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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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| Weekly Happenings at SHPC | October 2, 2014 |
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World Communion and Peace Sunday
Celebration of Confirmation Class
This Sunday, October 5, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., we come together to experience unity with people all over the world who gather at the table of inclusion and peace. Our Children's Choir, Youth Choir, and the SHPC Singers will bring the music of peace, our guest drummer will bring the rhythm of peace, and we will bring our intentions to grow as peacemakers. We will celebrate our Confirmation Class with a presentation of Bibles, and they will lead the congregation in peace prayers. Ellen Dodge is our leader for Let's Talk following the service: Feeling Our Way to Peace.
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A Note from
Pastor Bev
To bring more peace to the world, we can all learn to practice the ways of peace in our daily lives. Here's an easy-to-learn peace practice: When someone or something triggers fear, anxiety, irritation, agitation, usually we don't need to react immediately. We can take a "peace pause." Just for a moment, we can take a deep breath and imagine that we are breathing in the Spirit of Peace, which accompanies us through life.
We can remember that Jesus said, "My Peace I leave with you." Then we can deal with the situation. If we practice that enough, it will become our new way of being in the world. And we will be bringing peace to many situations and people where peace is needed!
In the peace of Christ,
Bev
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Thursday, October 2
7:30 p.m. SHPC Singers Rehearse at church
Friday, October 3
11:45 a.m. Bible Study meets at SFTS Montgomery Chapel for Bentley's Senior Sermon
Sunday, October 5
9:30 a.m. WORLD COMMUNION/PEACEMAKING SUNDAY
Confirmation Class Celebration
Three Choirs Sing Plus Drums!
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. Let's Talk- Feeling Our Way to Peace with Ellen Dodge
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, Stone Tablets, Both?
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. Let's Talk about Interpretation - with Matt Ehlen
Friday, October 17
12:00 p.m. Bible Study
6:00 p.m. Game Night - All Welcome!
sponsored by Family Ministries and MOLOTH
Sunday, October 19
9:30 a.m. Housing and Homelessness with Lora East
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
10:45 a.m. Let's Talk Field Trip to First Presbyterian San Anselmo- Rev. Kate Taber, PCUSA missionary to Israel/Palestine
Save the Date: Sunday, November 9- String Quartet and
Harvest Feast for Stewardship Celebration
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Bible Study - Friday Oct. 3
Special Field Trip to SFTS (see item below)
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.
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Put Up or Shut Up
Last Sunday I attended one of my favorite Churches in New York pastored by Susan Sparks. This church has a wonderful congregation with an interesting and diverse crowd. Every time I attend I feel a warmth and unity among its people and the love of God present among this unique body of believers.
When I looked at the morning bulletin I saw that Susan's sermon title was "Put Up or Shut Up." I thought, "Wow, what a title!" What followed was power-packed.
The theme of the sermon was when we are saddled by heartbreaking events or a heart stopping circumstance, that is the time to use our faith as a lifeboat. In those moments of struggle and extreme helplessness, we can say "Why me God?" or "Use me God." According to Rev. Sparks, at these times we can "blame God or turn to God."
In The Book of Job we see one of our Lord's most faithful servants and a shining example of virtue. When the book opens, Job is about to lose everything: his children, his property, his wealth, his good name, and even his health. That pretty much qualifies as a complete package of disaster, doesn't it?
So the question of why do bad things happen to good people surfaces. It is obvious the "world" is not an entirely safe or predictable place. But God runs it, all of it.
God created the universe, God runs the universe, and said to Job "You don't know the workings of the universe." But, the real lesson in all of this becomes clear. God is alive, God is here, God is active, God cares, and God is capable. Job starts to grasp this and says, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."
Suffering and a sudden crisis is hard to accept unless or until God reveals the divine purpose of them. Isn't it true that after a personal storm blows through there comes a time when we gain a better understanding and perspective of things? Often we see what happened was for good, but only later, much later.
At the end of reverend Sparks' sermon she revealed that in the front of the Church sat a lady named Nancy along with her family. This past week Nancy's daughter was suddenly killed in a car accident. Poof, she was gone. Pastor Sparks called to comfort her right after it happened and asked "how are you doing?" Nancy, a mother whose daughter had just been snatched from her, said "Well Pastor, it's time to put up or shut up." I couldn't hold back the tears. Wow.
