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APPROVED MINUTES Second Meeting of the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest

May 18-19, 2018

Covenant Presbyterian Church 6695 Mae Anne Avenue

Reno, NV 89523 (775) 746-8118

Meeting Theme: How can our churches maximize our call to share the Good News

through the planting of churches in our region and in the world? FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018

2-1 Call to Order and Opening Prayer Moderator TE Rev. Rob Perkins called the first meeting of the Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest to order at 9:00 am and opened the meeting with prayer.

2-2 Declaration of Quorum Stated Clerk, RE Mark Eshoff, declared that a quorum was present as evidenced by the following record of attendance:

Attendance Report

Centerpoint Community Church – Roseville, CA TE James Barstow Excused Connie Badgley, Jennifer Harrington, Dale Lawrence, TE Nancy Duff Present Marion Nixon Centerville Presbyterian Church – Fremont, CA TE Greg Roth Excused Sydney Belanger, Janet Goodman, Marilyn Khalaji, TE Marsha Roth Excused Norma Moore Christ Church, Berkeley, CA TE Bart Garrett Present TE Brian Kay Excused TE Jonathan St. Clair Excused TE Patrick Vaughn Excused TE Quinn Vaughn Excused Clayton Community Church – Clayton, CA TE Shawn Robinson Present TE Ron Musch Excused Community Presbyterian Church – Danville, CA TE Tyler Scott Unexcused David Danis, Mike Miller, Rhea Serpan, Pat Serpan, TE Cathy Burkholder Present Bern Thompson, Cheryl Thompson, TE Bill Haslim Present

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TE Heidi Johnson Unexcused Covenant Community Church – Vacaville, CA TE Julia Leeth Present Barbara Cantrell, Rebecca Duvall Covenant Presbyterian Church – Orange, CA TE Dennis Tarr Unexcused Everett Geis, Stephen Morris Covenant Presbyterian Church – Reno, NV TE James (Jay) Hull Present Dianne Billharz, Joanne Dickson, Patricia Hemsley, Chris Rhodes Covenant Presbyterian Church – San Diego, CA TE Patrick King Present Easton Presbyterian Church – Fresno, CA TE David Abdo Present Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church – Fair Oaks, CA TE Josh Hall Present Ronda Biondi, Tim Dakin, Carl Kuhn, David Schottky TE Chris Eatough Present TE Clifford Graves Excused First Armenian Church – Fresno, CA TE Greg Haroutunian Excused First Presbyterian Church – Bakersfield, CA TE Jeff Chandler Excused Jim Conners, Robert Lerude TE David Constance Present TE Scott Dickson Present First Presbyterian Church – Fresno, CA TE Jeremy Vaccaro Present Laura Magnee, Jay Pope TE Lana Roberts Present TE Chris Popadich Present First Presbyterian Church – Hanford, CA TE Tony Winterowd Excused Fowler Presbyterian Church – Fowler, CA TE Mark Almlie Unexcused Fremont Presbyterian Church – Sacramento, CA TE David Burke Excused Jim DeFerrari, Greg Flagg, Lynn Jordan, Vicki Meyer, TE David Pack Excused Clair Parsh, Richard Walcott Heritage EPC – Santa Maria, CA TE Dave Brogren Present Hope Presbyterian Church – Folsom, CA TE David Huusko Present Jim Wilkes Kingman Presbyterian Church – Kingman, AZ TE George Carey Present Millbrook Presbyterian Church – Fresno, CA TE Jerry Voss Excused Larry Jenssen

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Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church – Moraga, CA TE Ron Perkins Present Christine Deane, Les Deane, Tom Engberg, Jay Grover, TE David Ricketts Present Jeff Lowe, Tom McIntosh, Chip Shimer TE Sam Fielder Present TE Tommy Branagh Present New Life Community Church – Covelo, CA TE Penny Proschold Excused Sanger Community Church – Sanger, CA TE Paul Berquam Present Marty Carpenter San Ramon Presbyterian Church – San Ramon, CA TE Mark Wollan Present Sierra Presbyterian Church – Nevada City, CA TE Michael Griffin Present St. John’s Assyrian Presbyterian Church – Turlock, CA TE Edward Eissabake Unexcused The Table – San Francisco, CA (Mission Church) TE Troy Wilson Excused Valley Community Church – San Jacinto, CA TE Guy Boyer Unexcused Woodlake Presbyterian Church – Woodlake, CA TE Jonathan Dennis Present Bill Walston, Judy Walston OFFICERS OF THE PRESBYTERY TE Rob Perkins, Moderator Present RE Mark Eshoff, Stated Clerk Present RE Connie Badgley, Treasurer Present MILITARY CHAPLAINS ON ACTIVE DUTY Chief Samuel Adamson Excused INSTITUTIONAL CHAPLAINS TE Karen Bolte Unexcused EVANGELISTS TE Jose Figueroa Present TE Robin Kelley Unexcused SERVING OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES TE Joe Cole Unexcused TE Greg Ehlert Unexcused TE David Flaig Unexcused TE Samuel Kim Present TE Melaku Mekuria Unexcused TE Mgrdich Melkonian Unexcused TE Rick Nylund Unexcused

