News of the Presbytery of San Jose
"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
 
Luke 2:12
SJ PBY logo.
Presbytery Meeting
Dates for 2023

February 4th
May 6th
September 23rd
November 18th
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."
Per Capita Payments

Just a reminder that per Capita payments are due by February 7, 2023. The amount per member for 2023 is $41.50.

Checks are to be made out to the Presbytery of San Jose and mailed to 890 Meridian Way, San Jose, CA 95126
From the
Board of Pensions

"Pastor's Participation" is a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the healthcare and retirement needs of ministers.​

Effective January 1, 2023, medical dues will increase 2 percent, from 27 percent to 29 percent, bringing total dues for the Pastor's Participation benefits package to 39 percent of effective salary, up from 37 percent. 

More information can be found www.pensions.org.
PCUSALOGO
Our very own Stated Clerk, the Rev. Erica Rader has been named as Co-Moderator to the Funding Model Development Team to help with the unification of the PC(USA) Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency. We're so proud and look forward to hearing the good work her team will be doing. More details may be found here:
Start the New Year off right.  Save these dates…

PWP Annual Epiphany will once again be virtual.  We will offer a daily devotion for the week beginning January 1, 2023.  

Then we will gather virtually on Sunday, January 8 at 2 pm with candles, music, poems, and a story.  
 
To join us, email me at—
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.
Thanks to all who participated in International Peacemaker, Rev. Julie Kandema, of Rwanda's visit! She was a joy to all who met her.

The work continues in accompanying the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in their fight to reclaim their sacred land. Many in the presbytery (individuals, congregations, and peacemaking groups) have submitted comments on the draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Sargent Ranch Quarry Project. See our letter submission, and access other PJWG resources here: 


The Peace and Justice Work Group meets 3rd Thursday of each month. Join us!

Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church

The Longest Night Service
In-Person and Online

If you see the happy decorations of Christmas all around but recognize a sense of loss or hollowness in your own being, come and join us for this advent service that takes the reality of grief into account and exists to create space for a breadth of life experiences in the midst of the holiday madness of commercialism. All are invited and we look forward to seeing you there on December 14 at 7:00 p.m. PST.


Also at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church...

You’re Invited to a New Presbytery Worship Project!

We are looking for musicians, poets, artists, worship-geeks, and community builders - all sorts of creative and passionate people - to be part of a “progressive, contemporary worship collaborative.”

Together we want to share and create songs, poems, prayers, and all sorts of other worship resources to praise God and also lift up the perspectives or women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people of color. 

Details may be found here:
Pastoral Reflection

For me, it's hard to think of childhood Christmases and not think of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special, particularly Linus reciting the Christmas story from Luke 2. There's a particular hush that comes through on the show when he starts to speak. The Special was an integral part of Christmas vacation, the tree, presents, seeing family, the Christmas Eve church service, and all sorts of gatherings. I don't think I ever missed a year's showing until I grew up and left home.

As we gather with loved ones and church communities this advent season, may the ancient story of the birth of the Christ-child impact us in fresh new ways, reminding us of the power and deliverance behind our faith. And may we not lose the simple child-like way of experiencing the story as Christmas arrives once again.

Amen

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