That's what we all have to do at our worst and most challenging moments: "Put Up or Shut Up." If you're facing a huge struggle or unexpected crisis, turn it into a timely opportunity to use your faith as a life boat and trust, trust, trust God. (Rom 8:28; 2 Cor 12:5-10; Heb 12:4-12; John 16:33). Wow, what a sermon, what a circumstance, and what a wonderful lady. I was changed and really helped by this. I hope this can be helpful to you too.
From Madison Ave Baptist Church in New York ... Paul
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
For everyone in the world to know true peace;
Our confirmation class youth, for their wellbeing and flourishing;
Patty Kuehn's mother Diane, for complete recovery;
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;
For the unhoused community as we approach winter without a permanent shelter in Marin County, and for our local government, for the wherewithal to create and fund a permanent shelter;
For all those struggling with depression and isolation;
For all those struggling with addiction and dependency, and their loved ones;
For all those struggling with financial insecurity;
For the caretakers, that they may have more rest and joy;
For all those living in places of darkness and violence, for peace, shared humanity, and hope.
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Special Bible Study Field Trip:
Bentley Stewart's Senior Sermon
Friday, October 3rd - Noon at SFTS
Montgomery Chapel
Our own Bentley Stewart will be giving his Senior Sermon on October 3rd and we would love for our SHPC friends to join in the special service. Bentley will be preaching on the theme of "Why Seminary?"
The worship service will be held in Montgomery Chapel
5 Richmond Road (corner of Bolinas Ave. and Richmond Rd.)
San Anselmo, CA
The service will be 12:05pm - 12:35pm and includes Communion.
Community lunch will be held after the service in Upper Alexander Hall (40 Kensington Rd.) and will cost $8 cash at the door.
Warmly,
Janel Stewart
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Celebration of Confirmation Class
Sunday, Oct. 5th - 9:30 a.m.
World Peace Sunday
What a great group of middle schoolers! They have been active participants in worship for the entire month of September, and they will be leading and singing this Sunday, October 5. We will celebrate them with a presentation of Bibles, which will mark the conclusion of phase one of confirmation.
Going forward they will be meeting as a group after the service on the first and third Sundays of the month, led by our Youth leader, Charles Wei, M. Div, Pastor Bev, Intern Lora East, and our Youth Choir director, Hallie Foster, for art, singing, discussion, service projects, and fun. The other Sundays we hope they will come to church and they are welcome to help out with the younger children or stay upstairs during the service.
We'll be adding special events to that schedule, and the first one is coming up Friday, October 17 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. GAME NIGHT! All are welcome for this fun evening of pizza and games of all kinds.
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Let's Talk! Fall Discussion Series
Continues October 5th at 10:45 am
In our increasingly polarized culture,
is it possible to dive into charged topics and emerge friends? Can we learn from people who don't see eye to eye with us on key issues? We're going to show the world it can be done! So far we are doing great!
Oct. 5 - Kimochis, Feeling Our Way to Peace with Ellen Dodge
For over 20 years, Ellen Dodge, a pioneering speech-language pathologist, has taught communication skills to more than just the children on her caseload. Ellen knows that feelings fuel behaviors and, she has seen first-hand that teaching communication skills helps children express challenging feelings. As a result, a lot of negative behaviors have been eliminated throughout entire schools.
Coming up:
- Oct. 12 - Who decides what our governing texts mean? Interpreting the Bible and other foundational texts, with Matt Ehlen
- Oct. 19 and 26 - Israel/Palestine with field trip to meet Rev. Kate Tabor, PCUSA missionary to Israel/Palestine
- November 16- Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, SFTS Faculty and expert on Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care - Caring for Elderly Parents and End of life issues
- December - Religion and Science - can they talk?
Watch the calendar for more dates and topics.
Richard Peltzman
Matt Ehlen
Cathy Sarkisian
Fred Morfit
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Volunteer Opportunity for Mexico Mission Team 2014
While we were down in Mexico several of you asked what we could do as a group when we get back home AND HAVE FUN.
The answer has arrived. Several youth and adults have been working on a Civic minded party and you are INVITED!
Most of you have played at Memorial Park as a kid - now it is time to have fun and give back. Click here for a little more information.
Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
If you haven't yet gotten the evite to do a little work for a great cause, eat some awesome BBQ and most of all have fun with your MM Teammates, email Chris and let him know.
