News of the Presbytery of San Jose

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.    No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.    In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
We want to keep you informed! Below is a list of current events happening in the Presbytery of San Jose. Also remember to check the Presbytery website, particularly the Events page at www.sanjosepby.org.

U.N.
October is Mission & Outreach Month for our Presbytery!

Visit the Presbytery website Events page for more information on projects available to the whole family: http://www.sanjosepby.org/events/october-is-mission-outreach-month/ .
Presbytery-wide
Young Adult Group Forming!

Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos is working on developing a Presbytery-wide young adult group. If you are interested in participating, or know someone who is, contact Jacob Gamble at (408) 439-2676 or cowphysics@yahoo.com.


‌
Safe church Logo
Naming Contest!

The purview of the the Safe Church Task Force has grown over the past eleven years. We now oversee issues such as child and elder abuse, domestic violence, clergy boundaries training, prevention of sexual harassment, and active shooter response training.

With these new responsibilities, we think it's time for a new name, but we need your help!

If you have an idea for a new name that captures our call within the Presbytery, entries are being taken between now and the Presbytery meeting on November 17th.

The winner will receive a special prize brought back from the 2018 General Assembly.

Email Jane O'Dell at jane@sanjosepby.org with your entry.
Safe church Logo
Active Shooter Response Training

Join us Saturday, October 20th from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (Lunch Included) at Westminster Presbyterian Church (11o0 Shasta Ave., San Jose) for a workshop on how to respond to an active shooter in our community. The talk will be led by Elder Chris Hasegawa.

There is no charge for this event, but please register with Jane O'dell ASAP at janeodell17@yahoo.com or jane@sanjosepby.org. Please include your name, church name, and phone number. This event is sponsored by the Safe Church Task Force of the Presbytery of San Jose.
pda
As our East Coast is currently in the throes of hurricane season, particularly as they recover from Hurricane Florence and are now reeling under Hurricane Michael, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is a trustworthy and wonderful way to contribute to relief efforts. Information on how to make contributions may be found at http://pda.pcusa.org.
125th Year Celebration!

1st Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto is celebrating it's 125th anniversary! Please join them Sunday, November 4th for a special worship service at 10:30 am and a celebratory lunch afterwards at 12:00 pm in their fellowship hall. Please rsvp for lunch to Catherine.clover@fprespa.org by October 16th.

The church is located at 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Bonny Doon Outreach Event

Bonny Doon Presbyterian Church is hosting two consecutive evangelistic outreach events for the local community on Thursday, October 25th and November 1st at 6:30 pm. There will be a special speaker, music, and a BBQ following the services. You're welcome to join the event in support of Bonny Doon, and also be praying for them as they reach out to the community.

The church is located at 7065 Bonny Doon Rd., Bonny Doon, CA. Contact John Burke at johnmburke@sbcglobal.com for more information.

Mark your calendars!
October 28th is Reformation Sunday.

Commemorative resources may be found on the PCUSA website at:
https://www.history.pcusa.org/history-online/presbyterian-history/reformation-sunday/reformation-sunday-2018
Peacemaking Program.PC USA
Borderlinks Experience

The Peace and Justice Task Force is sponsoring a trip February 15 - 20, 2019 to the Arizona border through the organization Borderlinks.  A Borderlinks Experience is about exploring and addressing migrant issues on both sides of the border.  

More details may be found on the Events page of the Presbytery website at http://www.sanjosepby.org/events/borderlinks-experience/.

Contact Julie Cline at  eastvalleyartists@gmail.com for more information.

meeting
The November 17th Presbytery meeting will be hosted by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church located at 9850 Monroe Ave., Aptos.  Registration opens at 8:00 am with worship starting at 9:00 am.  Lunch will be served at Noon. The docket will be posted online closer to the meeting date.
Peacemaking Program.PC USA
Holy Land Tour

Join Rev. Dr. Libby Boatright and (Elder) Susan Brooksbank, both from Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church for a tour of the Holy Land March 18 -31, 2019 .  Additional details may be found on the Events page of the Presbytery website: http://www.sanjosepby.org/events/holy-land-tour/ .

Contact Susan Brooksbank at  susan.brooksbank@icloud .com  for more information

Reflections on Mission & Outreach

In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew reminds us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  It’s not something we’re becoming; it’s something we already are regardless of how we feel about it.  Our words and actions in our community point back to the God who redeems us.

As you may have heard, October is Mission and Outreach month for the Presbytery of San Jose. Different churches in our Presbytery have organized various events where all are welcome to participate.  Feel free to take a look at the Events page of the Presbytery website at http://www.sanjosepby.org/events/october-is-mission-outreach-month/ if you’re interested in serving in different ways through our churches.

Outreach is also a key component of our revitalization.  Asking God “where are you at work right now and how can I help?” is perhaps a first step in finding renewal and where the Holy Spirit is blowing.

May you blessed as you reach out to those around you.

Rev. Jenni Bales
Director of Communications for the Presbytery of San Jose

Phone: (408) 279-0220 Website: www.sanjosepby.org