Living Our Values - Loving Our Neighbors
SHPC Mexico Mission Homebuilders Present the House Keys
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
November 17, 2016
Election Aftermath, Holidays Upon Us
Living Our Values and Loving Our Neighbors in Challenging Times
 
     In a week, we'll be gathering around the holiday table.  Right now many folks are trying to figure out how they'll navigate painful political differences over the turkey.  Where is God calling us to go from here?  This Sunday, November 20, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., Gratitude Sunday, we'll explore how to move forward with love while living our values.  Our scriptures are Mark 12:28-34 and Ephesians 4:14-16.  The SHPC Singers have something special for us.   
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From 
Pastor Bev 

We're in the aftermath of a divisive election, immersed in anxiety and uncertainty about the future.  Where is God in all this?   Friends, the Spirit of the Living God hasn't left us.  

Last week I was in shock and grief; my heart hurt as if I had lost a dear loved one.  I kept my commitment to meet at our Presbyterian national headquarters in Louisville, KY, but at first, I felt almost numb.  And then, the Spirit started bringing me back to life with Holy Encounters. 

The first Holy Encounter was with a historical marker!  (See photo below.)  Kentucky is a very red state, and during my stay in Louisville, outside of denominational headquarters, the only people of color I saw were waiting on white people.  For me, that historical marker was a sign of God's truth and justice.

Time spent with our PC(USA) Compassion, Peace, and Justice ministries staff felt holy; they serve faithfully caring for our planet and its most vulnerable people. They make me proud.  

And there were more Holy Encounters! I'll be bringing you stories of an evangelical Christian woman from Dallas distressed about the bitter divide in the Christian church there, and of my reunion with my Muslim friend from JFK.  

Love, kindness, and decency abound. We can rise to challenging times by living our Jesus values. Choosing to respect others, welcome the stranger, and care for the planet and the vulnerable are essential acts of faith. We are Spirit-powered! Thanks be to God!
 
In hope,
Bev



November/December Calendar
Friday, November 18th
                   NOON
                   5:00 p.m.

BIBLE STUDY with Pastor Bev
Yoga
Sunday, November 20th
                   9:30 a.m.
                 10:30 a.m.
                 10:40 a.m.

Gratitude Sunday
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
Let's Talk Election Aftermath
Wednesday, Nov. 23rd
 6:30 p.m.
                   7:30 p.m.

Holiday Hand Chimes
SHPC Singers rehearse
Thursday, Nov. 24th

Friday, November 25th
BLESSED THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

NO BIBLE STUDY - Holiday Break
Sunday, November 27th
9:30 a.m.
                 10:30 a.m.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Introduction to The Peaceful Kingdom 
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
Wednesday, November 30th
 6:30 p.m.
                   7:30 p.m.


Holiday Hand Chimes
SHPC Singers rehearse -- All are Welcome!
Friday, December 2nd
Noon
 5:00 p.m.

Bible Study
Yoga
Sunday, December 4th
9:30 a.m.
                 10:30 a.m.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
 
Wednesday, December 7th
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.

Holiday Hand Chimes
SHPC Singers rehearse -- All are Welcome!
Advent/Christmas Season of Peace  

Season of Peace - Advent and Christmas Season Start Sunday, November 27 at 9:30 a.m.  

Make Music!  Holiday Hand Chimes Weds. at 6:30 p.m. and Singers at 7:30 p.m.

Youth Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 11 at 9:30 a.m. - The Lion, the Lamb, and the Christmas Story 

Celestial Music with Guest Orchestral Harp - Sunday, December 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Candlelit Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24 at 7 p.m.

Christmas Morning Service of Joy - Sunday, December 25 at 9:30 a.m.


Bible Study - Friday, November 18th - Noon with Pastor Bev
 Ephesians 4:14-16 and Mark 12:28-31  
Please Remember in Your Prayers

Our country,  in the aftermath of a divisive election, for deep healing, and for a way forward where we live our values of justice and equality for all people;
The world's poor, all who suffer from disruptive climate change, and our planet;
The refugees and displaced, almost 1 out of 100 people in the world today, for safety, homes, and the basics of life;
Laurie O'Hara and her family, for God's loving presence and comfort in mourning the loss of her mother, Carolyn;
The family and friends of Chancellor and Lancelot Argall and Chance Maurer, killed in a car accident on Sir Francis Drake, for support, love, and comfort in their grief;
Kelsey Lopin, for healing and full recovery from complications of Lyme disease, and for God's abiding presence, comfort, and love;
Steve Derr's Father, for recovery from stroke, and God's presence, and for the family, God's comfort;
Ryan Burk s, son of  Warren and Jackie Burks, for healing, and for strength and hope for his family;
Praying Hands
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy for continued strength in companioning her;
Betty Swalberg, for God's presence and peace, and  Wil Swalberg, for God's comfort and community support;
Paul Lambert's Mom, blessed assurance of God's constant presence; 
The PC(USA), as it strives to speak up effectively for justice for all people, especially the vulnerable and marginalized;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Our church community, renew us and grant us fortitude to continue to bring light to a dark world.

Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
     
 
Upcoming Youth Group Dates- 
For 10 years old and up
LET'S ALL SUPPORT
SHPC'S YOUTH! 
  • Sat. Nov 19th Support Sandra at Dominican - Go to her 5:30 p.m. Girls' Basketball Game (Janel will coordinate this)
  • Fri. Dec 2nd - Friday night pizza and Xmas art project
  • Dec 4th - Youth Rest Cooking     4-6pm harvesting and cooking two dishes for the REST dinners.
  • Sun. Dec 11th - Youth Lead Our Christmas Pageant! 
  • Sun Dec 11th 3-5pm Youth planting day 
Questions:  contact  Janel Stewart
Family Ministries Elder
Who is going Saturday?SandraSaturday
What: Dominican vs SF State Women's Basketball
When: Saturday, Nov 19
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Conlan Center in San Rafael: MAP LINK
Cost: $5
Parking: Free lot (but it does fill up so
you may want to carpool)
Wear your Black and Gold/Yellow and let's cheer on #14 and her team!!!
Warren Brouwer, Life Scoutwith Troop 59

Anything ordered via this link will be on Warren's account, so the wreaths will come to us and be delivered by him (unless you choose the Direct Delivery items)
24 Youth Rest Chefs Cook from the Garden!
More Food 4 Good - Save the Date - Sun. Dec. 4, 4-6 p.m.
   
    
Friday Yoga with  Karen Baigrie 
November 18, December 2, 9, & 16
Join me for a class where we will breathe, root ourselves on mother earth and take the time to process and heal, in order to step out and walk in the light and be those whose words and actions make the world a place we want to live in.

Staring at 5pm, we will chant, we will breathe and we will move as much as you need to. If child's pose is all you can muster this week, that  can 
be your practice and if you need to sweat, that can be yours too!

(i.e. Come with your funky shoulders, ribs or knees and we will find a practice for you.) Arrive early if you are new or have things you want to work around so we can discuss it before class. I will be there from around 4:45pm.  Kids who are happy to read or hang out quietly in Bev's office are welcome to come along.  
Karen x
  Pledge Drive News - from your Finance Elder
 
We had a fabulous Stewardship Sunday full of music and Harvest Feast this past Sunday, and successfully kicked off this year's pledge drive. So far, we have received 38 pledges for a total of $108,652. That's a wonderful head start towards this year's goal of raising $148,000 to support the life of the church. If you have already pledged, 
thank you so much for your support. If you have not yet had a chance to pledge, please support all the great work SHPC is doing by pledging whatever is appropriate for you and your household -  all pledges are greatly appreciated! If you have anyquestions, feel free to email Doug Eisinger, SHPC Finance Elder, at doug.eisinger@gmail.com   Thanks again for making SHPC such a wonderful asset to our community. 

With gratitude,
Doug Eisinger
 
REST Program Needs You

 
Thanks to the many volunteers who make it possible for our unhoused neighbors to sleep in a safe location with delicious food in their bellies!

We will continue to host meals through April.  To  read more information about REST and to sign-up online, please click on this link:   

SHPC  will continue to organize Middle and High School students to contribute to REST -- this year youth will prepare soup and bread for our REST guests. For more info, contact Jennifer Gauna at jen.gauna@gmail.com

If you have questions, please contact Shannon Mong at  shannon@In-SightAssociates.com (phone is 415-279-2402).  
In advance - thanks for your support of this year's REST evenings!

Let's Talk Post-Election about Where We Go from Here
with Pastor Bev

Come on down to Pastor Bev's office after the service this Sunday and we'll talk further about moving forward in a positive spirit in the wake of this election.

Do You Love to Sing?
Do you Love to Ring?
Join SHPC Singers for the Season 
The Choir is preparing three wonderful Christmas songs and all they're missing is YOU! Join SHPC Singers for good cheer and great company
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 
Holiday Hand Chimes 6:30 p.m.
You can do both!
Wil LOVES an invite for lunch or dinner!


Thank you and bless you to all who have reached out to invite him over for a meal.  You are lighting up his life!


And thank him for his faithful and continuing FOOD BARREL MINISTRY.

