|
|
|
Jesus asks Peter,
Do You Love Me?
The Miraculous Draught of Fishes - Jacopo Bassano - 1545
|
|
|
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
|
|
|
Weekly Happenings at SHPC
|
February 22, 2018
|
|
Second Sunday in Lent
Sacred Circle - Building Trust
A New Way to Forgive
This Sunday, February 25, at 9:30 a.m., we continue our Lenten journey, awakening to the present moment so that we might experience the Presence of the Holy. Practicing forgiveness is an essential part of our journey; our minds are clearer, our hearts softer, and our energy higher when we aren't burdened with resentment. But how do we forgive when someone has hurt us badly? Especially if they're "repeat offenders"? Jesus shows us the way with his trust re-building conversation with the Apostle Peter, who deserted Jesus in his darkest hours. Let's learn a new way to forgive and put the past to rest with peace.
This is the season to live intentionally in the present, where miracles happen.
|
|
|
|
A Note from Pastor Bev
I live for Lent. For this precious 6 weeks, I take the time each day to go to a deserted place and pray. I think of Jesus getting up while it was still dark, leaving his disciples sound asleep, and going off to a deserted place so that he could have those quiet moments in prayer before everybody was up and asking for him. The Bible doesn't tell us much about the content of Jesus' prayer time, with the exception of his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane right before his arrest. From that glimpse, we see that when he prayed, he got to the point. He poured out his heart, and yet accepted God's will and way. And the strength he needed came to him through prayer.
Last Sunday we talked about re-visioning the symbol of the cross. The vertical reminds us to lift up our hearts to connect with the Sacred. The horizontal reminds us to reach out and connect meaningfully with our neighbors, our community, and the world, in service of the common good
. Many of us are feeling called now to stand in solidarity with the youth of Parkland advocating for sensible gun control. We must stand up to those who deny and distort reality, defame these young advocates, and put guns ahead of human life. Let's gather a team and start by inviting momsdemandaction.org
to our church for a community event. God is calling us into God's heart so that we can bring more peace to the world.
With Lenten blessings,
Bev
|
|
|
Friday, February 23
NOON
|
Bible Study
|
|
Sunday, February 25
|
Second Sunday in Lent
A New Way to Forgive
Ordination of Elders and Deacons
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
|
|
Tuesday, February 27
5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
|
Newsletter Items Due
Yoga
AA- Men's meeting
|
|
Friday, March 2
|
Bible Study
|
|
Sunday, March 4
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
3 - 5 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
|
Third Sunday of Lent
The Miracle of Now
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
Food 4 Good - Youth REST cooking
Mexico Mission Kick-off Barbecue
|
|
Calling Gracious Organized Friendly People
to Become Our Hospitality Team 2018!
We are off to a terrific start!
Thank you so much to
Sue Burr- March
Robin and Ahmed - April
Karen Baigrie- May
Linda Peltzman- June
??- July
Sharon Adams - August
Charles and the Youth - where needed
We're trying a new thing and seeking 7 more hospitality hosts to host just one month of fellowship each for the coming year, starting up in March. Each month will have its own hospitality host(s). All members and friends will be asked to sign up 2-3 times per year for set-up or clean-up plus snacks. We'll have the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board this Sunday! Your hospitality host will teach you how to make coffee and show you the ropes. This will be fun!
Yes, you can co-hospitality host with a friend!
|
WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP--
PLEASE SIGN UP for MARCH
March 4, 11, 18, 25 (Palm Sunday)
|
|
 |
Sue Burr
|
|
Fellowship time is now organized by your Hospitality Team, and we're excited to get everybody on board!
We need everyone to sign-up at least 2
times March through August.
Sign up for set up/snack, snacks, clean up/snack.
