|
|
| Baptism, a Sacrament of Belonging |
|
|
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
|
|
|
Weekly Happenings at SHPC
|
November 9th, 2017
|
|
Called to Serve
Joshua 24, Micah 6:8, the Great Commandment, and John 15:17
This Sunday, November 12, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. please join Pastor Bev in welcoming Second Lieutenant Nicki Arnold Swindle, seminarian, wife and daughter of combat Veterans, Blue Star Mom, Chaplain Candidate, Alabama National Guard, and community family life minister, to our pulpit in honor of Veterans Day. Let's welcome a new voice to our community, a voice which brings a deep understanding of the call to military service.
Our children will be introduced to a beautiful new book by friend of the church Jeanne Walker Harvey on the childhood and life of Maya Lin, designer of the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial.
All are invited to stay after the service for
Let's Talk Financial Resiliency from 10:45 - noon.
|
|
|
|
A Note from Pastor Bev
The Hebrew Bible tells the liberating story of God's chosen leader Moses leading God's people Israel out of slavery in Egypt. Moses is a true hero of the Bible, and puts up with a lot of grief on the journey to the Promised Land. While he's up on Mount Sinai getting the stone tablets with the 10 Commandments from God, the folks down below melt down their jewelry to create an idol, the golden calf, and worship that. Moses throws down the tablets in a rage, goes back up to get a second set, and then perseveres as far as the River Jordan.
But God takes Moses home before the crossing into the Promised Land. A new leader, Joshua, takes command, and what ensues is a story of mass murder in Jericho. If you're on the side of Israel, it's a win. If not, it's genocide. This is so troubling, we might be tempted to simply react by rejecting it. But since this is part of our sacred text, we might be called to puzzle over it, rather than react and reject.
Our nation is sorely divided, and even here in San Anselmo, folks are choosing up sides, living with an "us and them" mentality. When we're in our tribal mind, we miss a lot. We don't see the whole picture. We might only see the parts that make our tribe right, that make us winners.
By the later part of the Hebrew Bible, God was calling God's people out of their tribal minds and into an inclusive and unified community. Let's remember our call to unity, our call to build bridges across divides. We all are one in mission!
With blessings of peace,
Bev
|
|
|
Friday, November 10
NOON
|
Bible Study |
|
Sunday, November 12
9:00 a.m.
1
0:30 a.m.
10:40 a.m.
|
Veterans' Day Weekend
Honored Guest - 2nd Lt. Nicki Arnold Swindle
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
Let's Talk Church Financial Resiliency
|
|
Wednesday, November 15
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
|
Session meets at the church
SHPC Singers- All Welcome
|
|
Friday, November 17
NOON
|
Bible Study
|
|
Sunday, November 19
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
|
Gratitude Sunday
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
|
|
Bible Study this Friday, November 10th - Noon
Joshua 24 and John 15
All are welcome!
|
|
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Those who lost their loved ones and are injured and suffering on account of the Texas church shooting, the NYC truck driving tragedy, the Las Vegas shooting, may God comfort and heal them, and may God guide us to bring less hate and more peace to the world in a meaningful way;
Those who are still suffering on account of the wildfires, the hurricanes, and the earthquakes, may God bless them and bring them strength and hope, and accompaniment through rebuilding,
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 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;
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;
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.
|
|
Stewardship Update
Many, many thanks for your pledges! As of Stewardship Sunday, over $107,000 had been pledged towards our goal of $147,000. For those who haven't pledged yet, please bring your cards to church this Sunday or send them in by the beginning of next week if you can, since Session is budgeting for 2018 next Wednesday. If you have any questions about church finance, you can email Doug Eisinger, Finance Elder, by clicking here, and if you need a pledge card, click here. Together, we are building up this caring community of peacemakers for the good of the world!
With gratitude,
James and Karen Baigrie,
Stewardship Chairs
|
|
We Welcome Guest Preacher Nicki Arnold Swindle to worship this Sunday, November 12
We warmly welcome to the pulpit Sunday Nicki Arnold Swindle, who is a Second Lieutenant Chaplain Candidate in the Alabama Army National Guard, a Blue Star Mom of a Deployed US Soldier, and the wife and daughter of combat Veterans. Nicki is the Community Family Life Minister at First Christian Church in Anniston, Alabama, and a Clinical Pastoral Education Spiritual Care Intern at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base, CA. She is a third year seminary student at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and a Disciples Seminary Foundation student.
We look forward to the word Nicki will bring in honor of Veterans' Day.
|
|
Worship is Our Sacred Gathering
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:
|
|
|
 |
Financial Resiliency FAQs from Session
Next Let's Talk Sun. Nov. 12 @ 10:40 a.m.
