News of the Presbytery of San Jose
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
 
Matthew 28:19-20
SJ PBY logo.
2022 Presbytery Meetings

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
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."
We'd love to know what your church is doing!

The Presbytery Office would like to promote your church's newsletters on our website.

If you'd like your particular church's included, please send Collette the newsletter link at: collette@sanjosepby.org
The Presbyterian Foundation would like you to be aware of different resources available within our denomination.

The first is a grant solely available to historically black churches. Information may be found here:


Second, is the annual stewardship conference called Kaleideoscope. They're meeting virtually and in person this September. Details may be found here:


Third, there is a free"Stewardship Navigator" tool available for your use in organizing financial campaigns, including a Planned Giving Module. More information may be found here:

Mid-Council Newsletter may be found here:

Does your church support a mission coworker? Note there is a new funding system to simplify financially supporting them.

More information may be found here:

Bell Choir Director Position

Foothill Community Presbyterian Church is looking for a part-time bell choir director.

Job description may be found here:

Contact Peg Nickl at
or 408-258-8133 with any inquiries.
Restore Sovereignty to the to the Muwekma Ohlone

Learn more about the Muwekma Ohlone tribe, their history, and their campaign to restore their sovereignty with the federal government.

Tribal Chair, Charlene Nijmeh, will be hosted by Westhope Presbyterian Church in Saratoga and will be speaking on Zoom to folks throughout the San Jose Presbytery on Sunday, August 14 at 12PM. Click here to join us.
The Synod of the Pacific has been partnering with a group called PneuMatrix. The goal of this partnership has been to form PC(USA) cohorts around sustainability practices for small congregations.

To that end, they are excited to announce a free webinar "Designing the New Norm" on September 22nd at 1:00 pm PST designed with lay leaders, clergy, and Presbytery leadership in mind.

Additional information may be found here:

The registration link may be found here:
Never before have so many options been available through the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We want you to be aware of the ways in which you can support your ministers and employees through the plan. Now is also a good time to consider the changing workplace and what it means for employers. 

Join us Thursday, August 18th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm PST for the webinar "Serve Better - Sustainable Practices."

More information may be found here:

Pastoral Reflection

One of the scholars I've leaned on heavily in my urban ministry studies and work has been Samuel Wells, particularly his books Living Without Enemies: Being Present in the Midst of Violence, Incarnational Mission and Incarnational Ministry. In them, he talks about the difference between being with v. being for someone or something.

In my mind, another way to look at it is differentiating between empowerment and charity. Empowerment is about coming alongside someone (at their request or with their consent) and supporting them in whatever way is appropriate. It may mean helping them identity and cultivate their own internal resources. Charity, on the other hand, stems from a power differentiation. Someone with means is giving to someone in need. Giving charitably does not create social equality; rather, it reinforces the power dynamic.

That's not to say that charity isn't needed in critical situations, but I wonder if, in general, the act of giving is more about the agenda of the giver and not truly the advancement of the one or the organization receiving it.

My sermon reflection last week focused on "The Great Commission." What does it mean for a church's call to be about making disciples in our Silicon Valley culture and context? What does outreach to one's peers look like? What about giving to those in need? How is "being with" or simply being present a form of evangelism? Note that Jesus says he will be with us always. The very reality of his incarnation also speaks to "being with."

As we think and strategize about the future of our churches and denomination, may we discover the power of "being with" and may it make a difference in how we share the gospel with the world around us.

Amen


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