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If you would like to download a copy of the Walking with Jesus Devotional booklet, click HERE
San Fernando Presbytery Supports
the Educational Progress of Fifteen Pastoral Leaders
The Presbytery of San Fernando is committed to developing effective pastoral leaders who convey the message of Christ in our communities while being “instructed and led by our Confessions and governed by our polity” (W-4.0404, Book of Order). Among those leaders are eleven students who enrolled in the Presbyterian Theology and Polity course—a innovative summer graduate-level course taught online and entirely in Spanish. This course represents a milestone for the Presbytery’s efforts to equip new leaders with robust theological education, especially those from Spanish-speaking contexts. By partnering in this class, which the Association of Theological Schools accredits, the Presbytery removes barriers and welcomes new voices in leadership. Leaders and members across the Presbytery are heralding this development as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work and the Presbytery’s recent growth in ministry vitality.
Pathway to Accredited Ministry Training
Out of the eleven students, eight are taking their studies a step further by entering the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program through Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Western Theological Seminary – an institution founded on the Reformed Church in America (RCA) principles – offers this graduate certificate as part of its Hispanic Ministry Program. By enrolling in the certificate track, these eight students will continue with additional courses (also in Spanish) that deepen their biblical, theological, and practical ministry knowledge. This partnership with WTS means the students’ work in the summer course will carry academic credit and momentum toward an accredited credential. It is a unique collaboration – a PC(USA) presbytery coordinating with an RCA-affiliated seminary – demonstrating how different Reformed bodies can work together to equip church leaders. The fact that so many of the course participants are committing to a rigorous certificate program speaks to their dedication and the Presbytery’s success in identifying emerging leaders. “We’re thrilled to see eight of our students continue on this path – it’s a sign of their calling and perseverance,” said one organizer. Upon completion, these leaders will be better equipped to serve as commissioned lay pastors, ruling elders, or in other ministry capacities within Presbyterian congregations.
Vision Behind the Initiative
Rev. Jaime Lázaro, the Presbytery’s Hispanic Strategy Coordinator, is guiding this effort with his dedicated leadership. His work exemplifies how thoughtful leadership can open doors for those who might otherwise feel marginalized by traditional Presbyterian forms of theological education.
Being Equipped to Serve Among Us
The focus on education isn’t limited to these eleven students. In recent months, four other New Worshiping Community (NWC) leaders in the Presbytery have recently completed Presbyterian Polity classes offered through the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE). APCE, in partnership with the PC(USA) Office of Christian Formation, offers online courses on Presbyterian Program & Mission and on Presbyterian Polity for church leaders and educators. The four NWC leaders – each involved in pioneering new worshiping communities – took on the challenge and successfully finished the polity class. Their participation highlights the enthusiasm among our new worshiping community leaders to learn about Presbyterian governance and connect more deeply with our denominational practices. By gaining this knowledge, they are better prepared to organize their faith communities in line with Presbyterian polity and to interface with the Presbytery as their ministries grow. The Presbytery celebrates these four individuals for their initiative and hard work. The combination of the APCE training and the Western Seminary course means that at least 15 emerging leaders in our Presbytery have recently engaged in formal Presbyterian polity education – a remarkable sign of a maturing leadership pipeline.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of the congregations around our Presbytery. The Presbytery’s Growing Together in Mission (GTM) Campaign – an initiative launched to strengthen our shared mission – helped cover the costs of these leadership development opportunities. The Presbytery extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the campaign. The Property and Finance Committee also approved the use of $4,500.00 from our Designated Funds to assist these 11 students so they can pursue their calling without financial burden so that our new worshiping community leaders can access training that was once out of reach. The results of this investment are already evident in the enthusiasm and commitment of the students and leaders being trained.
In summary, the Presbytery of San Fernando is witnessing a season of growth and hope as it welcomes a cohort of leaders seeking to serve in partnership with us. This initiative – bolstered by visionary leadership, collaborative partnerships, and generous supporters – embodies the Presbytery’s mission of “developing innovative leaders and ministries for the next generation.” It is a joyful reminder that when we grow together in mission, we empower God’s people to serve. As these students prepare to delve into Presbyterian theology and polity this summer, the entire Presbytery celebrates with them, praying for their success and giving thanks for the privilege to partner with them in God’s work.
In Christ’s unrelenting love,
Juan
The Board of Pensions is pleased to introduce EAP services from Spring Health, bringing eligible members fast access to resources and treatment. We are partnering with Spring Health and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to offer this new service.
Our new Employee Assistance Plan (which is included for anyone enrolled in our medical or pension plan) includes personal coaching and professional coaching. These coaching sessions are at no cost to the participants. Please log onto your Spring Health portal to access. You can find more information HERE.
Around the Table, An Initiative Funded by the Lilly Endowment
FAITH DEVELOPMENT WITH CHILDREN
AND YOUTH
Around the Table is a Lilly Endowment Inc.-funded initiative in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that nurtures Christian faith development for children and youth within their households. It provides coaching and resources to faith communities, parents, and caregivers, helping them foster intergenerational connections that nurture young people's faith and cultivate their spiritual growth in God through Jesus Christ.
We offer a variety of resources, cohort learning, and guidance for church leaders to enrich faith at home that ultimately transform their communities. New cohorts for faith leaders and caregivers will begin in Fall 2025, with more information available in Spring 2025. Deadline to apply for fall cohort is Friday, May 2, 2025. For more details, please contact Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin, Project Coordinator: [email protected].
