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May 2024 Newsletter

11 Now faith is the reality of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Hebrews 11:1-3 (NRSVUE)

 

In the midst of our rapidly changing world, it often feels like certainty has become a rare commodity. The familiar ground beneath us seems to shift with each passing day, leaving us grappling with uncertainty and doubt. How do we navigate these challenging times? What anchors us amidst the turbulence of life?

I grew up in Dallas, Texas in the 80’s, in a time when life seemed much simpler. There was little question of what church life was like. When we stepped out in faith, we did so onto a platform that had enjoyed forty years of consistency. Much of church life and growth followed well-worn paths of certainty. It is that certainty that we desperately miss now.

Even in the best of circumstances we struggle with living in faith. Today church attendance is still dropping and church closures continue at a pace that is far too rapid. Our sense of security has been shaken. We turn to God, but we are unsure of where we are being led. We ask God, “Where are we going? Is there an end to this downward cycle?” We pray and we hope that God will reveal some plan that explains why we have gone through this difficulty and what the grand plan is. Yet our questions go unanswered. Nothing is revealed. What are we doing wrong?

Faith is the reality of things hoped for, but for things that remain unseen. Who among us could have imagined what lay before us when we began various journeys we have been on? Would I have gone into ministry if I knew the full picture? If we knew what our lives would have been like a few years down the road, we likely would have not taken the journey. Yet, on this side of our journey, most of us would do nothing different, for this is the place where we need to be. Looking back, we find God did not fully define our journeys before we started. Rather we were given only enough to take the next step. It is very rare that God reveals the whole journey, and for good reason. We are normally given just enough to see the next step we are being invited to take. We hope for many things, but our hopes are only answered in part.

Today we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. We seek answers, even demand answers, but we are only given just enough information to allow us to take the next step. The models of yesterday are not working for us today. Congregations and presbyteries are finding new ways to exist. Who would have thought that we would rely so heavily on Zoom to hold meetings. Thankfully we find this technology enables so many more people to be a part of the work our Presbytery is engaging in today. God is clearly not done with us, yet none of us know what tomorrow will look like. We do not know what changes lay before us, bet we know there are more changes coming. Yet we trust in the Most High to be our guide and support. We continue to learn how to listen and to trust as we move into that which we neither see nor understand. We continue striving to walk by faith, and may it ever be.

 

Rev. Joshua Trautmann

Bridge Executive Presbyter

Executive Presbyter Search Committee Update

Round 2 Complete!

The EP Search Team has completed a second round of interviews with a smaller group of candidates. We are right in the middle of the discernment process for how to narrow the candidates. There continues to be great conversations with candidates, conversations with references discussing the candidates and about the NCCP and where we are going. We are grateful for the guidance of the NCCP committees, NCCP staff and members, our Synod, and our Synod Executive, Dr. Nancy Martin Vincent, as they provide the necessary resources on how to navigate this important part of the process. Our next steps are to refine the candidate list down to just a few candidates and hopefully

have a recommended candidate selected this summer.  

We are continually thankful for the many prayers that continue to cover the team in both health and discernment in this important work of evaluating candidates.

NCCP Treasurer’s Update

Justice Conference at Zephyr Point

North Central California Presbytery colleagues at the Zephyr Point Justice Conference. This year's theme is Beyond for the Land Acknowledgement. 


The Conference was cosponsored by North Central California Presbytery

and Zephyr Point Conference Center.

Donations to Opening Doors Most Appreciated

During Lent, Parkview Presbyterian Women organized and implemented an all-church donation drive to help Opening Doors, the local Church World Service refugee resettlement affiliate. Parkview members responded enthusiastically. The drive resulted in:


·       A 12-piece set of pots and pans

·       Five skillets

·       Four saucepans

·       Six measuring cups and spoons

·       Seven silverware sets

·       Other miscellaneous kitchen items

·       Assorted dessert plates, cups, and small dishes

·       16 toothbrushes


In addition to kitchen items, $735 in cash was donated.

