Presbytery Gathering Reflections
Teaching and Ruling Elders from around the presbytery gathered on Saturday, September 21st, at Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach for the third Presbytery Gathering of 2024. All were greeted by a very friendly and helpful Grace First welcome team and were offered coffee, pastries, and fruit.
The business meeting was called to order and opened with prayer by Moderator David Beary. The Trustees shared routine items related to their property and fiduciary responsibilities. The nominating Committee asked for approval of a nominee to the Council and two resignations, which were received with regret. Stated Clerk, Sandra Kim, reported the formation of an Administrative Committee to install Ryan Romberg as Pastor of Placentia Presbyterian Church and the dismissal of two more, one constituted for Korean Hope Presbyterian Church and the other for the annual review of records. She also submitted via written report several items into the minutes in accordance with The Book of Order.
Executive Presbyter, Tom Cramer, reflected again on his General Assembly experience saying that the theme “Live Into Hope” was inspirational and also challenging for “the church and congregations alike as we navigate this season of societal and ecclesial change.” He continued, “We ‘live into hope’ when we continue the work that Jesus started—forgiving people’s sins, loving our enemies, caring for the marginalized and the economically poor. We live into hope when we make our devotion to Christ our center and not our personal comforts, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity.”
Reports from teams and committees of the presbytery included a Committee on Ministry chart outlining the 2025 minimum salary package for clergy and acknowledgment of the service of Jeff Rumble as pastor of East Whittier Presbyterian Church with good wishes for his new call in Sparks, Nevada. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry recommended the election of two teaching and two ruling elders as readers for the 2024 ordination exams. The Strategic Coordinating Team (SCT) requested approval to submit a grant to the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii to provide matching funds for two New Worshiping Communities grants: Ministerio en Tustin (Investment Grant) and Encounter (Growth Grant). In addition SCT reported awarding matching grants to support the following ministries in partnership with our presbytery: Hispanic Leader Retreat, Patrick’s Promise, the Shower Ministry at Garden Grove Presbyterian Church, Hoag Health Ministries, Grace First’s water project, Anaheim First Presbyterian Church’s mission study, Orange County Rescue Mission, Crittenton Services for Children and Families, the Affirming Churches of Los Ranchos for their upcoming participation in the OC Pride Parade, and a Leadership Development Grant for Tim’s McCalmont’s attendance and participation in the Annual Syria Lebanon Network Gathering.
The business meeting was closed in prayer by Vice Moderator, Lori Ruff-Schmalenberger.
Worship led by Grace First’s worship band followed the meeting. Rev. Inn Chul Kim, from Orange Canaan Presbyterian Church preached on the theme Live Into Hope and Esta O provided translation. Music and liturgy from this summer’s General Assembly worship services were used throughout.
After a delicious lunch and conversation around tables the day concluded with two Learning Conversations. The first was facilitated by GA commissioners Anne Sivley and Leanne Strommen, who shared their experiences and responded to questions. The second was led by Presbyterian Foundation Ministry Relations Officer, Rev. Joseph Moore on current practices in stewardship and cultivating generosity. You can click thru the PowerPoint presentation below and view the recorded session as well. Rev. Moore shared many helpful resources that can all be found at www.presbyterianfoundation.org.
