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Sunday Morning in the Justice Garden
Taking Time to Stop and Smell the Basil
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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February 1, 2018
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Why We're Here
A Celebration of Community
and Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Immediately Following Worship
This Sunday, February 4, at 9:30 a.m., we take time to celebrate who we are, why we're here, and what we are building together. Our community is authentic, thriving, growing, loaded with energy, and mission-centered. We remember always that the church is the body of Christ in the world, and that our time together is holy. We are here to live the love and justice of Jesus and bring it to the wider world; what joy! We have a lot to celebrate!
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A Note from Pastor Bev
I hope you all received your Annual Report yesterday and have enjoyed reading about the great year our church experienced in 2017! God has been so good to us! (You can scroll down to the Annual Meeting item and click to the report.) Please thank each of the elders and deacons for their tremendous dedication over the last year. They have served the church faithfully and well.
I am so grateful for our outgoing elders, Jody Brockett (Worship) and Doug Eisinger (Finance). How can we thank them enough? I should have commissioned a song from Stephen! And for our Deacon Moderator, Kit Argilla, too! And our Deacons, Robin Holway AbuAly, Peg Maclise, Marie Ongaro, and Nance Rosencranz! What a blessing each of these officers has been to the church and to each of us! Let's celebrate them and our church on Sunday!
With blessings of peace,
Bev
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Friday, February 2
NOON
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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Bible Study
Game Night!- Fun for All Ages!
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Sunday, February 4
10:30 a.m. or earlier
4:00-6:00 p.m.
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5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Why We're Here
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Youth REST Cooking |
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Monday, February 5
5:30 p.m.
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Men's REST at St. Rita's
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Tuesday, February 6
8:00 p.m.
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Newsletter Items Due
AA- Men's meeting
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Wednesday, February 7
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Pastor Bev departs for PC(USA) National Board Meeting and is away through 2/12 - Please call Andrew Quick for pastoral care emergencies @ 831-207-7356
SHPC Singers- new singers welcome! |
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Friday, February 9
NOON
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Bible Study- TBD with Andrew
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Sunday, February 11
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Fat Sunday/MUSICAL CELEBRATION!
Make a Joyful Noise with Special Musical Guests!
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
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Wednesday, Feb. 14
7:00 p.m.
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ASH WEDNESDAY - LENT BEGINS
Service of Music, Scripture, Prayer. Anointment
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Annual Meeting of the Congregation
and Vote on the Sale of 110 Tarry
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018
Immediately following Worship
Members Must Be Present to Vote
For The Annual Report and the meeting agenda,
click here.
For Updated FAQs explaining why the Session is bringing a motion for sale at this time,
click here.
For a Sale and Investment Fact Sheet from Session and Presbytery,
click here.
The Session has reviewed the survey of preferences and found that the active members of the church strongly support a sale of 110 Tarry. The survey was advisory;
members must be present 2/4 to vote. To review the survey results, click
here and
here.
The Session of SHPC brings the following motion to the duly noticed Annual Meeting of the Congregation for vote of its membership pursuant to Book of Order G-1.0503 (d):
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 has been approved by the Church Mission Finance Committee of the Presbytery of the Redwoods, to permit a vote of the membership of the congregation.
The Session acknowledges with deep gratitude the many generous contributions to the manse project by dedicated SHPC members.
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).
Members must be present to vote.
Additional business: recognition of outgoing officers, election of new officers, review of the 2018 budget, and vote on the Pastor's Terms of Call.
Please contact Dennis Latta, Clerk of Session, by
clicking here
if you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, or Doug Eisinger, by
clicking here, if you have finance questions.
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
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Bible Study this Friday- February 2, Noon
Luke 4 and Acts 2
ALL WELCOME!
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Marie Ongaro,
for successful surgery and full and speedy recovery for her injured right knee, and for God's peace to comfort and uplift her;
Justine, and 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;
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;
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 guide us, fill us, and build us up at the Annual Meeting, and 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.
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Don't Miss Game Night!
Friday, Feb. 2 from 6-8 p.m.
Pizza Provided!
Fun for All Ages!
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SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, Feb. 11 9:30 a.m.
FAT SUNDAY CELEBRATION
MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Featuring Carolyn Anderson and the Vista Hills Praise Ensemble, Stephen Iverson and the SHPC Singers, and our own Andrew P Quick bringing a
Joyful Noise!
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REST Sign-ups!
Our Life-Giving Ministry to the Unhoused Community
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Women's REST volunteers Linda, Charlotte, Millie, Carolyn, Robin, Patricia, Jeannette, and Lisa
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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.
