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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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| Weekly Happenings at SHPC | February 20, 2014 |
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The Medium is not the Message
Around the world preparations for Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) or Carnivale are in full swing, which means that the season of Lent is just around the corner. Over-the-top indulgence precedes the season of fasting and penitence, which precedes the rejoicing of Christianity's highest holy day, Easter. This Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., our guest speaker Merle Ongaro will share her fascinating exploration of the rituals, customs, and symbols of the season, and she'll remind us to focus on what's truly meaningful. Our texts will be Micah 6:6-8 and Matthew 9:14-17.
SAVE THE DATES: "Fat Sunday" Musical Extravaganza - Sunday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m., and Children of Uganda Performance - Friday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m.
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In preparation for Lent and Easter, yesterday afternoon I made a pilgrimage to Grace Cathedral to take in "Graced by Light," the ribbon installation gracing their sanctuary, and the other inspiring liturgical art there. What a beautiful experience! Our theme for Lent this year is Sacred Circle, and there are abundant holy circle images and symbols in the cathedral to reflect upon. Reflection is so good for our spirits, and yet many of us rarely take that time. I have a sign over my desk at home that says, "Don't just do something, sit there!" We don't have to wait for Lent (March 5) to spend time in reflection, seeking truth, meaning, peace, wholeness. We could make that a part of each day!
It is my blessing to serve as your pastor.
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February - March Calendar
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7:30 p.m. Choir practice at the church
Friday, February 21st 12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, February 23rd
9:30 a.m. The Medium is not the Message with Merle Ongaro
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. Charles Wei returns for Mosaic Art
7:30 p.m. Choir practice at the church
Friday, February 28th 12:00 p.m. Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, March 2
9:30 a.m. Fat Sunday Musical Extravaganza with
Meg Eldridge String Quartet and the
SHPC Children's Choir
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. Informational Meeting for New Members
Child Care Provided
7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday service; Lent begins
7:30 p.m. Choir practice at the church
Friday, March 7 12:00 p.m. Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Children of Uganda Tour of Light Dance Troupe Performance and Potluck Dinner Sunday, March 9 9:30 a.m. First Sunday in Lent, Sacred Circle, with Pastor Bev
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. The Bible in Literature: Grappling with Calvary
with Cathy Sarkisian
5:00 p.m. Mexico Mission Kick Off Barbecue
7:30 p.m. Choir practice at the church
Friday, March 14
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, March 16
9:30 a.m. Second Sunday in Lent, with Pastor Bev
New Members Join the Church
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. The Bible in Literature: Grappling with Calvary
with Cathy Sarkisian
7:30 p.m. Choir practice at the church
Friday, March 21
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, March 23
9:30 a.m. Third Sunday in Lent, with Pastor Bev
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. The Bible in Literature: Grappling with Calvary
with Cathy Sarkisian
1:30 p.m. CROP Walk
Thursday, March 27
7:30 p.m. Choir practice at the church
Friday, March 28
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, March 30
9:30 a.m. Fourth Sunday in Lent, with Pastor Bev
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. The Bible in Literature: Grappling with Calvary
with Cathy Sarkisian
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Bible Study
Bible Study meets regularly at noon on Fridays in Pastor Bev's office. All are welcome, and you are invited to bring your lunch. If you are new to studying the Bible, join us! This week we explore the heart of what matters to God. Our texts are Micah 6:6-8 and the enigmatic Matthew 9:14-17.
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"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"
Have you ever pondered (as I often have) what heaven is like? This reference in the Lord's prayer has really perplexed me. For it seems that Jesus is charging us and explaining that our job on earth is to influence our surroundings in a way that clones or imitates heaven. Now that's a tall order.
Here I am pictured with my business partner Jonas Neilson and Sherry Lansing, who as head of Paramount Motion Pictures gave us the rights to produce THE FIRST WIVES CLUB on Broadway. When that day arrived I felt like I was in heaven.
But according to Jesus ... our home, workplace, relationships, thoughts, and actions are to parallel what it's like in heaven "everyday". Not just on certain special occasions.
I asked Pastor Bev if she could give me some insight into what heaven is like? She so simply and elegantly said, heaven is where God's love and values rule, and where all are completely devoted to fulfilling God's way and are conformed to God's character.
But here on earth it is very different ... and we have a nature that can be tempted, derailed, and do good or evil.
The Bible offers some help by saying ... "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" Romans 12:2; "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33; "For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men" I Peter 2:15.
Evil is a parasite ... and we live in a world that is cruel and unjust. But there is good news ... God has given us the Bible. A source that instructs how to make our environment more like heaven. It isn't easy. And it definitely helps if we have more and more Biblical knowledge that will help us navigate this dilemma. Friday noon Bible Study will help us unlock the answer to how to make our earthly existence more like heaven.
