News of the Presbytery of San Jose
"...But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth."
 
Daniel 2:35
SJ PBY logo.
The last Presbytery Meeting of 2022 will be

November 19th

Presbytery Meeting
Dates for 2023

February 4th
May 6th
September 23rd
November 18th


To list an event that is supported by your church or committee, and that is open to the entire Presbytery, go to
Be sure to check the
Presbytery's website at https://sanjosepby.org
for other announcements and helpful information, including the updated "Ministry Funding Request Form."
Per Capita Payments

Just a reminder that per Capita payments are due by February 7, 2023. The amount per member for 2023 is $41.50.

Checks are to be made out to the Presbytery of San Jose and mailed to 890 Meridian Way, San Jose, CA 95126
From the
Board of Pensions

"Pastor's Participation" is a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the healthcare and retirement needs of ministers.​

Effective January 1, 2023, medical dues will increase 2 percent, from 27 percent to 29 percent, bringing total dues for the Pastor's Participation benefits package to 39 percent of effective salary, up from 37 percent. 

More information can be found www.pensions.org.
The Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium is offering $1,000 grants to youth to use towards a "When Did We See You?" event.

The application deadline is November 11, 2022. Guidelines and details may be found here:

Bell Choir Director Position

Foothill Community Presbyterian Church is looking for a part-time bell choir director.

Job description may be found here:

Contact Peg Nickl at
or 408-258-8133 with any inquiries.
This month, the Peace and Justice Working Group highlights being a Peace Church!

Did you know that the 223rd General Assembly (2018) recognized “Peace Churches” as an official designation - like Matthew 25 and Peacemaking - for churches in our denomination? They did, and a curriculum is now available for those who would like to learn more about what it means to be a “Peace Church!”


As always, you can access ongoing PJWG resources here:
The Synod gathering of PW is hosting a free Zoom call event on November 12th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm featuring the Rev. Deanna Hollas. She'll be talking about "Courageous Conversations."

To register, send your name, church name, presbytery name, and your email address to
Westminster Woods Youth Programs are back!

Novemberbash (6th - 8th grade) is happening November 18th - 20th.

Decemberfest (9th - 12th grade) is scheduled for December 2nd - 4th.

Additional and Registration information may be found here:
As a reminder, when we meet in person, we normally collect an offering at the last Presbytery meeting of the year designated for the Emergency Assistance Fund. As we're meeting virtually on November 19th, please be thinking of an appropriate amount to donate by mail.

Checks may be made out to the Presbytery of San Jose with "Emergency Assistance Fund" listed on the memo line. They may be sent to the Presbytery Office at 890 Meridian Way, San Jose, CA 95126.
Pastoral Reflection

Evergreen Presbyterian Church has been looking at the book of Daniel in recent weeks. We understand it to be part of the wisdom (the "Writings") section of the Jewish Bible, rather than the Prophets. We've approached it as a fable or a illustrative story of Biblical truths, believing it has a message for us today.

In Daniel chapter 2, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, has a disturbing dream. As he calls together his magicians and sorcerers, he tells them he wants them to not only interpret the dream, but to recount the content to him. As Daniel steps up and with God's help, provides the content and the interpretation, it points to God's sovereignty over human efforts.

The content of the dream itself also points to God's sovereignty and power over history. In the dream is an enormous statue with different sections made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. The feet are a combination of iron and clay. A rock is cut out, not by human hands, and used to smash the statue to dust. Once it's destroyed, the rock grows and fills the whole earth.

God is obviously the rock in the dream and the reader is reminded that while human empires rise and fall, including ones that take God's people into exile, God's purposes will not be thwarted. Empires last for a moment, but God is the sovereign Creator and in control of history.

As we face those things that test our faith, may we be reminded of God's presence, watchful eye, and power over our circumstances; and may we find comfort in that reality.

Amen

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Bales
Director of Communications
Presbytery of San Jose
Phone: (408) 279-0220 Website: www.sanjosepby.org