The Baptism of Christ by Guido Reni c. 1622-23
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
March 8, 2018
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sacred Circle - Enveloped in Love

      This Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m., we'll be centering ourselves to experience the Sacred and claim a holy moment. Our pastoral intern, Andrew Quick, will be preaching about the memorable holy moment at the baptism of Jesus where God says, You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.  We'll remind each other that all of us are included in that divine love!
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note from Pastor Bev

It's International Women's Day, and a great day to spend at least a few minutes thinking about the inspiring women in our lives, in our pasts, and in history- or better, herstory.  Truly we stand on the shoulders of many sheroes!

Locating the sheroes of the Bible requires approaching the text like beachcombers scouring a well-washed beach.  We follow in the footsteps of feminist scholars like Elizabeth Johnson and Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza who have searched the text diligently for mentions of women, knowing that most are not mentioned.  Many are unnamed, and thus more easily forgotten.  
But throughout the Bible, women are indeed  prophets, judges, warriors, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, disciples, providers, teachers, leaders, and in all 4 gospels, the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus.

Let's give thanks for these sheroes of the Bible:  Shiphrah and Puah (the midwives who saved Moses in Exodus 1); Miriam, sister of Moses; Deborah (Judges chapters 4 -5); Ruth; Esther;  Mary Mother of Jesus; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who provided for Jesus (Luke 8:2-3), Mary, mother of James (witness to resurrection); Mary of Bethany and her sister Martha (Luke 10); Paul's ministry partner Priscilla (Acts 18 and Romans 16); house church leader Lydia (Acts 16); and deacon Phoebe (Romans 16).

With prayers of gratitude for our sheroes,
Bev

March Calendar
Friday, March 9
                 NOON


Bible Study 

Saturday, March 10

          6:30- 9:00 p.m. 
MARIN YOUTH CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT
Marin Art and Garden Center- Eco Awards
Sunday, March 11
                 9:30 a.m.    
              
              10:30 a.m.

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sacred Circle - Andrew P. Quick preaching
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!

Mexico Mission Paperwork - Intent to participate Forms due
Tuesday, March 13
               5:30 p.m.
               5:30 p.m.
               8:00 p.m. 
Newsletter Items Due
Yoga
Women's Rest @ Wellness Ctr., SR
AA- Men's meeting
Wednesday, March 14
               7:30 p.m. 

SHPC Singers 
Friday, March 16
                  NOON

Bible Study
Sunday, March 18
               9:30 a.m.

             10:30 a.m.
Fifth Sunday in Lent- We Celebrate New Members
Sacred Circle - Holy Moments
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
Game Night was a blast!
Pictionary Plus Pizza!



Calling Gracious Organized Friendly People 
to Lead Our Hospitality Team 2018!
We are off to a terrific start!  Thank you!
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 something new, and inviting all members and friends to sign up 2-3 times for set-up or clean-up plus snacks.  Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board!  The hospitality team leader of the month will teach new folks how to make coffee etc.  This will be fun! If you're thinking of leading a month,  Yes, you can co-host with a friend!  
             To volunteer to lead a month, click HOSPITALITY

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 to help out at least 2  times from 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   
March:  Sue Burr
Sign up now and keep the hospitality
 going!

Bible Study this Friday- March 2, Noon
Isaiah 40:3-5 and Mark 1:1-13
ALL WELCOME!
Please Remember in Your Prayers 

Ahmed AbuAly's dear mother, Sherifa, who has had a serious stroke and is in ICU in Egypt, and Ahmed and his family, for God's loving presence and for God's peace.
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 continue 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;
Our mission partners in immigrant detention visitation, CIVIC, for restoration of visiting privileges:
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, and for God's healing presence;
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;
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;
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 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

Bringing dignity to our unhoused friends @ St. Rita's on Monday, March 5: Scott, Nancy, Sharon, Ana, Steve, and Katie

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, 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,  carolyn@goodmanmarketing.com or 415.250.6264.
After REST, how will SHPC continue our commitment to serve the unhoused community?  

A warm thank you to Supervisor Katie Rice for her time last Sunday addressing our questions and concerns about the end of the REST program. 

Supervisor Rice affirmed the meaningful contribution SHPC volunteers have made over the years in bringing dignity to the unhoused community through our ministries to the men, the women, and with our youth's cooking from the Justice Garden.  We are now in the process of  discerning the Spirit's call and identifying how we are being led to continue our commitment to serve the unhoused.  Howard Schwartz of the HOT (homeless outreach team) program will be our next guest speaker as we pursue this process.

To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles












Congratulations to our youth!
 
The art piece that the youth group did, Progress - mixed media (Pictured Above), won 2nd place in the Marin Youth Climate Change Summit art competition! Great job everyone!
 
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 - For more information or to register, scroll down to the next item.

Tickets are free, and we'll get to see all of the other entries in the competition. Let's support each other in seeking solutions to climate change!

