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| Building up the Beloved Community |
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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September 28th, 2017
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Season of Peace begins with
World Communion/Peacemaking Sunday
Are you feeling like the world's temperature is rising? If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by climate and other catastrophes, coupled with so much conflict near and far, October at Sleepy Hollow church is for you. We begin our Season of Peace
t
his Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.
with our celebration of World Communion/Peacemaking Sunday.
With Christians all over the world, we'll commit to making peace in our world, with all people, now. Each Sunday we'll learn a peace practice which will immediately begin to bring peace to our hearts, minds, community, and world. As Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt. 5:9)!
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A Note from Pastor Bev
We are living in an over-heated world, and now more than ever, the world needs peacemakers. How many times a day do we see drivers, bicyclists, or even pedestrians on the road whose words and actions fall somewhere between righteous indignation and road rage? Instead of wearing their hearts on their sleeves, folks seem to be getting more short-fused, ramping up the stress of daily life for everyone. When disrespectful discourse seems to be the new norm, talking about things that matter becomes risky.
Most heartbreaking to me is how our kids absorb so much negativity from the division and disrespect in our culture.
What can we do? We can start by becoming God's blessed peacemakers and committing to practice peace each day. We're devoting all 5 Sundays in October to peace practices, and will learn a new one each Sunday. You'll have a "takeaway" each week to practice daily, throughout the day, and it won't feel like one more thing to add to an overloaded day. Peace in our minds, peace in our hearts, peace in our world, peace now!
With blessings of peace,
Bev
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September/October Calendar
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Friday, September 29
8 a.m.
NOON
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Justice Garden Harvesting
Bible Study Optional Field trip to SFTS - Bev's preaching at chapel |
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Saturday, September 30
8 a.m. - noon |
Farmstand on Butterfield TBD, produce permitting |
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Sunday, October 1
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:40 a.m.
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World Communion/Peacemaking
Making Peace Now
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
New Members informational Gathering
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Wednesday, October 4
7:30 p.m.
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SHPC Singers- All Welcome
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Friday, October 6
8 a.m.
NOON
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Justice Garden Harvesting
Bible Study
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Saturday, October 7
8 a.m. - noon
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Farmstand on Butterfield TBD
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Sunday, October 8
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Season of Peace Continues
Peace of Mind and Heart
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
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Dear Bible Study Friends,
I am so sorry that I was away last week and will be at SFTS preaching tomorrow during our study time! But please come on over to SFTS if you'd like to worship with the seminary community. I'll be picking up from where we left off two weeks ago with God's Gender Galaxy, going deeper into Matthew 19:1-15.
With appreciation from Pastor Bev
Friday, 9/29 to SFTS Montgomery Chapel, Pastor Bev preaching, service starts at 12:05
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
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;
The people of Puerto Rico and all those suffering from the hurricanes and their aftermath, and from the Mexico earthquakes, and the recent wildfires, and for the firefighters, 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;
Sue Burr, for a full and speedy recovery after having her appendix removed;
Alex Caldwell, for a full and speedy recovery from
a sh
oulder injury sustained in Costa Ric
a;
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;
Katie Brendler, may God's loving presence and comfort abide with her and her family as they mourn the loss of Katie's dear Father, and for full recovery for her Mother as she gets treatment for cervical cancer;
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.
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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:
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Explore Membership - Sunday, Oct. 1 after the service
If you're enjoying being part of the church on Sundays and want to express your support for this caring community dedicated to building up the world, then come to a brief informational gathering on Sunday, Oct. 1 after the service. There's nothing scary or intimidating about membership, nothing to memorize or recite, no annual dues or fees. Becoming a member is a lovely and meaningful way to express your commitment to the community and our work to bring love and justice to the world.
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Sunday's Celebration was beautiful in all ways! Many thanks to our hosts Kit and Luke Argilla, and to Jody, Patti, Doug, Dennis, Janel, and Ahmed, and to Stephen, and to all who attended and brought the love
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CALLING ALL JUSTICE GARDENERS - Come on over to church Friday and Saturday! New folks welcome!
We'll harvest Friday at 8 a.m.
We'll be picking for St Rita's food pantry and from there decided if there is enough for a farm stand on
Saturday on the corner of Butterfield Rd and Green Valley Court!
Ways you can help:
Pick on Friday morning at 8:00am
Assist at the stand on Saturday
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If you are on the 8:00am
shift, we will meet at church to load up)
Thanks so much to everyone for your continued support of this life-bringing mission.
See you in the garden!
