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Sacred Circle - The Invitation
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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February 15, 2018
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First Sunday in Lent
Sacred Circle -
The Invitation
This Sunday, February 18, at 9:30 a.m., you are invited to begin a Lenten journey of awakening to holy moments. God has touched each of our lives many, many times, but so often we miss those touches. We might notice them and wonder what happened. Sometimes the touch of Holy Mystery feels ephemeral, and is forgotten before we reap the transformation which encounters with the Sacred bring.
Lent is the season to notice and claim our holy moments. Let's start by stepping into God's sacred circle of connection and companionship, first clearing our minds of regret and re-hash of the past. This is the season to live intentionally in the present, where miracles happen.
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A Note from Pastor Bev
After a week of winter back east, it was so lovely to return home to spring! What a beautiful week we are having!
Last Sunday our children took a nature walk and did something wonderful: they listened. They walked quietly and listened for nature singing. They were rewarded with the sound of the wind blowing, the birds singing, the hay rustling, wood chips crunching under their feet, and much more. What a great way to bring ourselves back to the present moment, and to connect to God's beautiful creation.
Lent traditionally has been a time to give something up, either for health or as a discipline. To go deep and grow spiritually, giving something up is only one way. At our tender Ash Wednesday service last night, we were invited to set an intention for Lent. Our intention could be to draw closer to God through prayer and mindful living. It could be to add God back into the equation in every area of our lives. It could be to open our hearts to the Truth: God loves us and loves the world.
With Lenten blessings,
Bev
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Friday, February 16
NOON
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Bible Study
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Sunday, February 18
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First Sunday in Lent
Sacred Circle - The Invitation
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
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Tuesday, February 20
5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
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Newsletter Items Due
Yoga
AA- Men's meeting
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Friday, February 23
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Bible Study
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Sunday, February 25
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Second Sunday of Lent
Ordination of Elders and Deacons
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
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Sunday, March 4
5:00 p.m.
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Save the date!
Mexico Mission Kick-off Barbecue |
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Calling Gracious Organized Friendly People
to Become Our Hospitality Team 2018!
We're trying a new thing and seeking 12 + hospitality hosts to host just one month of fellowship each for the coming year, starting up in March. Each month will have its own hospitality host, and then all members and friends will be asked to sign up 2-3 times per year for set-up or clean-up plus snacks. We'll have the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board!
Yes, you can co-hospitality host with a friend!
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Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 - Motion Passed 45-17
The Session thanks all who attended the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, Feb. 4. The meeting was a model of democracy and Presbyterian process, very well attended and ably moderated by CRE Ariel Mink of Presbyterian Church of Novato after an opening statement by the Rev. Dr. Robert Conover, Mission Presbyter/ Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Redwoods.
The Session brought a motion to sell the church property at 110 Tarry, and after serious discussion, the motion passed 45-17 without amendment:
MOVED, that SHPC sell the church property at 110 Tarry, with proceeds directed to pay off interest-bearing debt, establish a capital improvement fund for the good of the church, and provide for pastor housing assistance as needed, either by purchase of affordable real estate or establishment of an investment fund. Income from rental property and capital/investment funds are not restricted, and can support the operating budget of the church.
This motion was approved by the Presbytery of the Redwoods on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018.
For the Session's FAQs, which include the Sustainability Criteria, the rationale for the motion, and a summary of the two year discernment process
click here.
For next steps, see the Sale and Investment Fact Sheet from Session and Presbytery -
click here.
The Session intends to move forward without delay to discern the consensus of the congregation with respect to re-investing in real property. Purchase of real property is by vote of the congregation pursuant to Book of Order G-1.0503 (d). The Session will also be engaging the congregation in discussion about building and grounds priorities as we move forward to make our church facility welcoming, accessible, safe, and updated.
The Session acknowledges with deep gratitude the many generous contributions to the manse project by dedicated SHPC members.
