Gratitude Upon Gratitude
Reflections on the November 16th Presbytery Gathering
The final presbytery gathering of 2023 was hosted by New Hope Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 16th. The day’s pre-events, business meeting, shared meal, and worship all contributed to a spirit of gratitude for God’s gracious provision to the Presbytery and all her churches and new worshiping communities.
The day began with a flu shot clinic offered by the Faith Community Nurses from Hoag Hospital and three Learning Conversations – the tactile and meditational Potter’s Hands experience facilitated by Sandra Kim, a conversation about The How and Why of Engaging with Our Interfaith Neighbors led by Gail Stearns, and a presentation by Alfredo Delgado and Tom Cramer affirming that Revitalization Is Possible! The revitalization presentation included practical advice and tools to use with congregations and was recorded for sharing with Sessions and beyond.
After a brief break for refreshments the business meeting opened with a final reading of the new Property and Proceeds Policy. The open process and the questions asked by participants at listening sessions helped the Trustees present a final policy that was clear and well crafted. It was unanimously approved. Trustee Moderator, Mike Regele, explained the priorities and process for the proposed 2024 budget; it, too, was approved unanimously.
Videos celebrating the ministry of clergy who retired in 2023 were interspersed throughout the meeting. Those honored include Rev. Dr. Steven Marsh, Rev. Elizabeth Steele, Rev. Dee Lilly, Rev. Dr. Gail Stearns and Rev. Patrick Thompson, and Rev. Andrew Lee.
You can view these lovely videos honoring our retirees here:
2023 Retiring Ministers of PLR (Part 1): Rev. Dr. Steven Marsh, Rev. Elizabeth Steele, Rev. Dee Lily
2023 Retiring Ministers of PLR (Part 2): Rev. Dr. Gail Stearns and Rev. Patrick Thompson
2023 Retiring Ministers of PLR (Part 3): Rev. Andrew Lee
Teaching and Ruling Elders from every corner of the presbytery who answered the call were elected to serve on the presbytery’s various committees, teams and councils. Tustin Presbyterian Church Ruling Elder, Lori Ruff-Schmalenberger, was elected 2024 presbytery vice-moderator. The Stated Clerk Search Committee presented their nominee Rev. Sandra Kim. Presbyters joyfully affirmed their work and warmly welcomed Sandra as Los Ranchos’ new Stated Clerk.
Executive Presbyter, Tom Cramer, lauded the work by presbytery’s various teams, committees, and staff this year. He reported that Listening Sessions to discern our presbytery’s future mission design, which were hosted by the Presbytery Council in October, revealed that congregational leaders are tracking well so far with Council’s priorities of Cultivating Vital Congregations, Stewarding Resources for Missional Impact, and Simplifying our [Presbytery’s] Structure, but that they also expressed interest in receiving more details about benchmarks in the new year.
Tom then asked Business Manager, Kathy Long, to come forward. Expressing his gratitude for her dedication to the presbytery and all the ways she has made his job easier, he then shared the news she would be retiring in January 2024 and asked all to join him in prayer for her.
The business meeting came to a close with recognition of the graduates of this year’s Missional and Pioneer Leader Training, offered for the first time in Spanish. The graduates received a standing ovation as they were sent out into the world to share the love of God.
Enticed by the aromas emanating from the newly dedicated Donald and Marionette Oliver Fellowship Hall, presbyters adjourned to a delicious Taco Bar dinner. Lively conversations could be heard as friends old and new shared table fellowship.
Dinner was followed by worship led by New Hope’s choir and musicians. Preachers Marion Park, Chineta Goodjoin, and Don Oliver shared the pulpit focusing on the past, present, and future, and God’s presence in every time and place. Los Ranchos saints who completed their baptism in the past year were remembered prior to the celebration of communion.
The evening ended with hugs and gratitude for all that had transpired and the people with whom it was shared.