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MEMBERS SERVING AS ADMINSTRATIVE MEMBERS TE David Fenska Present TE Greg Livingstone Present MEMBERS WITHOUT A CALL TE Scott Downing Unexcused TE Jake McCall Unexcused TE Chaluay Ruangchan Unexcused TE Anthony (Tony) Stiff Excused TE Steve Tyra Excused ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – Outside Boundaries TE Kurt Teng Not Present ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – ACTIVE TE Donald Baird Present TE Scott Farmer Excused ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – Retired TE Jerry Autry Not Present TE Robert (Bob) Badgley Not Present TE Ed Blake Not Present TE Kirk Bottomly Not Present TE Steve Frank Not Present TE Anton Hoffmann Not Present TE Linda Line Not Present TE Tom Naylor Not Present TE Ron Owens Not Present TE Richard Sanner Not Present GUESTS/OBSERVERS/CANDIDATES/MINISTERS TO BE EXAMINED Jim Conner Arcadia Community Church, Arcadia CA Sam Knottnerus Arcadia Community Church, Arcadia CA Alfred Nyanda Arcadia Community Church, Arcadia CA Alemekezeke Phiri Arcadia Community Church, Arcadia CA Bryan Yeo Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA Karyssa Yeo Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA Kathy Harrell Clayton Community Church, Clayton, CA Janis Miller Community Presbyterian Church, Danville CA Ryan Suzuki Community Presbyterian Church, Danville, CA Dalena Morris Covenant Presbyterian Church of Orange, Orange, CA Dana Abdo Easton Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA Jeff Jeremiah EPC Office of the General Assembly Mindy Fenska EPC World Outreach Phil Linton EPC World Outreach Janet Linton EPC World Outreach John McCurry EPC World Outreach Lauri Balbi Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, Fair Oaks CA Diane Vaccaro First Presbyterian Church, Fresno CA Cheryl Eshoff Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento CA Diane Parsh Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, CA Margo Walcott Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, CA Nita Carey Kingman Presbyterian Church, Kingman AZ David Kim Los Angeles Onnuri Church Sako Kaleshian Orhnerk Outreach Cathy Cole Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest Monty Carpenter Sanger Presbyterian Church, Sanger CA

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NUMERICAL ATTENDANCE SUMMARY Present Excused Unexcused Total/Parity Teaching Elders (Full Members) 41 13 12 67 Teaching Elders (Associate - Active) 1 Teaching Elders (Associate) 0 Ruling Elders 68 Officers of the Presbytery 3 Commissioned Pastors 0 Received Pending Dismissal 0 Transitional Members 0 Candidates/Guests/Observers 40 TOTAL IN ATTENDANCE 154 Associate & Retired Members (Not Present) 11 Inactive Members (Not Present) 0

Status Changes:

TE Donald Baird from Associate Member Retired to Active Retired

TE Scott Farmer from Associate Member Retired to Active Retired

TE Penny Proschold from Associate Member Retired to Active Retired and Stated Supply, New Life Community Church, Covello, CA

New to Rolls:

Bryan Yeo Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry and Mission, Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA

Samuel Knottnerus Candidate Under Care, Clayton Community Church, Clayton, CA

2-3 Welcome Rev. Jay Hull welcomed the Presbytery and gave a brief overview of the ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV.

2-4 Introduction of Guests Moderator Perkins asked new commissioners and observers to stand and thanked them for their participation.

2-5 Morning Worship The Worship Team of Covenant Presbyterian Church led the Presbytery in a time of musical praise. Bryan Yeo, who has been called as Associate Pastor at Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA presented a sermon on Ephesians 1:3-10 as part of his ordination examination requirements. Moderator Perkins then asked the Presbytery to pray around their tables using Ephesians 1:3-10 as their prayer guide.

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2-6 Stated Clerk’s Report Stated Clerk Eshoff reviewed the attendance expectations and noted those teaching elders that were absent without excuse at the previous Presbytery meeting held on February 2-3, 2018. He also reviewed the voting guidelines for the Presbytery and noted the various informational handouts that were available at the meeting. He then encouraged all teaching elders to be diligent on submitting their TE Annual Reports, which were due earlier in the year. The Presbytery then viewed the video created by the Next Generation Ministry of the General Assembly inviting commissioners to the 2018 General Assembly gathering in Memphis, TN.

