Jesus and Pilate
 
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPCAugust 21, 2014

What is Truth?

     

How do you decide what is true?  When we tune into the radio, cable TV, and surf the internet, we encounter a flood of facts, embedded with strongly held, intensely expressed opinions.  How do we sift through all that and reach an understanding of truth?

 

Here in the church, the mystical Gospel of John tells us that Jesus, the Living Word of God, is full of grace and truth (1:14) and that Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (14:6).  How fascinating that at the climactic scene of Jesus' trial before Roman leader Pontius Pilate, Pilate asks Jesus, "What is truth?" (18:33a).

 

This Sunday, August 24, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., seminarian and chaplain Bentley Stewart will lead us as we explore the nature of truth, and our relationship with it.  Our texts will be Psalm 1:1-3 and John 18:33-38a.

 

In This Issue
Bible Study
Paul's Blog
Prayers
MOLOTH Pool Party!
Confirmation Classes
Bon Voyage!
Let's Talk
Take Wil and Betty Dinner
Justice Garden Managers
Greeters Needed
Mission & Social Justice
ISFC Teaching Stewardship
SFTS Horizons Bible Study
Pedaling for Protein
Suicide Prevention Hotline Training Class
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note from 
Pastor Bev       
 

One of the things I love most about this congregation is that here, folks bring their heads and their hearts, their thinking and their feeling, to what we do in worship, fellowship, and service.

 

We are engaged with each other and with the world, and since we don't leave our critical thinking and our best problem solving skills at home, we are growing together in so many ways!

 

This fall we're trying something ambitious and exciting, and it's called Let's Talk. Our dynamic challenge class team of Richard Peltzman, Cathy Sarkisian, Matt Ehlen, joined by Fred Morfit, and with the assistance of Shannon Mong, will be leading us in weekly discussions of provocative and timely topics.

 

In an increasingly uncivil and polarized culture, this could be dangerous!  Here's the goal:  to create a safe and trusting environment so we can be authentic about what we really think and feel, even if it's not the majority position, to walk our inclusive talk, to learn from each other, grow, and build community. That's ambitious! With the Holy Spirit guiding us, and with all of your good faith and good will, we can do it! 

 

Let's Talk starts September 7 at 10:45 a.m. with skill building for talking about charged topics in a way that feels safe, friendly, and builds relationships up. How exciting!

 

It is my joy to serve as your pastor,

                                                            

                            Bev
 Fall Calendar

 

 

Thursday, August 21
       7:30 p.m.         SHPC Singers Rehearse at church

Friday, August 22
        12:00 p.m.     Bible Study with Bev and Bentley 

Sunday, August 24
        9:30 a.m.       Bentley Stewart preaching - 
        "What is Truth? A Bird in the Hand, or Two in the Bush?"
       10:30 a.m.      Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!

Thursday, August 28
       7:30 p.m.          SHPC Singers Rehearse at church

Friday, August 29
        12:00 p.m.      Bible Study (unless Bev is on jury duty)

Sunday, August 31
         9:30 a.m.      Work That Makes Your Heart Sing
        10:30 a.m.     Bon Voyage for John and Patty Sanders
                              

Thursday, September 4
       7:30 p.m.        SHPC Singers Rehearse at church 

Friday, September 5
        12:00 p.m.      Bible Study

Sunday, September 7
          9:30 a.m.      Evolving Church Begins: 
                            God is Alive and Still Speaking!
        Confirmation Class begins in church and concludes at 11:30
        10:30 a.m.     Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
        10:45 a.m.     Let's Talk Discussion Series Begins

Thursday, September 11
       7:30 p.m.         SHPC Singers Rehearse at church 

Friday, September 12
        12:00 p.m.      Bible Study

Sunday, September 14
          9:30 a.m.     Evolving Church Continues: 
                            The Lordship of Jesus
                             Confirmation Class #2
        10:30 a.m.     Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
        10:45 a.m.     Let's Talk