Church members took the items to Opening Doors a few days after Palm Sunday. Receiving them on Opening Doors’ behalf was Ms. Andie Paschal, Opening Doors’ volunteer coordinator. She said that they were running low on kitchen items, so the donated items arrived at a most propitious time.


Opening Doors resettles refugees through a partnership with Church World Service, an internationally known faith-based agency which works worldwide to end hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. It is one of several national refugee resettlement agencies operating in the Sacramento area. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a participating CWS denomination. 


In the first three months of 2024, Opening Doors resettled 116 families totaling 506 individuals. In addition to refugee resettlement through Church World Service, it provides low-cost immigration services such as status adjustment to immigrants and refugees, supports survivors of human trafficking, offers mental health services specifically designed to help trauma victims, and provides microloans and business counseling especially tailored for immigrants and refugees. 

More information can be found at openingdoorsinc.org


 Submitted by Maurine Huang, member, Parkview Presbyterian Church

Intercultural Mosaics Spring BBQ Fellowship: A Celebration of Unity and Spring

Amidst the serene setting of Davis Community Church's North Lawn Picnic Area, over 80 individuals gathered on April 20, 2024, for the Intercultural Mosaics Spring BBQ Fellowship. This vibrant event brought together members of the Mosaics community, Davis Community Church members, Presbytery church friends, and families for an evening of camaraderie and culinary delights.

 

From 5 pm to 7 pm, attendees indulged in a fusion of Korean-Hawaiian grilled BBQ, featuring Lemon Chicken, Ribs, Fish, and grilled Vegetables. The diverse array of side dishes added to the feast, creating a tapestry of flavors reflective of

the community's rich cultural heritage.

 

Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon expressed gratitude for the attendees' presence, emphasizing the importance of community and connection. As laughter and stories filled the air, bonds were forged, strengthening the sense of belonging within the Mosaics family.

 

As the sun set on the picturesque picnic lawn, attendees left with full hearts and bellies, grateful for the opportunity to come together in fellowship and celebration. The Mosaics Spring BBQ Fellowship was a testament to the power of community and the joy that comes from sharing good food and good company.

Digital Media Work Group (DMWG), NCCP

Vision Statement: “To pioneer a dynamic digital landscape within the Presbytery, uniting generations through innovative media, fostering deep connections, and nurturing a thriving community where every voice is heard and valued.”


Mission Statement: “The Digital Media Work Group (DMWG) is committed to creating compelling social media content, including group pages and video channels, to support and enhance the worshiping communities and intercultural ministries of NCCP. Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary generations, fostering a more connected, engaged, and spiritually enriched Presbytery community.”

Are you passionate about leveraging digital media to foster community engagement and bridge generational divides? If so, we invite you to be a part of the groundbreaking Digital Media Work Group (DMWG) at the North Central California Presbytery (NCCP). Under the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, the DMWG is poised to revolutionize how we connect with the MZ and Alpha generations, strengthen our Presbytery community, and create meaningful connections through innovative digital media.


The DMWG is an open-ended group dedicated to creating compelling social media content, managing group pages, video channels, and providing vital support to all worshiping communities and intercultural ministries within NCCP. Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary generations, fostering a more connected, engaged, and spiritually enriched Presbytery community.

If you’re ready to dedicate 6 months to 1 year to this exciting initiative, we want to hear from you! Contact Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon at catalyst@nextg.org or 916-217-5470 to learn more and join the movement. Let’s pioneer a dynamic digital landscape together!



For those who are interested in, please connect Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nextgencatalyst and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nextgencatalyst to be a part of DMWG.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact!

