Educate a Child, Transform the World
Presbyterians Address the Root Causes of Poverty
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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May 18
, 2017
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Bring a Friend to Church this Sunday
Let's Expand Our Circle
and Our Work to End Poverty
This Sunday, May 21, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., please bring family, friends, and neighbors to church, and let's all join Pastor Bev in welcoming the Rev. Alonzo Johnson, leader of Educate a Child, Transform the World, and Self Development of People, Presbyterians' best effort to provide resources to empower folks to lift their communities out of poverty. Rev. Alonzo will energize us to expand our compassion circle and our work to end poverty right here in our backyard.
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A Note From
Pastor Bev
One of the most important takeaways from the May 6 financial resiliency retreat was that we have an economically diverse congregation.
Plenty of our folks are under financial stress, giving sacrificially to the church, while struggling to make payments on necessities. Here in Marin we have an extreme wealth gap, with 1 out of 5 people living in food insecurity. How can children learn in school if they are hungry? How can they get good jobs if they can't learn in school? What can WE do to address the root causes of poverty? We need all hands on deck!
Believe it or not, I'm too shy to ask you to invite friends/family/neighbors to church when it's just going to be me up front. This Sunday we have a very special guest, Rev. Alonzo Johnson, leader of
Educate a Child, Transform the World, and
Self Development of People for the PC(USA). I'm hoping you will all bring folks of all ages with you so we can give him a big welcome, and so that we can invite folks to work with us to put an end to hunger and poverty right here in Marin.
With love,
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Thursday, May 18th
RESCHEDULED to Thursday, June 1
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All Welcome for Let's Talk about Church Finance - JUNE 1 - 7:30 p.m. |
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Friday, May 19th
NOON
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Bible Study |
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Sunday, May 21st
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m
10:45 a.m.
11:30-1
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Bring a Friend to Church Sunday
Join Pastor Bev in welcoming Rev. Alonzo Johnson - Let's end poverty in Marin!
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are welcome!
Let's Talk Finance new date TBD; Today we talk w/ Rev. Alonzo Johnson
Mexico Mission Meeting |
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Wednesday, May 24th
7:30 p.m.
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SHPC Singers - All Welcome
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Friday, May 26th
NOON
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Bible Study
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Sunday, May 28th
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7th Sunday of Easter
After the First Easter, Inspiration!
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are welcome!
Equal Exchange Sale with Jillian!
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Bible Study Friday, May 19 at NOON
Psalm 82, 2 Corinthians 5
The Ministry of Reconciliation
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Jeri Rayford and her family, grieving the loss of Prentis,
for God's loving presence, strength, and support in their bereavement;
Jody Brockett and her family, grieving the loss of Jody's mother Jeanne, prayers for the family to feel God's comfort and peace;
The Saunders - Burr Family, for God's love and comfort to be with them as they mourn the loss of Sue's beloved father, Ron Saunders;
Shannon Mong, for complete healing for her left hand, and for God's presence, support, and assistance in not over-working while healing;
Kelsey Lopin, for continued flourishing, creativity, and energy as she pursues her education and excels in art;
Katie Brendler, traveling blessings as she travels home to NJ, and God's loving presence abiding with her always;
The family and loved ones of Rev. Don Emmel,
who passed away last weekend, with special prayers for his wife Esther;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
Our students, as they prepare for exams, graduation, and next steps;
The hungry, especially all those depending on the US government for food aid here and abroad;
Those fearing loss of medical insurance, for accurate information and honest, humane decision making by our leaders in Congress;
Those living in the shadows and fearing deportation, for safety, security for their families and children, a path to citizenship, and sanctuary;
Our country, for a way forward where we live our values of justice and equality for all people; for a well-informed citizenry; for government of, by, and for the people, with leaders of integrity, and for an end to hate crimes;
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 the way forward to be illuminated, and for our mission and ministries to be salt and light for the world;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Our church community, for health, respect, open-mindedness, maturity, and Christian love in our financial discussions ahead.
Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
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Bring family, friends, and neighbors who want to end poverty in Marin
Join Bev in welcoming the Rev. Alonzo Johnson from PC(USA)'s Self Development of People and Educate a Child, Transform the World ministries this Sunday!
"A ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Self-Development of People is a partnership of love, justice and empowerment reflecting the image of God who stands with all people." To learn more,
click here.
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Mexico Mission Nail Sale at Church this Sunday
During Fellowship, support Owen, AJ, and the Mexico Mission team by "buying" a Nail
Stop by their table to donate; you can leave a message attached to a nail that will be used in the building of one of this year's homes.
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CHURCH FINANCIAL RESILIENCY EDUCATION, DISCUSSION, AND DISCERNMENT CONTINUES:
FIRST NEW DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Based on the Doodle poll, the first Let's Talk is now scheduled for Thursday, June 1 in the sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. Watch this space for a confirmation of the second new date for the financial resiliency Let's Talks.
