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One Love Christmas Pageant - We Are Blessed!
(L to R, back row, Juliet, Heidi, and Abigail,
front row, Julia, Baby Zia, Claire, Max, and Braden)
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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December 21st, 2017
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve!
9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Joy!
This Sunday, December 24, we rejoice in the morning and in the evening! At 9:30 a.m., we conclude our celebration of the holy season of Advent with JOY Sunday. Symphony harpist Natalie Cox returns to bring us celestial music of the season! Warm up your voices for the Glorias!
In the evening, at 7:00 p.m., we celebrate Christmas Eve with a candlelighting service which brings our hearts together in One Love. We welcome the Light of the World into our hearts with special music, featuring Stephen Iverson and the SHPC Singers, soloist Charlotte Phillips, soprano Sharon Hamilton, and carols. Blessed Christmas to all!
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A Note from Pastor Bev
My Dad loved math. He loved to astound folks with his knowledge of math and the calendar by asking them their birthday and the year of their birth, and then, without hesitation, he'd tell them the day of the week on which they were born. I never did figure that one out! So I would have loved to ask my Dad how often we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve on the same Sunday. I can tell you this much; it's unusual! This is the first time it's happened since I came to SHPC in 2011, and Christmas Eve won't fall on Sunday again until 2023. We are coming up on a very
special Sunday!
This is the Sunday that we welcome the Light of the World into the world with Joy. God calls each one of us to walk God's path of Light. Our greatest joy is to answer that call and live by the Light. We're human, and of course we're often swayed by our inner voices and those around us, coaxing us to take a little detour off God's path in pursuit of what our culture values. Church helps us remember that what truly matters and lasts is loving our neighbors, practicing kindness and humility, and being God's blessed peacemakers. Thankfully, when we stray, God welcomes us back onto the path of Light with open arms.
This is the Sunday we celebrate Light coming into the world. This is the Light that overcomes all darkness, and illuminates the One Love that connects and gives meaning to us all. Thanks be to God! Merry Christmas!
Bev
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December/January Calendar
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Friday, December 22
NOON
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NO Bible Study - See you in 2018!
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Sunday, December 24
9:30 a.m.
1
0:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent/Christmas Eve
The Joy of Yes! With Celestial Harp
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
Candlelit Christmas Eve
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Monday, December 25
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BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
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Wednesday, December 27
7:30 p.m.
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NO SHPC Singers- See you next year!
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Friday, December 29
NOON
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NO Bible Study - See you in 2018!
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Sunday, December 31
9
:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Safe and Healthy New Year's Eve to all!
New Scorecards for the New Year
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
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Monday, January1
5:30 p.m.
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Blessed New Year's to All!
Men's REST @ St. Rita's Church Hall, Fairfax |
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NO Bible Study this Friday, December 22
Bible Study resumes January 5, 2018!
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
The family and friends of Gabriel Whooley,
for all those mourning the loss of Gabriel, may they feel God come alongside them in their grief, giving them the peace that transcends understanding;
Marie Ongaro and family,
mourning the loss of Marie's mother, for God's accompaniment, comfort, and peace;
Those impacted by the Southern California fires,
for the firefighters, and for all those whose homes and businesses have been destroyed and lives disrupted, may God bring healing and give you strength;
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;
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 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 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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Men's REST Update
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| Men's Coordinator Scott Hamilton with Kit, Luke, Ethan, Nancy, Frankie, Ana and family |
Frankie Eakes reports from Men's REST: Kit and Lou prepared a wonderful Sirloin Tip BBQ, and the men were amazed at their good fortune; me too! We added our touches, but the wonderful part was the participation of the students from Drake who participated in meeting and greeting.
The Students,
especially
their leader (Charlie), were very mature and caring, which brings a special
touch. The men also received shirts, and goodie bags, with socks that were supplied by the St. Vincent's organization within St Rita's. They come often with wonderful gifts for the men. (Kit adds: Frankie generously added to their supply of socks.)
From our REST Leader, Carolyn Goodman: Thank you to all who volunteer! The next men's REST day is January 1st; scroll to next item for the sign up.
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REST Sign-ups!
Our Life-Giving Ministry to the Unhoused Community
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Women's REST volunteers Cat, Millie, Sharon, Jody, Peg, Patty, and Fiske
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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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One Love
Youth Christmas P
ageant
Thank you to all participants, to our teachers Andy, Justine, Sydney W. and youth director Charles, to our musicians and choir, and to Ethan!!
Huge thanks to Ethan for the wonderful photos!
You can view all of Ethan's photos from the
pageant
at
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Children's Program Teacher Sydney Greenlee
back from college for the Pageant
with sister and current Teacher Justine
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To Middle and High School YOUTH and their PARENTS from Charles
Hi everyone!
This year's Christmas pageant was a smashing success! With stories pulled from several different places in the Bible, the pageant explored the theme of "One Love," with enemies becoming friends, and strangers being welcomed. With the backdrop of different kinds of wreaths that our kids made joined together with strings of light, and the the choir singing a modified version of Bob Marley's "One Love," the whole thing came together beautifully.