Thursday, September 18
       7:30 p.m.        SHPC Singers Rehearse at church 

Friday, September 19
        12:00 p.m.      Bible Study

Sunday, September 21
          9:30 a.m.    Theological Education Sunday
                            Confirmation Class #3
        10:30 a.m.     Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
        10:45 a.m.     Let's Talk

Thursday, September 25
       7:30 p.m.        SHPC Singers Rehearse at church

Friday, September 26
        12:00 p.m.      Bible Study
          7:00 p.m.      Ordination to Ministry of Hannah Dreitcer

Sunday, September 28
          9:30 a.m.    Evolving Church Continues: 
                            Big Tent -- Who are God's People?
                            Confirmation Class #4
        10:30 a.m.    Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
        10:45 a.m.     Let's Talk

Thursday, October 2
       7:30 p.m.        SHPC Singers Rehearse at church 

Sunday, October 5
          9:30 a.m.     WORLD COMMUNION/PEACEMAKING SUNDAY
        10:30 a.m.     Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
        10:45 a.m.     Let's Talk 

Thursday, October 9
       7:30 p.m.        SHPC Singers Rehearse at church

Friday, October 10
        12:00 p.m.      Bible Study

Sunday, October 12
          9:30 a.m.     Evolving Church Concludes: 
                            Sacred Texts: Alive or Stone Tablets?
        10:30 a.m.     Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
        10:45 a.m.     Let's Talk 



 
Bible Study with Bev and Bentley Friday, August 22nd at noon.
What is Truth? John 18:33-38a
 
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.  
 
 

The Role of "Rest" in a life of "Zest"

 

Zest is a terrific word. It mirrors enthusiasm, zeal, passion, exuberance and pizzazz. Many of us are living a "zestful" life. 

 

Meet Jeannie Arnold, one of the busiest women I know. Jeannie used to work as a nurse and cares deeply for people. She is a woman with exuberance and drive. Jeannie expanded her nursing talents and became a respected hospital executive, authored and launched many new nursing programs and today busily heads many charity events and projects on the East Coast.

 

She is special to me because we have become great friends and she is a significant supporter and investor in our upcoming musical "The First Wives Club." A busier woman you won't find. Jeannie reached out to me a few weeks ago and said, "Paul, on your next trip East come spend a few days with me and Ed on the Jersey Shore ... you need to rest."

 

Rest? Was she serious? 

 

When I arrived, the first thing she did was take my pulse - she looked in my eyes and said, "Your heart is in fibrillation and is fluttering. 

Have you been taking your meds?" The truth is I hadn't in about four days. And yes, I truly needed to rest.

 

We all need to focus on the role of "rest." When humming at a fast pace and pushing ourselves, we can develop moodiness, become irritable, anxious, have flattened emotions, and in truth make poor decisions. Even some things that are said to us we don't "hear" until we pause and catch our breath for a few days.

 

The Bible says, "Find rest in God" (Psalm 62:5); "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7); "God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29); "Those whose hope is in the Lord  will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run, and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

 

The role of rest in a life of zest is an important one. We should all embrace it. As summer nears the end I encourage you to unplug, stare into the wild blue yonder, and reboot. Listen to music, disconnect from the maddening world for a bit, and listen to your inner most thoughts.

 

After three days with Jeannie and Ed I felt so much better. I had rested and was ready to charge again. As I exited I asked Jeannie what was on her agenda next week and she said she had to do some shopping at Neiman's. I asked, "need a new dress?" and Jeannie replied, "Yes, I have to go visit the King of Sweden." Ahhh, now that's what I call a life of zest!