Dennis Latta
Clerk of Session
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Report from Your Clerk of Session
Updated
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On Wed., May 10th, the Session meeting focussed on review of the May 6 retreat and a subsequent consultation with Louise Kothe, E.A., clergy tax expert. Based on all the work of the Manse Study Team, the May 6 retreat, and a consultation with Ms. Kothe, which included a detailed explanation of the calculation of the clergy housing allowance and how it impacts take-home salary for pastors living in a manse, the Session reached a preliminary finding that it is unlikely that 110 Tarry could be affordable housing for pastor and church. This is, as stated, simply a preliminary finding, not a final decision, and there is no timeline here. The Session is the body tasked with setting the housing allowance for pastors living in a manse, and officer training was provided accordingly. This information is on the agenda for the first
Let's Talk Church Financial Resiliency, now set for Thursday, 6/1 at 7:30 p.m.
Finance/Doug - Review of 5/6 retreat, report on consultation with Louise Kothe, E.A., Financial report review, Solar panel next steps, approval of Equal Exchange Sale at Fellowship on 5/28;
Building and Grounds/Ahmed - terrific TLC day, LMP lease renewal is on track and all is in order;
Family Ministries/Janel - Sandra is departing for the summer and we have a new candidate who could take on more hours and program development;
Membership/Merle - picnic was a success, tea is upcoming 5/20;
Mission/Patti - YCCS was a transformative experience for youth leaders and all; Justice Garden and Mexico Mission doing great;
Worship/Jody - attendance is excellent, Easter was beautiful, appreciation for our musicians and Flower Guild;
Moderator/Bev - Officer Training on Healthy Church, Healthy Boundaries, clergy compensation, and membership commitments.
Adjourned with prayer at 10 p.m.
Dennis Latta
Clerk of Session
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What a great day at church May 7 with TLC Day, Deacons' Feast, and MM work site preparation day!
Thanks to all who made the day a success!
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CINCO DE MAYO
FIESTA LUNCH was a hit! Thanks to our Deacons and to all who helped make it a success!
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Presbyterian Polity Highlights of the Week
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God called you to this service. Sometimes we think of serving on the session of our churches as "taking our turn on the board." Although we responded to a nominating committee's invitation, God was behind it. Being a ruling elder is a ministry to which we are ordained. Ruling elders (and deacons) answer the same questions at ordination as teaching elders (ministers) answer, except those questions specifically related to the duties of the ministry.
Ordination is for life, even though terms on the session are limited; ruling elders thus take a lifetime vow to work to further the peace and unity of the church. When a ruling elder is not serving on the session, he or she is still eligible to perform many of the functions of the ministry, such as being the clerk, assisting in the administration of the sacraments or being a commissioner to one of the more inclusive councils.
We are a connectional church.
Each congregation is part of a web of relationships in our Presbyterian family. In part, this means that each congregation and each session is accountable to the larger church through the presbytery. This accountability is expressed in requirements for annual reporting and review of session records. Presbyteries and synods are likewise accountable to the council above. We're all in this together. The decisions of one council influence the work of another. Persons ordained by one presbytery or session are ordained in the whole church. We support and pray for each other. Those elected as ruling elders to serve on their sessions may also be called upon to serve as commissioners to presbytery, synod, or General Assembly.
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Mexico Mission Meeting Sunday, 11:30-1
Just a reminder that we will have our next mandatory meeting this Sunday, 21 May at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church from 11:30am - 1pm. Please remember, your attendance at this meeting is mandatory.
Please come with the following:
- Your final $375 deposit (please have your name on the memo line of the check) and any additional fundraising to reach or exceed the minimum trip fee of $985.
- A copy of your passport (some are still outstanding).
- A copy of forms (a few of you have some outstanding).
If you do not have a sun / solar shower, you should purchase it soon so that you have it for the trip.
Want to help support the team?
Please consider becoming a mission co-worker through donations of your thought/prayers and or monetarily.
You can donate online or if you prefer, by checks.
If you are donating to a specific person, please note their name in the comment section of the donation page or memo line of the check.
checks (MM on the memo line): Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, 100 Tarry Rd, San Anselmo CA 94960
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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO JOINED IN YOGA CLASSES.
 We are currently taking a break from our Friday evening time slot and hope to return with a time and format that works better for more of you.
Stay tuned for other offerings at Sleepy Hollow Pres.
I am currently teaching private lessons, let me know if you are interested.
With love and light,
Karen
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| PC(USA) United Nations Office staff |
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Help the PC(USA) Keep Corporations Accountable - Take Action!
Tell Your Reps to Support Shareholder Rights!
Congress is considering a bill to roll back Dodd-Frank known as the Financial CHOICE Act 2.0, introduced by House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas). A provision in this draft Bill would virtually eliminate shareholder proposal, which is a document that a shareholder formally submits to a publicly traded company advocating the company take a specific course of action.. The proposed changes to shareholder proposal rule will make it more difficult for the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (through its Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment) to advance the church's social witness advocacy through the filing shareholder resolutions with publicly-traded corporations.
