Jesus, Friend to Women
  
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
March 5, 2015

Third Sunday of Lent - Sacred Circle

International Women's Day

Jesus - Defender of Women

 

 

     This Sunday, March 8, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., we'll explore how Jesus befriended, defended, and uplifted women, only a few of whom are named and remembered in the church.  Then we'll take a look at how gender inequality shaped the Bible and the church and continues to diminish women of faith today, and what we can do about it!  Our Singers have a beautiful anthem for us, and we will take time to remember the special women in our lives. Our scripture texts are the mysterious Matthew 26:6-13 and the provocative John 8:1-11, where Jesus defends the adulteress who is about to be stoned to death.


 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD SO YOU DON'T MISS CHURCH -  CHURCH IS SO MUCH BETTER WHEN YOU ARE HERE !

      
In This Issue
Bev piano
A Note from 
Pastor Bev

Every Sunday is special here at Sleepy Hollow church, but sometimes something happens in church that feels extra special, and the joy bubbles last all week. Last Sunday the children came forward for children's time to talk with me about prayer. We talked about how sometimes prayer is asking for something, and that led to a discussion of how God and Santa Claus are different. We agreed that everybody thinks about Santa mostly in December, and that God is like our Sacred Circle, with no beginning and no end; God is always and forever. And then Rowan held up his hand to add, "Santa brings us toys, and God brings us love." Amen.

      

It is such a joy to serve as your pastor!

                                                

Bev




 

March Calendar


Thursday, March 5
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, March 6
12:00 p.m.


Bible Study - Matthew 26:6-13 and 
                    John 8:1-11

Saturday, March 7

              8:30 a.m.



Garden Work Party!

Sunday, March 8
9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
International Women's Day - Jesus, Friend to Women
Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Let's Talk! about Women in the Church

Wednesday, March 11
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.


Session meets at the church
Lenten Bible Study

Thursday, March 12
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, March 13
Noon


Bible Study

Sunday, March 15
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Sung and Spoken Word w/Guest Poets
Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Let's Talk! Poetry and the Writing Process with Cathy Sarkisian

Wednesday, March 18
7:00 p.m.


Lenten Bible Study

Thursday, March 19
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, March 20
Noon


Bible Study

Sunday, March 22
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
From Grief to New Life
Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Let's Talk! 

Wednesday, March 25
7:00 p.m.


Lenten Bible Study

Thursday, March 26
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, March 27
Noon


Bible Study

Sunday, March 29
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.

PALM SUNDAY
Procession of Palms - Children and Youth
Jesus the Radical?
Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome!
Mexico Mission Meeting at the church

 

 

Bible Study - Friday, March 6

For the Season of Lent we are adding a second weekly Bible Study.

Lenten Wednesday Evening Bible Study @ 7:00 pm - All are Welcome!


 

Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome to come and learn and make meaningful friendships.  This week, Matthew 26:6-13 and the provocative John 8:1-11.

 

Courage: Where It Comes From and Why It Matters

 

The Bible is full of courageous disciples and repeatedly refers to boldness as an attribute of Christ's followers. In light of the many Biblical examples of individuals who dealt with tough circumstances, I thought we would reflect this week on where courage comes from, and what is its real value?

 

In Joshua 1:9 God instructs, "Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go?" In the New Testament the words bold, boldly, or boldness are used 42 times. One of my favorite passages using it is Hebrews 3:16, "We may boldly say, the Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man will do to me."

 

Do you ever find yourself in situations where you feel inadequate, or among a group who seems to have their spears and daggers pointed at you? Sometimes we can become paralyzed in these surroundings and don't see a way to move beyond them. It happens to all of us. I believe we need the power of God to act courageously in these situations and the good news is we have it!

 

God dwells inside every one of us. God, through the Holy Spirit, has given us access to a power and boldness that is beyond our own capabilities. We are able to say and do things we might never have dared possible. We are able to surmount challenges that otherwise seem impossible.

 

If you are stuck or treading water in a tough situation, draw on the Holy Spirit to take you beyond your fears, beyond your comfort zone, and provide a boldness and courage to be who God meant you to be, and instructs us to be.

