What Brings Us Together
9/11 Remembrance and Our Common Calling
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
September 8, 2016
September Series - Location, Location, Location
9/11 Remembrance and Our Common Calling
 
Where is God?  And where are we on our spiritual journey?  Are we locating our church and our spiritual practice where God wants us to be? These are deep questions, and we'll be exploring them for the next three Sundays, with stories, song, and reflection.  We start off this Sunday, September 11, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., on the 15th anniversary of 9/11, exploring how to find our shared humanity and common calling under pressure.  Our text is Matthew 25.
    
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From 
Pastor Bev 
 
On the way back from New York City last week, I experienced a surprising encounter in the airport with someone who looked and seemed very different from me. Something unexpected happened, a few words were said, and the gulf between us was bridged in an instant. We'll start there this Sunday, when we begin our September series titled Location, Location, Location.  

Last Sunday a couple of dear Moms told me that their children are asking some great and difficult questions about God!  Yes!  So this Sunday, we'll be inviting all the children to write down (or dictate to our teachers) their questions about God, Jesus, church, life, whatever they are curious about.  The following Sunday (Sept. 18) we'll start answering them - or discussing them. 
Our Presbyterian tradition puts a high value on thoughtful questions, and also recognizes that in the realm of God, there is much Mystery.  It's a great joy to come together as a community to ask questions and listen to people's ideas about God.  Seeking and listening place us on a path which leads us to timeless moments of the peace which surpasses all understanding. Thanks be to God! 

In peace,
Bev


September Calendar
Friday, September 9th
Noon

Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, September 11th


9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.

Fifteen Year Remembrance of 9/11
and SEPTEMBER SERIES begins:  LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Where is Jesus Located and Birthday Blessing
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
LET'S TALK about visiting Immigrants in Detention - FILM:  Locked in a Box
Wednesday, September 14th
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.


SESSION MEETS at 6:30 p.m.
SHPC Singers rehearse - come join us!
Friday, September 16th
Noon


Bible Study Field Trip to SFTS Montgomery Chapel for Pastor Bev's sermon
Sunday, September 18th
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER SERIES CONTINUES
Where are We Located?  and Cents-ability
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
SPECIAL FAMILY MINISTRIES YOUTH AND PARENT HUDDLE with Janel and Pastor Bev
Wednesday, September 21st
7:30 p.m.


SHPC Singers rehearse - come join us!
Friday, September 23rd
Noon


Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, September 25th
9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER SERIES continues
Where does Jesus Wants His Church To Be?
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
Let's Talk - Visiting the Prisoner
Wednesday, September 28th
7:30 p.m.

SHPC Singers rehearse - come join us!
Friday, September 30th 
Noon 

Bible Study with Pastor Bev
             

Farmstand Up & Running For Harvest Season



Harvest @ Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
F armstand @ the corner of 
Butterfield and Green Valley Court
 
   
September 9, Friday, 8:00am - Harvest morning
September 10, Saturday - 8:00am - 12:00 p.m.
 
September 16, Friday, 8:00am - Harvest morning
September 17, Saturday - 8:00am - 12:00 p.m.
 
September 23, Friday, 8:00am - Harvest morning
September 24, Saturday - 8:00am - 12:00 p.m.
 
September 30, Friday, 8:00am - Harvest morning
October 1, Saturday - 8:00am - 12:00 p.m.


Get a delicious taste of our mouthwatering produce every Saturday until October 1st. 
Photos courtesy of James Baigrie 

 



Calling Garden, Farm Stand, and Short School Volunteers!


Find your bliss in our gorgeous Justice Garden, harvesting, or at the weekly Farm Stand! 
We need volunteers to harvest on Friday, bring the produce and set up on Butterfield on Saturday, and be our staff at the stand, making great contacts with the community!  Saturday shifts run 8-10 or 10-noon.
Contact

or Sign-up through SignUp.com

Let Patti or Bev know if you would like to join the team to volunteer at Short School in San Rafael this fall after school weekly for a month.
The Cook's Cozy Corner

From Michael Durphy   

Most of the New York Times' cooking efforts are pretty good; they even have a nice set of jazzy videos on various recipes and cooking topics.  Here is a link to a recent collection of recipes featuring tomatoes (check out the zucchini parmesan!)  I might quibble with a couple of the recipes...this ketchup recipe is too plain, and the tomato sauce recipe is wrong-headed.  But it gives you an idea of their offerings.