 

Your friend (now in Chicago) ... Paul Lambert


 

 
 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands


Carolyn O'Hara, for healing, and for strength and support during her recovery;

Evan Peltzman, for healing and complete recovery from a broken heel, and for strength and support during his recovery;

Andrea Proster, for healing, and her sister Nancy Elberg, for strength in companioning her;

Clyde Ongaro, for healing;

Jerry Lambert, for healing, and for blessed assurance of God's constant presence;

The greater community of Ferguson, Missouri for healing and peace;

Those struggling with financial insecurity, for a door of opportunity to open and for relief from stress;

For light and hope to reach all those who have contemplated or attempted suicide, and for the loved ones of those who have committed suicide;

For healing for all those struggling with depression, for strength for their loved ones, and for guidance for those who want to help and aren't sure what to do;

For the loved ones of James Foley for strength and healing at this time of loss; and for all those taken hostage and their loved ones;

For all those impacted by the resurgence of the Ebola virus, with special prayers for medical workers;

For pilots, troops, humanitarian workers, and journalists serving in wartorn areas around the world;

For all those living in places of darkness and violence, for peace, shared humanity, and hope.

 

Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.

   

Back to the top

 
MOLOTH Back-to-School Pool Party!

Youth 11 and up and those interested in confirmation class this fall are invited to the MOLOTH Back-to-School Pool Party:

 

Sunday, August 24th

2:00 - 4:00 pm

The Hamilton Family's home

18 Grove Lane

San Anselmo

 

Bring or wear your swimsuit, sunscreen, a towel, and safe pool fun stuff. Snacks will be provided and Charles will have a game for poolside. 

 

Please let Bev know if you will be able to make it to the pool party.

 

With great thanks to the Hamilton family!

 


 

SHPC Confirmation Class

Confirmation class will be starting September 7th during worship. Confirmation class is open to those 11 and up who are interested in understanding church, learning more about religion, asking questions/talking about church, religion, life and whatever is going on, and having fun! All welcome!

 

 
Bon Voyage to John and Patty Sanders!
Sunday, August 31 at Fellowship

Our own John and Patty Sanders have sold their home in San Rafael and are embarking on a year or two of travels, and we want to wish them bon voyage!

The Deacons are preparing a special fellowship time, so please plan to stay for the party on Sunday, August 31.

 
Let's Talk! Discussions Start September 7th at 10:45 am

Our fall lineup of topics is shaping up to include the following:

- Gender and Religion
- Saving the Planet
- How we interpret Sacred Texts
- Israel/Palestine
- End of life and afterlife
- Religion and Science

Watch the calendar for more information about dates and topics.

Richard Peltzman
Matt Ehlen
Cathy Sarkisian
Fred Morfit

 
 
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.

 A HUGE Thank You to the Justice Garden Managers!

                   Fond Farewell Sunday, August 24 after church

 

It's back to college time for Justice Garden Managers Emma Jones and Serena Huguet-Holway. What a beautiful job they have done, along with Emma's sister Sophie Rosenbaum. We want to thank our wonderful garden managers and wish them all a terrific school year!

 
Serena, Emma, and Sophie

 
OUR MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY NEEDS YOU!
Greeters Needed for Sunday Mornings: August 24, 31, September 14, 21, 28 and all of October

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 

 
Mission & Social Justice Issues

First, as your Mission/Social Justice elder, I will be bringing a motion to Session next meeting to adopt the  Interfaith Covenant with Migrant Children at the Border. It's a small step, but at least it is a way we can voice our concern about how our country is handling the inflow of dislocated children across our southern border. As always, I welcome any suggestions on how we as a community can help.

 

Second, Bev had me read an article about a woman's experience of living through Syria's civil war, which appeared in the July/August issue of Horizons. If nothing else, it serves as a lesson about how a seemingly solid and safe existence can be so unexpectedly upended by religious and political conflict. In recognition of the huge need for aid for Syrians, the Mission team is going to donate $1,000 from our Mission budget to go toward Presbyterian Disaster relief.

 

Finally, we are looking for a volunteer who is willing to attend a kick-off meeting for a Housing Sabbath on Wednesday, August 27, noon - 2 pm at St. Hilary's Catholic Church in Tiburon. Speakers will include Rabbi Michael Lezak, Rev. Br. Richard Helmer, Rev. Reirin Gumbel, and Ms. Judy Bloomberg, Esq., addressing the teachings of Sukkot and how they manifest in our different faith traditions and how we might extend a "different" conversation in Marin around shelter, housing and home. We're interested in conversation that adds depth to our participation in REST (Rotating Emergency Shelter Team), and to our understanding of homelessness in general.  Let me know if you feel called to attend this important meeting.