MOST RECENT DONATION TOTAL:
WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP-- PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT

Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons. We need everyone to sign-up about 3-4 times a year. 
Click below to sign up: 

NOVEMBER: Nance's Parish
Sign up now and keep the hospitality
 going!
Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat!
 
We are in need of greeters to sign up through the signup genius website. 

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

"When Incivility Becomes the Norm"
 
A statement by Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA) General Assembly 
 
This statement is a response to the violence on America's streets after the election of Mr. Donald Trump as
President-Elect of the United States of America.
 
I read several post-election statements and heard news accounts of violence, riots, and protests while in Central America visiting Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission partners. The news images were shocking to both our partners and me. We struggled to understand the results of the election, particularly given Mr. Trump's stance on immigration, which was the theme of my visit. However, I was not as startled as my Central American friends. Serving as director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C., for six years prior to becoming Stated Clerk prepared me to understand the outcomes we face in electoral politics. Although I have shared parts of this writing before with congregations and audiences, there seemed to always be a sense of skepticism among the hearers. I proclaim the message once again, because the apparent shock for many has left people raising the question, "What happened?"

Click here to read the rest of the letter.
The Difference Between a Correction and a Pivot
    
I n the political dialogue over these past few months I got accustomed to hearing the two terms "correction" and/or "pivot" describing a candidate's  statements as they moved forward in the campaign. A correction is a modification or a refinement. A pivot is turnabout; in ballet terms it's a pirouette or in sports terms, a change in direction.  

There are times in our lives when a correction is what is needed and there are times when a pivot is needed.

After this recent election you may be soul searching. What do I think about what has happened? Does this election make me want to rotate a bit, adjust, or seriously pivot? Obviously the nation's problems were presented; how we work through them is going to be at the forefront of a lot of conversations now. What your and my part can be and will be is up to us.  

Many feel disenfranchised right now and weak. Others feel empowered and are soaring. I sense that many here in Northern California are dismayed and feeling fragile.  

The Bible says, "My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9); the Apostle Paul goes on to say, "I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Romans 8:26 says, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us".  

My thought today is "don't waste your weakness". This is a time to either make a correction or pivot. This is no time for indifference. Think through how you feel, pray - pray and pray some more- and see what unfolds. I know God hears our prayers.   We are each built on a rock of faith, not indecisive quicksand. Our faith is the infrastructure and bedrock that keeps us strong and secure in tough times. As I think about this new chapter in American (and our own "spiritual") history I am openly sharing that I am going to both be making corrections and pivots.  

I am so happy that no matter what, "The Lord goes before me and promises to be with me. He will never leave me or forsake me, therefore, I do not have to be afraid or discouraged" (Deut 31:6-8) ... and neither do you! You, and only you, will decide what matters to you, and how you can best address how you feel.  

But one thing is for sure ... "What matters is the only thing that really matters." And that is for each one of us to decide.   
Your friend ... Paul

*********************************************************
Paul Lambert is a member of SHPC who travels extensively for his career as a producer of Broadway-bound musicals.  He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute who studies the Bible daily and attends our Bible Study whenever he's in town. He posts this blog each week no matter where he is, to the delight and comfort of many.  SHPC thanks you, Paul.
 
Cook's Cozy Corner - Green Tomatoes

      With our garden beginning its winter nap (I'm hoping it will still dream of chard and lettuce), we will need to start our tidying and re-arranging.  As part of that we will be bringing in the green tomatoes starting this weekend.  A lot of the pleasure of cooking for me is figuring out what to do with ingredients that come my way, and green tomatoes are definitely coming.  They have their own flavor, different from red, and add a nice tart zing to lots of dishes.  My grandmother used to make a German veal stew, with lots of added lemon.  Since the Germans like sweet-sour a lot, she would balance the lemon with a touch of sugar.  You could get the same effect by cooking green tomatoes in the stew; they have a tart-sweet quality that goes well with stewed or braised meats (lamb especially).  And I can't think of a better first course at a Thanksgiving dinner than fried green tomatoes.  To start you off, here are some recipes and ideas.

--Michael Durphy
 
Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy 
19th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service
 

Wednesday, November 23, 2016 
7:00 pm
   
First Presbyterian Church
1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
A brief reception will follow.
 
Please bring clean sleeping bags, blankets, rain-gear and socks for our friends on the street. (no clothing please)
 
A free-will offering will also be received  to support the work of
The Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy.
 
For more information, please call:
Rev. Paul Gaffney, Chaplain
415.302.0248

 


Best wishes to Sophia, the church's office manager, as she moves on to a full time job. We thank her for her service to the church. 
We welcome Katie Brendler as our office manager starting this week. 
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA  94960
Katie Brendler,  Editor
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221