Newly elected elders Koren Grubb (Worship) and Scott Hamilton (Finance) will be ordained and installed Feb. 25, and join the Session at that time. Compassionate ministry deacons Lisa Bane, Sharon Hamilton, and Robin Holway AbuAly were elected for an initial one-year term, and will also be ordained/installed. The Nominating committee for 2018-2019 will be Elder representative Dennis Latta, who was re-elected for an additional year as Clerk, a Deacon representative, and at-large members Steve Derr, Patti Eisinger, and Kristen Rivers (one year terms). Blessings to our new and continuing officers and leaders!
Our outgoing officers were recognized and thanked for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the church: Jody Brockett, Worship, Doug Eisinger, Finance, Kit Argilla, Deacon Moderator, Nancy Rosencranz, Marie Ongaro, and Peg Maclise, Deacons. THANK YOU, dear officers!
The Budget which had been approved by Session January 3 was reviewed and the Pastor's Terms of Call were approved by the congregation.
From the Session of SHPC: Dennis Latta, Clerk, Jody Brockett, Worship Elder, Doug Eisinger, Finance Elder, Patti Vance, Mission Elder, Janel Stewart, Family Ministries Elder, Merle Ongaro, Membership Elder, Ahmed AbuAly, Building and Grounds Elder, Kit Argilla, Deacon Moderator, and Rev. Bev Brewster, Pastor
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Bible Study this Friday- February 16, Noon
Mark 1:14-20, 35-39; Mark 9:30-37
ALL WELCOME!
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Those who lost their lives and loved ones in the Florida school shooting, and all those whose lives have been disrupted by gun violence, may the bereaved feel God's comfort, and may God energize us to a solution to this epidemic;
Marie Ongaro,
for full and speedy recovery for her injured right knee, and for God's peace to comfort and uplift her;
Ellarie and Andy Bane, for successful recovery from surgeries;
All asylum seekers and those living in the shadows and fearing deportation, for security, a path to citizenship, and sanctuary; for a humane solution to the DACA crisis;
Dennis Latta and Diane, Juliet, and the extended family as they mourn the loss of Dennis' father Leroy, for God's accompaniment, comfort, and peace as they grieve;
Nance Rosencranz,
recovering from a stroke, for full and complete recovery, for God's healing presence;
Carolyn Goodman's sister Wendy, who lost her home to a house fire, for God's loving and constant presence, and for the loving support of all around her to be with her as she rebuilds;
Peg Maclise's sister Kim, for God's healing presence, and for Peg, God's strength, love, and peace;
Kelsey Lopin,
for total healing, renewed strength, continued flourishing, creativity, and energy to share her God-given gifts;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
Our Muslim neighbors, subject to Islamophobia and hate crimes;
The incarcerated, and their loved ones, for a justice system and prison system that uphold our highest values;
Our country, for a way forward where we live our values of justice and equality for all people;
The people of Puerto Rico, still suffering from Hurricane Maria, and the refugees and displaced
, almost 1 out of 100 people in the world today, for safety, homes, the basics of life, and dignity;
Our planet, the world's poor, all who suffer from disruptive climate change, may God energize us to continue our work to keep the planet livable for all people;
The PC(USA), for courage and energy to continue our world-wide mission of love and justice for all people;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Our church, for Spirit to continue to guide us and fill us with energy for mission and love for all our neighbors!
Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
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Holy Season of Lent
Sacred Circle
Awakening to Holy Moments
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| Our Beautiful Flower Guild on Easter |
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Valentine's Day was celebrated a day early this week at Women's REST.
They served a group of 11 ladies. Joining them were three enthusiastic women from Kit's hiking group, Julie Kastrup, Karen Wilcox and Allison Delman. Thanks to all for an evening of great conversation and care.
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REST Sign-ups!
