February Presbytery Gathering
The first Presbytery Gathering of 2025 was held at St. Peters-By-the-Sea Presbyterian Church in Huntington Beach on Saturday, February 22nd. The day began with worship with Executive Presbyter, TE Tom Cramer preaching on Mark 8:1-21. Read his sermon Bread Enough.
Tom Cramer
The meeting was opened by Vice Moderator Lori Ruff-Schmalenberger reading the Moderator Moment note from 2024 Moderator, David Beary, who was unable to attend the meeting, on the 2025 Presbytery theme of Vitality: In Christ Is Life and Life Abundant. The next item of business was the installation of 2025 Moderator, RE Lori Ruff-Schmalenberger , and Vice Moderator, CRE Vanessa Bates.
Installation of 2025 Moderator, RE Lori Ruff-Schmalenberger , and Vice Moderator, CRE Vanessa Bates
Stated Clerk, TE Sandra Kim, presented her report and led the commissioners through consideration of the twelve proposed amendments to the Book of Order as required by action of the 226th General Assembly. The amendments plus an item on the Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries were presented as an Omnibus Motion. Three items were pulled and will be discussed and voted on at the June 5th Presbytery Gathering. Items pulled were:
- 24-A Unity in Diversity
- 24-C Gifts and Qualifications
- 24-K Referral to Investigating Committee
All items both, passed and pulled, can be found in the Clerk’s Corner.
Tom Cramer then offered his Executive Presbyter’s Report, which chronicled recent events and highlighted the immigration letter sent to all congregations and worshiping communities regarding “welcoming the stranger.” He also introduced the Right Reverend Patrick Thegu Mutahi, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, who brought greetings from our siblings there. In conclusion, Tom shared the news that he will be retiring on December 31, 2025.
Tom Cramer and Rev.Mutahi
On behalf of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry TE Steve Wright introduced Inquirer Kang Soo Yu, a member of Korean Independent Church, who was then examined and approved to move to the status of Candidate. Yu’s journey to the ministry began during his youth in Korea and has now led him to completing the Clinical Pastoral Education requirement at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. Prayers for Yu were offered by Rev Wright.
Laying on of Hands
RE Roy Ketring, Moderator of the Strategic Coordinating Team (SCT) assisted by TE Alfredo Delgado shared the newly revised New Worshiping Communities Guidebook for approval. Several questions were asked for clarification and after discussion the revised version was approved. Ketring also shared news about the many grants awarded by the SCT, including to Wells of Life and the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network.
SCT Moderator Roy Ketring and Pastor Ryan Romberg both of Placentia Presbyterian Church
The meeting was closed with prayer at 12:45. Lunch followed in “The Boathouse,” where commissioners gathered around tables to share food and conversations about vitality, particularly Vitality: In Christ Is Life and Life Abundant.