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Old First Presbyterian Church is an inclusive community of faith united by trust in God and faith in Jesus Christ. We warmly welcome all who accept and respond to God's saving grace in Jesus Christ and who desire to participate in the life and ministry of this church.
Established in 1849, we are the oldest active Protestant congregation in California. We are constantly renewed through a wide spectrum of activities, and of course, through new members and visitors.
Maggi's Musings - September 2013
One of the reasons I am thankful to be a part of the Presbyterian Church USA is because we are a connectional church. For me, this means we recognize that the work of God and the ways of Christ are being lived out all over the country and throughout the world in ways that surprise and amaze me. Being a connectional church reminds me that there is broadness and diversity in the ways our church follows Christ and seeks God’s peace and justice. I love to have my understanding deepened and my world view widened. Plus, it keeps me humble to realize my way – our way – is not the only way.
This September we have a chance to enrich our hearts and minds with the presence of Ryan Smith among us. Please keep him in your prayers and make sure you are a part of worship on September 8. This will be a great opportunity to invite a friend to worship!
Ryan Smith PC (USA) Representative to the UN Preaching September 8
Ryan Smith is the representative to the United Nations from the Presbyterian Church (USA). He brings experience working in faith-based non-governmental organizations both in the United Nations community and in Washington, DC. He has worked with Catholic Charities USA and with Caritas Internationalis, a long-time partner of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
"It is a joy to welcome Ryan as a colleague," said Mark Koenig, director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, part of the Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry of the General Assembly Mission Council. "His knowledge of the role of faith-based advocacy at the United Nations as well as his connections within the United Nations community will strengthen our witness. He is deeply committed to working for justice and peace in the name of Jesus Christ."
Called to inspire, equip and connect God's people as faithful disciples in the global community, the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations provides individuals, congregations, middle governing bodies and theological institutions with educational opportunities that encourage commitment to work for justice, compassion and peace. This ministry also serves as a witness to the nations of the world that "God sends the church in the power of the Holy Spirit to share with Christ in establishing God's just, peaceable, and loving rule in the world." (Book of Order, G-3.0300)
Smith has worked on issues related to human trafficking, immigration, and refugees. His work at the United Nations focused on the Millennium Development Goals. He has lived in Tanzania and served as a Fulbright Teaching Assistant in Germany.
At the time of his appointment, Smith said “I am humbled and honored to be taking this new role. I will move forward in this new position with a great sense of responsibility. From the very beginning of the United Nations, the Presbyterian Church has helped to help shape its path, and I am excited to be a part of this next chapter. It is my honor to spread God's word in the non-governmental, governmental, and intergovernmental communities that comprise the United Nations. I see this as a great opportunity to use the gifts God has granted me and to advocate on behalf of the faithful for the world's most vulnerable populations. As I begin my work, I am reminded of the words of Jesus, that with faith as small as a mustard seed we can move a mountain.”
Join us for worship on September 8 and expand your awareness of our connectional church.
Peace,
Pastor Maggi
