|
|
| Blessed are the Peacemakers |
|
|
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
|
|
|
Weekly Happenings at SHPC
|
October 5th, 2017
|
|
Season of Peace continues with
Peace of Mind and Heart
Blessed are the peacemakers -
(Mt. 5:9)
After the tragic events of this week, let's all come together
t
his Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.
to build up the peacemaking community. Let's show all our children and grandchildren that we are committed to making the changes needed to intentionally, actively make peace each day.
This Sunday we'll explore the power of intentional integrity in our own lives and in community to bring peace to our minds and hearts. We'll take home a peace practice to continue our peacemaking through the week.
|
|
|
|
A Note from Pastor Bev
One of the great benefits of belonging to a spiritual/faith community is that we commit to living lives which build up the community. We try to walk our talk, and practice living the values of the beloved community. Our guiding principle in relationship is the Golden Rule, the mutuality metric (Matthew 7:12).
The Golden Rule reminds us that others are just as human, and just as important, as we are. If we fall into objectifying or dehumanizing, the Golden Rule lights the way back onto God's path.
When we belong to a community with norms of respect and kindness, we can sink our roots down deep, be nurtured in authentic sharing and caring, safely talk about things that matter, and experience optimism, creativity, joy, peace, and hope. This is the life God has called us to live.
These are challenging times, dear friends, so please remember that we are not called to live through them unsupported. We are God's beloved community, the community of peacemakers; together we bring light to the world. I am so grateful for our church!
With blessings of peace,
Bev
|
|
|
Friday, October 6
8 a.m.
NOON
|
Justice Garden Harvesting
Bible Study |
|
Saturday, October 7
|
NO Farmstand Today |
|
Sunday, October 8
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:40 a.m. |
Season of Peace Continues
Peace of Mind and Heart
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
New Members' Info in Bev's Office
|
|
Wednesday, October 11
7:30 p.m.
|
SHPC Singers- All Welcome
|
|
Friday, October 13
8 a.m.
NOON
|
Justice Garden Harvesting
Bible Study
|
|
Sunday, October 15
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:40 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
|
Season of Peace Continues
Enough!
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
Youth Welcome Back Charles Wei, Youth Director
MEXICO MISSION REUNION AT MILLENNIAL PARK |
|
Bible Study this Friday, October 6th at NOON
Mathew 5:9, 7:12, and 18:15-17, Philippians 4:4-9
Everybody is welcome!
|
|
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Victims of the Las Vegas shooting,
for God's
comfort, strength, and healing for all those who have lost their loved ones, are injured, and suffering as a result of this tragedy;
Nance Rosencranz,
recovering from a stroke, for full and complete recovery, for God's loving presence to be felt;
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;
Dennis Latta's father Leroy,
recently diagnosed with dementia, for God's loving presence to be with Leroy and his family;
Kalli Bane,
for relief from abdominal pain, and for restful sleep surrounded by God's love for her and her family;
Peg Maclise's sister Kim, for God's healing presence, and for Peg, God's strength, love, and peace;
The people of Puerto Rico and all those suffering from the hurricanes and their aftermath, and from the Mexico earthquakes, and the recent wildfires, and for the firefighters, for strength, support, comfort, and healing; may people far and wide be God's hands, feet, and heart bringing relief from suffering, and comfort in mourning;
Sue Burr, for a full and speedy recovery after having her appendix removed, and for safe travels;
Alex Caldwell, for a full and speedy recovery from
a sh
oulder injury sustained in Costa Ric
a;
Kelsey Lopin,
for total healing, renewed strength, continued flourishing, creativity, and energy to share her God-given gifts;
Jeri Rayford and her family, grieving the loss of Prentis,
for God's loving presence, strength, and support in their bereavement;and for her daughter Regina, recovery and healing;
Katie Brendler, may God's loving presence and comfort abide with her and her family as they mourn the loss of Katie's dear Father, and for full recovery for her Mother as she gets treatment for cervical cancer;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
All those suffering from racial discrimination, racial violence, and hatred, for God's justice and healing;
Those living in the shadows and fearing deportation, for safety, security for their families and children, a path to citizenship, and sanctuary;
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 refugees and displaced
, almost 1 out of 100 people in the world today, for safety, homes, the basics of life, and freedom from being scapegoated;
Our Muslim neighbors, subject to Islamophobia and hate crimes;
Our planet, the world's poor, all who suffer from disruptive climate change, may we continue our work to keep the planet livable;
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 the 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.
|
|
Worship is Our Sacred Gathering
Sunday worship is sacred time, a co-created safe and supportive space for the beloved community to gather and worship and pray together, so that all can be spiritually nurtured and renewed. It is not a time for discussion of church finances.