GKI-Sacramento Leaders Begin PC(USA) Training Journey

Eleven elders and two Indonesian pastors from GKI-Sacramento kicked off their PC(USA) Officer Training journey with Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon guiding the way. The training aims to equip them with the skills for effective church governance in the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

 

Rev. Dr. Moon introduced the program's goals and structure, stressing the importance of understanding PC(USA) Polity for successful governance. Key concepts like connectionalism and shared leadership were highlighted, laying

the foundation for participants.

 

The session wasn't just lectures; it was an interactive exchange where attendees shared insights from their experiences in the GKI-Sacramento community. Together, they explored how PC(USA) Polity applies to their congregation.

 

Looking forward, Rev. Dr. Moon laid out the schedule for upcoming sessions, set to occur every 3rd Tuesday evening until the end of 2024. He encouraged all elders to actively engage with the provided resources. This training embodies the leaders' commitment to serving their faith community with integrity and vitality.

Sacramento History Tour

through a Matthew 25 Lens

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.)

Zephyr Point Spring and Summer Events

Africa House Sacramento

Gun Buy Back Event

If you would like to make a financial donation or volunteer for this event, please contact:

 

Nancy Disher

NCCP Mission Organizer

(916) 792-7725

missionorganizer@nccpresby.org

njdisher@garlic.com

Summerfest is Coming, Are You Ready?

Mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon, June 23, to attend Parkview Presbyterian’s second annual Summerfest celebration, and be sure to purchase your tickets. The event will be held at Lucky Jade Restaurant, 7007 South Land Park Drive starting at 4:30 p.m. We will welcome family and friends, enjoy excellent entertainment, shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items at our Silent Auction and Marketplace, and dine

on a delicious nine-course Chinese banquet.


The event will start about 4:30 p.m., with time for fellowship and line dancing, plus a chance to shop at the Silent Auction and Marketplace. The program will start about 5:00 p.m., and a delicious nine-course Chinese banquet will be served at 5:30. Tickets are only $65 each, and sponsorships are available, as follows:


·       $1,000 Table Sponsor – Complimentary 10 person seating

·       $500 Gold Sponsor – Complimentary 3 person seating

·       $300 Silver Sponsor – Complimentary 2 person seating

·       $150 Bronze Sponsor – Complimentary 1 person seating

All donations of $100 and up will be publicly acknowledged.


For further information, please contact Maurine Huang at maurine_estelle@yahoo.com 

Information about the Silent Auction/Marketplace can be found

by contacting Judy Yee at judyfyee@gmail.com



Click below for a direct link to further information, including ticket/sponsorship purchases.

Summerfest Flyer
Summerfest Registration Form 

Work Trip To Paradise

JOIN US FOR A WORK TRIP TO PARADISE

 

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SKILL - WE NEED YOU!

 

FRIDAY JULY 12 to SUNDAY JULY 14, 2024

The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, destroying more than 18,000 structures in the first four hours. 86 people lost their lives.  

While the 2018 Camp Fire is long out of the news there is a continuing need from rebuilding homes to clearing brush in the area. Tiny Pine Foundation is now building tiny homes on foundations. You can visit the website for inspiring details:  https://www.tinypinefoundation.org/about


The struggle to rebuild is complicated. It takes a long time for insurance claims and issuance of permits. Opportunities abound for us to lend a hand. Our work will include building homes for families whose insurance did not cover rebuilding. It takes substantial time for the completion of all the steps in the rebuilding process.

We will be staying at the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Host Site at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville, CA. Please visit the Church website https://trinityoroville.com/

 

To register for this trip of making a difference, please contact :

NCCP Mission Organizer Nancy Disher at (916) 792-7725

Please email: Missionorganizer@nccpresby.org and njdisher@garlic.com

 

The cost is $90.00 per person and will cover the host site lodging and

all meals for our 2-night stay.


Checks may be made to Disaster Response Ministries and sent to:

Nancy Disher   1193 Clemensen Circle, Folsom, CA 95630


Youth Alaska Volunteer Trip

LeaderWise Boundary Training

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org

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