Sign up on the bulletin board at church for the next 6 months, or
click Sue to sign up for
Sign up now and keep the hospitality
going!
|
Bible Study this Friday- February 23, Noon
Luke 22:33-62; John 21
ALL WELCOME!
|
|
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Those who lost their lives and loved ones in the Florida school shooting, and all those whose lives have been disrupted by gun violence, may the bereaved feel God's comfort, and may God continue to energize the youth of Parkland and all of us who stand in solidarity with them to advocate for a solution to this epidemic;
Marie Ongaro,
for full and speedy recovery for her injured right knee, and for God's peace to comfort and uplift her;
Ellarie and Andy Bane, for successful recovery from surgeries;
All asylum seekers and those living in the shadows and fearing deportation, for security, a path to citizenship, and sanctuary; for a humane solution to the DACA crisis;
Dennis Latta and Diane, Juliet, and the extended family as they mourn the loss of Dennis' father Leroy, for God's accompaniment, comfort, and peace as they grieve;
Nance Rosencranz,
recovering from a stroke, for full and complete recovery, for God's healing presence;
Peg Maclise's sister Kim, for God's healing presence, and for Peg, God's strength, love, and peace;
Kelsey Lopin,
for total healing, renewed strength, continued flourishing, creativity, and energy to share her God-given gifts;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
Our Muslim neighbors, subject to Islamophobia and hate crimes;
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 people of Puerto Rico, still suffering from Hurricane Maria, and the refugees and displaced
, almost 1 out of 100 people in the world today, for safety, homes, the basics of life, and dignity;
Our planet, the world's poor, all who suffer from disruptive climate change, may God energize us to continue our work to keep the planet livable for all people;
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 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.
|
REST Sign-ups!
Our Life-Giving Ministry to the Unhoused Community
|
|
| Our faithful REST team in the kitchen at St. Rita's 2/5 |
FEBRUARY REPORT from MEN'S REST: We served 21 men delicious chicken and sausage with plenty of mashed potatoes and gravy. Our youth supplied a great veggie side, and we rounded off the meal with salad, fruit and dessert. The conversation was lively and we certainly felt deeply appreciated. Joining us were volunteer visitors Jan O'Connor and Julie Kastrup.
Please sign up to help bring friendship, food, and dignity to the unhoused community through the REST program -- the men on the first Monday of the month at St. Rita's in Fairfax, and the women on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Wellness Center in San Rafael. We need YOUR help!
Please volunteer to make food, set up, serve, share the meal, and clean up:
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,
[email protected] or 415.250.6264.
|
|
To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles
Hi everyone!
We have a sort of strange request this week. We need the kids to bring "interesting trash" for an art project that we are going to be doing during youth group this Sunday, February 25.
The group will be participating in this year's Climate Change Arts Competition, and the kids decided yesterday that they wanted to make a collage of the Earth, using trash for one side, and natural materials for the other, showing the contrast between the two different worlds that we could be living in.
Please have your child bring small durable things like bottle caps for trash, and seashells for natural materials, this Sunday for the project. It should turn out to be a pretty interesting art piece.
We are all invited to attend the second annual Marin Youth Climate Change Summit, founded by our own Patti Vance and a group of visionary teens, on Saturday, March 10 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Marin Art and Garden Center - Please sign up below!
See you Sunday!
Charles Wei
Youth Director
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
Always feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback by clicking
here.
|
|
Marin Youth Climate Change Summit
Eco Awards Night
Art - Music - Speakers - Poetry Slam
Support our Youth Eco Leaders!
|
|
Join the Green Team - Now Planning for
Earth Sunday, April 22
Last Year's was GREAT!
Want to help out with planning for our Earth Day celebrations at church?
The green team will be meeting at Judy Ford's house either March 7th and/or 8th depending on people's availability.
Some of the planning will include: the agenda, activities, children's lesson, fellowship and post-service "fair."
If you are interested, please contact Judy Ford.
|
Mexico Mission Kick Off BBQ - Info Night!
Sunday, March 4 at 5 p.m. at the Church
9th graders and up invited with parents
This year's trip departs Sat. June 16
Returns Sat. June 23
CHANGE LIVES, BUILD WORLD!
Spread the word!
Questions?
Click
here for Katie in the church office
|
Youth REST Cooking - Food 4 Good
Sunday, March 4, 3-5 p.m.
(Note earlier time)
Click
Jen or
Judy for questions or to sign up
|
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 - Motion Passed 45-17
The Session thanks all who attended the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, Feb. 4. The meeting was a model of democracy and Presbyterian process, very well attended and ably moderated by CRE Ariel Mink of Presbyterian Church of Novato after an opening statement by the Rev. Dr. Robert Conover, Mission Presbyter/ Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Redwoods.