The kids and the congregation had a great time, and I'm sure that the story they shared will live with them for a long time to come.
No youth group next week, as I will be out of town for the Christmas weekend, but I will be back the following Sunday.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
Charles Wei
Youth Director
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
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ADVENT ART Night was a blast!
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CALLING ALL YOUTH REST COOKS!
 The next Food 4 Good will be on January 7th!
Come join us: Food 4 Good,
SHPC's Youth R.E.S.T. Cooking Program
We meet the first Sunday of every month from 4-6pm to cook.
Hope your kids can join us! Please sign up online here.
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Thank you, Linda Peltzman, for the Spirit of Christmas at the Cookie Exchange!
L to R. below: Patti, Millie, Linda, Sue
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Thank you, Foster Child Gift Angels!
from Frankie Eakes:
Diane Latta and I delivered 50 wrapped presents to Alternative Family Services and CASA y
esterday plus $110 in donated cash. Marin Foster Services is picking up a loaded unwrapped present basket today that we put together with our mission partner Little Mountain Preschool.
Thanks to everyone that gave and made a difference in a Child's Christmas!
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B and G Maintenance Update - December - UPDATED
from Ahmed, your B and G Elder
Yet another water leak from a broken pipe caused our water to be shut off last Saturday, and we have more repair work to do in the front yard near the mailbox!
This is in addition to the major water leak in the bell garden which led to a $1,500 water bill for 2 months. We're working on repair and asking for an adjustment!
We also had a water break in the playground at the drinking water fountain; repair in progress.
We also had a water leak in our church kitchen. Thank you, Ahmed, for obtaining and installing the new faucet!
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.
If you have questions, ideas, and/or would like to help out, please contact me at
[email protected]
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Stewardship Update
from James and Karen Baigrie,
Stewardship Chairs
As of today, $
149,580 has been pledged and we have exceeded our goal of $147,000! Thank you very much to our 55 pledgers (9 first-time pledgers). We are dreaming big and still hoping to raise more funds for our part-time youth director and a pastoral intern and extended admin hours to support Bev; it's not too late to pledge! 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
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Thank you to Ethan Russell
from James and Karen Baigrie,
Stewardship Chairs,
Doug Eisinger and the Session,
and our whole church!
We are so grateful for Ethan's Sunday fundraiser at his beautiful
Best Seat in the House gallery at 556 San Anselmo Ave. pictured above! Many church folks enjoyed the gallery, invested in art for gifts and for themselves, and benefitted our church. The afternoon was a great success! Thank you, Ethan, for your tremendous generosity!
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Report from Your Finance Elder
Thank you to all for the wonderful participation in the Stewardship campaign. We have exceeded our goal and are at $149,580, which funds our base case 2018 budget (see below), including hiring a part-time pastoral intern to help Pastor Bev. Thank you so much to the
55 pledgers
who have donated so far,
including our 9 first-time supporters!
Session hopes to improve on the base case budget to make progress towards addressing our structural deficit (unfunded needs in staff, program, and maintenance). Additional needs include administrative support, youth leader funding, maintenance, and modest Pastor salary adjustments to help approach regional norms. The table below highlights differences between our base case and a "step towards sustainability" 2018 budget that more fully supports the church's programs, staff, and mission.
Session will formally adopt the 2018 budget at its January meeting. Pledges received by then will guide our 2018 planning process. We have already had a successful fund drive this year, and deeply appreciate all contributions received. Please know that any additional pledges received will be put to good use to address our important structural gaps. Thanks to everyone for your enthusiastic support and dedication to our vibrant church community!
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Anticipated Budget Decisions Based on Pledge Drive Outcomes
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Base Case (Status Quo)
Budget
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Step Towards
Sustainability Budget
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Pledge Drive Scenario:
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149,000
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169,000
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Differences in Budgeted Support:
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- Admin support (clerical salary funding)
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10,300
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16,300
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6,000
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12,000
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- Maintenance (church and manse)
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8,400
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13,000
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- Pastor partial salary supplement
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2,500
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- Pastor pension, med., SECA supplements
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1,099
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Church Financial Resiliency Next Steps
The Session continues to lead the whole church in a discernment of God's way forward for a financially sustainable church. If you are just tuning in to the church finance discussion, Session has prepared FAQs for you. Click here.
Session is completing its work with the Presbytery's CPA, who has reviewed the spreadsheets presented at Let's Talk #4 on 11/12. (The Presbytery must approve any re-financing and all loans, leases and sales of church property.) Session is also working with a general contractor in response to feedback from the Presbytery and our own congregants' questions about the likely cost of the manse conversion proposal presented as an alternate to Session's option on 11/12.