Our Life-Giving Ministry to the Unhoused Community
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| Our faithful REST team in the kitchen at St. Rita's 2/5 |
FEBRUARY REPORT from MEN'S REST: We served 21 men delicious chicken and sausage with plenty of mashed potatoes and gravy. Our youth supplied a great veggie side, and we rounded off the meal with salad, fruit and dessert. The conversation was lively and we certainly felt deeply appreciated. Joining us were volunteer visitors Jan O'Connor and Julie Kastrup.
Please sign up to help bring friendship, food, and dignity to the unhoused community through the REST program -- the men on the first Monday of the month at St. Rita's in Fairfax, and the women on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Wellness Center in San Rafael. We need YOUR help!
Please volunteer to make food, set up, serve, share the meal, and clean up:
To volunteer to be a part of the women's program,
sign up here
To volunteer to be a part of the men's program,
sign up here
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our REST coordinator, Carolyn Goodman,
[email protected] or 415.250.6264.
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Game Night was a blast!
Thanks for joining us!
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To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles
Hi everyone!
We started filming for Immigrant Incarceration video last week, but we need a little more footage in order to start editing.
We'll be filming again this Friday, February 16, starting at 5pm. If your child is willing and able to participate, we would love to see them there! We have 3 time slots: 5pm, 5:30pm, and 6pm. We need at least 2 kids for each time slot in order to film. Please let me know if your child can be there for one of the time slots, and I'll put a schedule together.
Please bear with me as I figure out the best ways to schedule and film these videos. I will likely be trying various methods over the next few months as I learn what works best for us.
Thank you for your patience, and God bless!
Charles Wei
Youth Director
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
Always feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback by clicking
here.
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SHPC Immigrant Visitation Team and Friends at the Home of the Argillas
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An Area of Great Need
Solidarity with Immigrants and Asylum Seekers
Visitation, Support, and Advocacy for those in Detention
In January, our hearts were moved in worship by the life story of an asylum seeker from Nigeria, brought to us by our own Kit Argilla. He entered the US legally on a tourist visa, seeking asylum. He cannot safely return to his home country, Nigeria, where his Christian family and villagers are being massacred by Fulani herdsmen from the North, apparently with government support. He had no criminal record and no indication of being a security threat, but was shackled and incarcerated in the West End County Detention Center in Richmond, denied a phone call, and subjected to worse treatment than the criminal population of the facility. Thanks to CIVIC - Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement, he connected with our Kit Argilla of the SHPC visitation ministry team. Church volunteers from several faith communities provided money for his bond and attended his bond hearing in solidarity. He is out on bond now, awaiting hearing on his refugee status.
God calls us to welcome the stranger and to visit the prisoner; we are called to work to end the cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers.
The PC(USA) has asked Presbyterians to visit those in immigrant detention. See PDA's award winning documentary,
Locked in a Box:
https://vimeo.com/146727430
Please consider joining the SHPC visitation ministry! CIVIC's visitation hours, at this time, are Fridays from 12:45-2:45 at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. For further info or to start the process of joining the team, please contact:
Rebecca Merton
Program Coordinator, National Visitation Network
Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC)
510-883-3772
If you can't visit at this time, you are invited to PRAY, DONATE to the commissary or the bond fund, ADVOCATE, AND EDUCATE. Watch for our letter-writing campaign, led by our Youth Group!
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Mexico Mission Kick Off BBQ - Info Night!
Sunday, March 4 at 5 p.m. at the Church
9th graders and up invited with parents
This year's trip departs Sat. June 16
Returns Sat. June 23
CHANGE LIVES, BUILD WORLD!
Spread the word!
Questions?
Click
here for Katie in the church office
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Monthly Report from Building and Grounds
from Ahmed, your B and G Elder
The Session would like to thank Bob and Bobby Steiner for their generous gift to the church building and grounds! We are delighted to put your gift to work!
If you feel called to work on repairing and updating our building and grounds, please contact Ahmed by
clicking here.