Bible Study - Friday, September 9th w/ Pastor Bev
Matthew 25:31-46



Please Remember in Your Prayers

All those who lost their loved ones on 9/11/01 and all those all the world over who have suffered on account of the aftermath of that world-changing event;
All those who have lost their homes and/or suffered on account of the California fires, and for our firefighters;
Our country, for a national discourse of respect and dignity for all;
The family and loved ones of Deb Birrell, who passed away Monday, July 25, for God's comfort in bereavement;
Ryan Burk s, son of  Warren and Jackie Burks, for healing, and for strength and hope for his family;
Joan Shannon, mother of Nancy Derr, for God's comfort, companionship, strength, and healing;
Praying Hands
Carolyn O'Hara, mother of Laurie, for God's comfort, companionship, and strength, and healing;
Kelsey Lopin, for healing and full recovery from complications of Lyme disease;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy for continued strength in companioning her;
Betty and Wil Swalberg, for God's presence and community support and for health and vitality for Wil;
Paul Lambert's Mom, blessed assurance of God's constant presence; 
The PC(USA), as it discerns and follows God's call to be a Matthew 25 church, and its new Co-Moderators, Revs. Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, and Stated Clerk, Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Rev. Kate Taber, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in East Jerusalem;
The world's poor, and all who suffer from disruptive climate change;
Our church community, keep us faithful to the love and justice of Jesus, strong in our commitment to the church, and make us hope-bringers to the world.

Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
     
Calling Youth of All Ages AND THEIR PARENTS  
SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 - 10:30 a.m.

LET'S HUDDLE Sunday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m. to talk about how the church can meet the needs of our young people for a safe, affirming, and fun "second home."  Pastor Bev serves on the Steering Committee of the Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative, (see upcoming events immediately below), along with our White Hill MS and Drake HS principals and others who are very concerned about the extraordinarily high rate of binge drinking, early onset of drug/alcohol use, and persistent feelings of sadness among young people in our wider community.
There's nothing more important that making the church a second home for our young people, a place where they feel accepted exactly the way they are, without having to compete or win approval. We have an important spiritual job to do so that our kids have the tools and support they need to make healthy choices and feel hopeful, not stressed, about their futures and the world.  This is Pastor Bev's passion.  Together we can find a way to make a very positive difference!
    
Fall 2016 Speaker Series 

Please see below and attached for information on the Fall Speaker Series events brought to you by our Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative.  We have put together four events featuring highly regarded speakers in each respective area and I strongly encourage you to attend these presentations/discussions.   They are open to all members of our community and we encourage parents with younger children to attend as well - it won't be long before you are facing the challenges associated with the topics referenced below and now is a good time for all of us to get educated and prepared.


6th Annual Youth Gleaning
and work projects for Green Gulch Farm

 
Sunday, September 25, 2016
1:30-4:30
 
Green Gulch Farm 
1601 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965
 
This is a youth event (primary grades 6-12) 
 
See what a broccoli plant looks like. Learn about our food system. Hear about how the fields are connected to Buddhism and other faith traditions and get your hands dirty in the soil.  We will be gleaning and doing other work projects on the farm. Long pants, socks and close toed shoes are recommended.
 Remember sunscreen & water.
 
or 415-456-6957
 by Wed, Sept. 21st
THIS SUNDAY, 9/11, 10:40 a.m. 
Let's Talk about Visiting Immigrants in Detention
award winning 20 minute video 
LOCKED IN A BOX
and info session with CIVIC
(Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement)

Contra Costa West County Detention Facility
 
We are answering our national church's call by building a volunteer team to visit immigrants currently detained at the Contra Costa West County Detention Facility in the East Bay, and it's time to start on this life-giving mission.  Detainees are often cut off from contact with their families and friends, left alone without the resources they need to help them legally. We are called to bring humanity, hope, and God's love to them. If you're interested in joining this volunteer team, please reach out to Pastor Bev  -- we are getting started this Sunday, Sept. 11.

    
SHPC GREEN TEAM INVITES YOU TO:

Monday, September 19
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Angelico Hall, Dominican University, San Rafael
Congressman Jared Huffman  
'Risky Business' author Kate Gordon  
Carbon Pricing expert Michael Wara
Moderated by NextGen Climate COO & Novato Councilman
Josh Fryday
Tickets at

LET PASTOR BEV OR JUDY FORD KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND - WE HAVE RESERVATIONS AND CAN CARPOOL!

 National Call-In Day - Tell Congress to Support Refugee Resettlement!

Urge an Increase in Funding for Refugees!
 
In the lead up to two historic refugee summits organized by the United Nations General Assembly and President Obama, it is critical for the U.S. to demonstrate bold leadership on refugee protection. Unfortunately, Congress is considering legislation that would flatline refugee resettlement funding at last year's levels.  This is unacceptable as the arrivals are anticipated to be 100,000, compared to the 75,000 refugees planned for last year. Strong welcome and integration support for new arrivals requires adequate funding. 
 
Click here to call in support of refugees today!
 
 
Congress holds the purse and Members need to hear from their constituents that they support refugee resettlement. In the midst of the worst refugee crisis since World War II, now is the time for the U.S. to show true global leadership and stand with refugees.
 
