2025 State of the Presbytery Report
The Presbytery of Los Ranchos’ Theme for 2025 was focused on vitality as a presbytery and a community of congregations: “In Christ is Life and Life Abundant.” At each Presbytery Gathering, we shared sermons, plenaries, and learning conversations focused on our theme. We asked questions like:
What does it mean to be “in Christ?”
How does life “in Christ” differ from alternative ways of being on this human journey?
In what way does life “in Christ” lead to “vitality” in congregations and among the faithful?
We explored these and many other questions even as we worked to support congregations in real-life crises, struggles, and transitions. We banded together to fortify faith communities which were hardest hit by new deportation practices targeting people of color. We supported the mobilization of food pantries, finding alternative ways to distribute food to those most at risk. And we provided new mission-study instruments to bolster discernment of the fourteen (14) congregations who are currently seeking their next pastor.
Highlights of the year were visits from PC(USA)’s Co-Moderators CeCe Armstrong and Tony Larson, as well as from Carlton Johnson, an architect of the Vital Congregations Initiative, which equips presbyteries and congregations to support vitality around seven marks of witness and faith development.
These visits affirmed our connectional nature as a denomination, as well as gave us hope for our national church during a time when rapid societal and ecclesiastical change is testing our patience. We learned about the Unified Interim Agency’s efforts to organize our national staffing and funding models to address the needs of tomorrow’s church. As complex as this work is, we were inspired by the courage and honesty of our denomination’s leaders, and especially by their faith in our gracious God who equips presbyteries like ours to embody the love and justice of Jesus Christ.
With trust in God’s abundance, therefore, we held forums on antiracism practices and, in November, adopted an Antiracism Policy to guide congregations in their own efforts to become more antiracist. We also continued our support for Home for Refugees, which in only ten years’ time, has spread from a tiny seed cultivated in Los Ranchos to a nationwide movement. And lastly, as far as this brief report is concerned, we formed Administrative Commissions to guide two New Worshiping Communities toward chartering as PC(USA) congregations.
Truly, God has been at work in Los Ranchos, and we are THANKFUL! (Tom writing:) “Through many festive events this fall, the presbytery celebrated my retirement and gave thanks for my 36 years of ordained service. For the past fifteen, I served on presbytery staff, eleven of those as presbytery co-executive or executive presbyter/head of staff. The presbytery’s outpouring of love and gratitude gives me wings to soar into the next chapter of life, even as I discern what it will look like to serve our Lord as a ‘retired minister.’”
Lastly, at least for this report, we are thankful for God’s future for us. In November, we welcomed the Rev. Dr. Andrea (Andi) Saccoccio as PLR’s next Executive Presbyter, beginning her service in January 2026. Andi brings a wealth of experience and insight ideally suited to help Los Ranchos reimagine what we can be to the world.
The Rev. Dr. Andrea (Andi) Saccoccio
Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Los Ranchos
Arriving January 2026
“In Christ IS life and life abundant.” This is not only “a theme for a year,” but the eternal longing of all Christ’s disciples. The Presbytery of Los Ranchos is grateful for the partnership we share with our sibling presbyteries in the Synod and stands ready to serve with you in every way possible.
Bound together with you in Christ’s love,
Tom Cramer, Executive Presbyter with
Vanessa Bates, Commissioned Pastor/PLR Moderator Elect
Presbytery of Los Ranchos