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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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November 6, 2014
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It's Here:
Stewardship Sunday!
String Quartet, Photoshoot, Harvest Feast
Bring your Pledge Cards
This Sunday, November 9, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., we celebrate our commitment to the church for the coming year with the return of the Meg Eldridge String Quartet, a delight for all ages. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends! Our focus scripture is Isaiah 58:11, a reminder that with God, our lives can be like the garden we see outside our sanctuary window: flourishing and bringing goodness to the world.
We'll dedicate our pledge cards with a prayer for the life and mission of the church in the coming year, and then we'll have photos upstairs for those not yet on the Narthex Members & Friends Photo Board and downstairs for the holidays. All are welcome for the Annual Harvest Feast, hosted by the Deacons, with turkey, ham, and the fixin's. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share!
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A Note from
Pastor Bev
This Sunday we turn in our pledge cards, which are our promises to financially support the church in the coming year. Why do we pledge?
First, because God has been good to us, and this is our way of responding to God's graciousness. (If you are feeling short on grace, please call on me and let's have a visit. That is what I am here for.)
Second, pledging in any amount is a way of committing to the church community. It's a way of saying, "I'm in!" for 2015.
Third, pledges allow the church to plan, to make a realistic 2015 budget, and to commit to our ministries and mission, our children and youth programs and staff, your music ministers, and your pastor.
Pledging says you want to be part of the year we are co-creating to bring more goodness to the world. Thank you for committing to the church!
Bev
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Friday, November 7
12:00 p.m.
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, November 9
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
String Quartet - Bring your pledge cards!
Photoshoot in Sanctuary and Downstairs HARVEST FEAST - All Welcome! | |
Thursday, November 13
7:00 p.m.
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SHPC Singers Rehearse at Church
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Friday, November 14
12:00 p.m. |
Bible Study | |
Sunday, November 16
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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Children and Youth Musical
Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Let's Talk about End of Life
with Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina
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Thursday, November 20
7:00 p.m. |
SHPC Singers Rehearse at Church
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Friday, November 21
12:00 p.m. |
Bible Study
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Sunday, November 23
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. |
Gratitude Sunday
Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
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Sunday, November 30
9:30 a.m.
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1st Sunday in Advent: The New Has Come!
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Bible Study - Fri., Nov. 7 - Noon
Isaiah 58:11 and John 4:13-14
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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Learning to Trust Yourself
Each of us has a built-in secret that can significantly affect our decision making. The secret is that God has promised we will not be left alone when needing counsel or making significant decisions about people, opportunities or situations.
The Bible says, "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it" (Isa. 30:22); "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known" (Jeremiah 33:3); "And this is the confidence that we have toward God, that if we ask anything according to God's will, God hears us" (1 John 5:14).
God's favor is on a certain path for each of us. When we are in touch with God, reading the Bible consistently, and fellowshipping with God's people, we are more than likely on that "favored" path and in tune with God's "still small voice."
This voice communicates with our inner being. It represents intimacy with our Lord. In many instances it is surrounded by a divine trusting environment - one that says "I love you, I will help you, you can trust me."
Quietly, it creates a clear impression, provides uncontaminated guidance, and allows our consciousness to hear and know God's counsel. With this communication comes a promise, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you" (Isaiah 41:10); "Cast your cares on the Lord and God will sustain you; God will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22).
So throw your challenges to God and trust that God will guide you with the use of this heavenly "still small voice." Once you have heard it, trust yourself, move forward with confidence, because God has equipped you to move ahead.
We are the clay, God is the potter and when in God's masterful hands we can truly trust our instincts and actions. This is the key to learning to trust yourself. Be in a close relationship with God and God's word. This partnership is reliable. This partnership can be trusted. And this is when you can trust yourself in decision making and navigating the consequences of those decisions. At times it may be hard, but you will never be alone.
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Ethan Russell, for full recovery from surgery;
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 sick, for health and hospital workers, and for the family and loved ones of all those impacted by Ebola virus;
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 financial insecurity, and for those seeking employment;
For those in abusive relationships, may they find safety and recovery;
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, health, housing, food, and hope.
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Halloween Open House Photos!
Everyone had a ghoulishly good time at the Halloween Open House last Friday at the church! Check out the photos of the fun and costumes:
 
 
 