Following the January 3 Session meeting, Session plans to send out a survey to the congregation for a show of preferences to assist the Session in discerning whether a consensus exists in favor of selling the church property at 110 Tarry. If so, Session 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 interest-bearing 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
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Church Nominating Process Begins
for Election of Elders and Deacons for the Coming Year
At the Annual Meeting in Feb. 2017, the congregation elected Dennis Latta, Clerk of Session, as Nominating Chair, along with Sue Burr, Nancy Derr, Koren Grubb, and Cathy Sarkisian to serve as its Nominating Committee. Next year's Annual Meeting will likely be February 4, 2018, and thus it's time for the Nominating Committee to begin its work.
The current Session is made up of 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 Abu Aly, Building and Grounds Elder, and the Pastor. The Moderator of the Board of Deacons, Kit Argilla, has voice but not vote.
The elders meet once or twice monthly for about 3-4 hours and depending on their area of church life, generally spend about 5-20 hours/month serving the church on top of that time commitment. This year the time commitment has been heavier than that due to the Financial Sustainability work.
Based on strong feedback from the Moderator of the Board of Deacons, Kit Argilla, who will be leaving her position in Feb. 2018, along with the rest of the deacons (Robin AbuAly, Peg Maclise, Marie Ongaro, and Nance Rosencranz, bless them all!), the Session is reaching out for more feedback and considering moving the fellowship coffee and refreshments duties to another committee, to relieve deacon burn-out and spread the responsibility around. Since this is not yet resolved, we aren't sure yet whether the deacons will be responsible for fellowship in 2018.
Nevertheless, since the Nominating committee generally commences its work at this time of year, members of the congregation are welcome to contact members of the committee to explore whether they might be called to the office of elder or deacon. Individuals can nominate themselves, and nominations from the floor of the congregational meeting are accepted.
The Session is anticipating openings for Worship Elder and possibly Finance Elder (if Doug Eisinger rotates off early, after just 2 years of service). The Worship Elder meets weekly with the Pastor and Director of Music to plan each service, and attends church faithfully to set up, prepare the elements for the sacrament, and manage the many things that come up each service. Similarly, serving as Finance Elder is a commitment to be present at church and work closely with the staff to manage church finance, since we do not have a business manager.
This has been an intense year for the Session, and the Session recommends for continuity and the good of the church that Dennis Latta, Clerk, stand for re-election for one additional year.
If you are interested in exploring God's call to church leadership, you can contact any of the members of the Nominating Committee:
Dennis Latta, Sue Burr, Nancy Derr, Koren Grubb, or Cathy Sarkisian, or talk to Pastor Bev, who serves ex officio on the committee.
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Report from Clerk of Session -
December 13, 2017 Session Meeting
Financial Sustainability -
Session - Discussion of due diligence to date on manse conversion (alternative to Session's) proposal, including Presbytery Executive, Presbytery CPA, and General Contractor, discussion of next steps, including communications w/r/t due diligence, congregational survey following Jan. 3 meeting, and annual meeting of the congregation.
Finance - Doug - review of monthly reports, stewardship update, budget work; Mexico Mission policy approved: "
All MM donations/participant fees received are donations to SHPC, as sponsor of MM; in cases where the trip generates a surplus above budgeted amounts, Session will determine how to direct the surplus after consultation with the MM adult leaders."
Personnel - Dennis - Review of Pastor's Job Description, additional personnel matter (confidential);
Nominating - Dennis - Discussion of Deacons' Role after feedback from Deacon Moderator- Continue fellowship responsibility in 2018? Further work to be done here.
Building and Grounds - Ahmed - Irrigation and water leaks, outdoor lighting issues, work in progress for wheelchair ramp design, thank you to Bill O'Callaghan and Paul Krohn for the drone photo and the topographical survey! LMP still needs to perfect its non-profit status with CA and Cy of Marin so that church isn't billed for 50% property tax; Board member Jim Waite is working on this.
Family Ministries - Janel - Participation is excellent; we are looking forward to Pageant.
Mission - Patti - Update on Youth Climate Summit and Community Media Center opportunity; REST is going very well
Membership - Merle - excused absence
Worship - Jody - Advent attendance and art are wonderful!
Deacons - Kit - excused absence
Moderator - Bev - opening and closing prayers
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Stephen's new album for preschoolers is available now on iTunes. You can find it by searching for Stephen Iverson or the album title, What Duck!?, to check it out.
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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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Join the Office of Public Witness
for our new
Witness in Washington Briefing Series
January 23, 10 am - 12pm
100 Maryland NE
Washington, DC
Come hear policy experts discuss the pressing justice issues facing our country and the world. Learn how you can lift your voice with other people of faith and speak truth to power!
More information on speakers and specific issues to be addressed will be announced in January. This is the launch of our new quarterly briefing series - we are also planning future in-person briefings for May, September, and December.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
We encourge participants to make appointments to meet with their members of congress in the afternoon after the briefing.
If you need assistance please feel free to contact us at 202 543 1126.
To RSVP and save your space click
here.
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Katie Brendler,
Editor
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