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Presbytery of San Jose
February 14, 2025
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We are pleased to announce the publication of EP Neal Presa’s ninth book, Worship, Justice, and Joy: A Liturgical Pilgrimage (Cascade Books) through Wipf & Stock’s Worship and Witness series. The book was made possible by a Louisville Institute grant and the support of the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship.
The book’s premise is that we are not fully alive in God unless and until we are committed to the work and witness of God’s transformative justice. To be about God’s justice is to reflect and be in the heart of God, the One who is our Joy.
Order your copies at: https://a.co/d/4rWmyyl
Please be in touch directly with Neal if you would like to schedule a book read/presentation or group discussion.
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Happy Valentine's Day!
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Cor. 13:4-7 (NIV)
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Treasurer's Training is open to all,
Saturday, March 22, 9:30am-12:00pm
Presbytery Accountant Diane Case and Treasurer Rev. Edd Breeden invite all church treasurers, church administrators, anyone who wants to learn about financial topics, and for any in the Presbytery of San Jose, and beyond. The two are sought-after speakers at national stewardship conferences for PC(USA).
RSVP link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xx01bBglRmKaha-T3qWgGw
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Susan Weiss (FPC Monterey) writes the APA Newsletter. See Feb 2025 | |
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Association of Presbyterian Administrators, Pacific Region Membership
Membership is open to church administrators, and members are eligible to receive training online and at an annual retreat to Lake Tahoe, Sept 11-14 2025. Become a member or renew your annual membership.
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A Thought on Mental Health and Faith, by Pastor Sharon LeClaire
When it's Dark Outside
Depression can be a serious and difficult illness to manage. Sufferers can have depressions that last weeks, months or even years. Depression can be caused by relationship problems, an extension of the grieving process, or really any number of life events. But sometimes we feel depressed and don’t have a “life reason” for it. Some of us get depressed in late fall and winter when the nights are longer which can change our internal clocks, reduce the brain chemical serotonin and cause vitamin D deficiency. This type of depression is called SAD=Seasonal Affective Disorder. “Seasonal” meaning more dark hours in a day; “Affective” or someone’s “affect” meaning their mood or expression, and “Disorder” meaning, a syndrome that is a change in thought, emotion or behavior. (DSM-5)*
Thankfully, there are treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder beyond just waiting for longer light hours. There are special lights to sit under that can, sometimes even just half an hour a day, help balance our internal clocks and increase vitamin D. There are also anti-depressant medications that may help with the serotonin level and may only be necessary during this season. There is also talk therapy.
If you suffer from SAD, remember March and spring are coming soon.
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*DSM-5 is The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, 2020.
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PWP invites "those who like their whodunits with a side of Session meetings and other nods to pastoral life..."* to join us at a fun book club to discuss the Presbyterian mystery "Ashes to Ashes", the first of a series by Father-Daughter team MM Lindvall.
Saturday March 29, 1:30-4:00pm
The Fireside Room of PCLG
This meeting is HYBRID with a Zoom option. RSVP form is here.
(*Presbyterian Outlook)
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Presbytery Youth Collaborative Updates | |
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Reporting Strong Interest
Seven churches are participating in the Escape Room Event! Deadline for church youth groups to send in reservations: February 21. Contact Ruling Elder Sui Lim (TAPC).
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First Deadline Approaches
Triennium Co-Registrar Rosaleen Zisch (RE, Stone) will be contacting churches to learn the interest levels of your youth groups. Estimate due March 1.
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Sunday, February 16: the Presbytery's Unity Candle will be at El Estero Presbyterian Church | We're asking all churches and worshiping communities to pray for the host of the Unity Candle each week, including mention in their worship bulletins and pastoral prayer/congregational prayers. | |
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The roots of El Estero Presbyterian Church reach back before 1908, in ministry to a community of Japanese farmers and fishermen in the Monterey, Point Lobos and Carmel area.
https://www.elesteropc.org
Follow the path of the Unity Candle: http://tinyurl.com/SJUnity2025
Feb 16 - El Estero Presbyterian Church
Feb 23 - First Presbyterian Church of Monterey
March 2 - Gonzales Community Presbyterian Church
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Resources: caring for vulnerable communities
sanjosepby.org chronicles efforts across the presbytery to do justice.
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Participants report that more than 750 attended the Rapid Responder Network training on Feb 6. | |
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Upcoming Events:
Sunday 2/16 - PACT "We Are Welcoming" Training, 12:30pm at Westminster Pres (click thumbnail at left for full-sized flyer.) RSVP link
- Testimonials from the community
- What you can do to accompany our neighbors, including Rapid Response Network
- Networking to make a difference
Thursday 2/20 - Santa Cruz Interfaith Network Immigration Rights Training for Faith Community Leaders, 4:30-6:30pm at Westview Presbyterian Church, Watsonville. Learn how to train others to know their rights, create a Child Safety Plan, and get involved in Rapid Response/Legal Observation of ICE. RSVP link
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17 Feb Presbytery Offices Closed - Synod Holiday
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22 Feb Watsonville Public House Anniversary Dinner
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22 Feb, 1pm Memorial Service for Ruling Elder Mel Goertz, Stone Church
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27 Feb, 4pm Presbytery Meeting by Zoom
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22 March, 9:30am Treasurer Training Zoom (registration link)
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5 March Ash Wednesday
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13 April Palm Sunday
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20 April Easter Sunday
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3 May N.E.A.R. Gathering, First Presbyterian Church of Monterey
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