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Let's Share the Bounty from our Justice Garden
The Deacons are looking for suggestions! Can you think of anyone who might enjoy a small basket o
f produce from our
Justice Gar
den during this bountiful time?
Do you have a nearby elderly, sick, or lonely ne
ighbor we should know about?
Please email: Kit Argilla at
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Pastor Bev volunteered last Monday and highly recommends this program!
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The Short School is looking for volunteers Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. for gardening!!!
They are also in need of volunteers for cooking, art, and science.
Volunteer orientation is offered Sept. 6 and then not until October, so don't hesitate--
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jody
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Looking for more video about God's Gender Galaxy? Check out the following:
National Geographic's Gender Revolution Website
Preview of PC(USA) documentary coming Spring 2018: Out of Order
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JOIN US FOR COMMUNITY YOGA
TUESDAYS 5:30-6:30PM
UPSTAIRS AT SLEEPY HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
100 TARRY RD, SAN ANSELMO
FAQS
WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES THAT YOU CAN MOVE IN.
BRING A MAT IF YOU HAVE ONE (WE HAVE EXTRAS IF YOU DON'T).
WE ARE A DONATION BASED CLASS ($10 SUGGESTED)
10% OF PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE SHPC HUNGER PROGRAMS
THIS IS COMMUNITY CLASS WHICH MEANS ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME.
We are moving through a "foundational" series for the the fall, taking time for the basics. We will move slowly when needed and always with care.
Yoga is defined as a combination of three things: breath, movement and a single point of concentration. If you can breath and move (nothing fancy, just breathing while moving...) then you are two thirds of the way there! Join us as we breath and move meditatively, opening up new places in our bodies and hearts.
Karen x
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Financial Resiliency Update from the Session
Criteria for a Sustainable Resilient Church
and the Way Forward
Dear Members and Friends of Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
The new Financial Resiliency Alternate Group (FRAG) has convened and is working towards previewing their alternate option(s) at the October 18 Session meeting. Session is planning a mid-November Let's Talk where Session will again outline the Sustainability Criteria (below) for the congregation, and FRAG 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
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Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice, has published its first edition since the hire of new managing editor Henry Koenig Stone. The award-winning journal is sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP), which Bev serves on. ACSWP brings policy recommendations to the national church and serves the Presbyterian Mission Agency's Compassion, Peace, and Justice ministries.
This issue, Defending the Common Good, includes:
- A call to defend truth in the media
- Resistance to white supremacy
- A defense of churches providing sanctuary
- An ecumenical call for ecojustice
- Discussion of nuclear brinksmanship in the context of Korea
- An article on human Trafficking
- A report on the Health + Faith Cooperative in Cleveland, OH
To read the journal:
Click here
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LOUISVILLE - The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board voted Sept. 21 to reduce its size from 40 voting members to 20 - and to give the advocacy and advisory committees in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voting seats on the board.
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| Pastor Bev pictured at the meeting |
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The
large size of the current board makes it hard to communicate with all the members and build relationships, or to call meetings quickly, Godshall said - which h
as meant that the board's smaller executive committee has essentially functioned as the board in between the regular meetings.
The reconfigured board will include three program committees - a Committee to Nurture the Body; a Committee for Outreach to the World; and a Committee for Resource Allocation and Stewardship.
The board's current structure includes 40 voting members, 15 corresponding members (who have voice but not vote when the full board meets), two ecumenical advisory members and four at-large committee members.
"The current differentiation of membership categories creates confusion for participants regarding who has a vote and builds a hierarchical system that challenges the equality of members," the Governance Task Force proposal states.
To check out the article in it's entirety:
Click here
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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!
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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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 Wil and I have participated in a bocce tournament for several years to benefit Casa Allegra. This is an organization that supports disabled adults. We are proudly know as the
Holley Rollers and have actually won it on a few occasions. We need one or two more players for our team (the Argilla's and Millie currently on board). The event is Saturday October 7th at 9 - usually over at noon or later if we keep winning. The cost is $5O and includes lunch. Let me know if you can play. It would be good practice for our upcoming deacon bocce roll off - you do not need to know how to play. It's easy to learn.
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Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to maintain sobriety through sharing their recovery experience with others.
Looking for more information? Check out the
San Francisco/Marin AA website for more information including meeting times and places, including
a weekly men's meeting at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church every Tuesday at 8:30pm
24-hour hotline is also available for immediate listening and guidance if wished -
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6pm-10am in Marin
415-499-0400
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10am-6pm - SF Central Office
(415) 674-1821
(they will refer Marin callers to Marin resources)
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Katie Brendler,
Editor
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