Celebrating New Members
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
October 26th, 2017
Season of Peace continues with 
Breath of Peace
We celebrate New Members
Blessed are the peacemakers -  (Mt. 5:9)  

      T his Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 9:30 a.m., we celebrate and welcome new members in a beautiful service dedicated to building up the peacemaking community for the good of the world.      

     Middle school and high school youth, you are welcome to sit with Charles Wei, our Youth Director, and then go down to Pastor Bev's Office after the sermon.  

       All are invited for BOCCE at 11 a.m.; our Deacons and Membership Elder Merle have organized us into parish teams and will give us directions to the courts in San Rafael. 
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note from Pastor Bev
 
God is good!  Last Sunday we celebrated 3 baptisms and welcomed 12 new members to the church!  Baptism is one of the church's greatest joys.  It's a sacrament of belonging. Through baptism, God brings us into the Church, the body of Christ in the world, and unites us with each other and with the Compassionate One who teaches us how to live.  By water and the Holy Spirit, we are joined in the ministry of love, justice, and peace. The beautiful photos below are courtesy of my dear friend Tom McAfee, and may help you remember your own baptism with joy!  If you would like to be baptized, I'd love to hear from you, so just click here.

We will be welcoming more wonderful new members to the church for the next two Sundays. It is so meaningful for our children and youth to see us commit to being part of an intentional peacemaking community! Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to building a kinder, more just and peaceful world.  We are bringing more peace to the world on a daily basis, peace in our lives, peace for our children and grandchildren, peace now. 

With blessings of peace,
Bev


October/November Calendar
Friday, October 27
                NOON

Bible Study 
Sunday, October 29
                 9:00 a.m.
                9:30 a.m.
              1 0:30 a.m.              
              11:00 a.m.
Season of Peace Continues
New Members Meet with Session
Breath of Peace
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
BOCCE
Tuesday, October 31
                  5-8 pm

Halloween Open House

Wednesday, November 1
                 7:30 p.m. 

SHPC Singers- All Welcome
Friday, November 3
                 NOON

NO Bible Study - Bev's Away
Sunday, November 5
                   9:30 a.m.
                 
                10:30 a.m.
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY!
String Quartet and Offering of Pledge Cards
Harvest Feast Potluck- All Welcome


Bible Study this Friday, October 27th, Noon
Gospel of John, chapters 1 and 20
 All are welcome!
Please Remember in Your Prayers

All those impacted by the wildfires, those who have lost loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods, their pets, their health, their neighborhoods, f or strength, support, comfort, healing, and resilience; may people far and wide be God's hands, feet, and heart bringing relief from suffering, and comfort in mourning;
The firefighters, for safety and strength, may they be blessed;
Victims of the Las Vegas shooting,  for God's  comfort, strength, and healing for all those who have lost their loved ones, are injured and/or traumatized, and suffering as a result of this tragedy;  
The people of Puerto Rico and all those suffering from the hurricanes and their aftermath, and from the Mexico earthquakes, 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;
Nance Rosencranz, recovering from a stroke, for full and complete recovery, for God's loving presence to be felt;
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; 
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;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
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;
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.
     
Season of Peace
First Sunday Peace Practice: 
Mindful Breathing

Second Sunday Peace Practice:
Relationship Repair

Third Sunday Peace Practice:
Lighten Your  Wallet

Fourth Sunday Peace Practice:
Welcome the Newcomer
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@gmail.com
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

We Welcome New Members Sunday, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 during the service

We'll be welcoming new members again this Sunday, October, 29, and again Sunday, Nov. 5 for those of you who feel called to commit to building up the peacemaking community!  The New Member packets are on Bev's desk; just let Bev know if you have any questions, and arrange a time to meet with Session and join the church by clicking on
Bev
 
To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles

The middle school and high school youth groups are off to a wonderful start. We've gotten reacquainted with each other these last two weeks, and excitement is building for what is to come! As always, we strive to create a safe place for our children to explore their faith, ask important questions, and interact with each other in a constructive and positive way. We'll be practicing respectful listening and speaking, and participating in various service projects throughout the rest of the year.
 
Our main goal is to give our children a place where they can have a voice. Middle school and high school is a critical age in which kids need to feel that they are being heard, that they are a part of something that is bigger than themselves, and where they can make a difference. Working in concert with the parents of the youth, we will ensure that SHPC can be such a place for them.
 
So far, we've talked about the sacraments, Internet safety, and the "Elevate the Discussion" pledge. We talked about the future of the group and how we might reach out to the wider faith community. There is a lot of energy and excitement here, and as our children move forward with thoughtfulness and creativity, I know that great things will happen. 
 
