Growing Together in mission
Growing closer together in prayer, service, and generosity
Join us in addressing Food Insecurity in our region, developing Emerging Leaders among us and Partnering with the Global Church
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Candidate to the ministry of the Word and Sacrament Dave Derus speaks about the Growing Together in Mission Campaign.
Growing Together in Mission
Jesus promised his disciples that once the Holy Spirit came over them, they would become his witnesses from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Growing Together in Mission Campaign (GTM) is about bringing people, churches, and new worshiping communities of our Presbytery together as participants in God’s work. From June 15 to November 28, we will live out our faith together by engaging in prayer, service, and financial support in three mission areas:
1. Partnering with our Emerging Pastoral Leaders:
GTM will be an opportunity for us to get to know several individuals discerning God’s call to serve among us. We will also create a fund to provide scholarships and financial support as they fulfill the constitutional requirements related to:
• Reformed Polity,
• Presbyterian History,
• Reformed Theology,
• Presbyterian Worship and Sacraments, and other areas as needed.
2. Partnering to address Food Insecurity in our Region:
• With the support of the Presbytery and several of our congregations, North Valley Caring Services (NVCS) has grown to be the largest single-site food distribution center in the San Fernando Valley.
• NVCS serves over 2,200 households a week and provides approximately 10,000 pounds of food to partner distributors such as churches, organizations, sober living homes, senior care facilities, LAPD, and the LAUSD.
• NVCS brings together Christ-like-minded partners that share the Gospel and stands in solidarity with the most vulnerable.
3. Partnering with the Global Church:
Our Presbytery and congregations have been in relationships with Mission Co-workers that serve closely with fellow Christians on five continents to facilitate:
• Water sanitation efforts in South Sudan and Niger
• Community outreach in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq
• Support to peace efforts of Presbyterians in Colombia
• Seminary studies for pastors in Egypt and the region
• University Education to Christian Leaders in Indonesia
Rev. Dr. Juan J. Sarmiento
Executive Presbyter
“Growing Together in Mission” is the initiative that will challenge our Presbytery over the next several months. Other presbyteries acknowledge PSF to be at the forefront in establishing New Worshipping Communities. What more should we be doing in our area:
1. Partnering with emerging innovative leaders.
2. Addressing the desperate need for food for many.
3. Coming alongside the worldwide Church?
At the same time as we engage in this conversation and challenge, our primary focus continues to be our local congregation. For example, my wife and I now live in Pasadena. I visited a nearby congregation of our Presbytery one Sunday morning and was stunned by how church members who did not know me greeted me and made me feel welcome. One of their members even stationed himself near the coffee table to meet visitors during the coffee hour. Several others spoke to me while I walked from or back to the parking lot. I have wondered if that Church had a special “welcoming team” or if their fellowship groups took turns extending friendship to newcomers. I’ve never forgotten that experience that should be common in every Church as a vital step to fulfilling our Lord’s mandate to “make disciples of all nations (ethnic groups).” New people are visiting our worship services as pandemic protocols have eased, and we need to make the best of the present time. Also, pray about who of your unchurched friends you could invite to join you for worship or to help with one of your Church’s projects to meet human needs. What a journey! Do you agree – we wouldn’t have missed this adventure with Christ for anything!
Honorary Growing Together in Mission Campaign Chairman
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Campaign Overview
FAQs
1. What is Growing Together in Mission (GTM)?
GTM is a collaborative campaign to engage as many people as possible within our Presbytery in prayer for, involvement in, and support of efforts that bring us together in the pursuit of our Presbytery goals of church vitality, increased participation in worship, and engaging our diverse communities.
2. When does GTM begin and how long will it last?
We project a launch date of June 15. The campaign will end at the November 28 Presbytery meeting in Westlake Village, during which we will celebrate the results.
3. What specific efforts will be included?
• Support to people experiencing food insecurity in our communities (North Valley Caring Services);
• Scholarships for new leaders seeking to serve more effectively with our Presbytery (Cyclical and Bridges);
• Mission Co-workers supported by the Presbytery (Niger, Lebanon, Egypt, Indonesia, Colombia, Germany)
4. What will people in our churches and New Worshiping Communities (NWC's) be invited to do?
• Participate: Individuals and the churches/NWC’s that opt-in will be invited to cook meals for the North Valley Caring Services (NVCS) outreach program, serve in food distribution, be companions to new leaders, and/or communicate with Mission Co-Workers.
• Pray: Weekly prayer updates will be distributed among the participating churches and NWC’s.
• Give: Individuals, churches, and NWC’s can use the Presbytery’s online donation system (through the Presbyterian Foundation) or mail in their contributions. We are also providing special banks for worship spaces and homes to collect donations. The Presbytery office will not deduct any administrative fee.
5. Who will be in charge of implementing GTM?
The campaign will involve a broad group of individuals and committees:
• Juan will provide leadership for the campaign, David Derus will coordinate it and Deborah Kusin will report to the Property & Finance Committee
• Each participating congregation will have a responsible person or “Champion”.
• The NVCS PartnershipTask Force (under Communication and Church Support) will identify someone to coordinate the efforts to combat food insecurity.
• Evangelism and Church Growth will confer with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry to identify a way of coordinating the scholarships.
6. How can I contribute financially?
Here are some ways to make your gift:
• Regular Mail: Send a check to the Presbytery of San Fernando, 125 S Louise St, Glendale, CA 91205, with a note saying “Growing Together in Mission”
• Using a computer: Go to www.sfpresby.com and click on “Donations and Payments” in the upper right corner. Select Growing Together in Mission and follow the prompts.
• Using a smart phone: Text 844 504-2515 and follow the prompts. You will find step by step instructions here.
7. How will the Distribution of Funds be:
Up to $55,000 of the total amount received will be matched up to $55,000 split in three equal parts (Food Insecurity through NVCS, Pastoral leaders in the Presbytery needing support to fulfill denominational requirements and PCUSA Mission Co-Workers) and made available in February 2024.