Questions and feedback about church business may be brought to the Session as a whole by emailing the Clerk, or to any of the elders, your elected representatives, individually:
|
CALLING ALL JUSTICE GARDENERS - Come on over to church Friday! New folks welcome!
|
|
 |
| Jan Mondot picking up produce for Friday's food pantry at St Rita's. |
|
We'll harvest Friday at 8 a.m.-
We're nearing the end of our harvest.
We'll be picking for St Rita's food pantry.
Thanks so much to everyone for your continued support of this life-bringing mission.
See you in the garden!
|
|
Explore Membership - Sunday, Oct. 8 after the service
If you're enjoying being part of the church and want to make a commitment to the peacemaking community, come pick up your green packet at a brief informational gathering Sunday, Oct. 8 after the service. There's nothing scary or intimidating about membership, nothing to memorize or recite, no annual dues or fees. Becoming a member is a lovely and meaningful way to express your commitment to the community and our shared work to bring peace to the world. Questions? Bev
|
The Cook's Cozy Corner
Presents Michael's 2017 Vintage
Pepper Jam
This Sunday, October 8th
at Fellowship Time
Donations go to Hunger Programs
|
|
Calling All Middle School and High School Students:
Welcome back Charles on Sunday, October 15!
We are thrilled to announce the return of Charles Wei to the SHPC community. Charles will be collaborating with the youth to build a new engaging way to do church for middle schoolers and for high schoolers, while expanding our faith community beyond our campus! This will all start in the pews beginning
Oct 15
! Please join Charles on the 15th for church and then chat ...this is only the beginning, and just like a great raffle, must be present to win!
Charles was born in Southern California, where he has lived for most of his life. He earned his M.Div., with a concentration in Christian Spirituality, from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and is currently working towards ordination in the United Church of Christ. He is a writer, an artist, and a game designer. He loves to cook, and has an unending passion for stories. Charles will be co-creating our youth groups with YOUTH INPUT, and one possibility for a field trip this month is:
For 28 years, Bioneers has been the leading summit calling for a revolution from the heart of nature. This year's conference is OCT 20-22, 2017 in San Rafael.
|
Robin's Deacon Parish Dinner at the home of Robin and Ahmed was a great success!
Clockwise around the table of delicious food: Ahmed, Robin, Michael, Bev, Jody, Andy, Lisa, Ellarie, Lisa's Mom Mavis, Kit, and Luke (photo credit: Birgit)
|
Sunday Sept 24th's celebration was beautiful in all ways! Many thanks to our hosts Kit and Luke Argilla, and to Jody, Patti, Doug, Dennis, Janel, and Ahmed, and to Stephen, and to all who attended and brought the love
|
The Short School is looking for volunteers Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. for gardening!!!
They are also in need of volunteers for cooking, art, and science.
Volunteer orientation is offered Sept. 6 and then not until October, so don't hesitate--
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jody
|
|
JOIN US FOR COMMUNITY YOGA
Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm
Community Yoga @ Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian
Upstairs at 100 Tarry Rd
$10 donation, we have mats if you don't.
This is a gentle evening class where we are macing through the basics of yoga whilst building strength and flexibility in a supportive community.
Yoga is defined as a combination of three things: breath, movement and a single point of concentration. If you can breath and move (nothing fancy, just breathing while moving...) then you are two thirds of the way there! Join us as we breath and move meditatively, opening up new places in our bodies and hearts.
Karen x
|
SEASON OF PEACE HONORED GUEST: Sunday October 22, we are delighted to welcome SFTS professor of Old Testament,
Rev. Yolanda M. Norton to the pulpit.
Rev Norton is a Ph.D. candidate in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel and Theology and Practice Fellow at Vanderbilt University. Her current research interests include womanist interpretation, narrative and literary criticism, and the Persian period. In particular, her work focuses on the books of Genesis and Ruth, and how each text treats foreign women, and considers the ways in which insider-outsider paradigms in Scripture influence constructions of identity and facilitate the vilification and/or oppression of women of color who encounter the biblical canon in the modern world.
|
Save the Date
Let's Talk - after the service
Elevate the Discussion
Sunday, October 22
How do we reclaim our standards of decency and respect, and build up rather than tear down?
|
|
Stewardship Sunday and Harvest Feast
Sunday, November 5
|
|
|
|
Financial Resiliency -
Criteria for a Sustainable Resilient Church
and the Way Forward from the Session
Dear Members and Friends of Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
Session is planning a mid-November
Let's Talk
where Session will again outline the Sustainability Criteria (below) and the Session's best option for church finances going forward, as presented in the congregational letter and Let's Talk in August, and the Financial Resiliency Alternate Group (FRAG) will present their option(s). After the
Let's Talk
, a survey of preferences will be conducted to help to guide Session on the path forward. That will conclude the financial resiliency discussions for this year. In January, at budget time, and before the 110 Tarry lease runs out, the current Session will discern whether a strong consensus exists in favor of selling the church property at 110 Tarry, and if so, will call a congregational meeting for a vote on the sale of 110 Tarry.