With thanks,
Chris Lopin and MM Adult Leadership
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Tomato Delivery to Bennett House
This week three boxes of luscious tomatoes from the Justice Garden were delivered to Bennett House for low income seniors. Special thanks to Liz, Robin and Patti for the delivery!
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 THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL WHO HAVE SIGNED UP TO TAKE MEALS TO WIL AND BETTY!
Now's your chance to share your cooking and your love! Thank you and bless you for taking a hot meal and your love to Wil and Betty on Wednesday nights.
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 SHPC Food Barrel and Marin Food Bank Donation
A big Thank You to Wil and Betty for their efforts to fill the SHPC Food Barrel and donating 106 lbs. of groceries to the SF-Marin Food Bank in September!
Please consider donating a few items to the SHPC Food Barrel. Especially helpful items are dry and canned goods (please, no glass jars).
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Greeters Needed for Sunday Mornings: October 5, 12, 19, and 26
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. Thank you to all who have signed up so far!
Jody Brockett Schmetz,
Worship Elder
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 Let's Talk Team Resources from Doug Eisinger on Climate Change
The Let's Talk Team thanks Doug Eisinger for a great session last Sunday! And for follow up, Doug sends us this:
A good "one-stop" place to go for background on climate change and actions that people can take is the U.S. EPA website:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
An alternative is the United Nations website with comparable information:
http://newsroom.unfccc.int/
Finally, for those more interested in the science details, and the international consensus view among scientists, I suggest they visit the website for the Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC):
http://www.ipcc.ch/
With thanks,
Doug Eisinger
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 Action Alert:
Support Water for the World!
All of creation depends on water for survival - it is a life sustaining gift from God. Yet 743 million people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.5 billion people lack adequate sanitation. This inequity is why half the hospital beds in developing countries are filled with people suffering from water-related diseases. In fact, one child dies every minute somewhere in the world from causes related to poor access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Contact your member of congress today! Click here to support water for the world!
The bipartisan Water for the World Act will strengthen and ensure that U.S. aid is amplified to meet the needs of communities that need water and sanitation the most. H.R.2901 has strong bipartisan support in the House, with 103 cosponsors, does not seek new funds, and builds on decades of successful US-led programs to make even better use of existing resources. Similar legislation was passed under unanimous consent by the Senate in the previous Congress, and it is time now for the full Congress to join together toward this common objective.
Contact your member of congress today! Click here to support water for the world!
As a person of faith committed to human prospering and the renewal of creation, urge your member of congress to commit to working toward a world where everyone has access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Ask them to support H.R. 2901 and ensure that it pass the full Congress this year.
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 Housing SabbathMIC & MOC Partnership: Response to the Marin Housing Crisis
The Marin Interfaith Council (MIC) and the Marin Organizing Committee (MOC) are partnering to create a Housing Sabbath, the weekend of October 10th - 12th, 2014, during the Jewish Feast of Sukkot.
The Housing Sabbath culminates with an action on Sunday, October 12th, in the Sukkah at Congregation Kol Shofar, 3-5pm. Save the Date!
Click on the link below to register or RSVP.
We are grateful for your commitment to advocating for justice and building community in Marin. We hope to see you October 12th.
Blessings,
The Reverend Carol Hovis (Executive Director)
Marin Interfaith Council
chovis@marinifc.org
415-456-6957
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 Marin Interfaith CouncilHuman Trafficking - On Our Doorstep
Religious Leaders Gathering
Human Trafficking - On Our Doorstep
Tuesday, October 21st
12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
Sex and labor trafficking exists right here in Marin. Based on their research, the Marin Organizing Committee will inform us about this issue and how our community is responding. Together we will discuss steps that our faith community can take to raise awareness, identify children at risk and help victims.
Speakers include:
- Emily Sims, Executive Director of West Marin Advocacy and key member of the Marin County Task Force on Human Trafficking
- Chuck Cacciatore, Deputy District Attorney who heads the Task Force in developing a protocol for Marin Law Enforcement Agencies
- Rev. Alison Hendley, pastor at First United Methodist Church in San Rafael
- Diane Doubleday, Attorney
- Lynn Bauer, BOAC Board Chair
- along with other Marin Organizing Committee (MOC) leaders.
Please bring your lunch.
$10-$20 donation requested at the door.
Click here for more information about Interfaith Council and Community Events.
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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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