Grace and peace,
Charles

COMING UP:  BOCCE THIS SUNDAY AT 11 a.m. (This is an all church event organized by Merle and the Deacons; families are carpooling; scroll down.)
HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE with GAMES - Tuesday, 10/31 5-8 p.m.
We rejoice in the baptism of
 Arde, Ellarie, and Kalli 








 
Meet Our New Members!
Maira Strauss
Arde Farbod
Ana Nathe with Aiden and Nathaniel 
Katie McKee with daughters Allie & Elsie 
 
Isabel Torres
 










Lisa and Andy Bane with daughters Ellarie and Kalli























Kristel Frank
Juliet and Diane Latta












Mary and Brian West
A lovely time was had by all at Peg/Marie's Deacon Dinner at the beautiful home of Peg and Scott Maclise

Questions? Contact Merle
Halloween Open House!
October 31st 5-8pm 
GAME NIGHT WITH CHARLES FOR YOUTH
Stop in with your friends and neighbors to say hi and grab some treats!

The Eldridge String Quartet 
Alleluia by Randall Thompson
Stewardship Sunday, November 5th, 9:30 am


Stewardship Sunday and Harvest Feast 
Sunday, November 5
Questions about the Feast - 
Click Peg


CALLING ALL YOUTH REST COOKS! 
Food 4 Good,   SHPC's Youth R.E.S.T. Cooking Program will start Sunday, November 5th. W e will also plant our winter garden from 3-4pm. We will then be cooking from 4-6pm.

Can't make it to the first one? Come join us next month. We meet the first Sunday of every month from 4-6pm. 

Hope your kids can join us! Please sign up online here.

Questions? Contact   Judy or Jen
REST Sign-ups - Our Life-Giving Ministry to the Unhoused Community

As we've done for so many years, SHPC volunteers to be part of the REST program in Marin County to feed our unhoused neighbors in Marin County.
 
This year, we'll feed the men on the first Monday of the month, and feed women on the 2nd Tuesday of the month -- but we need YOUR help!
 
Please volunteer to make food, set up, serve, share the meal, and clean up -- either with the Men's and/or the Women's program. 

To volunteer to be a part of the women's program, sign up here
To volunteer to be a part of the men's program, sign up here
 
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our REST coordinator, Carolyn Goodman,  carolyn@goodmanmarketing.com or 415.250.6264.
JOIN US FOR COMMUNITY YOGA 

Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm- LOOK FOR AN EMAIL ABOUT HALLOWEEN 
Community Yoga @ Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian
Upstairs at 100 Tarry Rd

$10 donation, we have mats if you don't.
This is a gentle evening class where we are moving through the basics of yoga whilst building strength and flexibility in a supportive community.

                              Karen 
ETHAN RUSSELL invites you to 
THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

Sunday, October 29, Opening 12-6

A new photographic gallery in downtown San Anselmo from multi-Grammy nominated photographer and director, Ethan Russell, the only photographer to shoot album covers for The Who, The Beatles and  The Rolling Stones. 

Signed, limited edition, archival fine art photographs for sale and on display of The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, The Beatles*, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, The Who, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Jim Morrison, Chris Cornell, The Eagles, Rickie Lee Jones, John Hiatt and others.

556 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960
tel: (415) 295-7950

* on display only

Report from Session - October Meeting and Update

The Little Mountain Preschool Lease Extension was approved by Church Mission Finance (Finance Committee) of the Presbytery of the Redwoods yesterday.  The extended lease runs through July 31, 2021 and continues the current rental increase structure and better defines the leased premises.  All parties are pleased to extend this very positive relationship.

The October 18 regular meeting of Session included:  Officer Training concerning baptism, new members, the ministry of members, and related matters from the Book of Order; a preview visit from the Financial Resiliency Alternate Option Group in preparation for the 11/12 Let's Talk; consideration of Mexico Mission accounting and policy matters; review of monthly financial reports; approval of baptism; report from Presbytery concerning fire relief and approval of $2,500 donation from church reserve for fire relief fund; update on solar panels; discussion of stewardship campaign; review of updated capital improvement/maintenance needs and estimates for addressing them; youth program update; garden fund disbursement update; youth climate change summit 2018 update; membership, worship, deacon, and moderator reports.  Opened and adjourned with prayer.
 
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
pcusa
Thank you for the Generous Contributions to Presbytery Fire Relief!

Your Session voted at its last meeting to donate $2,500 from the church's reserve to the Presbytery's Fire Relief Fund on behalf of Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, and thanks all of you who have donated too!  Our Presbytery pastors are committed to direct the aid to the neediest first, in keeping with the Gospel. 

A Message from our Presbytery Council about H ousing:
Housing for all those who have lost their homes is going to be a monumental challenge. If you have a room or house that is available either short-term or long-term, please contact the presbytery office and we will compile this information and make it available to pastors and/or other church leaders who have been designated by their congregation. The list will not be publicly posted. If you have space, please send your message to the presbytery office by e-mail with the subject line indicating you have housing available. The presbytery e-mail address is: pbyrw@pacbell.net.


Financial Resiliency -  Criteria for a Sustainable Resilient Church  and the Way Forward from the Session - Next Let's Talk Sun. Nov. 12 @ 10:40 a.m.