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Great News for SHPC Mission!
Presbytery of the Redwoods awards Anne
Penke Fund Grant to SHPC
for Our Ongoing Ministries to Relieve Human Suffering
This week, SHPC received a grant from the Presbytery for $1,966.67 from the Anne Penke Fund for relief of human suffering.
Our Mission Elder Patti Vance applied for the grant, describing SHPC's ongoing ministries to relieve human suffering: Justice
Garden, REST, Mexico Mission, and our mission partnership with the Short School to address social inequalities for low-income children.
Thank you, Patti, and thank you, Presbytery of the Redwoods for your support!
If you would like to find out more about how you can help with SHPC mission, including advocacy for and visitation of immigrants in detention, and our upcoming
education for the elderly to prevent fraud/scams, please contact Patti
or
Pastor Bev
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SHPC Immigrant Visitation Team and Friends at the Home of the Argillas
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An Area of Great Need
Solidarity with Immigrants and Asylum Seekers
Visitation, Support, and Advocacy for those in Detention
Last Sunday, our hearts were moved by the life story of an asylum seeker from Nigeria, brought to us by our own Kit Argilla. He entered the US legally on a tourist visa, seeking asylum. He cannot safely return to his home country, Nigeria, where his Christian family and villagers are being massacred by Fulani herdsmen from the North, apparently with government support. He had no criminal record and no indication of being a security threat, but was shackled and incarcerated in the West End County Detention Center in Richmond, denied a phone call, and subjected to worse treatment than the criminal population of the facility. Thanks to CIVIC - Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement, he connected with our Kit Argilla of the SHPC visitation ministry team. Church volunteers from several faith communities provided money for his bond and attended his bond hearing in solidarity. He is out on bond now, awaiting hearing on his refugee status.
God calls us to welcome the stranger and to visit the prisoner; we are called to work to end the cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers.
The PC(USA) has asked Presbyterians to visit those in immigrant detention. See PDA's award winning documentary,
Locked in a Box:
https://vimeo.com/146727430
Please consider joining the SHPC visitation ministry! CIVIC's visitation hours, at this time, are Fridays from 12:45-2:45 at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. For further info or to start the process of joining the team, please contact:
Rebecca Merton
Program Coordinator, National Visitation Network
Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC)
510-883-3772
If you can't visit at this time, you are invited to PRAY, DONATE to the commissary or the bond fund, ADVOCATE, AND EDUCATE. Watch for our letter-writing campaign, led by our Youth Group!
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To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles
Hi everyone!
So much going on this month, it's hard to keep up with it all! 2 main things:
Family Game Night is this Friday, starting at
6:00 pm. This is our fun monthly gathering for people of all ages, where we can enjoy each other's company, play exciting and interesting games, and just get to know each other a little better. The church will provide yummy pizza from Mountain Mike's, and you are welcome to bring snacks to share if you like. Invite your family and friends, and let's all get together and have a good time!
The second thing is that we are pretty much ready to start filming the kids' Collective Voices Initiative videos. The permission slips have been finalized, so all we have to do now is figure out scheduling. Parents, what do you think is the best way for us to do this? I was thinking of trying a Doodle poll, but I am open to suggestions. I just finished a couple of versions for the intro for the videos, and I have to say our kids are hilarious! I can't wait for you all to see them.
Thank you, and God bless,
Charles Wei
Youth Director
Always feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback by clicking
here.
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A wonderful weekend at the Westminster Woods Women's Retreat
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| Sue, Frankie, Linda, Robin, Cat, Nance, Diane, and Jody |
Report from Westminster Woods: Women's retreat was awesome! A great chance to spend time together in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Powerful message on the Women's March weekend by a funny and inspiring speaker. And Cat conquered the zipline!
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Bev's Birthday Celebration!
Thank you to Kit and all the well-wishers for a lovely birthday!
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Building and Grounds
from Ahmed, your B and G Elder
If you feel called to work on 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.
Upcoming Projects:
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.
We are in the process of planning and design for wheelchair access from upstairs to downstairs.
Most exterior doors need repair or replacement.
Our sidewalk around the church is uneven and needs leveling so it's not a tripping hazard.
Previous surveys have shown a great interest in updating the kitchen and bringing beauty to the grounds next to the patio.
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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!
Watch for a new way to host fellowship coming in March - Hospitality Hosts for each month, with sign ups on the bulletin board!
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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
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Congress: Support Dreamers, Uphold Family Unity!