These changes include:
1. Requiring a 1% ownership (of total market capitalization) of a company over a three-year period in order to be eligible to submit a proposal.
2. Increase the threshold to refile a shareholder proposal in subsequent years to 6% of the vote in year 1 (from 3%); 15% in year 2 (from 6%); and 30% in year 3 (from 10%).
3. Prohibit the submission of proposals on behalf of a shareholder (what the bill refers to as "filing by proxy").
The current shareholder proposal process effectively facilitates communication between shareholders and companies. It allows the PC(USA) and other entities, large and small, an opportunity to communicate directly with corporations and raise issues of concern and draw corporate management's attention to what are often unmanaged risks. The process has successfully led to reforms in the interest of shareholders and provides a means to hold corporation management accountable to shareholders - the company's owners. Changing the rules would make it impossible for PCUSA and the Committee on Mission Responsibility through Investment to engage with large companies and file shareholder resolutions, which do things like ask companies to report on their climate change planning efforts and provide staff training on how to recognize victims of human trafficking.
In 1971, the 183rd General Assembly affirmed that church investment is an instrument of mission and includes theological, social and ethical considerations. Church investors work in pursuit of peace, racial justice, economic and social justice, and in the establishment of environmental responsibility. MRTI is instructed to work toward these goals by seeking aligned investment opportunities; exercising stockholder obligations and raising questions in appropriate forums; and evaluating company policies with respect to these mission areas. This work becomes almost impossible without access to shareholder meetings and company leadership.
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Dear Friends:
As many of you know, we have been long-time partners with The Utility Reform Network (TURN) that advocates for people over utility company profits.
We join with TURN now to support Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) whose bill, SB 598, will reduce shut offs for our elders and those with life-threatening conditions requiring the use of supportive machines. Shut offs have skyrocketed among struggling households, no matter the life circumstances of the people involved.
Over 2 million Californians were affected in 2015-most of whom are children. Currently, shutoffs for non-payment can be used as a debt collection strategy by utility companies even if a member of the household is dependent upon life-support equipment at home. These disconnects lead to worsening medical conditions, threats to safety, housing displacement and homelessness, not to mention undue stress among those affected.
SB 598 will prohibit shutoffs for residents with life-threatening medical conditions, providing increased protections to the most medically vulnerable families. This bill also require the CPUC to adopt rules to reduce shutoffs by 50% by 2021; moving California closer to universal utility service for all by requiring the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop policies, rules, or regulations to reduce gas and electric service disconnects for nonpayment by residential customers and adopt shutoffs as a metric in order to measure utility service reliability, public safety and affordability.
SB 598 has passed the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee UNANIMOUSLY. However, there will be opposition ahead. Now is the time for us to be heard. It will come to the Senate floor on or about May 30.
Please start contacting your Senators today and asking them to support SB 598. It will:
--Prohibit shut offs for residents with life-threatening medical conditions
--Requires the CA Public Utilities Commission to create uniform rules for all utilities with respect to reducing shut offs by 50% by 2021
--Measures the impact of utility rate increases on the escalation of shut offs as more and more people with medical necessity cannot keep up with payments.
This is a basic, good sense bill. To assure your legislators in Sacramento agree, please speak out now to remind them that a critical part of a functional state is how we care for those who are in greatest trouble. This is where our voice as people of faith becomes powerful.
To access your state senators in the Capitol or in your local district, please go to:
http://www.churchimpact.org/take-action.html
Please speak out for those at risk of losing their heat, light, power source over a short-sighted tactic to collect debt. Bills can and should be paid, but utilities have the alternative of creating repayment plans and strategies for those in need and with dangerous medical conditions. No one from children to our elders should be treated as deadbeats when they are struggling with the care for their family members. SB 598 will move us toward a more rational and compassionate strategy for the good of all.
Thank you!
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Wil would like you to know that this month he will be moving to Alma Via in Terra Linda. YES, he still plans to come to church! He will have a new phone number and it's a cell phone! At Alma Via, he'll have 3 meals a day, and so now he'll be inviting US to eat with him!
And we continue to thank him for his faithful and continuing FOOD BARREL MINISTRY, and stewardship of the Cents-ability offering. What a treasure he is!
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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 us for a screening and introduction to Not in Our Town, a nation-wide movement to stop hate and build safe, inclusive communities for all that thrive on supportive and loving networks of connection.
Building Compassionate Community: a Not in Our Town Marin event
Thursday, May 25, 7:00 pm, JCC Hoytt Theater
Register for the event here
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Join us at ZE!
A spectacular setting and the friendliest folks
Discount registration one more week!
Hope to see you there!
To learn more or to register for the event
check out their website:
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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 meetings 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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