The National Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY 
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
September 21st, 2017
"Back to School" Series Concludes...
 One Nation Under God?  
Practicing Presbyterianism

     What makes Presbyterians unique?  And what is truly essential to the practice of the Presbyterian strand of Christianity?   This Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.,  we'll explore what it means to be Presbyterian, and what we cherish most about being the church.

In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note from Pastor Bev
 
I'm in Louisville, KY, the home of our PC(USA) national headquarters and site of our national board meeting, representing the ACSWP (Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, which brings reports and recommendations to the board and the General Assembly on ethical and justice issues.)  
After almost 12 hours of meetings today, we had a lovely dinner with the 2017 International Peacemakers, 16 leaders from our mission partners around the world.  They come from Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, Vietnam, Italy, Venezuela, Pakistan, Ukraine, South Sudan, No. Ireland, Palestine, and Mexico. They convened at headquarters for training and are about to fan out across the US to visit presbyteries and congregations bringing the good news about what they are doing in their home countries alongside Presbyterian mission co-workers.  The peacemaker from Sierra Leone will be visiting our Presbytery, and we'll be sending details in next week's newsletter.

At dinner I sat with Rev. Delia Leal, pastor of Iglesia Bautista in Coban, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.  She's also Regional Coordinator for Women's Ministries at CEDEPCA, the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America. I'm so grateful that the Presbyterian Church is working with her, supporting her life-giving ministries to women and families!  This is why we value our connectional global church!  As Helen Keller said, alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday in our joyful church home, and send you blessings of peace, 

Bev


September Calendar
Friday, September 22
                 8 a.m.
                NOON

Justice Garden Harvesting
NO Bible Study -  Bev's away
Saturday, September 23
                 8 a.m. - noon

Farmstand on Butterfield
Sunday, September 24
                 9:30 a.m.
                10:30 a.m.
                4-6 p.m.
Fall Series Continues: 
Practicing Presbyterians 
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
Party for Pastor Bev at the Argillas - 4 Irving, Sleepy Hollow - All Welcome!
Wednesday, September 27
                  7:30 p.m. 

SHPC Singers- All Welcome
Friday, September 29
                  8 a.m.
                 NOON

Justice Garden Harvesting
Bible Study Field-trip to SFTS - Bev's preaching
Saturday, September 30
                 8 a.m. - noon

Farmstand on Butterfield
Sunday, October 1
                 9:30 a.m.
               10:30 a.m.
               10:40 a.m.

World Peace Sunday
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
New Members informational Gathering

NO Bible Study Friday September 22nd
Pastor Bev away

Bible study field trip Friday, 9/29 to SFTS Montgomery Chapel, Pastor Bev preaching, service starts at 12:05

Please Remember in Your Prayers

Nance Rosencranz, recovering from a stroke, for full and complete recovery, for God's loving presence to be felt, and for strength and support for her loved ones, especially her children Trina and Alexx;
Carolyn Goodman's sister Wendy, who lost her home to a house fire, for God's loving and constant presence, and for the loving support of all around her to be with her as she rebuilds;
Dennis Latta's father Leroy,  recently diagnosed with dementia, for God's loving presence to be with Leroy and his family;
Kalli Bane,  for relief from abdominal pain, and for restful sleep surrounded by God's love for her and her family;
Peg Maclise's sister Kim, for God's healing presence, and for PegGod's strength, love, and peace; 
Those who have lost their lives, their loved ones, their homes, and are suffering in the hurricanes and their aftermath, and the Mexico earthquakes, and the recent wildfires, and for the firefighters, for strength, support, comfort, and healing; may people far and wide be God's hands, feet, and heart bringing relief from suffering, and comfort in mourning;
Sue Burr, for a full and speedy recovery after having her appendix removed over the weekend;
Alex Caldwell, for a full and speedy recovery from  a sh oulder injury sustained in Costa Ric a;
Kelsey Lopin,  for total healing, renewed strength, continued flourishing, creativity, and energy to share her God-given gifts;
Jeri Rayford and her family, grieving the loss of Prentis,  for God's loving presence, strength, and support in their bereavement;and for her daughter Regina, recovery and healing;
Jody Brockett and her family, grieving the loss of Jody's Mother Jeanne, prayers for the family to feel God's comfort and peace, and prayers for Jody's Dad, who is transitioning to a new living situation;
Katie Brendler, may God's loving presence and comfort abide with her and her family as they mourn the loss of Katie's dear Father, and for full recovery for her Mother as she gets treatment for cervical cancer;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
The hungry, especially all those depending on the US government for food aid here and abroad;
All those suffering from racial discrimination, racial violence, and hatred, for God's justice and healing;
Those living in the shadows and fearing deportation, for safety, security for their families and children, a path to citizenship, and sanctuary;
The incarcerated, and their loved ones, for a justice system and prison system that uphold our highest values of human dignity and fairness;
Our country, for a way forward where we live our values of justice and equality for all people; 
The refugees and displaced , almost 1 out of 100 people in the world today, for safety, homes, the basics of life, and freedom from being scapegoated;
Our Muslim neighbors, subject to Islamophobia and hate crimes;
Our planet, the world's poor, all who suffer from disruptive climate change, may we continue our work to keep the planet livable;
Praying Hands
The PC(USA), for courage and energy to continue our world-wide mission of love and justice for all people;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Our church, for the Spirit to continue to guide us and fill us with energy for mission and love for all our neighbors!

Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
     
Click here to email Jody to RSVP
Worship is Our Sacred Gathering 
church view with bev

Sunday worship is sacred time, a co-created safe and supportive space for the beloved community to gather and worship and pray together, so that all can be spiritually nurtured and renewed.  It is not a time for discussion of church finances. 
Questions and feedback about church business may be brought to the Session as a whole by emailing the Clerk, or to any of the elders, your elected representatives, individually:

Dennis Latta, Clerk of Session, dennis.latta@gmail.com
Jody Brockett, Worship Elder, schmetz1@comcast.net
Doug Eisinger, Finance Elder, doug.eisinger@comcast.net
Patti Vance, Mission Elder, PV3@comcast.net
Janel Stewart, Family Ministries Elder, janelstewart@gmail.com
Merle Ongaro, Membership Elder, mochotogether@comcast.net
Ahmed Abu Aly, Building and Grounds Elder, aabualy@yahoo.com
Rev. Bev Brewster, Pastor, beverlybrewster@comcast.net

Explore Membership - Sunday, Oct. 1 after the service

If you're enjoying being part of the church on Sundays and want to express your support for this caring community dedicated to building up the world, then come to a brief informational gathering on Sunday, Oct. 1 after the service. There's nothing scary or intimidating about membership, nothing to memorize or recite, no annual dues or fees. Becoming a member is a lovely and meaningful way to express your commitment to the community and our work to bring love and justice to the world. 
 
Flower Guild Fall Luncheon 
A Beautiful Afternoon!

Our Flower Guild's September Fall/Advent planning luncheon was delightful!  We were so happy to sit outdoors in Patti's gorgeous new garden of native plants.  We missed Millie and Alison!
L. to R. Frankie Eakes, Patti Vance, Peg Maclise, Linda Peltzman, Jody Brockett, Merle Ongaro (not pictured, Bev)


           Session Report - September 13, 2017

Clerk - Dennis Latta - The Financial Resiliency process and timeline were discussed thoroughly, with special attention to congregational feedback.  Scroll down to next item below.

Finance - Doug Eisinger - Monthly financial reports were reviewed. Stewardship Sunday is tentatively set for November 5, along with the Harvest Feast.  Solar contract under review.  

Building and Grounds - Ahmed Abu Aly - With the $7,500 fallen tree expense, which the Session convened an emergency meeting to address and approve, maintenance for 110 Tarry this year is at $9,250, considerably in excess of the $2,000 budget, and there is still a roof leak to repair.  
We are exploring the feasibility of a chair lift up the church indoor stairs to enable disabled folks to get to the rest rooms from the sanctuary.  

Mission - Patti Vance - Harvest is going well and Farm Stand is a great success, but we need more Saturday volunteers.

Family Ministries - Janel Stewart - Several have signed up for the Family Ministries team and will be meeting to organize a fun interim program of monthly meetings on Friday nights for middle schoolers. 

Membership - Merle Ongaro - Review of the membership rolls is complete, and new members class will be announced this week.  Bocce Day is 10/29.  

Worship - Jody Brockett - Attendance has been excellent.  Flower Guild will meet September 15 to plan fall harvest decor and advent liturgical art.  Bev will clarify that announcement time in worship is sacred space and not for discussion of church business. Questions and feedback about church business will be directed to the elders following the service.

Deacons - Kit Argilla - Parish Dinners are coming up:  Robin's is 9/30; Kit/Nance's is 10/15; and Peg/Marie's TBD soon.  Harvest Feast follows Stewardship Sunday 11/5.  Bev's Appreciation gathering is 9/24.  We are readying ourselves to support Nance with meals from the congregation.  
Those who would like to visit Nance can click here
to get the link to the sign up sheet from the church office.

Moderator - Pastor Bev - Bev will be at PC(USA) headquarters presenting a report for the ACSWP 9/20-9/23.  

