News of the Presbytery of San Jose
From my being hemmed in I called on Yah;
he answered and gave me more room.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of Adonai.
We bless you from the house of Adonai.
Psalm 118:5, 26
(Complete Jewish Bible Version)

SJ PBY logo.
2022 Presbytery Meetings

May 7th
September 24th
November 19th
To list an event that is supported by your church or committee, and that is open to the entire Presbytery, go to
Collette and I will be expanding the Presbytery's use of social media starting in May. As a result, the submission deadline for newsletter articles will strictly be the 7th of every month. This allows us to create, schedule, and launch social media posts in a timely fashion as a complement to the newsletter.

So, please make note: newsletter articles are due by the 7th of each month for publication on the 10th.

Thanks! (Jenni)
The latest information from the Board of Pensions, including an update regarding increased grant assistance and a "Care Navigation Flyer" associated with the medical program changes coming in April may be found here:
Be sure to check the
Presbytery's website at https://sanjosepby.org
for other announcements and helpful information, including the updated "Ministry Funding Request Form."
Preschool Director 

The Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos is seeking an experienced full-time director for our preschool program, Growing Footprints Preschool. Our thriving program has been an important mission of our church and we are looking for a candidate who will continue our ministry and support our excellent teaching team. Job description and application process can be found here:
In recognition of the convergence of the Abrahamic holidays (Passover, Ramadan, and Easter) the inter-faith community of the South Bay is hosting a panel discussion and refreshments on Sunday, April 24th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Joseph's Cathedral. St. Joseph's address is 80 Market St., San Jose.

More information and the event registration page may be found here: https://ing.org/events/convergence-of-abrahamic-holidays/#.YlSCyS-B2qA

The event will also be on Facebook Live.
This month, the Peace and Justice Working Group highlights group work around mass incarceration in Santa Clara County. We especially want to highlight Stone Church of Willow Glen, who recently lead an adult education class... Click Here to Continue Reading

In addition, Click Here for a list of upcoming PJWG actions relative to mass incarceration and abolitionist work.
Pastoral Reflection

As Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem in preparation for his final Passover, Scripture tells us that a spontaneous celebration erupted among the people. They greeted him like a victorious king and covered his path with palm branches and cloaks.

They drew from Psalm 118 in their celebration: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD," recognizing that he was the Messiah sent by God.

Psalm 118 also gives us a metaphor for salvation. "From my being hemmed in, I called on Yah; he answered and gave me more room." Feeling hemmed in can come from a lot of different experiences stemming from financial stress, grief, addictions, stress from the pandemic, loneliness, or worries over international conflict just to name a few. God answered the Psalmist's plea, a plea which came from being cornered by creating space for them. Other translations use the words "wide-open space" and "roominess."

As we reflect on the events of Holy Week and our salvation that is found in Christ's resurrection, may God's salvation be more than a story to us. As we find ourselves "hemmed in," may God's ability to create "space" also be our deliverance and testimony.

Amen

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Bales
Director of Communications
Presbytery of San Jose
Phone: (408) 279-0220 Website: www.sanjosepby.org