This month I spent six wonderful days on the shores of Lake Tahoe at the Zephyr Point Ethnic Concerns Consultation and the Pastor’s Retreat. The speakers at both events were challenging and insightful, the worship was inspiring and conversations with friends life-giving. I am so thankful for the coordinators for both events, including Rev. Sarah Reyes-Gibbs, Chuck Lauron and Rev. Nancy Clegg for ECC (there may be others I have missed) and Rev. Sara Tillema and Rev. Ivan Herman for the Pastor’s Retreat. Their Spirit-guided work resulted in an autumn infusion of grace and hope for many!

Peace,

Wes

Rev. Wes Nordman

Bridge Executive

North Central California Presbytery

Ethnic Concerns Consultation

Pastors Renewal Retreat

The team has formed, meetings have started and we are figuring out the many different strengths that each team members brings to this important process of finding our next Executive Presbyter (EP).

We have met with Wes (Bridge Executive Presbyter) and Jeri (Stated Clerk) to kick off the effort and to review the body of existing material from previous efforts. The team quickly discovered that there is a strong base of material and sense a lot of excitement as move towards finding our next EP.

We invited Carmen Enz (Committee on Representation member) to one of our meetings to gain understanding on how our process will meet Presbytery’s goals and vision on Diversity. Carmen provided some tools and references to use as we build documents describing our presbytery and in how we both advertise for and evaluate candidates.

We were able to get valuable time with The Rev Dr Nancy Martin Vincent (Synod of the Pacific Executive) to gain some great perspective and insight on what is happening at the Synod level and learned that there is great interest in the position already!

The team was able to gather in our first in-person meeting where members came from Davis, Sacramento, Placerville, Stockton and Turlock to see each other in-person at a wonderful classroom at Journey Church in Folsom (Thanks!) and share some wonderful food and conversation. Francis taught Laura how to sing a hymn in Indonesian!

The team continues to meet several times a month and is doing homework to prepare the necessary documents needed to get the job announcement ready to share. We are thankful for the prayers and encouragement and ask that you continue to hold us in prayer.

Figure 1: The NCCP Executive Presbyter Search Team (left to right), Pastor Stephen Moon, Jaquelyn Sneed, Polet Yonan, Pastor Laura Barnes, Jesse Schlunegger, Francis Sitorus, Cecilia Moran

Figure 2: Francis teaching Indonesian Hymns

Figure 3 Thanks to Journey Church for hosting us!

We hear about NIMBY—not in my backyard. “Yes, in God’s backyard” or YIGBY refers to California Senate Bill 4 which was signed by Gov. Newsom last week. This allows faith based organizations (FBOs) to bypass some of the local zoning restrictions in order to build affordable housing on all or a portion of their property. Churches already in locations with zoning that allows such development have already been building. This opens up about 38,800 acres for new housing.

Here is the state senate analysis:

2023 SB4 Senate Floor

Here is an article that was written for one of the public radio stations in Los Angeles in June that provides some examples of FBOs considering such developments:

https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-churches-housing-sb4-religious-properties-yigby-whittier-compton-ikar

As more information and resources for discernment are created or found,

we will share them with you.

If you missed the last Presbytery meeting, or if you want to look at them again, here is a link to the list of our minister members with how long they have been ordained. We give thanks to God for their faithful service over the years, and especially in these times of change in the church. We are indeed blessed!

Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Sacramento - "Indonesian Christian Church In Sacramento" 21st church anniversary was held on Sunday, Sep-17-2023 In Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church (5839 Dewey Drive. Citrus Heights, CA 95621).

The celebrations was held on a small scale and in simple manner but full of happiness and togetherness. The congregation cooperatively working together to prepare a delicious Indonesian traditional foods. They also came with their traditional dress,

and glorify the Lord, and celebrated the event with dancing.