Click here to call your members of congress!



 
Wil LOVES an invite for lunch or dinner!

Thank you and bless you to all who have reached out to invite him over for a meal.  

He's been having a few problems with his telephone, so try 415-454-5575 if you don't get through on 415-454-8303.

Or grab him at church!  And thank him for his faithful and continuing FOOD BARREL MINISTRY (see below).


WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP -
PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT

Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons. We need everyone to sign-up about 3-4 times a year. 
Click below to sign up: 


SEPTEMBER: Robin's Parish

Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!
Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat!
We are in need of greeters to sign up through the signup genius website. 

Help with our ministry of hospitality by signing up to be a greeter! All you have to do is get to church by 9:15, light the candles, and hand out bulletins with a smile. Thank you to all who have signed up so far!


Thank you all for your continued support,

Jody Brockett, 
Worship Elder
Watch How God Works Things Out
 
I am constantly amazed by looking back and seeing how "things work out."
 
There are so many mysteries. Why did this happen? Why did that person do that? Why is this relationship beginning to get strained? Or, wow, this changes everything!
 
Looking "forward" is much harder than looking "back". Because looking forward is clouded and full of unknowns. Whereas, when we look back we often can see how God "worked things out."
 
In the Bible I think of Joseph who was abandoned by his jealous brothers, thrown into a cistern, and eventually sold into slavery to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. After many challenging circumstances and years later, Joseph was summoned (from prison) by Pharaoh to interpret a dream that his advisors were unable to explain. 
 
He interpreted it and told Pharaoh that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, and advised him to store up surplus grain. His prediction was right and he was given a prominent position in the royal hierarchy to ensure that the storehouses were full.
 
Eventually, the very brothers who had abandoned him, traveled to come before him and seek grain for their father and families. The story has many twists, but in the end Joseph was exalted, celebrated and used to teach his brothers many things and be afforded the chance to forgive their actions.
 
So many times we do not know why we are suffering, or why we've been abandoned, but I am learning to trust that God works things out. This trust, reliance and expectation has been a big change for me.
 
The Bible promises, "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9); "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding ... and He will direct your paths" (Prov 3:5,6).
 
This fall I ask you to join me in this leap of trust. Believe that whatever is happening is happening in a way that God can use. I assure you, we will look back and see how God worked things out. God works out relationships, career moves, dreams and our moving forward. 
 
Pictured above is a precious new life - Elayna, who is ten months old. She represents a wonderful story of how her family is back in San Anselmo and God has worked things out magnificently. This is just one example in my life of God's wonderful attention and I am sure you have your own examples. So let's believe together that ... God works things out.
 
I will be in Toronto this week ... and am anxious to see how God will work things out ... even way up here!
 
Your friend ... Paul
 
*********************************************************
Paul Lambert is a member of SHPC who travels extensively for his career as a producer of Broadway-bound musicals.  He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute who studies the Bible daily and attends our Bible Study whenever he's in town. He posts this blog each week no matter where he is, to the delight and comfort of many.  SHPC thanks you, Paul.



Yoga with Karen
resumes ... 

Friday, September 16th

Time TBA

HORIZONS BIBLE STUDY DAY

Saturday, September 10, 2016 | 10:00am - 3:30pm | $40 in advance | $50 at the door

Spend the day learning and preparing to lead this magnificent study which invites you to join  "a journey to expand our understanding of who Jesus was and is-a journey of our hearts and our minds, a journey that we will take together." Rev. Dr. Judy Yates Siker, author of the 2016 Horizons Bible Study, invites you to be good conversation partners along the way, sharing with one another how you see and experience the various lenses and how these different perspectives impact your understanding of who Jesus is.  READ MORE

Foster Parent Outreach



Become a Resource Family
1. Attend Orientation
Learn about the process of becoming a resource parent at one of our monthly
orientations with a social worker and an experienced resource parent.

Orientation Calendar 2016
September 22 | October 18

7-8:30pm at 3240 Kerner Blvd, Room 110, San Rafael
November 17 | December 8
7-8:30pm at 3250 Kerner Blvd, Room 107, San Rafael


2. Apply
Complete an application and background check.

3. Complete Training
Complete a training course and become CPR/First Aid certified.

4. Get Approved
Work closely with a social worker during a 60-90 day approval process. There  will be interviews with family members and a home safety inspection. The  interviews help make matches between a family's strengths and children's  needs.  Become a Resource Family


Resource Family Orientation
Learn about fostering opportunities!

July 26 | August 31

7-8:30 pm
3240 Kerner Blvd. Rm 110
San Rafael 94901
FosterOurFutureMarin.org
Questions? (415) 473-2200
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA  94960
Sophia De Quattro,  Editor
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221