Also, we are planning on starting up another confirmation class, so please let me know if your child is interested in participating.
 
Thanks!

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 this Saturday!
Art - Music - Speakers - Poetry Slam- Video - Dance
Support our Youth Eco Leaders!
 Join Pastor Bev, Charles Wei, and our Youth
Saturday, March 10 
at the Marin Art and Garden Center from 6:30-9 p.m. 

For more information, check out  their website
http://www.youthclimatechangesummit.org/index.html
Thanks to all who came out for the Mexico Mission Kickoff BBQ! 
And many thanks to Mark, Chris, Gary, Jim, Brian, Lundy, Walter, our terrific adult leader team

If you intend to go on the trip, the first two forms are due March 11.
  1. The Intention to Participate Form
  2. Application Form (including a short written response describing your motivation for joining the trip)
You can find these forms as well as other information on our website

Please note that our next meeting will be Sunday, March 25th at 11:30am at Sleepy Hollow Church.

The completed information can be mailed to Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church (c/o Mexico Mission, 100 Tarry Rd San Anselmo), e-mailed to Katie or dropped off in the black lock box at the church on the outside wall of the building to the left of the ground level fellowship hall window/door.

Spread the word!
Questions?
Click here for Katie in the church office
 
One Great Hour of Sharing gifts transform lives far and near
 
We will be collecting for One Great Hour of Sharing on Palm Sunday (3/25) through the envelopes that will be in the bulletin that Sunday as well as through the fish banks that will be given to the children. Below you will find some information about the program.

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing -Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

Received during the season of Lent (February 14 - April 1), each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God's love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world.

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (PDA)
Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation
of natural or human-caused disasters, and support for refugees
Receives 32% of funds raised

PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGRAM (PHP)
Takes action to alleviate hunger, care for creation, and the systemic causes of
poverty so all may be fed
Receives 36% of funds raised

SELF-DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE (SDOP)
Invests in communities responding to their experiences of oppression, poverty
and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these issues
Receives 32% of funds raised

Learn more about the One Great Hour of Sharing offering by clicking here.
Report from Building and Grounds
from Ahmed, your B and G Elder

Richard Peltzman repairing the roof over our historic church bell
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

JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY IN MARCH FOR COMMUNITY YOGA:

SLEEPY HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
UPSTAIRS IN THE SANCTUARY

TUESDAYS 5:30-6:30PM

MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27

We will move our bodies and in so doing, our spirits will move too.
We will make time for silence as we build community.

Karen x
Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat! 
From Koren Grubb, Worship Elder


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. 

To sign up, email Koren Grubb 


Call For Garden Volunteers 
at the San Pedro School Garden
Saturday, March 10
Garden Clean Up For
Healthy Lunches for Kids

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. 

From Marin Moms Demand Action: We've had enough. Thoughts and prayers are not enough to honor the victims of gun violence.  What we need now is ACTION. Lawmakers have had enough time to come around to common sense, and we're done waiting. We must now elect leaders who will finally act to save lives from gun violence.  It's time to throw them out.  You can find out more at  https://momsdemandaction.org/  

The local chapter, Marin Moms Demand Action, will be joining in the wider community for the March for our Lives which is a rally in support of the National #MarchForOurLives movement in support of the children of Stoneman Douglas High School. SHPC will be carpooling from the church parking lot to ride together to the Sat. March 24 1 p.m. MARCH for OUR LIVES convening at SF Civic Center. To register for the event, click here. SHPC is working with Marin Moms Demand action to bring a sensible gun law event to our church. Stay tuned for more information as it arises.
The U.S. has chosen to admit at most 45,000 refugees this year - lower than historical norms and far lower than the need.  Further, as described in recent news stories , under-staffing and numerous significant changes to the rules for refugee admissions mean that the actual number of refugees allowed in under the Trump Administration is likely to be far fewer.
 
Please write to your Members of Congress to tell them that this is unacceptable - we must welcome more refugees.  We have a moral obligation to provide shelter for those in danger, and barring our doors to innocents is unacceptable.  Many refugees have fled torture and other violence, but even those who have escaped immediate physical danger still confront discrimination, and limited access to food, education, and clean water, as well as new threats to their physical security.

Tell Congress to push back and mandate an increase in this historically low cap on the number of refugees allowed into the U.S.  Congress also needs to pressure the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to ensure adequate staffing to screen and clear refugees so we don't leave them bogged down in bureaucracy. 

****
This April 20-23, NRCAT and several of our national faith partners are sponsoring the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days with the theme of "A World Uprooted: Responding to Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People."  You are invited to join 1,000 faith advocates who will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to learn more about the global refugee crisis and to lobby Members of Congress to protect refugees - more information at advocacydays.org.  If you are already planning to attend, please stop by the NRCAT booth and say hello!
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
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221