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From the Bridge Executive Presbyter:
In this sacred season of Lent, we embark on a profound journey towards the promise of renewal and restoration. The joyous celebration of Easter emerges from the rich soil of our Creator’s boundless love, a love that has graciously grafted all believers into the divine family. No longer estranged, we are now embraced as children of God. Yet, the profound act of engrafting came at the cost of Jesus’s life. Lent provides us with an invaluable opportunity to acknowledge that it was our transgressions that necessitated Christ’s agony and crucifixion. Each of us bears personal accountability; we share in the collective guilt. However, despite our failings, God extends to us immeasurable grace, bestowing upon us the endearing title of "Beloved." For forty days and a few Sundays, we dwell in contemplation of our shortcomings, yet we anticipate the imminent arrival of Easter. Having traversed through the depths of our remorse, our Easter jubilation is immensely magnified.
It's remarkable to consider that our united Presbytery has only been in existence for 2 ½ years. By any measure, we remain in the formative stages of our journey. As a promising Presbytery, we encounter numerous intricacies demanding attention, not only to navigate the current challenges but also to lay a sturdy foundation capable of enduring for generations to come. I extend heartfelt gratitude to both Rev. Dr. Mary Westfall and Rev. Wes Norman for their invaluable guidance as we embarked on this path. Our collective efforts persist, and I am honored by the privilege of serving in this capacity, where we eagerly anticipate the appointment of our next Executive Presbyter. Even in this period of anticipation, our commitment to diligent engagement persists, underpinned by unwavering trust in God's providence and direction.
I continue to lift you up in prayer during this season of Lent. May our encounter with the Godhead lead to a deeper relationship with God and one another. May we all be the heart, hand, and foot of God to those in need. May we all reach out and accept the love that surrounds us. And may God’s love keep you and shine warmly down upon you, now and always.
Rev. Joshua Trautmann, Bridge Presbyter
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In early January, in the pre-call to the February presbytery meeting, I shared that I had just been diagnosed with treatable breast cancer. There is lots of good news! There was a successful surgery. I also recently learned I will not need chemo or radiation (though I had been told it was likely needed). There will be hormone therapy for 10 years which can have its challenges. The cards, emails, prayers have buoyed me through this rollercoaster ride the past few months. I thank God for you and your support.
A pastor once said, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Through modern medicine, I was able to do all of the work for the presbytery meeting the two weeks after surgery. In this season of Lent, when letting go is a recurring theme, it became clear I need to take time off to let go of presbytery matters to do all of the needed healing. I will be off during Holy Week, work April 1st-7th, then be off from April 8th through May 19th. Personnel will be bringing to Council a knowledgeable, detail oriented, Spirit-filled Acting Stated Clerk who is willing to help us all out April 8th-May 19th. Thanks be to God for providing abundantly for our needs!
Rev. Jerilyn Viera Dahlke, Stated Clerk
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Executive Presbyter Search Committee Update | |
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Great stories and conversations!
The Executive Presbyter Search Committee is enjoying reading up on candidates and is now interviewing candidates where incredible conversations are happening. We are encouraged to see so much executive leadership interest in the position and in the NCCP! Our next steps are to finish up this current round of interviews and then more discernment as we begin to narrow down this field of highly qualified candidates.
We are thankful for the many prayers that continue to cover the team in both health and discernment in this important work of meeting with candidates.
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Funding Our Values:
Fund Distribution Task Force Report
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In preparation for the May Presbytery meeting, the Council and the Task Force would like to invite the Presbytery to participate in a Town Hall meeting April 29th, where the Task Force Report will be previewed by the larger Presbytery with a Q&A period and a time for comments. More information will be forthcoming. | |
Intercultural Mosaics Hosts Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration: A Gathering of Tradition, Cuisine, and Community Spirit | |
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Rev. Dr. Stephen & Grace Moon, leaders of Intercultural Mosaics, hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Festivities kicked off at 3 pm with a delightful dumpling-making session, followed by engaging intercultural classes. At 6 pm, attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner featuring both Korean traditional dishes and Asian-fusion cuisine. The evening continued with exciting raffle drawings and spirited karaoke performances.
The event, held at the 2nd Floor Rooms of the Phoenix Hall at Davis Community Church (DCC), brought together over 80 enthusiastic participants. Special recognition was given to four Ruling Elders of DCC—Vickie Ito, Jerry Ito, Cheryl Essex, and Dennis Dahlin—who provided invaluable support and prayers. Mosaics expressed gratitude by presenting them with heartfelt gifts. Thank you to all who contributed to this joyous occasion!
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On February 18, 2024, Reverend Dr. Stephen Moon, serving as the GKI-Sacramento Liaison and Pastoral Advisor, conducted the Congregational Meeting for the selection of a new elder. Mrs. Sherly Pongoh, the chosen elder-elect, is set to be ordained on April 7th. | |
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Many changes were made to the Book of Order by at least 2/3s of the presbyteries after GA 225. Those went into effect on July 9th, 2023. The Book of Order has been updated with those changes. Many like to download the digital version on their computers. The English, Korean, and Spanish language versions are available now.
Here is the link for the free digital version and the method for ordering the print version available for $10 plus shipping.
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Share Your Heart and Hands
with Others in Need
SERVICE OPPORTUITIES FOR CHURCH TEAMS
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These are a few great ways to share fellowship while helping those in need.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you!
Nancy Disher
Mission Project Organizer
North Central California Presbytery
(916) 792-7725
[email protected]
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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.)
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International Tasting Event Benefitting Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Closet | |
Ecumenical Racial Justice Conference | |
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April 26-27, 2024
Time and Location: Friday: 6:00 PM - 9 PM & Saturday: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. Sierra Vista Community Church 890 Morse Avenue (Morse & Northrop) Sacramento, CA 95864. Contact Number: (916) 483-5501
Register at the link below!
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Dates: May 6-8, 2024
Event Theme: Beyond the Land Acknowledgement
Keynote Speaker: Kaitlin Curtice
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Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing.
As an inter-spiritual advocate, Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships.
Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, Apartment Therapy, On Being, SELF Magazine, and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes at The Liminality Journal. Kaitlin lives in Philadelphia with her family.
*North Central California Presbytery participants are eligible for a $200 registration discount. Discount will automatically show up at checkout. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Department at 775-588-6759 ext. 113.
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Zephyr Point Spring and Summer Events | |
Zephyr Point Job Openings | |
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If you would like to make a financial donation or volunteer for this event, please contact:
Nancy Disher
NCCP Mission Organizer
(916) 792-7725
[email protected]
[email protected]
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The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program sponsors travel study seminars to different parts of the world to provide Presbyterians with the opportunity to learn firsthand from our partners about efforts for peace, justice and reconciliation in contexts of conflict, injustice and oppression. Participants return from these travel study seminars informed and transformed by their experiences, ready to share stories and bear witness to all that they have seen and heard.
Travel study seminars are planned in partnership with World Mission staff and mission co-workers and in cooperation with our partner denominations and organizations.
May 28 – June 6, 2024
Exploring the Legacies and Lessons of the Civil Rights Movement in the US South:
A Pilgrimage to Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, Jackson, the Mississippi Delta and Memphis
October 14-24, 2024
Lithuania: Healing the Legacies of War and Oppression
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North Central California Presbytery
5645 Marconi Ave.
Carmichael, CA, 95608
www.nccpresby.org
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