 

The Bible states we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. "And neither death, nor life, neither angels or demons ... the present or the future ... nor anything in creation ... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 

Now calmly pray about what might be an obstacle in your life. Be "Biblically" bold. Know you have access to divine courage and can face your challenge with a divine power that you are entitled to use. I'll do the same.

 

Your friend ... Paul

 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands


Chris Lopin's mother and father, for healing;

Cat Caldwell and her family as they mourn the loss of Cat's mother;

The family of Clyde Ongaro, who died December 30; may Clyde's spirit be blessed and may Merle and the family be surrounded by God's comfort;

Ahmed Abu-Aly, for healing;

Patty Sanders, for healing for her hip;

Jean Brockett, mother of Jody, for full recovery, and for Jody and her father;
Carolyn O'Hara, mother of Laurie, for healing, and for strength and support during her recovery;

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

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

For victims of violence everywhere, may they know healing and peace;

For women and girls around the world, for gender equality;

For the people of Ferguson;

For all those serving in law enforcement, for a way forward;

For those who fear for their health insurance, and for the U.S. Supreme Court, deliberating about the Affordable Care Act;

For our church community, for creativity, compassion, unity in the Spirit, and energy for mission.


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

   

Back to the top 

 

Congratulations to our New Officers!  

 

Left to right: Fred Morfit, Elder of Building and Grounds, Patti Vance, Elder of Mission, and Robin Holway and Marie Ongaro, Deacons.  

 

We thank them for joining the Session and Board of Deacons!

 

 

Children and Youth


MUSICAL MARCH for ALL YOUTH

Parents, please bring your young people to church for hand chimes and singing practice - they are performing Palm Sunday and Easter and it will be beautiful!

 

MOLOTH- Middle Schoolers

Yes, we're starting on Confirmation Class II! Last week our youth had a great session on God and Prayer.  Don't miss MARCH 15, with the celebration of baptism, and MARCH 29 with hand chimes, procession of palms, and an extra session led by our youth leader, Charles.

 
 

Garden Work Party!


 

Saturday, March 7th, 

8:30am to 10:30am 

 

Thanks!

Patti, Mission Elder

 

 
 
REST Update

It is a busy time for SHPC's Rotating Emergency Shelter Team. On Monday we hosted a regularly scheduled evening meal for unhoused men, held at St. Rita's church. Volunteers served a hearty and delicious homemade meal to 20 men from our community. 

 

We are also preparing and sharing a meal for unhoused women this Monday, March 9th. None of this would be possible without the work of our very dedicated and compassionate site coordinators, Millie Millar and Scott Hamilton, and the many volunteers from the church. Thanks everyone!

 

Additionally, the church is preparing to contribute to a pilot REST program this summer. We are hoping to host one meal each month for the men and one meal for the women, as we have done this winter and spring. Thanks to the many volunteers who stepped forward last Sunday to commit to prepare meals and offer site support. 


 

Before we make a final commitment, we would like to identify someone to serve as site coordinator with Millie for the women's program. This would involve carrying our large supply box and coordinating volunteers on site, for a few evenings that Millie is not available this summer. If you are interested (or have any questions), please contact Shannon Mong.  Shannon is providing overall coordination for SHPC's REST team.




















Volunteers at March 2nd's REST program for men, from left to right were:
Scott Hamilton, Brian West, Kelsey Lopin, Patricia Bardoul, Enzo Bardoul, Tony West, Millie Millar.  
(not pictured, Ahmed Abu-Aly, Shannon Mong, Jen Gauna)
  
 

Celebration of Sung 

and Spoken Word 

with Guest Poets

 

Encounters with the Sacred 
Living Water

  Sunday, March 15 

9:30 a.m.

 

For the fourth Sunday of Lent, we'll weave together chants, hymns, poetry readings, scripture texts, and songs to co-create a beautiful tapestry.

 

We are delighted to welcome back poet Terry Phelan, and to welcome poets Sarah Park, Yani Davis, and Cathy Sarkisian. The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated with the assistance of our children and youth. All are welcome!