Today, Congress is negotiating legislation that would protect dreamers, but some proposals are using dreamers as a "bargaining chip" to separate families or undercut other community members. As Congress considers legislation to protect dreamers, it is critical that our national leaders prioritize proposals that reflect our commitment to family unity and offer a pathway to citizenship for as many dreamers as possible - without jeopardizing other immigrant populations. Our elected leaders also need to hear that their constituents urge them to oppose any proposal that would prevent family unification, deprive dreamers of an opportunity to pursue a pathway to citizenship, or increase the immigration detention, deportation, and border militarization machine.
The 220th General Assembly (2012) clearly stated that all governing bodies of the church should "actively [advocate] for legislation such as the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) that offers hope for young immigrants by providing a pathway to citizenship" (Minutes, 2012, Part I, p. 1140, electronic version).
Take action today and tell Congress to support the Dream Act or another bipartisan legislative solution that protects as many dreamers possible - without compromising family unity or our immigrant neighbors.
CALL CONGRESS TODAY!
Representatives: 1-888-496-3502
Senators: 1-888-410-0619
*Please call your 1 Representative and then your 2 Senators
Here's a sample script: "I am your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], and Presbyterian I urge the Representative/Senator to oppose H.R. 4760, the Securing America's Future Act, or any proposal that would create a permanent underclass in America, separate families, and remove protections for asylum seekers. Proposals that dismantle opportunities for family reunification are diametrically opposed to who we are as communities of faith. I urge your boss to support the Dream Act or another bipartisan legislative solution that offers a pathway to citizenship for as many dreamers as possible - without compromising family unity or other immigrant populations, such as H.R.4796, the Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act, which is narrowly tailored to protect dreamers and address a data-driven approach to border security. My community welcomes and values immigrants, and we urge you to do the same."
Please call your Members of Congress today and tweet the same message! Sample posts below:
- ${"["}@legislator]: As a nation, we promised to protect dreamers and H.R.4760 fails to do so. Take a stand and pass the Dream Act or another bipartisan solution like the USA Act, and oppose any legislation that prevents family unification. #DreamActNow
- ${"["}@legislator]: As my representative, I urge you to reflect my community's welcome for immigrants by opposing H.R.4760 and any legislation that harms and separates their families #HereToStay
- ${"["}@legislator]: The sanctity of family unity is a fundamental American value. We must oppose legislation that seeks to undermine it, and support solutions that protect dreamers and their families. #DreamActNow
- ${"["}@legislator]: 17,000 dreamers have already lost status, and 122 more will lose protections every day. We must pass a permanent legislative solution that protects them without jeopardizing other immigrant communities.
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The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy at Florissant Presbyterian Church preparing for General Assembly in St. Louis this June
The ACSWP studies and prepares policy recommendations on key issues facing the church and society. It provides the national church and the General Assembly with
theological and ethical analysis.
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JOIN PASTOR BEV IN DC THIS APRIL 20-23 for EAD!!
Greetings!
As we get ready to gather April 20-23 of this year, we do so at a critical moment in our nation's history. By March, if not sooner, a policy decision may be made about Dreamers, who were brought to this country by family members, most by the age of six years old or younger. They grew up as Americans but now are being threatened with deportation to countries they have never known. Migrants, refugees and other displaced people have all been hard hit by the push factors of corruption, climate change and violent conflict - and as people of faith, we must respond. In addition, just a few weeks prior to our gathering, we will mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4th. And in November, we will have midterm elections.
The 2018 theme, "A World Uprooted: Responding to Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People," reflects how important this moment and our gathering is. We have tremendous impact when we go to Capitol Hill to speak with one voice and advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable. Our witness is even more powerful as we push for policies and practices that help the least of these in our nation. Indeed, something special happens when we come together.
We have the potential to have a positive impact on our nation's policy agenda again this year as we stand as Christian witnesses for global peace with justice in our nation and around the world. Please plan to attend this year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days and invite others to join us as well. It is our time to stand up, to speak out and to represent a unified Christian voice in a world uprooted!
See you in April!
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune
Director, Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Click here to find out more on their website.
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Love Includes Everyone: A Musical Rally
Love Lives in Marin & the Mill Valley Community Action Network Present:
Love Includes Everyone: A Musical Rally
Wednesday, February 14th
Depot Square, Mill Valley
4:00-5:00 pm
Join us as we celebrate the importance of inclusion and welcoming everyone in our community. Come enjoy dynamic speakers and music.
For more information on the event click
here.
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Kara New, Interim
Editor
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