switch to posting documents in a secure area on our web site. That means for the November meeting, you will receive an email with instructions on how to go to the site, enter the password and download the documents as needed. Be ready to help one another—ensuring folks get the email and are able to access those docs!

As we move towards and then beyond election day, please be more mindful of the those who protest against, invade space, who threaten and use violence. Sixty-seven percent of attacks on houses of worship are because of racial or religious identity. One of our congregations experienced this last weekend and another just a few years ago. It’s important to have a good working relationship with your local law enforcement and to have plans in place.

Click here for the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) guide that provides the basic steps houses of worship need to take and the key supplemental resources needed to make those plans. 

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Churchgoers walk past a broken pot as they enter St. Stephen Presbyterian Church for a vigil Sunday afternoon. RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ rrodriguez@star-telegram.com

A New Beginning: A Testimony by MWS Stephen Moon, Co-Chair of EPSC

As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter for the North Central California Presbytery (NCCP), our hearts are filled with both joy and gratitude. After a year of sincere prayer, thoughtful reflection, and collaborative effort, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Rev. Karen Sapio as our new Executive Presbyter. Her official start on November 1, 2024, represents not just an administrative change but the beginning of a hopeful and transformative era for our Presbytery.

Our search journey began in August 2023, with 33 candidates offering their services to lead NCCP spiritually and administratively. Guided by God’s wisdom, the Executive Presbyter Search Committee (EPSC) carefully reviewed each candidate through interviews, reference checks, and much prayerful consideration. By July 2024, we had a clear sense that Rev. Sapio was the right choice for this role, and we made our recommendation with great anticipation.

Rev. Sapio brings over 30 years of dedicated pastoral experience to this position. Her deep commitment to diversity, her genuine love for ministry, and her impressive track record in presbytery leadership impressed us all. She envisions a community where God’s love bridges cultures and generations, and her collaborative and compassionate leadership is a source of great hope for NCCP’s future.

As I look back on this journey, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and spirit of my fellow committee members. Alongside Co-Chair Laura Barnes, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your patience, insight, and hard work have been invaluable throughout this process. I am truly appreciative of the time and effort you have invested, which has made all the difference.

We have laid the groundwork for an exciting new beginning. With Rev. Sapio’s leadership and God’s guidance, we face the future with hope and enthusiasm. While challenges may come, we trust in God’s steady presence as we move forward together in faith and love.

Let us embrace this moment with joy and look forward to the opportunities ahead. As we enter this new season, let’s stay committed to growing as a vibrant, intercultural community, united in our shared mission.

With hope and gratitude,

MWS Stephen Moon

Co-Chair, Executive Presbyter Search Committee

Celebrating 22 Years of Faith and Fellowship: GKI-Sacramento's Anniversary Blessings

With hearts full of gratitude, GKI-Sacramento, the Indonesian Fellowship of NCCP, joyfully celebrated its 22nd Anniversary on September 15th at Celtic Cross Church. Pastor Bob Yule delivered a moving and uplifting message titled, "Be Strong and Courageous," drawn from Joshua 1:1-9, encouraging the community to hold fast to God's promises. Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, who has served as a liaison and pastoral advisor since January, shared a heartfelt reflection on his journey with GKI and offered a prayer of thanksgiving before the dinner.



The evening was made even more special as 138 members and friends gathered to share in fellowship and enjoy the bounty of over 30 lovingly prepared dishes and desserts. The generous donations collected during the celebration will be dedicated to supporting the growth of GKI-Sacramento’s Children’s and Youth programs, nurturing the next generation of faithful leaders.

Please keep minister member and former Stated Clerk of both former Presbyteries, Nancy Clegg, and their adult children Diana, Joshua and Sarah in your prayers. Joseph (JF) Clegg, Nancy’s husband died on Tuesday, September 10^th.

Cards and notes can be sent to:

15705 El Capitan Way

Delhi, CA 95315

You will be notified when the service plans are ready.

The Office of Vital Congregations is pleased to announce its offering of momentum grants to churches that have completed the three-year initiative for vital congregations. The grants are being given to foster the ministry and mission the churches have engaged in through the initiative. They should be used for ongoing ministry work that has resulted from one of the three outcomes:

• Revitalization
• Missional Clustering/Partnering
• Re-emergence (Death and Resurrection)

The grants are not designated for administrative, budgetary, or capital needs.

Each grant, ranging from $1000.00 to $2000.00, has the potential to significantly impact ministry and programmatic support, bringing hope and optimism to future endeavors.

Applications must be completed and returned by noon on November 1, 2024 to be considered.