2-7 Approval of the Docket Stated Clerk Eshoff presented the proposed docket to the Presbytery for approval. Motion was sustained to adopt the docket.

2-8 Session Minutes Review Committee Chairman RE Jim Conners opened in prayer and explained the process for reviewing the Session minutes of individual churches on an annual basis during the Presbytery Meeting. One third of the churches in the Presbytery are to submit their minutes each Presbytery Meeting, based on the schedule that Chairman Conners made available to the Presbytery. Moderator Perkins requested six commissioners (four RE’s and 2 TE’s) to volunteer to assist in the reviews. The required number of commissioners volunteered to review the minutes. Those commissioners were: TE Jonathan Dennis, Woodlake Presbyterian Church, Woodlake, CA, TE Julia Leeth, Covenant Community Church, Vacaville, CA, RE Janet Goodman, Centerville Presbyterian Church, Fremont, CA, RE Everett Geis, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Orange, CA, RE Marion Nixon, Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA, and RE Tom McIntosh, Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, Moraga, CA.

2-9 Nominating Committee Report Chairman TE Dave Brogren opened in prayer and reported that RE Bill Myers from Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV has been identified to fill the final position on the Presbytery Nominating Committee.

Motion was sustained to approve the nomination of RE Bill Myers, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV as member of the Presbytery Nominating Committee (Class of 2020).

2-10 Treasurer Report

RE Connie Badgley, Treasurer, opened in prayer and presented the April financial statements for the Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest. The report was made available to the Presbytery.

2-11 Ministry Update – San Pablo Community Church TE Jose Figueroa, Evangelist, reported on the progress of the San Pablo Community Church plant in the East Bay Area of California. He thanked those churches and individuals that have supported the effort and asked for prayer for their further growth and for opportunities for the associated San Pablo Energy Company to aid businesses and churches in energy savings. RE Bern Thompson prayed for Jose and the church plant.

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2-12 Focus Presentation: The Maximized Church – “From Clusters to Networks” – Part 1 TE Bart Garrett, EPCPOPS Church Planting Liaison, introduced the theme of the Presbytery meeting with a presentation entitled, “Stop Planting Churches?” His presentation was followed by a panel discussion which TE Garrett moderated. The panelists included Jim Conner, Lead Pastor - Arcadia Community Church, Sam Knottnerus, Community Pastor - Arcadia Community Church, Sako Kaleshian, Armenian Church Planter – Arcadia and Orange, CA, TE Jose Figueroa, Church Planter - San Pablo Community Church, and RE Bern Thompson – Community Presbyterian Church, Danville, CA.

Following the lunch break, the Presbytery gathered in four geographic cluster groups to discuss the opportunities and challenges of church planting in their respective geographical areas. A representative from each cluster group reported back to the full Presbytery. Moderator Rob Perkins closed the presentation with prayer for church planting in the Presbytery.

2-13 Report of the Ministerial Committee TE David Abdo, Chair, opened in prayer and introduced Bryan Yeo to the Presbytery as a candidate for ordination. Bryan has been called as Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry and Mission at Centerpoint Community Church. Bryan has signed his Ministerial Obligation Form. His current Terms of Call have been reviewed and approved by the Ministerial Committee and he has been examined by the members of the Ministerial Committee. He was recommended to the floor of the Presbytery for approval.

Bryan’s examination began with a sermon delivered earlier in the meeting (see 2-5) on Ephesians 3:1-10, which was a passage assigned by the Ministerial Committee. The Presbytery examined him on his views on theology, sacraments, the English Bible, the Book of Order, history of the Church, the Reformed tradition, his faith in Christ, his calling to the ministry, his progress in spiritual growth and the nature of the office of Teaching Elder. Bryan had no exceptions to the Westminster Standards.

Motion was sustained to end the examination.

Candidate Yeo was dismissed from the room.

RE’s Dale Lawrence and Jennifer Harrington from Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA spoke on behalf of the Session and congregation in support of Bryan.

Motion was sustained to ordain Bryan Yeo into full membership in the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest and install him as Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry and Missions at Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA.

Motion was sustained to approve the Administrative Commission consisting of TE’s Jim Barstow and Nancy Duff from Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA and RE’s Josh Battenfield, Jennifer Harrington and Rod Wurst from Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA and RE Mark Eshoff from Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, CA to ordain and install Bryan Yeo as Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry and Missions at Centerpoint Community Church, Roseville, CA on June 3, 2018 at 4:00 pm.