Dear Members and Friends of Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
 
Session invites you to a November 12  Let's Talk  following the service, where Session will again outline the Sustainability Criteria (below) and the Session's best option for church finances going forward, as presented in the congregational letter and Let's Talk in August, and the Financial Resiliency Alternate Option Group 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
Five simple suggestions for Halloween

Establish Check-Ins and Curfews.   This is a good time to grant your older kids some freedom but also monitor their whereabouts by establishing meeting spots or check-in times. Teens under 18 years old should be home by 11 pm in accordance with local curfew laws. A reasonable curfew for tweens is earlier, depending on their age and maturity.

Keep the focus on the kids.   We encourage families with children to keep the focus on the kids, costumes, and community. One way of addressing the high rate of underage drinking among local youth is to  minimize adult-use of alcohol at youth-focused events  - and Halloween is the pinnacle of a youth-focused event! If you are walking the streets with younger kids, we recommend leaving the alcohol at home. Consider saving the adult beverages for another time or until after the kid-centered activities are finished.
 
Set Clear Rules about Permitted and Prohibited Areas.   Be specific about the boundaries you would like your kids to stay within and remind them to stick to lit streets. Be aware of the areas in your neighborhood where teens may gather to drink alcohol - and avoid those places. Keep parks and school campuses off-limits after dark (in accordance with town laws). You might want to install Find My Friends or a similar app on your child's phone as a way of checking-in.

Warn Against Unknown Treats.    Instruct your children to only eat wrapped candy with a recognizable label. There have been reports of young children getting their hands on look-alike candy products that contain THC (the main mind-altering ingredient found in the marijuana plant), so beware of these products that may be circulating.

Know their Crowd.    Get to know some of the friends and crowd your child will be trick-or-treating with, as well as their parents.  Call them up or invite them over and communicate your expectations for the evening. If you have a child in high school, check out Be The Influence as a way to connect with other parents and be in the know!

For more tips and information, visit thecoalitionconnection.com.

Wishing you a Safe and Happy Halloween! 
URGENT: Help Us Spread the Word 
Government Food Aid for Fire Evacuees
The Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative team would like to thank everyone in the Northern California area for their hard work and dedication in the fire relief efforts. Faith-based organizations, among many others, have played a crucial role in housing evacuees, providing hot meals, and organizing clothing and resource drives for those affected by the fire.

Now we need your help over the next few days to promote a rare opportunity for low-income families to get money for food purchases. These temporary programs can provide a family with over several hundred dollars, but these disaster dollars are often 'left on the table' because families in need are not aware of them or how to apply.
 
In response to the recent fire devastation the government is providing disaster relief by temporarily activating food assistance programs for those affected by the fires.
  • From October 14 through November 15, 2017, current CalFresh recipients can buy hot foods and hot food products with their benefits.
  • Students from households participating in CalFresh will receive free lunch for the rest of the 2017-2018 school year through the National School Lunch Program.
  • Disaster-CalFresh has been implemented as a way to meet the temporary nutritional needs of disaster victims. A family of five can get up to $760 for food purchases at supermarkets and farmers markets.
  • Receiving SSI benefits does not disqualify you from D-CalFresh eligibility
  • Immigration status is not taken into account for D-CalFresh eligibility
 
The window to apply to D-CalFresh is only 8 days starting on Wednesday, October 25. We need your help to get the word out! Please promote these food aid programs by sharing information with your congregants, people coming to your pantry, evacuees that have stayed at your site, and whoever else may be appropriate. These fact sheets will answer key questions & application information. Feel free to distribute it, we had it reviewed by Sonoma  County staff.
 
Not located in Sonoma County? If people impacted by the fires are now in your community, they can apply for and use these resources where they are now.
   
The Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative Team

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
  
  
The 12th Annual Visionary Marin
 A fundraiser for the Marin Interfaith Council  
 
Sunday, November 12, 3:30 -6:00 pm 
Congregation Rodef Sholom
170 N. San Pedro Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903


Reservation Information
One: $55   Two: $100

Our Honorees 
This year we honor three visionaries who have addressed Marin's housing crisis:
 
Jeff Bialik  - the retiring E.D. of Catholic Charities
Katie Crecelius  - an affordable housing advocate 
Steven Saxe  - board member on fair/affordable housing orgs 
      
Program  
Hear the wisdom and vision of our honorees (Interviewer: Peter Collins)
Connect with Marin faith communities and interfaith partners
Enjoy delectable appetizers and desserts
Enter the drawing to win one of the bountiful gift baskets
Experience Song Weaving with Pollyanna Bush. 
 
**Remember to bring cash or a check book to purchase drawing tickets for our bountiful gift baskets!

For more information or to register  click here
 

Improv Marin brings people together through spontaneity. We produce improv workshops, performances and events to educate, entertain and inspire the people of Marin (and beyond) to work and play better together.   

Throughout the month of October, Improv Marin will be putting on shows in the  West End Studio Theatre in San Rafael on Saturdays at 8pm.

For more information or tickets, click here.
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