God works the Extraordinary through the Ordinary

On Sunday September 8, 2024 Rev. Jeanie Shaw and Nancy Disher were invited by Rev. Steve Smith and Polet Yonan to participate in their Mission Sunday. Nancy gave the introduction featuring Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), Matthew 25 Initiatives, and why we want to serve in Paradise, CA after the devastating Camp Fire 2018. Jeanie gave an overview of work projects and PDA work partners for rebuilding Paradise.

Next the mighty Turlock Team of 6 gave testimonials of their personal experiences from serving on the PDA Paradise Volunteer Trip on July 12-14, 2024. Kathleen Gunn recruited all the Turlock volunteers and led the team. All volunteers expressed heartfelt stories and gratitude for this opportunity to serve. Followed by singing the hymn “Here I am Lord.”

Rev. Jeanie Shaw delivered a very inspirational sermon entitled “You never know How God is Going to Use You” with Nancy reading scripture from Acts 11:19-30 – The Church in Antioch.

The Call to Offering was focused on the meaning of the 4 PCUSA special offerings given by Nancy – Peace and Global Witness, One Great Hour of Sharing, Christmas Joy, and Pentecost.

Closing with the Benediction from Rev. Jeanie Shaw reminding us to go out into the world to serve with the hands and heart of Jesus.

I (Nancy) was deeply touched by this special Mission Sunday Service. The team’s testimonials caused me to reflect on my service as a volunteer for PDA trips. My first PDA volunteer trip was in 2016 behind Hurricane Matthew, our team bringing HOPE OUT OF CHAOS, and is when I first realized “when I am in service to others in need my heart is fulfilled.” Since then, I have served on 21 mission trips with Rev. Jeanie Shaw to date. Jeanie and I love mission work and value the long-term and strong relationships that are built serving together.

Thank you, Mighty Turlock Mission Team for sharing your huge hearts for Mission work AND holding Fundraisers known as Pies for Paradise!

Kathleen Gunn, Polet Yonan, Martin and Jana Purdy, Pat Weisel and Alison Aldax

Thank you, Rev. Steve Smith, for hosting us and your service every day!

Thank you, Rev. Jeanie Shaw (Ministry Engagement Advisor for the West Region) for always sharing your passionate heart for Mission and Ministry with the whole world!

Article submitted by Nancy Disher, NCCP Mission Organizer missionorganizer@nccpresby.org

Come Join The Conversation

You are invited to join with clergy colleagues who gather via Zoom each week (Tuesday at 1-2pm) to discuss the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. The group shares thoughts, insights, and questions about the passages. The conversations not only offer differing perspectives, they provide a forum for support and connection.

Come be a part of the conversation!

(If you would like to know more about the group or to join, please e-mail David Ratcliff at davidratcliffu2@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.)

For questions or donations, please contact NCCP Mission Organizer, Nancy Disher.

missionorganizer@nccpresby.org

Mission Support Emphasis Week

The Pastor’s Renewal Retreat (formerly Preaching Pastors Retreat) is an opportunity for clergy and other ministry leaders to come together along the shores of Lake Tahoe to rest and recharge for the ongoing sustainability of their ministry. Not only will you get the chance for some Pastoral R&R, but you will have the opportunity to get inspired through collaborative roundtable conversations with colleagues in ministry, participate in rich and varied worship experiences, and connect with the earth as

you encounter the breathtaking beauty of the Tahoe basin.

Recognizing that there are many ways of exercising pastoral leadership, all ministry leaders, lay and ordained alike, are invited to participate in the Pastor’s Renewal Retreat. We hope that no matter where you are in your ministry journey, you will find spiritual nourishment throughout the event.

October 7-9th, 2024

Zephyr Point Conference Center

 We are so excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Theresa Cho, as our keynote speaker for 2024. 

Theresa is a pastor at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. For 20 years, she’s integrated intergenerational ministry with visual and communal art. Her ministry has also focused on leading congregational and organizational change as well as immigrant justice and converting church buildings into affordable housing and community centers. 

*North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $200 registration discount

Ethnic Concerns Consultation, or ECC, is dedicated to bringing education and awareness of the concerns of ethnic groups to churches and all of Christendom. The ECC is a place of encouragement that provides avenues for ethnic groups to be connected to and involved in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Special time for youth engagement and activities for all ages is planned. The ECC invites those who seek the full diversity of the church in our growing and changing culture. All are welcome to join us at Zephyr Point in October as we come together to enable spiritual growth and cultural awareness and learn how the ECC will advocate for

racial and economic justice issues in the church and society.

Leadership Retreat To Paradise, CA

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org