The Session brought a motion to sell the church property at 110 Tarry, and after serious discussion, the motion passed 45-17 without amendment:
MOVED, that SHPC sell the church property at 110 Tarry, with proceeds directed to pay off interest-bearing debt, establish a capital improvement fund for the good of the church, and provide for pastor housing assistance as needed, either by purchase of affordable real estate or establishment of an investment fund. Income from rental property and capital/investment funds are not restricted, and can support the operating budget of the church.
This motion was approved by the Presbytery of the Redwoods on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018.
For the Session's FAQs, which include the Sustainability Criteria, the rationale for the motion, and a summary of the two year discernment process
click here.
For next steps, see the Sale and Investment Fact Sheet from Session and Presbytery -
click here.
The Session intends to move forward without delay to discern the consensus of the congregation with respect to re-investing in real property. Purchase of real property is by vote of the congregation pursuant to Book of Order G-1.0503 (d). The Session will also be engaging the congregation in discussion about building and grounds priorities as we move forward to make our church facility welcoming, accessible, safe, and updated.
The Session acknowledges with deep gratitude the many generous contributions to the manse project by dedicated SHPC members.
Newly elected elders Koren Grubb (Worship) and Scott Hamilton (Finance) will be ordained and installed Feb. 25, and join the Session at that time. Compassionate ministry deacons Lisa Bane, Sharon Hamilton, and Robin Holway AbuAly were elected for an initial one-year term, and will also be ordained/installed. The Nominating committee for 2018-2019 will be Elder representative Dennis Latta, who was re-elected for an additional year as Clerk, a Deacon representative, and at-large members Steve Derr, Patti Eisinger, and Kristen Rivers (one year terms). Blessings to our new and continuing officers and leaders!
Our outgoing officers were recognized and thanked for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the church: Jody Brockett, Worship, Doug Eisinger, Finance, Kit Argilla, Deacon Moderator, Nancy Rosencranz, Marie Ongaro, and Peg Maclise, Deacons. THANK YOU, dear officers!
The Budget which had been approved by Session January 3 was reviewed and the Pastor's Terms of Call were approved by the congregation.
From the Session of SHPC: Dennis Latta, Clerk, Jody Brockett, Worship Elder, Doug Eisinger, Finance Elder, Patti Vance, Mission Elder, Janel Stewart, Family Ministries Elder, Merle Ongaro, Membership Elder, Ahmed AbuAly, Building and Grounds Elder, Kit Argilla, Deacon Moderator, and Rev. Bev Brewster, Pastor
|
|
Report from Your Clerk of Session - February15 Meeting
The Session reviewed the Annual Meeting, discussed the 2/9 Presbytery meeting, where the motion to sell was approved, set a criteria for selecting a real estate professional to represent the church in the sale of the manse, selected Steve Derr based on the approved criteria, and made plans to invite the other real estate professionals in the congregation who have not already done so to join the Real Estate advisory team. Details of the tenant move and wrap up were discussed, and a budget for readying 110 Tarry to go on the market was approved.
The 2017 Statistical Report was approved, and plans were made for transition and training for our new elders. Committees presented reports.
-- Dennis Latta, Clerk of Session
|
|
Monthly Report from Building and Grounds
from Ahmed, your B and G Elder
The Session would like to thank Bob and Bobby Steiner for their generous gift to the church building and grounds! We are delighted to put your gift to work!
If you feel called to work on repairing and updating our building and grounds, please contact Ahmed by
clicking here.
We are still in the process of getting our plumbing and irrigation lines repaired and upgraded. And getting our MMWD bill reduced!
The Fellowship Hall closet doors continue to be a problem despite great efforts by the B and G team. The Fellowship Hall needs a fresh coat of paint, at least on the high impact spots!
Upcoming Projects:
We are in the process of planning and design for wheelchair access from upstairs to downstairs. Last Sunday we had two visitors on crutches and faced the dilemma of no access between sanctuary and restrooms for the disabled.
Our outdoor lighting needs to keep the building illuminated enough for safety and be earth-friendly.
We are evaluating what to do about the sanctuary windows, which may not be repairable.
Most exterior doors need repair or replacement. Wheelchair access needs work!
Our sidewalk around the church is uneven and needs leveling so it's not a tripping hazard.
The kitchen is not adequate for our youth REST cooking program and needs immediate attention for stove/oven safety.
