News of the Presbytery of San Jose
Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”

Genesis 32:24-26

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
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:
This month, the Peace and Justice Working Group highlights group work around immigration. We especially want to highlight First Presbyterian Church of Monterey who recently lead an adult education class on What Does the Bible Say About Strangers, Migrants, and Refugees? by VanThanh Nguyen.

After the discussions and presentations, the church opted to offer financial assistance to Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley for the Refugee Resettlement Village.
 
Want to get involved in group work around immigration?

You can support the work of Immanuel here.

You can attend Immigration Mondays Conversation with Sojourners for a more broad-based community of prayer and support.
 
Would you like to recommend a piece of justice work going on in your church? Interested in joining the work of the Peace and Justice Working Group? Please email the new Peacemaking Advocate, Addie Domske, at [email protected] to connect.

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."
PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH TRIENNIUM 2022

Unfortunately, the organizers of the Triennium Youth Event have decided to cancel the gathering this year due to pandemic concerns.

If needed, please contact the Rev. Irene Pak Lee at [email protected] for more information.
Our Presbytery's very own Committee on Representation and Empowerment ("CORE") is offering a Lenten group study this year to help us process the effects and positive surprises we've encountered living within the pandemic.

The group will meet via Zoom on Thursdays 3/6 to 4/3, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

More information and the registration QR code may be found here:

Join the women of our Presbytery for an upcoming online PW event April 2nd! We'll be talking to local mission leaders, as well as Kathleen Keefer, the National Vice-Moderator of PW.

Informational flyer may be found here:
The Struggle is Real!
Webinar Series

Join the Presbyterian Mission Agency on March 20, 2022 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST/ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm PST for a dialogue and listening forum related to rural poverty.

More information may be found here:


Registration page may be found here:
PCUSALOGO
The national office for the Presbyterian Hunger Program has recognized Sweaty Sheep and First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto as certified "Earth Care Congregations."

Congratulations to both for earning this recognition!
Pastoral Reflection

In her book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, Barbara Brown Taylor includes a chapter on "The Dark Night of the Soul" and the reflections of St. John of the Cross and his doctrine of Nada. Taylor puts St. John's ideas of the pursuit of God in the context of wrestling. Spiritual growth involves wrestling with our faith, and in my opinion, Lenten practices involve wrestling with our attachments. There are habits we desperately want to hang on to that get in the way of depending on God.

The story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32 is a pivotal one in the life of Israel. Some sort of transition happened from God to Jacob as Israel was born. And while Jacob dominated the wrestling match with what seems like his own insecurities, as well as God incarnate, he did not get away unscathed. Dominating in that match came at a cost.

As we wrestle in our own matches with God and our faith, may we prevail despite the cost and pass through our own "Dark Nights," living into new realities in our relationship with God.

Amen

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