The meeting opened and closed with prayer and was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Financial Resiliency Update from the Session
   Criteria for a Sustainable Resilient Church
                   and the Way Forward

Dear Members and Friends of Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
 
The new Financial Resiliency Alternate Group (FRAG) has convened and is working towards previewing their alternate option(s) at the October 18 Session meeting. Session is planning a mid-November Let's Talk where Session will again outline the Sustainability Criteria (below) for the congregation, and FRAG will present their option(s). After the Let's Talk, a survey of preferences will be conducted to help to guide Session on the path forward. That will conclude the financial resiliency discussions for this year. In January, at budget time, and before the 110 Tarry lease runs out, the current Session will discern whether a strong consensus exists in favor of selling the church property at 110 Tarry, and if so, will call a congregational meeting for a vote on the sale of 110 Tarry.   

Here are The Sustainability Criteria:

(1) pastor housing option which is affordable to the church and a future pastor (note that the cost of removing the large fallen tree at 110 Tarry in August exceeded the maintenance budget for 2017 and the rental increase, so that 110 Tarry will finish the year "in the red," taking from the church operating budget rather than contributing);

(2) reduce our debt (as a tax-exempt organization we get no tax benefits from debt; debt is our third largest expense; dollars which go into paying the 110 Tarry mortgages add to illiquid equity instead of living ministry; SHPC is the 4th most indebted church of the 48 churches in our regional body);

(3) establish a capital improvement/maintenance fund to meet the significant needs of the church facility, so that we invest in our church;

(4) i ncrease the operating budget without putting additional stress on our pledgers, so that unmet staffing, facilities, and program needs can be met (unmet needs, aka "the structural deficit") and the church can continue to grow and flourish;

(5) direct precious volunteer energy and hours into God's work. 
  
In peace,
THE SESSION OF SHPC
Dennis Latta, Clerk, Doug Eisinger, Finance Elder, Jody Brockett, Worship Elder, Patti Vance, Mission Elder, Janel Stewart, Family Ministries Elder, Ahmed Abu-Aly, Building and Grounds Elder, Merle Ongaro, Membership Elder, Kit Argilla, Board of Deacons, Moderator, Rev. Bev Brewster, Pastor
CALLING ALL JUSTICE GARDENERS - Come on over to church Friday and Saturday!  New folks welcome!

We'll harvest Friday at 8 a.m. for our Saturday Farmstand on the corner of Butterfield Rd and Green Valley Court!
 
Ways you can help:
   Pick on Friday morning at 8:00am
   Assist at the stand on Saturday
   ( If you are on the 8:00am 
   shift, we will meet at church to load up)

Thanks so much to everyone for your continued support of this life-bringing mission.

See you in the garden!

The Short School is looking for volunteers Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. for gardening!!!  

They are also in need of volunteers for cooking, art, and science.
Volunteer orientation is offered Sept. 6 and then not until October, so don't hesitate--
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jody 
Let's Share the Bounty from our Justice Garden

The Deacons are looking for suggestions! Can you think of anyone who might enjoy a small basket o f produce from our  Justice Gar den during this bountiful time?

  Do you have a nearby elderly, sick, or lonely ne ighbor we should know about? 

Please email: Kit Argilla at
Family Ministries Team!  

Thank you so much for contacting Janel!  We will be convening to co-create an interim program and dreaming big about next steps!  More to come!
Please contact Janel Stewart, Family Ministries Elder, at janelstewart@gmail.com
Yoga is Back!
Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
with Karen Baigrie 
All levels welcome



Looking for more video about the Gender Galaxy after last week's sermon and Let's talk? Check out the following:

Call Me Malcom: Watch on Youtube here

National Geographic's Gender Revolution Website

Preview of PC(USA) documentary coming Spring 2018: Out of Order


Urgent Calls for Health Care Needed! 

The ACA Repeal is Back! 

Once again, Republicans in the Senate are rushing to pass a repeal of the Affordable Care Act that would cause millions to lose healthcare coverage. The new legislation, referred to as the Graham-Cassidy proposal, is even more devastating than past repeal attempts. Your phone calls stopped ACA repeal in July, and we need them now more than ever. Call your Senators now at 1-888-738-3058 to stop this last-ditch effort to take healthcare away from millions of people.

Once again, Republicans in the Senate are rushing to pass a repeal of the Affordable Care Act that would cause millions to lose healthcare coverage. The new legislation, referred to as the Graham-Cassidy proposal, is even more devastating than past repeal attempts. Your phone calls stopped ACA repeal in July, and we need them now more than ever. Call your Senators now at 1-888-738-3058 to stop this last-ditch effort to take healthcare away from millions of people.

The Graham-Cassidy proposal would:
  • Within ten years, eliminate all funding for: the Medicaid expansion, which has enabled 11 million people to get health coverage; and the individual health insurance subsidies, which have enabled millions of low- and moderate-income individuals access affordable health care.
  • Leave some of the most vulnerable people in our country -- especially low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities -- without affordable medical care by capping and cutting Medicaid and ultimately dismantling the program.
  • Let insurers offer skimpier coverage and raise rates for people with pre-existing conditions by allowing states to waive patient protections.
Get the details on the Graham-Cassidy bill from FCNL and Center on Budget and Policy PrioritiesRather than pursue a rushed, hyper-partisan effort to repeal the ACA and end the Medicaid program as we know it, the Senate should support current bipartisan efforts to stabilize the marketplace, improve affordability, and strengthen coverage.