So if you've ever wondered what it might be like ... to be an angel ... or actually be in the in the heavenly presence of God ...come to the Friday noon Bible study. I promise you ... there you'll get a "little" taste of heaven. And there, you'll join with Pastor Bev and others to figure out how to make our routines, decisions and actions better reflect God's blueprint for our lives here on earth.
Paul Lambert
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Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday March 5th, 7:00 p.m.
All are invited to our Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary on Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. The service is contemplative, with prayer, music with Stephen Iverson, and reflection. Feed your spirit by setting aside this time to mark the beginning of the season.
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Children of Uganda Tour of Light Dance Troupe
Friday, March 7th
Performance - 6:00 p.m.
Dine with Dancers - 7:00 p.m.
We are delighted to welcome back to our church the Children of Uganda Tour of Light Dance Troupe. This is a wonderful opportunity for cross cultural exchange and to support these students on their tour. Everyone in the wider community is welcome, so please spread the word and invite your friends and neighbors.
The Deacons will be coordinating the potluck that takes place immediately after the performance. Please bring a dish to share... whether it's a casserole, cookies, or corn on the cob... the fun part is simply getting together and celebrating our gift of community with the Children of Uganda. Questions? Email carolyn@goodmanmarketing.com.
Carolyn Goodman
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Mexico Mission Kick Off BBQ
Sunday March 9th 5-7 p.m.
The Mexico Mission team will host an informal barbecue for students and their parents to learn about the 2014 trip, as well as get to know each other and the adult leaders. The barbecue will be at the church on Sunday, March 9th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The church will supply the barbecue and drinks; please bring a side dish.
It is important for prospective participants to attend this event to learn about the application and commitment requirements for this year's trip. Applications and Intention to Participate forms will be due back on March 16th.
Please RSVP to the BBQ by Thursday March 6th with an email to Mark.Sarkisian@som.com, placing "Mexico Mission" in the subject line of your email. Your RSVP helps us plan for enough food and beverages. For the people that are attending, please bring a side dish (organized by last name): Last name starting with A - K brings salad, chips, or vegetables; Last name Starting with L - Z brings dessert or fruit.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Mark Sarkisian
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New Sign Ups for Meal Sharing
Last April we began something special. Each Wednesday evening, a member or friend of the church makes a meal for Wil Swalberg in honor of his 90th Birthday. The program has been such a joy for all involved that we have decided to continue it.
If you have not yet participated, please consider doing so. It is really easy. When you are cooking for your family, just cook a little bit extra for Wednesday evening and deliver it to the Swalberg's house in San Anselmo before 6 p.m. It is a fun and enjoyable way to share food. To sign up for a date, click here. This program is so popular, the next available date is not until March 26th!
For more information about the program, go to the church website at http://www.sleepyhollowchurch.org and you will see the link for the meal program under "news" in the lower part of the home page. If you have questions, please contact Janel at Janelstewart@gmail.com or Birgit at shpchurch@comcast.net.
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REST at the Wellness Center
We hosted 15 women this week at the Wellness Center. Thank you to Nance Rosencranz and Susan Francis for making a spectacular Tortilla Soup with all the fixings! Millie Millar, Jillian Robinson and Claudia Morfit supplied Fruit salad, french bread and a homemade dessert to fill out the menu. The tired women enjoyed hot drinks and juice as well. But far more than the food, we all were nourished by the community we formed. Many of the guests were familiar to us, and we had some new faces as well. We often remember some of the women we have not seen recently. We pray that those ladies have moved on in a positive manner and found a better life experience. We have only 1 more evening with these homeless women before the REST season comes to an end. We cannot help but wonder how this ending will effect them...
Kit Argilla
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Please Remember In Your Prayers
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for healing, and Nancy, for strength in companioning her;
The Paige Family, dear friends of Diane Latta, and for Diane, for comfort in mourning the loss of Aunt Glo and for comfort for Uncle Mo in his illness;
Jeri Rayford's sister-in-law Lee Livingston, recovering from stroke, and for her loved ones;
Jerry Lambert, mother of Paul, for healing;
Beth Gilmartin and her mother, for healing;
Patty Kuehn and her mother, for healing;
Gregg Elberg, recovering from surgery;
Clyde Ongaro, for healing;
All those in war-torn areas who do not know peace.
Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
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Conference on Faith, Family Farms and Food Access
February 23rd, 1:30 to 7:00 p.m.
San Rafael, CA
The Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative is an organization in the Marin-Sonoma area that advances faith-based community gardens, educational forums, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, as well as promotes advocacy and food access for the needy. This year the theme of its Second Annual Conference is "Faith, Family Farms and Food Access." Individuals of all faiths are encouraged to participate and learn about successful models of faith based approaches to sustainable agriculture and food justice. Last year's conference drew participants from 25 different faith based groups who felt empowered and enlivened by what they learned.
The conference takes place on February 23rd from 1:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. Registration is $55 per person, with discounts for small groups. To register, click here. For more information, contact the Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative at (707) 634-4672 or info@interfaithfood.org
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Send us an e-mail or call us at
415-453-8221 |
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