Here are The Sustainability Criteria:
(1)
pastor housing option which is affordable to the church and a future pastor (note that the cost of removing the large fallen tree at 110 Tarry in August exceeded the maintenance budget for 2017 and the rental increase, so that
110 Tarry will finish the year "in the red," taking from the church operating budget rather than contributing);
(2)
reduce our debt (as a tax-exempt organization we get no tax benefits from debt; debt is our third largest expense; dollars which go into paying the 110 Tarry mortgages add to illiquid equity instead of living ministry;
SHPC is the 4th most indebted church of the 48 churches in our regional body);
(3)
establish a capital improvement/maintenance fund to meet the significant needs of the church facility, so that we invest in our church;
(4) i
ncrease the operating budget without putting additional stress on our pledgers, so that unmet staffing, facilities, and program needs can be met (unmet needs, aka "the structural deficit") and the church can continue to grow and flourish;
(5)
direct precious volunteer energy and hours into God's work.
In peace,
THE SESSION OF SHPC
Dennis Latta, Clerk, Doug Eisinger, Finance Elder, Jody Brockett, Worship Elder, Patti Vance, Mission Elder, Janel Stewart, Family Ministries Elder, Ahmed Abu-Aly, Building and Grounds Elder, Merle Ongaro, Membership Elder, Kit Argilla, Board of Deacons, Moderator, Rev. Bev Brewster, Pastor
|
Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice, has published its first edition since the hire of new managing editor Henry Koenig Stone. The award-winning journal is sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP), which Bev serves on. ACSWP brings policy recommendations to the national church and serves the Presbyterian Mission Agency's Compassion, Peace, and Justice ministries.
This issue, Defending the Common Good, includes:
- A call to defend truth in the media
- Resistance to white supremacy
- A defense of churches providing sanctuary
- An ecumenical call for ecojustice
- Discussion of nuclear brinksmanship in the context of Korea
- An article on human Trafficking
- A report on the Health + Faith Cooperative in Cleveland, OH
To read the journal:
Click here
|
FROM THE STATED CLERK OF THE PC(USA) on
THE IMPORTANCE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
Dear Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. -- Deuteronomy 10:17-19
We received news that President Trump has set the number of refugee admissions at 45,000 - the lowest number since 1980 when the Refugee Act created the Refugee Resettlement program in this country. Presently, we are faced with the largest humanitarian crisis of displaced persons in our human history with approximately 65 million people forced from their homes due to violence, disaster, and war. Of that number, 21 million are refugees, seeking safety in a foreign land knowing they can no longer find protection in their country of origin. The people of the United States have witnessed their needs and opened their arms. Even before the refugee resettlement mechanism was established within the U.S. federal government more than 35 years ago, churches threw open their doors. They were the faithful to come forward, living out God's law to "execute justice for the orphan and the widow, and love the strangers, providing them food and clothing" (NRSV Deut. 10:18).
Refugee ministry is a bright light in our own Presbyterian history.
However, we forget that our ancestral history includes peoples who were strangers in a strange land. We forget that we follow a Christ child who fled his country, seeking refugee from a King demanding his death. We forget that we are loved by a God who calls us children.
We trace our roots to John Calvin, himself a refugee. He understood the need to reach out to vulnerable communities. He knew their plight. He knew they were the strangers who needed refuge. We must remember that history.
Today we mourn the President's decision. However, tomorrow we stand again.
We can reach out to local, national, and international resettlement agencies providing the funding and volunteer support needed to keep these organizations afloat as they provide necessary services. We can mobilize and lift our voices to our elected officials so they are reminded that we are a nation that receives the most vulnerable and knows the value of choosing welcome. May we be inspired by the Deuteronomic scripture and be reminded how to love those who face unthinkable obstacles. May we rethink how we support and sustain the ministries that reach these communities. Let us be a part of the work that brings light in the midst of fear, worry, and at times desperation. There are still many in this country who believe welcoming the refugee is integral to who we are as people of faith. You can continue to be a prophetic voice of solidarity by joining efforts to press elected officials to reconsider the cap on refugee admissions. Let us not accept disappointment but work for change. It is together that transformative love can be revealed.
You can find resources
here to help guide that work.