Bryan was invited back into the room and was greeted with a standing ovation. TE David Abdo invited anyone wishing to lay hands on Bryan in prayer to come forward. TE Jim Barstow prayed for Bryan.

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2-14 Update from the Office of the General Assembly

General Assembly Stated Clerk, TE Jeff Jeremiah, was welcomed by the Presbytery. He shared an update on issues facing the EPC and reminded the teaching elders of the importance of their TE Annual Reports. He also updated the Presbytery on the status of Andrew Brunson, EPC missionary imprisoned in Turkey. TE Cathy Burkholder prayed for Andrew, Jeff and the GA staff.

2-15 World Outreach Presentation TE Dave Fenska, World Outreach Associate for Mission Advancement opened in prayer and introduced Phil Linton, GA Director of World Outreach, who gave an overview of the various World Outreach ministries and presented the opportunities that presbyteries have to participate in the Engage 2025 project.

2-16 Report of the Care of Candidates Committee TE Jay Hull, Chair, opened in prayer and introduced Sam Knottnerus, who was ready to come under the care of the Presbytery. Sam is currently under care of the Session of Clayton Community Church, Clayton, CA. The Session has recommended him to the Presbytery as a Candidate Under Care.

Sam briefly shared his spiritual journey, his sense of call and why he has chosen the EPC. The Presbytery then examined him on his Christian experience and growth, his motive for seeking ordination and his call to the Ministry. Motion was sustained to end the examination Following the examination, Sam was dismissed from the room. TE Shawn Robinson spoke on behalf of the Session of Clayton Community Church and in support of Sam’s candidacy.

Motion was sustained to approve Sam Knottnerus to come under care of the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest and approve TE Shawn Robinson as advisor to Candidate Knottnerus.

The candidate was invited back to the room and received a standing ovation.

The following Constitutional Questions were asked of and answered in the affirmative by the Candidate:

• As you understand God’s working in your heart and life, do you continue to believe yourself called to the office of Teaching Elder?

• Do you now submit yourself to the care and supervision of this Presbytery as you prepare yourself for this office?

• Do you renew your commitment as a Christian, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, to live as becomes a follower of Jesus?

Moderator Perkins invited members of the Presbytery to come forward to pray for Sam. TE David Abdo led in prayer.

TE Dave Fenska gave a charge to Sam from Mark 9:33-35.

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2-17 Meeting Recess and Prayer Moderator Perkins thanked the Presbytery for their attention and prayed for dinner. The meeting recessed at 5:15 pm. A Tri-tip dinner was provided by Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV.

Worship Service

TE Jay Hull, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV welcomed the Presbytery and led in worship. The service included the celebration of Communion and the Pastors’ Care and Support Offering.

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018

2-18 Meeting reconvenes Moderator Perkins reconvened the meeting at 9:00 am and opened in prayer.

2-19 Declaration of a Quorum Stated Clerk Eshoff declared a quorum.

2-20 Introduction of Additional Guests Moderator Perkins asked for guests and new commissioners that weren’t present on Friday to stand and be recognized.

2-21 Appreciations to the host church Moderator Perkins expressed deep appreciation to the host church, TE Jay Hull, Volunteer Coordinator Julie Minedew, Meal Coordinator Denell Hull and all the volunteers for their involvement and support. He praised the generosity of the Session and congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV for making it possible to have the meeting of the Presbytery there and thanked the volunteers for doing a wonderful job welcoming the Presbytery and hosting the meeting.

2-22 Morning Worship The Worship Team from Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno, NV led the Presbytery in a time of musical worship. GA Stated Clerk Jeff Jeremiah then preached a sermon based on Genesis 17:1-7.

2-23 Report of the Session Review Committee RE Jim Conners, Chair Chair, RE Jim Conners opened in prayer. He reported that the following Session minutes were reviewed through December 2017, and were in compliance with the EPC Book of Government:

Clayton Community Church, Clayton, CA Community Presbyterian Church, Danville, CA First Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA Millbrook Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA New Life Community Church, Covelo, CA San Ramon Presbyterian Church, San Ramon, CA Sanger Community Church, Sanger, CA

The following churches did not submit their minutes for review:

First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA Fowler Presbyterian Church, Fowler, CA St. John’s Assyrian Church, Turlock, CA

He reminded the Presbytery to take advantage of the Minutes Checklist that assists Clerks of Session in completing the minutes accurately. He specifically mentioned that both the approval of the Lord’s Supper and the dates of the Lord’s Supper should be included in the minutes. He also reminded the Presbytery that the ordination and installation of officers should be included in the minutes, as well as the minutes of the congregational meeting to elect them. Annual membership totals for each membership category should also be included in the Session minutes.