Previous surveys have shown a great interest in updating the kitchen and bringing beauty to the grounds next to the patio.
|
|
Yoga with Karen
Hello & Namaste!
Community Yoga at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian
Upstairs at 100 Tarry Rd, San Anselmo
Every Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm
$10 donation, with 10% donated to hunger programs
We have mats if you don't.
Wear clothes you can move in.
This is community class where we are moving through the basics of yoga whilst building strength and flexibility.
x Karen
|
|
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
|
|
Call For Garden Volunteers
at the San Pedro School Garden
Do you enjoying gardening? Sanzuma needs your help!
Sanzuma is dedicated to increasing access to healthy food sources through programs that focus on reconnecting communities with their environment
. Contact Lori Davis for more information on how you can help her clean San Pedro School Garden.
|
|
|
Presbyterian leaders reach out to Parkland, Florida following school shooting
LOUISVILLE - Ash Wednesday turned deadly in Parkland, Florida when a lone gunmanopened fire at the Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 and wounding more than 14.
...
A day after the shooting, the community and its faith leaders are still reeling from what happened. The
Presbytery of Tropical Florida released a statement this morning to churches and their members.
"There are no words that can capture the depth of despair we hold after the violence that took place at the school," said the Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena, general presbyter of the presbytery. "With you, I watched the television reports, interacted on social media, and sat in silence. I heard an interview with one student who said 'We can mourn. We can grieve. But we've got to push forward.' I heard the resolve in his voice and I'm claiming that resolve for us to push forward."
...
...
FLAPDAN Director Kathy Broyard will be among those attending the vigil on Friday evening.
"It's horrific. These are kids and it's just beyond comprehension that anyone could do something like this," she said. "This is the third mass shooting in Florida in 20 months. Other shootings include the Pulse Night Club in Orlando and the shooting in the baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale Airport. It weighs heavily on faith leaders when you see this kind of violence."
...
"It only deepens the tragedy to reflect on how unsurprising such events have become in our national psyche. According to CNN, since the shooting at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, over 150,000 American students have had direct experience of a shooting in their school. That number, if accurate, represents a staggering exposure to trauma, trauma that is reinforced every time another mass shooting unfolds," said the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, PDA director. "Add to that the thousands of underreported and unregarded single deaths by guns that happen in our cities on a daily basis and the cost of this violence is staggering."
"There is no way a troubled teenager should have had access to an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and what was described as 'countless magazines' full of high-powered bullets," read the statement. "Even as we mourn this unnecessary loss of life, we call on our lawmakers to shake off fear of the gun lobby, distractions of other legislative matters, and the paralysis of hyper-partisanship and take action to ensure universal background checks be enacted and high powered weapons be taken off the streets of our nation."
...
|
|
One Great Hour of Sharing gifts transform lives far and near
By Pat Cole | Presbyterians Today
Rev. Desiree Lawson of Trinity United Presbyterian Church and Gail Farnham of PDA Disaster Response Team embrace in Flint, Mich. Last year was a challenging one with several major hurricanes and wildfires. One Great Hour of Sharing gifts made it possible for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance workers to bring not only much-needed supplies to areas hit by natural disasters, but to bring hope and hugs as well.
Even before Hurricane Maria made landfall in September 2017, the Rev. Edwin González-Castillo and other Presbyterian leaders in Puerto Rico received promises of help from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).
González-Castillo, the stated clerk of the Presbytery of San Juan, says PDA lived up to its word quickly. Days after the storm hit, the first wave of PDA grants arrived and community needs were being met.
In the presbytery, funds were distributed among each of the 15 congregations, and the presbytery matched PDA's initial funding for community assistance. Desperately needed items such as food, water, diapers and medical supplies were swiftly in the hands of hurricane survivors.
"We were able to help families who had lost almost everything," González-Castillo said. Hurricane Maria's 150 mph winds destroyed homes, infrastructure and vegetation across the island and resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries. In addition, the hurricane left millions without electricity or drinkable water.
One Great Hour of Sharing gifts helped PDA respond immediately after three major hurricanes pounded the United States and/or the Caribbean, a devastating earthquake shook Central Mexico, and raging wildfires wreaked havoc across the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to One Great Hour of Sharing, PDA can mount responses that are timely, nimble and effective.
