 | | Daniel in the Lions' Den |
|
|
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
|
|
| Weekly Happenings at SHPC | August 7, 2014 |
|
Summer Storytelling Series continues with...
The Story of Daniel - Part One - Saving Faith
It's wedding season, and couples everywhere are promising to be faithful and to love each other forever. But how well do we keep lifelong promises of fidelity? The Book of Daniel asks that question in the context of faith in God, and shows our hero Daniel and his friends enduring tests of faith from fiery furnaces to a lions' den. This Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., we'll explore the choices we make -- intentional or not -- and how well we're doing at bringing more closeness, love, and fidelity into our relationships, our lives, and the world. Our text will be The Book of Daniel, chapter 6.
|
|
|
|
A Note from
Pastor Bev
There's so much tragic news in the world this week, and so many places that seem off limits for travel, at least for now, like the Holy Land. So when Michael and I were in Washington, D.C. last week, and the IMAX National Geographic movie Jerusalem was showing at the Natural History Museum, we had to see it. It is stunning! Within minutes, I felt I was back in the narrow streets of the Old City's Muslim quarter, wending my way through the bazaar, and I was crying with joy! Whether or not you've been to the Holy Land, I highly recommend this movie. I was astounded to be brought inside the Dome of the Rock, the 3rd holiest mosque in Islam. But the best part for me was revisiting the key places in Jesus' life.
I think my travels in 2014 have been the best in my life, because each trip has brought a surprising, sometimes astonishing, way of feeling closer to Jesus. In Siracusa, Sicily, I found the suggestion of the compassionate face of Jesus in Caravaggio's painting The Burial of Saint Lucy. In D.C., in addition to Jerusalem, I discovered Redon's painting, Mystery, which takes me back to the Jesus I met as a teenager. (I've ordered a print for the pastor's office so we can all share this image.)
We don't have to travel the world to seek closeness to the Sacred, but we do have to keep our eyes open, and keep seeking. What blessings flow to us when we do!
With joy,
Bev
|
|
|
August Calendar
|
Thursday, August 7
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
Friday, August 8
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, August 10
9:30 a.m. The Book of Daniel - Part One - Fidelity
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, August 14
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
Friday, August 15
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, August 17
9:30 a.m. The Book of Daniel - Part Two - Apocalypse
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, August 21
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
Friday, August 22
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, August 24
9:30 a.m. Bentley Stewart preaching
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Thursday, August 28
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church -
New singers welcome!
Friday, August 29
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
Sunday, August 31
9:30 a.m. Vocation Sunday with Pastor Bev
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
|
|
|
 Bible Study - Book of Daniel, Chapters 1 through 6
Friday, August 8 at noon
Bible Study meets at noon on Fridays in the Pastor's office. Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome to come and learn and make meaningful friendships.
|
What's the Key ... to Moving On?
Last week I wrote about taking inventory of whether certain people add to our lives or detract from our lives. True friends belong in our lives and play an important role ... but there are others that need weeding out.
This line of thinking must have struck a chord because several of you wrote and others let me know that his was an important, but difficult topic. One of my best friends, Yvonne Martinez, emailed:
"Paul, what you wrote is so true. I recently purged several friends from my life and cleaned out my phone directory. I couldn't have a proper relationship with God with people pushing me back instead of urging me forward." Yvonne quoted Philippians 3:10 to me and continued, "I am truly alive in Christ now that I no longer have these negative and ungodly distractions in my life."
God has something "next" for each one of us. What is it for you? Whatever it is, we need to be expecting it and be ready.
In order to hear God and connect with "what's next for us", it is important to be psychologically healthy, emotionally strong and reduce where possible the negative influences in our lives. Pastor Bev is terrific at counseling any of us who need help in these areas.
The Bible says "Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is - what is proper, pleasing, and perfect" (Romans 12:2) and "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm119:105). I join with each of you preparing for and expecting "What's next " for me. It takes work on our part, and study of God's word, but its worth it.
From New York ... Paul Lambert
|
|
Please Remember In Your Prayers
Sharon Adams, as she travels to celebrate the lives of her father and her sister, Ceilia this weekend;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for healing, and Nancy, for strength in companioning her;
Jerry Lambert, mother of Paul, for healing;
Clyde Ongaro, for healing;
The people of Gaza, West Bank, Israel, Syria, Iraq, and the Ukraine, for an end to war, terrorism, home demolitions, and the cycle of retributive violence and revenge;
Refugees all over the world who are displaced and suffering;
Americans, especially those who live in border states, for empathy for unaccompanied minors coming into this country, and our government, for creativity and compassion in finding solutions;
Those who are struggling with addiction, dependencies, and substance abuse, and those who love them;
Those who are in accidents of every kind, for full recovery, restoration, and peace;
Those struggling with financial insecurity;
The lonely;
Those traveling for vacation and family business.
Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
Back to the top
|
Our Own Alec Kenilvort Sends An Update
Photo 1 - The bullpen staff and Alec with Bob Apodaca, Assistant Pitching Coordinator for the Grand Junction Rockies, and former Big League Pitching Coach
Photo 2 - Independence Rock, Colorado National Monument
Photo 3 - A key strikeout at home against the Anaheim Angels affiliate.
 
|
|
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL WHO HAVE SIGNED UP TO TAKE MEALS TO WIL AND BETTY!