 

Matt Ehlen,

Mission/Social Justice Elder

 

 

Teaching Stewardship, Food & Faith Through Sacred Text

 


Autumn is almost upon us and it is time to celebrate the harvest! Connect with fellow religious leaders and educators to learn more about bridging stewardship and sustainability with our sacred texts.

 

Workshop Dates:

Wednesday, August 27th 

5:30 - 9:00 pm

Unity in Marin

600 Palm Drive

Novato
 

AND

 

Tuesday, September 16th

12:00 - 4:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

1510 Fifth Avenue

San Rafael
 

Can only attend one session? No problem! The sessions build on each other, but each will be valuable independently
 

These trainings are offered for free and will begin with a meal featuring local, sustainable foods.

 

The August 27th event will feature two panels and an interactive breakout session. Panelists include 6 thought leaders with direct experience teaching and preaching about connections between faith, sustainability, and stewardship.
 

 

Click here to RSVP.

 

 
San Francisco Theological Seminary:
Horizons Bible Study
Saturday, September 13th
1:00-4:30 pm

San Francisco Theological Seminary will once again be hosting the annual Horizons Bible Study, and all Presbyterian women are invited to attend. 

 

Horizons Bible Study

Saturday, September 13, 2014

12:30 - 1:00 pm check in

1:00 - 4:30 pm Bible Study Day Program

San Francisco Theological Seminary

105 Seminary Road

San Anselmo, CA 94960

 

Registration Cost: $20.00

 

The 2014-2015 Horizons Bible Study Topic is Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians, by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. The bible study will be led by Rev. Irene Pak, author of Suggestions for Leaders, the companion piece to Hinson-Hasty's book. 

 

Please go to tinyurl.com/RegisterHorizons to register.

 

Thank you and we hope to see you there!

 

Charles Wei

Communications Associate

San Francisco Theological Seminary

(415) 451-2805 [email protected]

 

Pedaling for Protein
September 20th - 25th
 

Patty Sanders, the Hunger Action Enabler for Presbytery of the Redwoods, would like to bring to your attention the following information about Pedaling for Protein:

 

We are 4 weeks away from our Pedal for Protein bike tour benefiting grassroots food pantries in our Redwoods Presbytery. We have 13 riders for the 6 day tour and more coming to join us on the last day, Thursday September 25. Last day riders can join us anywhere along the way from our start at Tomales PC (47 miles) to Sausalito. Or, join us at the following churches: Pt. Reyes Station (31) miles), San Geronimo (19 miles), First Presbyterian San Anselmo (12 miles), or Redwoods Larkspur (8 miles). Sign up before August 31 on the website www.imathlete.com/events/PedalforProtein and save $$.

 

The goal is to raise $20,000 for two local food banks, which supply food to smaller, grassroots food pantries. Click on these links for more information: 

 

Presbyterian Hunger Program AND Presbytery of the Redwoods 

 

While most of the riders will be from the Presbytery of the Redwoods, one staffer from the Presbyterian Hunger Program will also participate. Bryce Wiebe, associate for Enough for Everyone, will attempt to raise $10,000 for the hunger program's national and international grant projects.

 

The group will stay with various churches along the way and at these churches Wiebe will speak about the hunger program and the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, which helps fund the program. 

 


With thanks,

Patty Sanders
 


 

Training Class for Marin Suicide Prevention

Hotline volunteers needed! Learn the art of communication. Learn to listen and make a difference.

Fall Classes:

September 16th through November 18th

Tuesdays, 7:00-10:00 pm

one Saturday: October 11th 10:00 am-5:00 pm

 

For information call: 415-499-1193 ext.3003

Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, 
100 Tarry Road, San Anselmo, CA  94960
Allie Duro, Editor/Office Administrator
E-mail us at [email protected] or call us at 415-453-8221