First of all, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Rev. Andy Wilson as he concludes his faithful and fruitful ministry as pastor at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church. In that context, our Committees on Ministry and Personnel have acted to temporarily change the position of Associate for Congregational Care and Discernment. Starting August 1st, Rev. Dr. Mike Harbert will spend half of his time providing pastoral leadership at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church as they prepare to nominate their new installed head of staff in the next few months. Mike will continue coordinating the important work of the Vital Congregations Initiative and accompanying some of our Sessions and pastors in transition. I would also like to offer a word of gratitude to Ruling Elder Michelle Brekke (Granada Hills) and Teaching Elder Rich Poole (Valley Village and Reseda) for serving so well as commissioners to the General Assembly of our national denomination. Thank you for representing us so well! Among the numerous actions of the General Assembly, I would like to highlight the approval of a slightly amended version of the overture that our Presbytery submitted to form a Task Force to study and recommend changes to the role that the leaders of New Worshipping Communities have in our Presbyteries. Special thanks to our Stated Clerk Dave Wilkinson and Associate for Innovation Nick Warnes for their visionary and effective leadership. Please be in prayer for co-moderators Reverends Ruth Santana-Grace and Shavon Starling-Louis as they consider names to be part of that Task Force. Another General Assembly action that I would like to highlight has to do with the up is one “encouraging our churches to counter polarization in our society”. Proposed as an overture by the Chicago Presbytery, it calls for our denomination to “pray for God’s guidance and healing touch as we seek to reduce pain and conflict from broken relationships” and “respectfully and honestly exploring our disagreements while maintaining our love for God and our neighbors as our dearest priority”. As we move get closer to our September meeting, I would like to remind you that nominations are being sought for several of our committees. If there is someone that you think that God may be calling to serve among us, please don’t hesitate to contact Rev. John Langfitt to let him know. Joyfully in Christ, Juan | 
