Presbytery del Cristo met in Stated Meeting at Grace Fellowship Community Church in San Francisco, California, March 14-15, 2024

Moderator Rev. Jerry Smyrl called the meeting into order Thursday evening.

After the roll call and declaration of a quorum the meeting began.

Guests attending the meeting were Rev. Mitch Boulton, Moderator of General Assembly and Rev. Justin Richter, Director of Global Missions. Rev. Richter presented a video dealing with the Global Mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Stressing that the CPC is a global ministry now.

After the Presbytery Council Report was given and the new nominees were elected the meeting was turned over to the newly elected Moderator, Rev. Timothy Young.

The Presbytery had a great worship service and a celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Grace Fellowship served as hosts and leaders for the service. Licentiate Alan Leung presented the message for the evening.

After the service, the Presbytery moved into a recess to reconvene Friday morning at 8:30.

Moderator Rev. Tim Young called the meeting out of recess the morning of March 15 at 8:42.

After the opening prayer by Rev. Young, Rev. Mitch Boulton was given the opportunity to bring greetings from the General Assembly.

Licentiate William Leung presented the morning devotional.

Grace Community Fellowship had a time of sharing. Rev. Paul Conti talked about what Grace and God had already done and was renewing after 40 years of ministry. They are looking forward to moving forward, and in a time of healing as Dr. Rev. Al Tizon takes over as their minister.

Presbytery moved into a time of Executive Session to discuss and vote on the proposed Amendment to the Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Executive Session means that only those authorized to vote on the Amendment were in the session. After much discussion, soul-searching, and prayer the vote was taken, and Presbytery moved out of Executive Session.

Presbytery dissolved relationship with Hope Church in El Paso, TX and The Lord’s Joyful Church in La Habra, CA. Both churches no longer have active ministers on site. Rev. Kang has accepted a position with Atlanta Seminary.

Alan Leung successfully sustained his examination for ordination by the committee. Rev. Leung has also completed the required PAS courses. After successful completion of examination by the Presbytery, a Commission was established to Ordain and Install Rev. Leung at Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church, San Francisco, CA, date to be determined.

William Leung successfully sustained his examination for ordination by the committee. Rev. Leung has also completed the required PAS courses. After successful completion of examination by the Presbytery, a Commission was established to Ordain and Install Rev. Leung at the Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church, San Francisco, CA, date to be determined.

Rev. Dr. Al Tizon has satisfied all the Constitutional requirements for recognition of ordination. A Commission was formed to install Rev. Dr. Al Tizon as minister of Grace Fellowship Community Church San Franscico, CA. date to be determined.

Rev. Yuhance Warrick came under the Care of Presbytery as a licentiate. He has been approved to take the required PAS courses for his ordination to be recognized.

Presbytery also approved elders to celebrate communion for churches without a CP minister.

The Congregational Care Committee presented an update on their activities and working with churches without an ordained CP Minister.

Presbytery moved Rev. Jimmy Braswell into the status as “retired,” upon his request.

Presbytery moved Rev. Lawrence Fung into the status as “retired,” upon his request.

Presbytery approved request to remove him from the rolls of Presbytery del Cristo and send acknowledgement to Cumberland East Coast Presbytery of this action; so that his membership can be transferred to that Presbytery.

Gary Barricklow was ordained as a CP minister on September 3, 2024. Rev. Barricklow has accepted a position as Chaplain for the Torrance county Detention Facility, Estancia, New Mexico.

Thanks was offered to Grace Fellowship and CP Chinese Church for transportation to and from the hotel and for great meals.

Presbytery del Cristo will meet in Stated meeting August 8-9, 2024, at Hummingbird Music Camp, outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come to the mountains with us.