CALL YOUR SENATORS TODAY: 1-888-738-3058 
Tell them to oppose the Graham Cassidy ACA Repeal

Call twice to reach both Senators
When you call, here's what you might say:
Caller: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a constituent from [CITY/TOWN]. As a person of faith, I'm calling to urge you to oppose the Graham-Cassidy proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This bill would take millions of dollars out of [YOUR STATE]. We need bipartisan fixes to expand coverage, not take it away. I oppose any efforts to cut or cap Medicaid. No one should lose coverage as a result of any healthcare replacement. Please protect the human dignity of 32 million Americans who would lose coverage and state your opposition to the Graham-Cassidy proposal* Add your personal story*. Can we count on a "no" vote from the Senator?" 
Staffer: I'll let the Senator know your thoughts.
Caller: Yes, please do. I will be watching this vote closely and I expect Senator [ ] to oppose. Please take down my contact information so you can let me know what Senator [ ] decides to do.
    To volunteer please click here
     Wil has moved!
Wil would like you to know that he has moved to Alma Via in Terra Linda.  YES, he still plans to come to church! At Alma Via, he'll have 3 meals a day, and so now he'll be inviting US to eat with him!  Please call the church office to get his new cell phone number.

And thank him for his Food Barrel ministry! 
WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP-- PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT

NEW FOLKS - We will match you with a veteran so that you can be trained on our highly complex coffeemaker and have FUN!

Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons. We need everyone to sign-up about 3-4 times a year. 
Click below to sign up: 
Sign up now and keep the hospitality
 going!


Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat!
 
We've updated the signups for the new year!  

Help with our ministry of hospitality by signing up to be a greeter! All you have to do is get to church by 9:15, light the candles, and hand out bulletins with a smile. Thank you to all who have signed up so far!


Thank you all for your continued support,
Jody Brockett, 
Worship Elder
 
Wil and I have participated in a bocce tournament for several years to benefit Casa Allegra.  This is an organization that supports disabled adults.  We are proudly know as the Holley Rollers and have actually won it on a few occasions.  We need one or two more players for our team (the Argilla's and Millie currently on board).  The event is Saturday October 7th at 9 - usually over at noon or later if we keep winning.  The cost is $5O and includes lunch.  Let me know if you can play.  It would be good practice for our upcoming deacon bocce roll off - you do not need to know how to play. It's easy to learn.   
Thanks - sharon Adams  sadams131@comcast.net.

Country Fair Day with The Coalition Connection, which is Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative now joining forces with its Tam partner 

Please sign up for a one-hour shift to help with a fun interactive game we will have in our booth at the San Anselmo Country Fair Day.
From 10:00 am - 3:00 pm the Avenue will be lined with community booths, music and food. There will be a Bounce Zone, Rock Wall, Bungee Jump Train, Petting Zoo, and Train. 

  HORIZONS BIBLE STUDY DAY

Saturday, September 23, 2017 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | $42 in advance | $50 at the door

Cloud of Witnesses:
The Community of Christ in Hebrews

Spend the day learning and preparing to lead this magnificent study which invites you to explore  The Letter to the Hebrews. This is a significant book of the Bible, and is also significantly different from every other book in the Bible. It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. Therefore, I've decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. We will explore nine major themes, relate those themes to other parts of our faith tradition, and tie them together with the overarching motif of community. The community for which the letter was written interacts, in a sense, with all the communities of which you are a part, because you bring those groups with you wherever you go-they have helped to form you into the person you are. The community in which you study and worship, your family and friends, social and therapy groups - all are part of you.

Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities.
Lunch will be provided.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Bane Sevier is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who, after more than 23 years as a pastor,chose in 2015 to leave the pastorate and focus on her longtime ministry of writing and photography. Melissa has a degree in elementary education (King College), an MCE from Reformed Theological Seminary, an MDiv from Louisville Seminary, and a DMin from McCormick Seminary. She lives in Versailles, Kentucky, with her husband, Jerry.
 
 
Buy Tickets at:  RossValleyPlayers.com
 
Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to maintain sobriety through sharing their recovery experience with others. 

Looking for more information? Check out the San Francisco/Marin AA website for more information including meeting times and places, including a weekly men's meeting at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church every Tuesday at 8:30pm

24-hour hotline is also available for immediate listening and guidance if wished -
·        6pm-10am in Marin 415-499-0400
·       10am-6pm - SF Central Office (415) 674-1821 (they will refer Marin callers to Marin resources)

Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA  94960
Katie Brendler,  Editor
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221