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2-24 Pacific Women’s Link Report Diane Vaccaro from First Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA opened in prayer and presented a report from the Pacific Women’s Link ministry and invited and encouraged female members of the Presbytery and member churches to participate in the upcoming meetings. She also reported that The Well, the National Women’s Ministry Resource Team is looking for representatives from each presbytery to serve on the leadership team.

2-25 GA Nominating Committee Endorsement TE Nancy Duff presented the nomination of TE Dave Ricketts from Moraga Valley

Presbyterian Church, Moraga, CA for the GA Nominating Committee.

A motion was sustained to endorse the nomination of TE Dave Ricketts, Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, Moraga, CA as a member of the General Assembly Nominating Committee.

2-26 Ministry Update – Woodlake Presbyterian Church TE Jonathan Dennis gave an update on the ministry of Woodlake Presbyterian Church, Woodlake, CA.

2-27 Ministerial Committee Report (continued) TE David Abdo, Chair, reported that the Ministerial Committee approved the terms of call

for each teaching elder that submitted a TE Annual Report. Several reports are still outstanding. He also shared that the Committee has divided up the TE members of the Presbytery and each committee member will provide ongoing contact and support to those respective teaching elders. He reported that the following actions were taken by the Committee on behalf of the Presbytery:

1) Change of Status from “Associate Retired” to “Active Retired” for TE’s Donald Baird, Scott Farmer and Penny Proschold

2) Appointment of Penny Proschold as Stated Supply for New Life Community Church, Covelo, CA

David also updated the Presbytery on the two pastoral searches that are currently in process. The Ministerial Committee has developed a new Pastoral Search Checklist to aid search committees in their search process.

2-28 Omnibus/Consent Motion These items are considered to be routine and were considered for action as one motion.

1. Approve the Minutes of the First Stated Meeting of the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest, February 2-3, 2018.

2. Dismiss the Administrative Commission to ordain and install Tommy Branagh as Assistant Pastor of Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, Moraga, CA with appreciation for their service to the Presbytery, to the pastor and to the congregation. The commission’s minutes are on file with the Stated Clerk.

3. Dismiss the Administrative Commission to install Josh Hall as Pastor of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, Fair Oaks, CA with appreciation for their service to the Presbytery, to the pastor and to the congregation. The commission’s minutes are on file with the Stated Clerk.

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4. Dismiss the Administrative Commission to Install David Pack as Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, CA with appreciation for their service to the Presbytery, to the pastor and to the congregation. The commission’s minutes are on file with the Stated Clerk.

5. Dismiss the Administrative Commission to install David Abdo as Pastor of Easton Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA with appreciation for their service to the Presbytery, to the pastor and to the congregation. The commission’s minutes are on file with the Stated Clerk.

6. Accept the report of the Ministerial Committee acting as an Administrative Commission to approve the Change in Status of TE Donald Baird, TE Scott Farmer and TE Penny Proschold from Associate Retired to Active Retired.

7. Accept the report of the Ministerial Committee acting as an Administrative Commission to approve the appointment of TE Penny Proschold as Stated Supply for the New Life Community Church, Covelo, CA for a period of one year.

8. Accept the report of the Ministerial Committee acting as an Administrative Commission to approve the Terms of Call for Pacific Southwest Presbytery Teaching Elders.

Motion was sustained to approve the Omnibus/Consent Motion

2-29 New Business Moderator Perkins reminded the Presbytery of the following important upcoming dates:

June 19-23, 2018 Meeting of the General Assembly Hope Church, Cordova, TN (Memphis area)

October 9-11, 2018 Pastor’s Retreat at Mt. Hermon Conference Center Santa Cruz, CA

October 12-13, 2018 Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest Meeting Centerville Presbyterian Church, Fremont, CA

January 25-26, 2019 Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest Meeting Location TBD

May 17-18, 2019 Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest Meeting First Presbyterian Church, Bakersfield, CA October 8-10, 2019 Pastor’s Retreat at Mt. Hermon Conference Center Santa Cruz, CA

October 11-12, 2019 Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest Meeting Location TBD

2-30 Hosting Opportunities Stated Clerk Eshoff reminded the Presbytery that opportunity is available to host the Presbytery at its winter and fall meetings in 2019 and to contact the Stated Clerk if you are interested in offering an invitation.

Opportunities are also available to host Discovery Workshops in 2018 and 2019. Contact the Stated Clerk if you are interested in offering an invitation.