Dear Members and Friends of Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
If you are just tuning in to the church finance discussion, Session has prepared FAQs for you. Click here. 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 proposal for church finances going forward, as presented in the congregational letter and Let's Talk in August, and then Chris Lopin and Mark Sarkisian will present the Junior Suite proposal. 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 ;
(2)
reduce our debt;
(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
|
|
To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles
The youth participated in two fun events last week: Bocce Day and the Halloween Open house.
We had a great time at bocce ball, learning how to play and coming up with fun ways to throw the balls. Our game got a little rambunctious, with our laughter echoing throughout the bocce ball courts. Though we were told the laughter was a welcome sound, I feel I must apologize if anyone's throw was off because we distracted them. When our outing finally came to a close, we were sad to leave the bocce balls behind.
SHPC's Halloween Open House is a wonderful annual tradition of community building, and I was glad to be a part of it this year. An outward community focus is always a sign of a healthy church. This year's open house was a huge success, with over a hundred trick-or-treaters and their parents stopping by for candy, popcorn, water, and hot apple cider. Sleepy Hollow was a welcome pit stop for the monsters, super heroes, and princesses with full bags of candy and tired feet. Seeing our fellowship hall filled with dozens of our friends and neighbors was such a treat!
We had games and coloring sheets out during the night, and several parents expressed interest in bringing their kids to a game night if Sleepy Hollow were to host one. Perhaps the youth group could host game night as a monthly event? Definitely something we should talk about, as it would be another great opportunity for outreach.
Grace and peace,
Charles
Save the Dates:
Game Night Friday, November 17th - 6:30-9 p.m.
Advent/Christmas Art Workshop Fun for all Ages Friday, Dec. 8th - 5-8
|
Celebration of Baptisms
|
|
| Baptism of Oliver Farbod, with Ava Farbod and Laurie O'Hara |
|
|
|
The Newly Baptized, Ava and Oliver Farbod, with their Dad, Arde
|
|
Meet Even More New Members!
|
|
|
| Andy Eisinger |
|
|
|
|
| Cami Brunjes |
|
|
|
|
|
AJ Torres and mom Laurie O Hara
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Maureen (Mo) and Damon Blechen |
|
|
|
|
| Justin and Anna Welch |
|
|
|
|
| Kristen and Greg Rivers |
|
|
|
|
| Pim and Warren Brouwer and Judy Ford |
|
|
|
|
| (Top row) Ava Podboy & Jordan Gauna |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lisa and Andy Bane with daughters Ellarie and Kalli
|
|
|
|
All-Church Bocce - Fun for All!
|
|
|
The Winners! Doug and Patti Eisinger, Katie McKee, and Sharon AdamsThanks to Elder Merle Ongaro and Deacons for Organizing Us!!!!!
|
|
Visit Ethan Russell's Gallery on San Anselmo Ave.!
|
|
|
|
| Heidi Blechen and Friend |
|
|
|
|
| The Swaim Family |
|
|
|
|
| (right) Jessie Gauna with friends |
|
|
|
|
| Greg, Abigail and Braelin Rivers |
|
|
|
|
| The Warriors and Friends |
|
|
|
Stewardship Sunday and Harvest Feast
Thank you to Peg, Carolyn, Nancy and Steve, Robin, and all who helped make this a GREAT Feast!
|
|
|
| Charles and the Youth Group |
|
|
|
|
| Ethan and Owen |
|
|
|
| Thank you to the Eldridge String Quartet: (L to R) Charmian, Joel, Tammie, and Meg |
|
|
Order Your Holiday Wreaths Sunday from Warren
|
|
|
| Happy wreath customer Lisa Bane with Warren |
|
Dear church fellows and participants, and all others who contribute to the church,
My name is Warren Brouwer, and some of you will know me as the "Wreath Scout", as I have been likewise selling wreaths to you for three years at the autumn fest in the first weekend of November. These wreaths will benefit my boy scout troop 59 and me to embark on new camp-outs and will also make your front door look beautiful. I am here to announce that once again I am selling these wreaths on the first and second weekends of November this year. If you would like to buy one of these wreaths from me again or for the first time, make sure to bring your checkbooks on those to Sundays. If you cannot make it to these two Sundays, feel free to order online from my website.
http://sffsalestrack.com/BSATroop59/WarrenBrouwerTroop59
Thank you all,
Warren Brouwer
|
 CALLING ALL YOUTH REST COOKS!