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that we've raised an astounding $5,000 at the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" fundraising dinner on September 16th. This event was organized to support the creation of a free, interactive water feature (splash pad) and a vibrant community gathering space in Central Park, which will be dedicated to the memory of Peace Officer Natalie Corona.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it marked the first-ever collaborative effort between Davis Community Church (https://dccpres.org), Intercultural Mosaics (https://nextg.org), Scout Troop 111 (http://www.troop111davis.org/#/), and Scout Troop 1625 (https://troop1625.com). Although we all share the same facilities, our interactions have been limited in the past. However, this event proved to be a delightful and joyous occasion, uniting people of all generations and backgrounds in a true celebration of diversity and community spirit.

Thank you for your support and dedication in making this event a success!

Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon, Intercultural Mosaics

Elder Cheryl Essex, DCC

Elder David Rue, DCC



Join us for the 2nd Annual Ubuntu Dinner Fundraiser, a night filled with delicious food, lively conversations, and a chance to make a difference. Ubuntu, a South African philosophy, emphasizes the interconnectedness

of humanity and the importance of community.

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 6:30 PM(Pacific Daylight Time), we will gather at 

8025 Waterman Road, SACRAMENTO, CA 95829 to celebrate this spirit of togetherness.

Event Highlights

Keynote Speaker Dr. Nicole Clavo, Psy.D

Director of Violence Prevention Program, City of Sacramento

• Silent auction
• Live Entertainment & DJ
• Authentic East African cuisine
• Community Recognitions
• Attendance by Elected Officials & Community Leaders

Indulge in a delectable dinner crafted by renowned local chefs, featuring a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Our menu showcases the vibrant diversity of our community, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

By attending this event, you will not only enjoy a memorable evening but also contribute to a worthy cause. All proceeds from the dinner will go towards supporting local community projects, empowering individuals, and fostering a stronger sense of Ubuntu.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and create lasting memories. Together, we can make a positive impact

and embody the Ubuntu spirit.

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening of unity and generosity at the 2nd Annual Ubuntu Dinner Fundraiser!

COUNTRYSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH

    CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

    SERVING ESPARTO

OCTOBER 22, 2023

Worship at 10:00 AM

Luncheon to follow at 11:00 AM

Come join us to

Give thanks and rejoice!

Please RSVP

Countryside Community Church - 26479 Grafton St, Esparto, CA 95627

https://www.espartocountrysidechurch.org        530-787-4040

Join us for an extraordinary celebration aimed at spreading joy and nurturing unity within our Presbytery community. This special event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the North Central California Presbytery (NCCP) and the expert coordination of Intercultural Mosaics and Davis Community Church.

 Date and Time: Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm. The BBQ Dinner, featuring mouthwatering options, will be served from 5 pm to 7 pm.

 Venue: We invite you to the enchanting North Lawn Picnic Area and Patio Seating Area at Davis Community Church, located at 412 C Street, Davis, CA 95616.

 Culinary Delights: Indulge in a delectable feast featuring Korean/Hawaiian Short-Ribs, Lemon Chicken, Grilled Veggies, Grilled Fish, an array of Korean/Hawaiian side dishes, refreshing beverages, and delightful desserts.

 Costume Contest: Embrace the festive spirit and wear your favorite Halloween costume for a chance to win exciting prizes!

Entertainment: Experience the captivating Ukweli Performers, showcasing Uganda Dancers, from 6 pm to 7 pm. Get ready to be enthralled!

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, share delicious food, and engage in intercultural activities designed to strengthen our bonds of fellowship. We can't wait to see you there! For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon at 916-217-5470 or [email protected]. Thank you!! 

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 [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.)

Save the date!

Presbyterian Women’s Churchwide Gathering (CWG) is celebrated every three years! In 2024, the CWG will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, August 8–11

Registration opens in March 2024!

For more information visit: presbyterianwomen.org/gathering

Submitted by Faith and Politics team at Faith PC

North Central California Presbytery

5645 Marconi Ave.

Carmichael, CA, 95608

www.nccpresby.org