Endings. Beginnings. A Celebration of Transitions and God’s Abundance.

The Presbytery of Los Ranchos gathered on Saturday, November 15th, at Placentia Presbyterian Church for the final presbytery meeting of 2025. Throughout the day leaders proclaimed, “In Christ Is Life and Life Abundant.”

The morning began with worship. Music was led by members of the church’s worship band. The sermon focused on Luke 24:13-49, The Road to Emmaus; Preachers Lynn Stone and Mark Davis pondered how the two persons who were on that road might have felt about what had happened in the few days preceding their walk, and wondered about Jesus’ conversation with them. They expressed amazement that those long-ago followers’ eyes were opened to the identity of their traveling companion in the breaking of the bread; and were grateful that we, too, could and do recognize Jesus in the bread and cup of the Communion table. All were invited to share the gifts of God for the people of God during a Communion service that included the necrology, a remembrance of teaching and ruling elders who had completed their baptism in 2025.

Worship was followed by a Learning Conversation led by members of the Antiracism Policy Task Force. After a brief presentation regarding the purposeand content of the proposed policy the floor was opened to questions. The sixty or so participants asked thoughtful questions about the presbytery’s Antiracism Policy and what, when, why and how their churches ought to go about crafting one of their own.

After a quick break, commissioners re-gathered for the business meeting. The retirements of six teaching elders were recognized. Geoff Pfaff, Winston Presnall, Jon Moore, Craig Williams, Steve Ranney, and Tom Cramer shared gratitude for their ministries and the people who had accompanied them along the way. (You can view all six retirement videos here.) Trustees asked for approval of one PILP loan and an application for another.

Stated Clerk, Sandra Kim, presented the draft Antiracism Policy. It was approved without question. Executive Presbyter, Tom Cramer, shared his final report before retiring on December 31st. He expressed thanks for the privilege of serving the presbytery and told all that he is confident that the future will be bright for the people and the churches of Los Ranchos. He then lifted up the work of Home for Refugees and the First Presbyterian Church of Downey’s Home Team and their support for Hassan Muzele, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (learn more here).

The Committee on Nominations introduced the four candidates for Commissioner to the 227th General Assembly to be held in Milwaukee next summer. Teaching Elders Jeff Bridgeman and Matt Moncrief and Ruling Elders Carl Sohn and Renee Tevlin were elected by acclamation. Nominations to the Council, Committee on Ministry, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the Strategic Coordinating Team, the Sexual Misconduct Response Team, the Trustees, and a Synod Commissioner were also approved.

Andrea “Andi” Saccoccio with search committee member, Mark Davis

Presbytery Council Moderator David Beary presented the Council’s business. Some was routine, including nominations to the Staff Relations Committee. Then came the moment we had all been waiting for – the introduction of the new Executive Presbyter– Andrea “Andi” Saccoccio! (Our first glimpse of her occurred during Communion as she officiated alongside Tom Cramer.) Andi expressed her excitement about working with and getting to know the presbytery and its people.  Get to know a bit about Andi here.

The Committee on Ministry welcomed the Rev. Sekwang Na to Los Ranchos, acknowledged the retirees, presented the terms of call for Rev. Doojin Moon, and reminded all of the February 2026 Pastors’ Retreat. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry is looking at Los Ranchos’ processes in light of the changing PC(USA) processes for those seeking ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

Steve Sweet prays for Tom Cramer

Leanne Strommen, Moderator of the Staff Relations Committee, shared the terms of retiring Executive Presbyter Tom Cramer’s boundaries covenant. On behalf of the presbytery, she thanked him for his faithful service, and then presented him with gifts of wine, a check for green fees, and a PC(USA) seal pendant. Tom’s longtime friend and Covenant Group brother, Steve Sweet, prayed for Tom and this new season of his life and ministry.

Strategic Coordinating Team Moderator, Roy Ketring, asked the presbytery to approve an updated policy document, SCT Requests for Funding and Grants and the new PLR-Synod Partnering Grant Application, and shared the good news of grants that the team had approved. There being no further business the meeting was closed with prayer. The hungry commissioners enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by the “best Mexican restaurant in Placentia.” Abundance was evident in the feast, the fellowship, and in friends old and new. All could agree that God has abundantly blessed us.