We are still in the process of getting our plumbing and irrigation lines repaired and upgraded. And getting our MMWD bill reduced!
The Fellowship Hall closet doors continue to be a problem despite great efforts by the B and G team. The Fellowship Hall needs a fresh coat of paint, at least on the high impact spots!
Upcoming Projects:
We are in the process of planning and design for wheelchair access from upstairs to downstairs. Last Sunday we had two visitors on crutches and faced the dilemma of no access between sanctuary and restrooms for the disabled.
Our outdoor lighting needs to keep the building illuminated enough for safety and be earth-friendly.
We are evaluating what to do about the sanctuary windows, which may not be repairable.
Most exterior doors need repair or replacement. Wheelchair access needs work!
Our sidewalk around the church is uneven and needs leveling so it's not a tripping hazard.
The kitchen is not adequate for our youth REST cooking program and needs immediate attention for stove/oven safety.
Previous surveys have shown a great interest in updating the kitchen and bringing beauty to the grounds next to the patio.
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Call For Garden Volunteers
Do you enjoying gardening? Sanzuma needs your help!
Sanzuma is dedicated to increasing access to healthy food sources through programs that focus on reconnecting communities with their environment
. Contact Lori Davis for more information on how you can help her clean San Pedro School Garden.
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Yoga with Karen
Hello & Namaste!
Community Yoga at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian
Upstairs at 100 Tarry Rd, San Anselmo
Every Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm
$10 donation, with 10% donated to hunger programs
We have mats if you don't.
Wear clothes you can move in.
This is community class where we are moving through the basics of yoga whilst building strength and flexibility.
NOTE: NO COMMUNITY YOGA TUESDAY FEB 20TH
x Karen
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WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP--
PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT
NEW FOLKS - We will match you with a veteran so that you can be trained on our highly complex coffeemaker and have FUN!
Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons. We need everyone to sign-up about 3-4 times a year.
Click below to sign up:
Sign up now and keep the hospitality
going!
Watch for a new way to host fellowship coming very soon, starting up in March - Hospitality Hosts for each month, with sign-ups on the bulletin board!
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Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat!
We've updated the signups for the new year!
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
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Zephyr Experience June 24-29, 2018
Bridges to Hope: Exploring Diversity in Religion and Politics
Join a community of progressive Christians
Learn from scholars and church leaders-
including Pastor Bev
Look more deeply together into pressing issues
Celebrate in worship and song
Enjoy Lake Tahoe at your footsteps
Zephyr Experience 2018 offers five days of morning classes for adults and children. Afternoons are free to explore a choice of activities, and evenings offer a time to worship together, watch the sunsets, and play games.
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JOIN PASTOR BEV IN DC THIS APRIL 20-23 for EAD!!
Greetings!
As we get ready to gather April 20-23 of this year, we do so at a critical moment in our nation's history. By March, if not sooner, a policy decision may be made about Dreamers, who were brought to this country by family members, most by the age of six years old or younger. They grew up as Americans but now are being threatened with deportation to countries they have never known. Migrants, refugees and other displaced people have all been hard hit by the push factors of corruption, climate change and violent conflict - and as people of faith, we must respond. In addition, just a few weeks prior to our gathering, we will mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4th. And in November, we will have midterm elections.
The 2018 theme, "A World Uprooted: Responding to Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People," reflects how important this moment and our gathering is. We have tremendous impact when we go to Capitol Hill to speak with one voice and advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable. Our witness is even more powerful as we push for policies and practices that help the least of these in our nation. Indeed, something special happens when we come together.
We have the potential to have a positive impact on our nation's policy agenda again this year as we stand as Christian witnesses for global peace with justice in our nation and around the world. Please plan to attend this year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days and invite others to join us as well. It is our time to stand up, to speak out and to represent a unified Christian voice in a world uprooted!
See you in April!
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune
Director, Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Click here to find out more on their website.
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Kara New,
Editor
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