Right now we need cooks for a couple of Wednesdays in October, and the months of November and December are wide open for sign ups. Thank you and bless you for taking a hot meal and your love to Wil and Betty on Wednesday nights.
|
Justice Garden Team Tours the Indian Valley College Organic Farm
Last week Sharon Adams, Serena Huguet-Holway, Robin Abu-Aly (pictured left to right) and Emma Jones and Patti Vance from the SHPC Justice Garden Team toured the Indian Valley College (IVC) Organic Farm. It was a great opportunity to learn a lot about seasonal planting, controlling garden pests, and staging for a community farmstand.
Patti Vance for the Justice Garden Team
|
COMING SOON FROM OUR JUSTICE GARDEN
The SHPC Garden Collective Farmstand
Watch for us Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the corner of Butterfield and Green Valley Court starting as soon as our tomatoes ripen. Proceeds from cash donations will benefit Marin Food Bank and local food pantries. We are still awaiting the ripening of the tomatoes, but check out the photos of all the beautiful produce below!
|
 OUR MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY NEEDS YOU!Greeters Needed for Sunday Mornings August 17, 24, 31 and all of September
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.
Jody Brockett Schmetz,
Worship Elder
sign up here |
|
|
|
|
|
 What are We Called to Do About the Humanitarian Crisis at the Border? Let's Talk, and Give Voice to the Church- from Your Elder for Mission/Social Justice
Two weeks ago, Rev. Scott Clark gave a fantastic sermon on what it was to be a refugee, and, of course, the topic could not help but lead to the humanitarian crisis we have on our southern border. I wish I had some simple way of helping the over 50,000 children held in detention-- de facto orphans -- who have fled to our country, but I'm at a loss.
The following Monday on the way to work I heard a radio talk show host rail against their presence, the whole time referring to them as "unaccompanied minors" in an Orwellian attempt to veil the fact that they are children -- in crisis. He rallied his audience to call elected officials. So, perhaps the way to start doing something is to take a cue from this guy, and let our voices be heard. I'm looking for someone to step forward and take the lead on the best way for our community to show some support. Please let me know if you have any ideas and send me an email at: m.ehlen@comcast.net
Dennis Latta forwarded some helpful links if you want to know a little more on the subject:
www.politico.com
www.huffingtonpost.com
Matt Ehlen
Mission/Social Justice Elder
|
Standing for Peace in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Witness mourns the daily loss of life and destruction of infrastructure resulting from the nearly month long military operation in Gaza. We hope that the most recent ceasefire, announced on August 5, 2014, will allow for much needed humanitarian aid work in Gaza and allay the fears of Israelis and Palestinans. In this uncertain time we offer prayers for the Palestinians and Israelis who have been affected by this recent escalation in violence. We grieve with the familes in Palestine who mourn the loss of loved ones. According to the most recent UN Report, more than 85% of those killed in Gaza have been civilans, including over 400 children. We likewise grieve with those in Israel who mourn the loss of loved ones including the families of the 64 soldiers, 2 civilians, and 1 foreign national killed. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) deplores violence in all of its forms and stands beside Israelis and Palestinians who are working to end the conflict through non-violent means.
An immediate cessation of violence, however, will not produce a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. All aspects of the illegal Israeli military occupation of Palestine must be addressed in order to help bring about a sustainable and just peace for all parties. Shortly before its August recess, Congress voted to provide Israel with an additional $255 million dollars in military aid. At the 221st General Assembly (2014), The PC (USA) "[called] for all foreign aid given by the U.S. government-including aid to Israel and the Palestinian Authority-to be comprehensively and transparently accounted to the American people and held to the same standards of compliance with all applicable laws." As Members of Congress spend August recess back in their home state and districts, reach out to your Representative and Senators. Let them know that U.S. military aid to Israel must not be used to further support the occupation of Palestine.
Click here to contact your Members of Congress today!
Adding to its long history of prophetic action for peace in Palestine-Israel, the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the PC (USA) overwhelming voted to boycott all products made in illegal Israeli settlements. Limited only toward private companies profiting from the occupation of Palestine, the boycott is a tangible, and non-violent economic mechanism Presbyterians can utilize to work for peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Click here to learn more about the boycot, including information about which companies to boycott.
Take action now to work for peace in Israel-Palestine, sign on to the PC (USA) boycott of Israeli settlement products here!
|
 Choir Field Trip or Solo Singers - All are Welcome! The Lighthouse Singers of Marin Gospel Workshop
Saturday, August 16th
1:00 to 4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
1510 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Come learn Gospel music with The Lighthouse Singers of Marin!
Sliding scale $10 - $35 based on what you can afford. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Preregister by August 10th for $5 off. Call 415-456-1356 to register.
Please visit www.lighthousesingers.org for more information.
|
 It's that Time Again -- Please Donate Furniture for San Francisco Theological Seminary Students!
Each year, San Francisco Theological Seminary students have the opportunity to "shop" for FREE gently used furniture and other household items. These donated items help transform a new apartment into a new home.
Please consider donating, and help our new students transition into their new lives at SFTS.
Donations will be accepted:
Sunday, August 17th 1-4 pm
Monday, August 18th 2-6 pm
Lower Alexander Hall
40 Kensington Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Please contact Jennifer Frisch at 415-451-2840 or FFSFTS2014@gmail.com to pledge your donations.
|
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church,
100 Tarry Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960
Allie Duro, Editor/Office Administrator
|
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221
|
|
|