In the Faith We Share,
Rev. J. Herbert Nelson II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
|
From Rev. Jimmy Hawkins, PC(USA) D.C. Office:
Call to Prayer and Action for Las Vegas
The United States of America has once again been rocked by the violence of a mass shooting in Las Vegas.
With over fifty-eight people dead and a total of 515 injured, the numbers continue to climb.
Our outrage cannot be contained. Our sadness cannot be lifted. This has gone on for far too long. We mourn with those who have lost family members, friends and colleagues. We pray for healing for the injured both physically and mentally. We pray for our nation where there are more guns than people. Each week we learn of a new victim to gun violence and not even our children are immune to gun-inflicted wounds.
In our 2010 policy paper, "Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God's Call" we read that "Presbyterians are called to be agents of change in the world, to be reconcilers because we ourselves have been reconciled. Therefore, we are calling upon the church, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to help build an effective spiritual and social awakening that says "No" to the prevalence of gun violence in this country." (p. 4)
So, what can we do?
First, we must pray to God for peace within the human heart.
Secondly
, we must actively work for the passage of gun safety legislation. The American people are overwhelming in favor of background checks. After the 2014 massacre of Sandy Hook the White House assembled a task force that came up with several proposals. It called for a reinstatement of the assault weapons ban and restoring a 10-round limit on ammunition magazines. It also proposed universal background checks and for gun trafficking to become a federal crime. These are proposals which would not only limit the number of dangerous weapons available, but would only make our nation a safer place for our children.
Thirdly
, we need to support candidates who have gun safety legislation as a part of their platform. Now is the time for men and women who are willing to demonstrate the courage of faith to stand with unpopular platforms which are necessary for our mutual well-being.
Presbyterians, now is the time for our voices to be united
. We must speak with clarity and truth. This is not a matter of politics, rather one of faith and morality. Please write, call, text, tweet and Facebook message your members of Congress urging that they promote and support gun safety legislation. Congressmen Christopher S. Murphy and Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), as well as Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Oregon) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (Massachusetts) are challenging their fellow members of Congress to act and act quickly. Let us join them as well as organizations around this country demand an end to gun violence.
[THE CAPITOL HILL SWITCHBOARD IS 202-224-3121]
And remember the words of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
Click
here
for an online version of this statement.
|
Pedal for Protein Update from Patty Sanders
A new record of 54 riders rode last week from 1 day to 6 days, from 13 miles to 312 miles. We had fabulous overnights at Westminster Woods, St. Helena PC, FPC Vallejo and St. Andrew Sonoma, with much support from many of you. All riders safely rode through Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties.
Praise the Lord! Donations continue to roll in. We are now over $39,000 in fundraising for Protein for food pantries. Our goal is to go over last year's $40,354. We can do this! Please make sure all your donations have been sent to the Presbytery office with P4P on the memo line and the rider you are sponsoring.
If you would like to donate, please mail a check to Presbytery of the Redwoods, 1226A Salvador Avenue, Napa, CA 94558, with P4P on the Memo line and a particular rider if you wish to support someone. Donations can also be made online, see the link below. We will be accepting donations for 2017 through October 20. A final report will be ready by the end of November.
Together, our dollars will be multiplied by our donations to local food banks 3X or more. A $40,000 donation will reap at least $120,000.00 in protein food for hungry people, 90% locally and 10% through the Presbyterian Hunger Program for an International grant for a hunger justice project.
|
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!
|
|
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
|
|
| |
|
|
YOU'RE INVITED
San Domenico and Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative invite you to join us for an informative evening of listening, learning, and conversation with Common Sense Media.
Tweens, Teens, and Cyberbullying: How Plugged In Parents Can Keep Kids Safe, Happy, and Healthy In the Digital Age
OCTOBER 11, 2017
6:30 pm
Dominican Hall
San Domenico School
1500 Butterfield Road | San Anselmo, CA
Common Sense Media Bay Area Director Dana Blum
will address the issue of cyberbullying, followed by a Q and A. This discussion is for any parent who wants to better understand the nuances of cyberbullying, digital drama, and the impact of individual actions online - both negative and positive - on their friends and the broader communities. Learn why kids love social media, where they can run into trouble, and how parents can help them manage.
Please RSVP Here
|
|
Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to maintain sobriety through sharing their recovery experience with others.
Looking for more information? Check out the
San Francisco/Marin AA website for more information including meeting times and places, including
a weekly men's meeting at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church every Tuesday at 8:30pm
24-hour hotline is also available for immediate listening and guidance if wished -
·
6pm-10am in Marin
415-499-0400
·
10am-6pm - SF Central Office
(415) 674-1821
(they will refer Marin callers to Marin resources)
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Katie Brendler,
Editor
|
|
|
|