Food 4 Good,
SHPC's Youth R.E.S.T. Cooking Program has started! W
e also planted our winter garden as seen in the pictures.
Come join us next month. We meet the first Sunday of every month from 4-6pm to cook.
Hope your kids can join us! Please sign up online here.
|
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,
[email protected] or 415.250.6264.
|
|
JOIN US FOR COMMUNITY YOGA
Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm
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
|
Take Action for Climate Justice!
Tell Your Member to Support Climate Just
Raise your voice about the COP 23
The 23rd annual United Nations climate change conference started this week, in Bonn, Germany. For the next two weeks, representatives from more than 200 countries will meet to plan how to effectively and robustly implement the Paris climate agreement. OPW Domestic Policy Representative, Nora Leccese, is in Bonn among dozens of representatives for the global faith community. They are advocating and bearing witness to the proceedings.
This is a crucial moment. Given our Administration's decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement, it is more important than ever for Americans like you to show that you are still committed to caring for God's creation and about the devastating impact that climate change is having on vulnerable and under-resourced communities, at home in the United States and overseas.
Evidence continues to mount of the devastating impact of global warming. Just last month, the
federal government itself released a report
encouraging the administration to take climate change risks into account when making policy decisions. Extreme weather events, more frequent and intense because of climate change, have cost the federal government over $350 billion in the last decade. The report makes clear that these costs and other climate change-associated risks, like heat-related deaths and coastal home damage, will continue to rise if the government does not create policy based on the reality of climate change.
A recent analysis from the United Nations Environment Program
also warned of the dangers of inaction. The analysis revealed a large gap between pledges made by countries in the Paris Agreement and the actual greenhouse gas reductions needed to prevent dangerous changes in our climate. The report did not, however, take into account the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement, which would make the gap even wider.
While representatives from around the world gather in Germany to build on the Paris Agreement, the U.S. Congress will also have an opportunity to faithfully live out its moral duty to care for its citizens. Over the next month, Congress will be deciding how to fund the federal government. This process includes funding for programs such as UNFCCC.
Please take a moment to contact your Member of Congress and urge them to use their tools to protect creation and our vulnerable sisters and brothers by supporting funding for climate solutions.
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to mass shooting in Texas
LOUISVILLE - While the community of Sutherland Springs, Texas, grapples with yesterday's mass shooting at First Baptist Church, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding. Mission Presbytery has requested PDA's presence to meet with church leaders and determine the best way to minister during this time.
The shooting occurred during worship services at the church. At least 26 people were killed and more than 20 were wounded. As many as eight of those who died were from one family. State officials call it the largest mass shooting in Texas' history.
"National Associate the Rev. Dr. Jim Kirk and the Rev. Katherine Cullpepper from PDA's National Response Team are in San Antonio today to support the presbytery as it responds and equips its faith communities," said the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, PDA director. "Sunday was the Feast of All Saints, marking the church's commemoration of those whose lives have joined the church triumphant in the foregoing year."
Among those killed was the 14-year-old daughter of the church pastor. Both the pastor and his wife were out of state when the shooting occurred.
"At least 26 additional saints were ruthlessly and violently robbed of their lives, saints ranging in age from 5 to 72 years," said Kraus. "There are no words or prayers eloquent enough to describe the horror and outrage this atrocity evokes, the second mass shooting and third domestic terror attack in less than a month."
Last evening, the First Baptist Church of LaVernia, approximately five miles from Sutherland Springs, held a prayer vigil. Sallie Watson, general presbyter at Mission Presbytery attended the service.
"The service was lovely. People were given the opportunity to pray aloud as they felt led to," she said. "There was a large group of teens in attendance and were likely friends with the pastor's daughter or the other young people in the church. I was glad they had a safe place to go and be among their friends."
The nearest Presbyterian congregation is Boldtville Presbyterian Church, approximately 20 miles away from Sutherland Springs. Watson said the congregation has several personal connections to First Baptist.
"A woman at Boldtville received a text from her brother who was at First Baptist, telling her not to come home after church because there was an active shooting. Another young man came in at the conclusion to say his mother was the church organist," said Watson. "The Boldtville pastor called on the congregation to take time and pray before dismissal."
Watson says the Boldtville church will hold a service of witness and prayer on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
"We are expecting people from the Sutherland Springs community to be at the service on Wednesday and I'm hoping we have a good turnout from the presbytery as well," she said. "Whatever we can do in solidarity, especially recognizing that one of our congregations has been touched by this, I'm glad we can do it."
|
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
|
|
| |
|
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Katie Brendler,
Editor
|
|
|
|