 
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Children and Youth Musical
Sunday, November 16, 9:30 a.m.
Rehearsal this Sunday, Nov. 9!
We are thrilled that our Children and Youth Music Director, the talented Hallie Foster, has composed another all original score for this fall's Children and Youth musical! Please bring the young folks to church this Sunday, 11/9, for rehearsal, and then bring all the family and friends Sunday, Nov. 16! We are blessed with many young people who love to sing!
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String Quartet on November 9
Stewardship Sunday
9:30 a.m.
What a celebration! Bring your pledge cards and enjoy the return of the Meg Eldridge String Quartet!
All ages will enjoy this up close experience with symphony musicians!
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 Photo Session with Karen and James Baigrie
Sunday, November 9
10:30 a.m.
Photographers and artists James and Karen Baigrie have generously volunteered to photograph members and friends of the church on Sunday, November 9 after the service
(1) to include members and friends of the church who are not yet on the photo board upstairs in the narthex (for no cost), AND
(2) to offer all a chance to have a professional beautiful holiday photo (for a donation to the church of $25 and up).
After the service, James will be taking photos upstairs in the Sanctuary for the Members and Friends photo board, and Karen will be taking photos downstairs on the patio outside the Harvest Feast for those who would like holiday photos. What a great way to get your photos taken just in time for the holidays!
Thank you to Karen and James for volunteering their time and their beautiful artistic gifts!
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 SHPC's Harvest Feast!
Following the String Quartet on November 9
On Sunday, November 9th, we'll celebrate the season with our annual Harvest Feast - held after worship in the Fellowship Hall.
While your Deacons will supply turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, we encourage you to bring something to share - perhaps your favorite vegetable side dish, grandma's pumpkin pie, or never-to-be-missed salad. No need to sign up in advance, because what makes this event so fun, is all the wonderful flavors that we bring together for one meal!
Bring the whole family to worship that day and then join us for this celebratory meal. Just don't forget your dish to share!
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It Takes a Village
If the the noise around the coffee urn each Sunday is any indication, it sounds like most of the congregation enjoys Fellowship time following Sunday service.
Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons, but we rely on everyone pitching in to help. While each Parish is assigned a month for Fellowship, that time may not be convenient for your schedule. So now you can sign up online! Just click here and pick a Sunday that's most convenient for you.
You can choose to set up and make coffee, bring a savory snack, a sweet snack, supply juice for the kids and creamer for the coffee, or help with clean up. Please take a moment to sign up now... or wait until your Deacon calls on you for help in these months:
November - Parishes: Cat Caldwell and Laura Taylor
December - Parishes: Patti Eisinger and Carolyn Goodman
January 2015 - Parishes: Cat Caldwell and Nancy Elberg/Frankie Eakes
February 2015 - Parishes: Laura Taylor and Patti Eisinger
March 2015 - Parishes: Nancy Elberg/Frankie Eakes and Patti Eisinger
Sign up now before the good slots are all taken!
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 Volunteers Needed for REST!
SHPC is providing meals and a warm welcome to our unhoused neighbors on the first Monday (men at St. Rita's in Fairfax) and second Tuesday (women at the Wellness Center in San Rafael) of each month from December 2014 - April 2015.
Volunteers are needed!! Information and sign-ups available online:
http://bit.ly/RESTprogram
If you'd like more information about the program, you can contact Shannon Mong at shannon@in-sightassociates.com
With thanks,
The REST Team
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Let's Talk! Fall Discussion Series
Takes a Break for Harvest Feast
No Let's Talk this Sunday -- Harvest Feast!
Coming up:
- November 16: Caring for Elderly Loved Ones and End of Life Issues with Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, SFTS Faculty and expert on Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
- 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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 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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Greeters Needed for Sunday Mornings: November 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 14, 21, 28
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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Marin Interfaith Council: Visionary Marin 2014
Thursday, November 6th
 
Thursday, November 6, 2014, Marin Interfaith Council will honor Dr. Sylvia Boorstein and Rev. Norman Fischer at the Ninth Annual Visionary Marin Gala from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center. The evening will include culinary delights, a raffle,a silent auction and program.
Dr. Sylvia Boorstein is a psychotherapist and a committed Vipassana Buddhist. She is the author of five books on Buddhism and Mindfulness including On Being a Faithful Jew and a Passionate Buddhist. She uses her natural wit and humor to help students, colleagues and readers enhance their lives with meditation and kindness. She is a co-founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Rev. Norman Fischer is a poet and Zen Buddhist priest. From 1995 - 2000 he served as co-Abbot at the San Francisco Zen Center, the oldest and largest of the new Buddhist organizations in the West. He is also the founder and spiritual director of the Everyday Zen Foundation, an organization dedicated to adapting Zen Buddhist teachings to Western culture.
Reservations are $90 for one, $160 for two and $750 for ten. Click Here to Register
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PCUSA World Mission Invites You to Israel-Palestine
Why travel to the Holy Land with World Mission?
Too many people come only to see the holy sites, seeking the historical Jesus instead of the Christ who lives in the communities that worship, live, celebrate, and suffer in the Holy Land today.
With World Mission you will:
- See the land of the Bible, enriching your understanding of scripture
- Join in the ongoing mission of partnerships of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Be inspired by the commitment of Israelis and Palestinians working for peace
- Offer hope and solidarity to the local Christian community
- Witness and learn about the Israeli military occupation firsthand
- Reflect as a group on how you and your community can engage in just peacemaking in Israel-Palestine
- Travel responsibly, investing in the Palestinian economy
April 13-24, 2015
Cost: $2500 plus airfare (all other expenses included)
Application deadline: Nov. 15, 2014
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 Fall Labyrinth Moon Walk
Thursday, November 6th
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
San Francisco Theological Seminary
105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo
Join us as we gather to give thanks under the light of the full moon for our Fall Labyrinth Moon Walk.
The evening will feature live harp music and refreshments will be provided.
For more information call 415-451-2895 or visit www.sfts.edu
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Praying a Liturgical Environment
Saturday, November 8th
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
San Francisco Theological Seminary
105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo
Geneva 100
Taught by Rev. Jeff Gaines, this workshop will explore creating a liturgical environment for the Season of Lent through imagination, discussion, lecture and hands-on experience.
Register at tinyurl.com/JeffGaines
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64th Annual Holly Fair
San Geronimo Community Presbyterian Church
Friday, November 7th
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
AND
Saturday, November 8th
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard @ Nicasio turnoff in San Geronimo The 64th Annual Holly Fair is an opportunity for you, your family and friends to savor an old-fashioned fair, put on the same way as a church fair your parents and grandparents might have experienced in years gone by.
Turkey dinners are served Friday night and hot lunches are served Saturday. Children can enjoy crafts and win prizes at non-electronic games of skill. There will also be a silent auction, white elephant booth, "night before Christmas boutique," and Book Nook, also offering DVDs and CDs. Click here to view the flyer with more detailed information. For more information call Kit Krauss at 415.488.1645 or visit www.sgpchurch.org
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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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