In Puerto Rico, Presbyterians never doubted that PDA would respond fast, and they know that PDA will remain for the long haul, González-Castillo says. "The help PDA brings is long-term, and we are grateful that when other groups leave Puerto Rico, we will still have PDA giving us a hand."
Puerto Rican Presbyterians appreciate the prayer support and encouraging words they have received from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), González-Castillo said. When people from the mainland ask them about providing tangible help, González-Castillo says Puerto Rican Presbyterian leaders have a standard reply: "We tell everybody the best way to help us is through PDA."
The hurricane response has elevated Presbyterian visibility in Puerto Rican communities, and González-Castillo expects that the denomination's name recognition will continue to grow as the recovery efforts continue.
"In many places here, Presbyterians are not very well known, but through things like this, when we attend to disasters and when our communities get the kind of help PDA provides, the Presbyterian name becomes familiar and people see that our church is here to help," he said.
In addition to PDA, the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering supports the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) and the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP). It is received by most congregations on Palm Sunday or Easter. All three ministries that benefit from the offering work for change that makes a lasting difference.
Learn more about the One Great Hour of Sharing offering by
clicking here.
|
Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative's 6th Annual Food & Faith Conference
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Registration begins at 1:00 pm
Conference program is from 1:30 - 7:30 pm
Cost: $45 through February 20th, $55 afterwards
Scholarships available -- no one will be turned away due to lack of funds!
If three or more people register from the same congregation, each receives a $15
discount on registration!
Contact us today to learn more about scholarships and group discounts.
Location: Manzanita Recreation Center
630 Drake Avenue
Marin City, CA 94965
|
From 2/18/18 Marin Voice: Let's not make it easier for kids to get pot
Join Pastor Bev, Bridget Clark, Matt Podboy and other concerned adults in speaking out against normalizing recreational pot! Support the Coalition Connection and speak out at Town Council meetings!
Here's a great info piece from Linda Henn, of the CC:
Adult use of recreational marijuana was legalized in the state of California, effective Jan. 1. While it's true that a majority voted for it, what remains unclear is what that means.
Did residents vote to decriminalize marijuana possession? Destigmatize personal adult use? Support a legal and regulated market? Have retail locations in their town?
Under state law, municipalities have the flexibility to make policies regarding commercial and personal use. While the various towns sort through the regulations, here are a few things to consider:
* What are the implications of having a retail location in your town?
* How much tax revenue will it generate?
* What is the cost of regulation, law enforcement, health care and education?
* What are some of the unintended consequences as it relates to youth?
Some of this is difficult to anticipate, yet w
e have reports from other communities, data on our local conditions and credible research that makes one thing clear - legalized marijuana is not good for youth. This is what we know:
* Youth use increases as the perception of harm goes down, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. What "normalizing" message could we be sending our youth if storefronts open in town where they gather?
* As perception of harm goes down, so does age of onset. Between 2007 and 2011 the rate of marijuana use among sixth-graders increased by 247 percent, according to a University of Michigan report.
...
As we consider what legalization means for our communities, we want to be mindful of the impact on residents of all ages. We recognize that this can be a difficult subject with potential to divide communities. It's imperative, however, that we inform ourselves and take part in the public process.
Adults have several ways to access marijuana aside from recreational retail outlets. Delivery for recreational pot is available in most Marin towns, as well as access to medical marijuana and home cultivation. The town of Fairfax has a medical dispensary and, under current regulations, allows up to three.
The policies created now will shape the culture of our towns and the futures of our kids. Getting marijuana in Marin is not difficult for adults. Let's not make it easier for youth. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
|
Zephyr Experience June 24-29, 2018
Bridges to Hope: Exploring Diversity in Religion and Politics
Join a community of progressive Christians
Learn from scholars and church leaders-
including Pastor Bev
Look more deeply together into pressing issues
Celebrate in worship and song
Enjoy Lake Tahoe at your footsteps
Zephyr Experience 2018 offers five days of morning classes for adults and children. Afternoons are free to explore a choice of activities, and evenings offer a time to worship together, watch the sunsets, and play games.
Register by phone or mail (we have brochures in the narthex), and find more information online at www.zephyrpoint.org
|
|
|
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Katie Brendler,
Editor
|
|
|
|
