News of the Presbytery of San Jose
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
 
Isaiah 43:1-3
SJ PBY logo.
The last Presbytery Meeting of 2022 will be
November 19th
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."
We'd love to know what your church is doing!

The Presbytery Office would like to promote your church's newsletters on our website.

If you'd like your particular church's included, please send Collette the newsletter link at: collette@sanjosepby.org
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, 2023medical 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.
On Sunday, November 13th at 11:00 am, you're invited to attend (in-person) an adult education class at Stone Church led by Rod Diridon. He'll be speaking on climate change and the new designation "Code Red for Humanity." Find out how we can avoid cataclysmic global warming.

The class will also be offered via Zoom on Stone's website at www.stonechurch.org. Scroll down to the Adult Education button and follow the directions.
There are PC(USA) planning calendars available for purchase for $9.75 each plus shipping at the Presbytery Office.

The order form may be found at Google Docs Order Form.
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 year's PW Fall book study will be led by Rev. Leah Akers-Bell, MDiv, MSN, CNM. Leah is both a Presbyterian Minister and former nurse in the field of reproductive health.

The group will be reading Pro-Choice AND Christian: Reconciling Faith, Politics, and Justice by Kira Schlesinger. There is no cost to enroll.

The group will meet by Zoom on Sunday, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, and 10/16 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. To register, please send your name, church name, and email to Rosaleen Zilch at rmgzisch@gmail.com.

Second, Save the Date! Our PW group is inviting you to attend a webinar scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd featuring keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Rebecca Todd Peters as she shares with us from her book Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument For Reproductive Justice. The cost is $25/household. Registration details will be available soon.
This month, the Peace and Justice Working Group highlights their ongoing work with Protect Juristac ~(http://www.protectjuristac.org/)

The Peace and Justice Working Group continues to stand with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in saying NO to sand and gravel mining at Juristac. PJWG was a proud co-sponsor of a rally of support on Sept 10 and recently sent a letter of comment to Santa Clara County Department of Planning & Development.
You can read that letter 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
Pastoral Reflection

Some of the chapter openings and transitions in the book of Isaiah offer us unique and beautiful language in my opinion, such as "Comfort, O comfort my people says your God..."; and "A voice cries out, 'In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God..." Finally an excerpt from today's passage in chapter 43: "But now, thus says the Lord..."

"But now..." is such an easy transition to gloss over, a simple way to get from point A to point B. However, in this case, it's an indicator of an ironic twist in God's actions, a shift in expectations centered on grace.

In chapter 42, God had confronted Israel regarding their idolatrous behavior that had led to their exile from the Promised Land. They had not been able to cross the gap that had been created between them and God despite the admonishment they received. In transitioning to chapter 43, one would expect a declaration of judgment, possibly by a catastrophic "act of God." But, instead of flames being thrown down from heaven, God pivots and offers to walk through the overwhelming waters and flames with them. "But now..." is a new thing God is doing that is rooted in grace and takes the initiative in bridging the divide that's been created between God and His people.

How many of us could use a pivot point in our circumstances? I believe there's comfort in envisioning God initiating that grace-filled step towards us. May we enter into that extension of His salvation.

Amen

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