September 7, 2024
Dear friends in Christ,
Nineteen years ago, in September 2006, I had my first contact with the Pastor Nominating Committee of Claremont Presbyterian Church. Three months later, I sat in my living room in Portland crying happy tears as I said, “YES!” to that same Committee’s invitation to serve as your next Pastor. After that came more than 18 years of joy-filled, fruitful ministry together as we followed the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Now, that same Holy Spirit is leading me in a new direction. At its meeting this morning, The Presbytery of North Central California voted to call me as their new Executive Presbyter. I will begin my work there on November 1. My last Sunday in worship at CPC will be October 13.
The Holy Spirit is leading this congregation into a new chapter of life and ministry as well. I cannot say what this chapter will hold, but I can say that, for nearly two decades, I have seen how profoundly God has gifted this congregation for ministry. You are insightful, creative, resilient, courageous, and faithful. Again and again, I have witnessed how you discern how to live as the Body of Christ, following the gospel’s call.
Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi with these words:
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
These words describe what is in my heart as I prepare for the journey ahead. I will always think of you with gratitude and hope.
North Central California Presbytery has its office near Sacramento, so Tony and I will be relocating to that area. Many of you know that much of Tony’s work takes him to northern California, so this will mean less time “on the road” for him. This move will also facilitate the healthy boundaries required for Pastors leaving a congregation. Friendships may continue; however I will not be available for pastoral services for members of CPC after October 2024. This includes weddings, memorial services, and baptisms.
I look forward to talking to many of you personally in the time between now and mid October. You have been a blessing to me and my family; an anchor for my children’s childhood and youth. We will miss you very much. We will continue together as part of the worldwide family of faith. Whenever we gather at Christ’s table--even across great distance--we will know that we are present to one another as we break the bread and drink the cup.
Now to the One who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to that Holy Name be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3: 20-21)
Christ’s Peace be with you,
Karen Sapio
September 7, 2024
Dear Friends,
When Karen shared that she had accepted a call to become the Executive Presbyter of the North Central California Presbytery, in Sacramento, we were deeply saddened, but also understanding. For the past eighteen and a half years, she has led our congregation with inspirational sermons, caring prayers, visionary leadership, thoughtful Bible Study, and bravery and creativity as we journeyed through the pandemic. Her mentoring of, and support for, young pastors have led them to new leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church. As Karen said, “I have preached through the Lectionary cycle six times here.”
She is now ready to accept a new call. We will miss Karen and Tony dearly and wish them well as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
So how do we move forward with a transition in pastoral leadership? We are blessed to have Pastor Ruth with us during this transition, and there will also be strong support from San Gabriel Presbytery. We are already working with Executive Presbyter Wendy Tajima to arrange for interim leadership and pastoral care.
Following Pastor Brian’s departure last winter, Session began preparations for initiating a mission study process. A mission study is the first step in the process of calling new pastoral leadership. On August 28 Session appointed a Mission Study Leadership Team. This team will develop and carry out a CPC mission study over the next several months. Pastor Karen’s departure will allow this mission study to make a truly comprehensive evaluation of what kind of pastoral leadership and staffing model will best equip CPC to move ahead with its mission and ministry in the second quarter of the 21st century.
On September 15 there will be a brief question and answer time after worship in the Sanctuary for those who have specific questions about the transition.
Session has called for a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 6, 2024, after worship, to dissolve the pastoral relationship between Claremont Presbyterian Church and Reverend Karen Sapio effective October 31, 2024.
Sunday, October 13, will be Karen’s and Tony’s last Sunday in worship, and we will hold a reception after worship to celebrate Karen’s wonderful ministry and leadership with us and send them off with our blessings. Karen will then use accrued vacation and study leave time until October 31.
All of this change is unsettling, yet it gives us opportunities to discern listen to God’s plan call for us as a community called to serve God, open to new possibilities. Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic with creativity and grace proved that we can do this, together.
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Blessings,
Tracy Doebler, Chair, Personnel Committee
Teddie Warner, Clerk of Session