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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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| Weekly Happenings at SHPC | July 3, 2014 |
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Summer Storytelling Series continues with...
Joshua and the Battle of Jericho-
Birth of a Nation?
Most of us have heard that old song about Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. There were trumpets, and shouts, and "the walls came a tumblin' down!" It sounds happy! When we delve into the story told in the Book of Joshua, we find a tale of intrigue featuring spies sheltered by a helpful prostitute, followed by a bloody military victory, which delivers the Promised Land to the people Israel. This Sunday, July 6, 2014, as we continue our celebration of the birth of our own nation, we'll explore how nations are born, and examine how we square the values of nationality with the values of Christianity.
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A Note from
Pastor Bev
We are living in very interesting times, with so much good news and bad to digest and process. Here at church, as the great photos in this edition remind us, we are rejoicing in our vitality and the good work we are doing together for the Earth and for peace. But there is so much more work to be done! Our Mexico Mission trip is a reminder of how many of the world's people, beloved by God, are living in abject poverty. The daily news is a reminder of the atrocities being committed in Syria, Iraq, and Israel-Palestine, where the cycle of violence, retaliation, and revenge is creating hell on earth. As Christians, what is our response to these realities?
The most important Christian peacemaking practices are two simple things we can do every day of our lives. First, we can acknowledge that God loves all people. Certainly not just Americans. To state the obvious, Jesus was not American. And second, we can engage meaningfully in the world. That means looking outside our immediate neighborhood, outside our community, outside our borders and shores. This takes courage. Together, we are doing it! We can grow as Christian peacemakers! This is our calling, and the rewards are enormous!
It is my joy to serve as your pastor,
Bev
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July Calendar
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Thursday, July 3
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
Sunday, July 6
9:30 a.m. The Story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho -
Birth of a Nation?
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, July 10
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
12:00 p.m. Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, July 13
9:30 a.m. The Story of Samson and Delilah - Betrayal
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, July 17
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
12:00 p.m. Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, July 20
9:30 a.m. The Story of Elijah and Elisha - Miracle Workers
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, July 24
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
Sunday, July 27
9:30 a.m. The Story of Ruth - Rev. Scott Clark, SFTS Chaplain
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, July 31
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
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No Bible Study on July 4th
Bible Study meets at noon on Fridays in the Pastor's office throughout the month of June and July (NO Bible Study on July 4th and July 25th). Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome to come and learn and make meaningful friendships.
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Waking up Thinking Something Wonderful is About to Happen
It's 5:00 a.m. in the morning here in New York and I read this morning "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8).
Could that really be true? The same person who healed so many, taught so many, and cared so much is alive today and is actively involved in everything that happens this morning, this afternoon and tomorrow?
Imagine Jesus right by your side. Think what it would be like to refocus and proceed realizing Jesus is right next to you. I guess the first "smart" thing to do would be to talk to Him, greet Him, and ask what He has in store for today. But when we ask, it would only be appropriate to stop, focus, and listen.
Believe it or not that's what I've started to do. And it has made a huge difference for me. Some of us are on the brink of a miracle. A new beginning. And "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). So, as I approach my meetings throughout the day, I say "C'mon Jesus, here we go."
At Sleepy Hollow we are a unique group, one which welcomes those who are drifting, searching, and wanting to find something new. We are realistic, and understand that behind our smiles lie certain issues and struggles that need attention. I have realized in a big way on this trip that Jesus is right next to me. And, reflected that the Lord is literally present in every one of our Church gatherings. That is awesome.
So, as you read this and move on today, take a minute and say "Hi Jesus, so glad you're here with me." Because if you do, I believe it will be the beginning of something wonderful. And I am sure Jesus feels the same way.
I miss you all and am anxious to be back. Tomorrow I fly from New York to Los Angeles for 8 days (additional casting). I have seen over 300 talented actors and actresses here in New York. Pictured with me is Orfey who starred in Legally Blond on Broadway. Her husband is currently the star of Rocky at the Winter Garden Theater; they are a great couple.
Knowing Jesus is here with me in New York is making all the difference in the world, and it's wonderful. If you will embrace that for you, I can assure you something wonderful will happen.
Paul Lambert (from New York)
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Please Remember In Your Prayers
Sharon Adams, for comfort on the loss of her father and her sister, Ceilia;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for healing from a bone marrow transplant, and Nancy, for strength in companioning her;
Jan Ardell's daughter, Jeannie, for thanksgiving for healing;
Jerry Lambert, mother of Paul, for healing;
Gregg Elberg, recovering from surgery, and mourning the loss of his mother;
Clyde Ongaro, for healing;
The people of Syria, Iraq, and Israel-Palestine, for an end to the cycle of retributive violence and revenge;
Children and young people who have no possibilities in their homelands, who take grave risks to come to the U.S.;
The United States government, to function as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people;
A safe 4th of July holiday for all.
Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
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Mexico Mission 2014 Return Service
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Return Service presented by entire Mexico Mission 2014 Team
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Mexico Mission Musicians sing Happy Birthday
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Joe Robinson reflects
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Gary Newman demonstrating the sacred morning ritual
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MM 2014 team watching slideshow from their trip
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The SHPC Justice Garden's Journey
Thank you to Ethan Russell for creating a beautiful collage showcasing SHPC's Justice Garden journey from modest plot of land to bountiful garden.
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COOKS NEEDED IN AUGUST!!!
Please sign up for more Wednesday night dinner deliveries!
From the Food Barrel ministry to the 2 cents ministry, no one does more for the hungry than Wil and Betty. PLEASE sign up for a few Wednesday night dinner deliveries to Wil and Betty; a few folks are doing more than their share right now.
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 Greeters Needed for Sunday Mornings - PLEASE sign up for our ministry of hospitality!
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. This is a great way to serve the church and share your friendliness.
--Jody Brockett Schmetz, Worship Elder
sign up here |
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Blue Ribbons for Rhys Figari-Foster and Hallie Foster
at County Fair!
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First Place
Junior Arts and Crafts - Miscellaneous Crafts: Creature
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First Place
Junior Arts and Crafts -
Rock Art
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First Place
Adult Foods -
Confections: Dipped Chocolates
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 After Detroit...What Happened at the 221st General Assembly and what to do now...
As many of you know, the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted last month to divest from companies profiting from the Israeli occupation, invest in "occupation-free" companies, affirm the need for equal rights among all Israelis and Palestinians, review the Church's position on the two-state solution, reaffirm the rights of children and attention to violence against children in Israel/Palestine, condemn the destruction of the Tent of Nations farm, and pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation in Israel/Palestine.
Despite the General Assembly's prophetic actions toward bringing about a just peace in Israel/Palestine, we are reminded by recent atrocities that much work remains to be done.
Last month, after three Israeli settler teens went missing, the Israeli military launched its largest armed campaign on the occupied West Bank in ten years. In addition to Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, Israeli ground troops in the West Bank have killed twelve Palestinians and wounded 180. More than 500 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have been arrested over the past three weeks, close to 200 without charge or trial. Israel erected ten new checkpoints within the West Bank and approved $1.5 million for illegal settlements. The Israeli government has renewed its long dormant policy of retributive home demolitions against the families of Palestinian terror suspects. Southern Israel is subject to increased rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Two days ago, we learned that the three missing Israeli teens were murdered. And just last night, a Palestinian boy was kidnapped and murdered in Jerusalem.
The Israel/Palestine Mission Network condemns the use of violence in every case and we mourn with the families and friends of all those who have lost their lives in this ever tragic situation.
We continue to seek resolutions to the root causes of this conflict, including an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory, equal rights for all Palestinians and Israelis, and the cessation of violence, whether it is used as a means of liberation, repression, or revenge. While the intensity of the bloodshed may leave us feeling helpless, there are some things you can do right now to help achieve these goals:
- PRAY for Israelis, Palestinians, and all those affected by the conflict
- SUPPORT the Palestinian economy by buying Palestinian products here, here, or here
- CONTACT members of Congress to stop funding the occupation
- BOYCOTT illegal Israeli settlement products
- TRAVEL to the Holy Land
- LEARN more about Israel/Palestine
- JOIN one of our interfaith, ecumenical, or secular partners
- FOLLOW the regular updates from Rev. Kate Taber, the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s regional liaison in Israel/Palestine
- READ the daily news from Israel/Palestine from a variety of perspectives (including Ma'an News Agency, the International Middle East Media Center,Haaretz, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post, Al Jazeera English, Mondoweiss, Middle East Monitor, 972 Magazine, Electronic Intifada, and theInstitute for Middle East Understanding; you can also follow our Twitter feed, which links to key news stories and opinion pieces on a daily basis).
- SPEAK prophetic truth to entrenched power
Together, and through the grace of God, we can witness the empowerment of all oppressed people and the emergence of a just and lasting peace in Israel/Palestine.
Blessings,
~ IPMN
The Israel/Palestine Mission Network
of the Presbyterian Church (USA
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Pedal for Protein
Supporting Food Bank Pantries
September 20-25, 2014
Come ride with the Hunger Task Force on September 20 to 25, 2014. Tour the beautiful Northern California Coastline, from Orick to Sausalito, 360 miles over 6 days, or chose a 1 or 2 day ride.
Your participation will help food pantries along the northern coast of California stock up on protein rich foods like peanut butter, canned tuna, chicken and milk and provide them to families, seniors and children. The tour cost
for the full week tour is $200 for registration plus a $500 minimum in fundraising. A one day tour is $50 for registration plus a $100 minimum in fund raising. All funds raised will be donated through local food banks. For more information or to register, click here.
If you have additional questions, please contact me at 515-6127.
Patty Sanders
Pedal for Protein Ride Director
Hunger Task Force
Presbytery of the Redwoods
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
100 Tarry Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960
Allie Duro, Editor/Office Administrator
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E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221
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