Reflections on the November Presbytery Gathering

By Susan Young-Thornton

The final Presbytery Gathering of 2024 was held at Morningside Presbyterian Church in Fullerton on Thursday, November 21st. Teaching Elders, Ruling Elders, and other friends conducted business, attended Learning Conversations, shared a meal, and worshipped and celebrated Communion.

The day began on the sunny patio at the registration table, where greetings were exchanged and lively conversations overheard. Presbyters then moved to the sanctuary for the business meeting. Highlights included Mike Regele’s Trustees Report. He explained the presbytery’s financial position and the rationale behind the proposed 2025 budget, which then passed without dissent.

Executive Presbyter, Tom Cramer, shared his report The Treasures of God. He asked, “What’s in your wallet?” He then unpacked the missional and theological implications of the question reminding all of Jesus’ proclamation, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He concluded with gratitude for all the many resources of the presbytery especially the “ love that God has placed in our hearts to embody God’s love and justice to a hurting world.”

Other business included the report of the Nominating Committee; nineteen persons were approved to serve on the teams, committees and councils of the presbytery. And CRE Vanessa Bates was elected Vice Moderator. Strategic Coordinating Team Moderator, RE Roy Ketring asked team members to share their work including news of the Presbyterian Youth Triennium scheduled for July 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky and recognition of those who had completed Missional and Pioneer Leadership Training in Spanish. Alfredo Delgado presented certificates to the eight participants who proudly (and some who shyly) held their certificates for all to see.

Chaplain, Charity Ngaruiya, reported on her work at Los Angeles General Hospital highlighting the great need of the many patients who lack not only financial resources but also the support of family and friends. Guest, Rev. Narcissis Tucker Bishop, shared the history and impact of the The Rev. Dr. Leon E. Fanniel Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership Scholarship (REPL) including the influence it has had on her education and ministry.

After the business meeting presbyters attended Learning Conversations. They could choose between A Panel Discussion with New Worshiping Leaders or Resources for Presbyterians by Presbyterians. Others took advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues or simply catch up with friends. All then gathered around tables for dinner and more conversation.

The evening concluded with worship. Hymns and songs from Glory to God were sung throughout. The annual Necrology was presented, and friends and colleagues who had joined the Church Triumphant were remembered with gratitude and love. Johnson Kiriaku Kĩnyua preached a moving sermon on the ministry of those who lead New Worshiping Communities and the ways in which navigating the world and the church as persons from non-dominant and immigrant communities can be challenging. After celebrating the Sacrament of Communion, worshippers were sent into the world to spread the love and justice of Jesus.