Various Grant Opportunities for Churches in Our Presbytery
Our new worshipping communities have been blessed with grants and scholarships that come from the national church. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have flowed into our presbytery for our new expressions of faith. For this we are all grateful.
Did you know that there are many other grants and scholarship opportunities that can flow into our existing churches as well? When you have a minute, please familiarize yourself with the various grants and scholarships that are currently being offered through General Assembly. You can see all of them in one place HERE.
If you'd like accompaniment in writing for one of these grants, please let me know. We would be honored to connect you with a caring partner. Simply send me an email. ([email protected])
The Evangelism & Church Growth Committee of our presbytery and Cyclical Full Circle invite pastors and new worshiping community leaders to apply for the Cyclical Full Circle Church Health Assessment. This assessment is designed to help declining and plateaued churches transition into actively growing and thriving communities.
Over six months, you will gain a deeper understanding of your church’s strengths and weaknesses, discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance with your team, and receive a customized 12-month, step-by-step plan to move out of decline and toward a more hopeful future.
If you are a pastor or new worshiping community leader interested in participating, please visit our presbytery website at sfpresby.org and click on the “Cyclical Full Circle Church Health Assessment” link on the main page. You may also contact Rob Douglas, Director of Cyclical Full Circle, at [email protected], or K.C. Wahe, our ECG Chair, at [email protected] for more details.
Please note: The cost of the assessment may be partially or fully covered, pending approval. Grant availability may vary.
Know Your Rights Cards
Providing Know Your Rights Cards to vulnerable people in our churches and communities can be really helpful. These bilingual cards have one side in English and the other side's language can be chosen from a long list of options.
The Communication and Church Support Committee is ordering some in Spanish, Korean, and Farsi in hopes of having them in time for the Presbytery meeting on April 22.
Courageous Love and Immigration Justice Immersion
June 27 – July 1, 2025, Tijuana, Mexico
Registration is open until May 19! Use the links below.
Learning about realities for migrants in 2023
Praying at the border wall during worship
Join an immersive delegation experience for Presbyterians from across Southern California to learn about the current realities at the U.S.-Mexico border, and especially in Tijuana, Mexico.
Our trip facilitators will be from Via International(Via), which led our virtual border trips in 2021 and in-person border trip in 2023. Rooted in the Southern California/Baja California region and founded in 1975, Via is a non-profit organization with extensive relationships of trust across Mexico. Our group will spend time in Tijuana meeting with local communities, migrants, staff at migrant shelters, immigrant legal service providers, deportees, and others. Through our facilitated conversations with recent migrants who are finding their way to new lives as well as experts in the fields of migration and social justice we will learn about the current realities at the border. You can preview the draft itinerary now.
This trip is open to teenagers (with adult chaperone) on up. All participants are required to have a passport that is valid through Jan. 1, 2026. Participants will meet up in San Diego in the late morning of June 27 and walk across the border together. People can be dropped off right at the border crossing, but some walking is involved to get through passport control, customs, and to the street in Tijuana. We will return to the U.S. before lunch on July 1. Our lodging will be secure housing in Tijuana that Via manages. All rooms are shared and have a private bathroom.
The Presbytery leaders for this trip are applying for grants from the Synod JPIC Committee and each of the presbyteries, so that scholarships can be given for this 5-day study trip to those who need them. Please see the Finances and Payment form for more information and to complete your registration. The trip registration cost covers lodging, meals, transportation, and all programming in Tijuana. Carpooling to San Diego is encouraged. Transportation to San Diego and parking at the border are not covered by the registration cost.
Click on the link directly below to start the registration process.
In July 2025, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will welcome thousands of its high school age youth and their adult youth workers to Louisville, Kentucky for four days of worship, recreation, bible study, outreach, and faith formation all around the theme of “As If We Were Dreaming”.
HIRING NOW: Transitional Assistant to the Stated Clerk
The Presbytery of San Fernando is seeking a Transitional Assistant to the Stated Clerk to serve in a part-time capacity (approximately 10 hours per week) for six months. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide supportive leadership grounded in Presbyterian polity and a heart for mission-focused connectional ministry.
We welcome inquiries from individuals with a proven record of Christian leadership, a deep understanding of the Book of Order, excellent knowledge of the governance of the PCUSA, and strong communication skills (including Zoom and text messaging and Google Docs). We are accepting resumes of interest through 5.15.25
For more information or to express interest, please contact us at 818-891-4781 or email: [email protected]
Other Ministry-Related Positions in our Region:
Part-time Children's Ministry Staff Person: Burbank First Presbyterian: HERE
Part-Time Church Facilities Director: Brentwood Presbyterian Church: HERE
Property Manager: First Presbyterian of Granada Hills: HERE
Teacher, Glendale Presbyterian Childcare Center. Contact the Director at: [email protected]
Claremont Presbyterian Church is seeking an Interim Pastor/Head of Staff; please see attached position description. Claremont is a very active congregation with an excellent track record working with their pastors. For more information or to express your interest, contact [email protected]. Click HEREto view the position description.
Interim Pastor Job Opening, Union Church, Los Angeles: Click HERE
Accompanist Position for First Presbyterian Church of Newhall: Click
HERE
Legacies of Faith: Bobbie Putnam’s book containing the history of our churches, a
foreword by Rev. Ken Baker and much more is now available to read online and will soon be in print.
Do you have a story about your church that could encourage and inspire others? Are there ministry resources that need to be shared? Do you have an announcement that the Presbytery should know about?
Our editorial team will be happy to consider publishing it in The Wire.
Please read our NEW Guidelines for what can be submitted, how to submit, and the new deadlines for each issue.