 

 

Game Night a Success;

Merle and Charles are our 

Scrabble Champs!

 

Stay posted for news of the next Game Night...because Game Night is FUN!

 

 
Let's Talk! about the Stained Glass Ceiling--with Pastor Bev

Sunday, March 8
10:45 a.m.

How gender inequality shaped the Bible and the church and continues to diminish women of faith today.  Bring your thoughts, your background, your feelings.

Mexico Mission 2015

 

 

 

The Mexico Mission home-building trip is a life changing opportunity to go outside of our comfort zones and make a meaningful change in the lives of families living in poverty. This year's trip is scheduled for 
Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20, 2015. 

 

Important Dates:

March 8th

Applications and Intention to Participate forms due

Forms can be found here.


 

March 29th 

Mandatory Meeting for Students and Parents

at SHPC, 11:00am to 12:30pm

All participation forms and a $150 non-refundable deposit due

 

The completed forms can also be dropped off / mailed to Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, 100 Tarry Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960, e-mailed to Mark Sarkisian, or sent to Mark at 667 Butterfield Road.
 

Please contact us if you have any questions. We've had a lot of interest so far and we're looking forward to another great trip. If you know others that would be interested in the trip, please feel free to pass the information along.

 

Mark SarkisianAllie Duro
Cell Ph: 415.812.3395Cell Ph: 415.497.5006
Email: mark.sarkisian@som.comEmail: alliemduro@gmail.com

 

A Big and Overdue Thank You from the Church 

To our own Alex Caldwell, who is a CPA and Partner with Friedlander Cherwon Capper, and a long-time member of SHPC, for providing so much behind the scenes volunteer tax, financial, and payroll expertise over the years to the church. Alex, we really appreciate your generosity and your faithful service! Thank you!
 
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will 
be taken on Palm Sunday


A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance "Out of chaos, hope"
Presbyterian Hunger Program "Alleviating hunger and eliminating its causes"
Self Development of People "People investing in people"

For more information, go to: Special Offerings
 
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.
 
It Takes a Village --
Thank you so much to all the volunteers who are making our church so warm and welcoming with coffee hour hospitality!

 

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.

 

March 2015 - Parishes: Nancy Elberg/Frankie Eakes and Patti Eisinger

 

Sign up now before the good slots are all taken!

 

Greeters Needed for Sunday Mornings: March 8, 15, 22, 29 (The Season of Lent) and the month of April

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
 
Toiletry Donations

Thank you to all who have donated toiletry items for the homeless community! We have reached capacity for the year and will be delivering the box full of items to a nearby facility.

With many thanks!
SFTS: Labyrinth Moon Walk

Thursday, March 5

7:00-8:30 pm

San Francisco Theological Seminary

105 Seminary Road
San Anselmo, CA

 

Join us as we gather under the light of the full moon for our Quarterly Labyrinth Moon Walk, an exercise that focuses the mind and induces a peaceful meditative state. Refreshments will be provided.

 

Where's The Party?

Redwood, Drake, and Tamalpais High Schools Invite You to a Community Event: 

Jonathan Scott - Where's The Party?
Monday, March 9th
7:00-8:30 pm
Redwood High School
Phil Roark Gym
Cost: FREE

Where's The Party?, written by Jonathan Scott and Kelly Townsend of Miles To Go Drug Prevention Education, offers parents of middle and high school age students a systematic outline of the best ways to manage the challenges presented by teenage parties where drugs and alcohol may be present.  A multi-point plan for dealing with party planning and attendance is backed up by extensive chapters on peer pressure, teen brain development, the use of consequences when things go awry, and the dangers that result from drug and alcohol use by teenagers.

Click here to register and for more information about the event.

Jonathan Scott is a professional speakereducator and recovering addict working to enlighten people on the subject of substance abuse. Jonathan focuses on comprehensive drug facts, the social and political environment surrounding drugs (legal and illegal), and the chemistry of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and their effects on the body.


Marin Baroque Chamber Choir

Marin Baroque Chamber Choir and period instrument Orchestra, with renowned early brass ensemble The Whole Noyse and Music Director, Daniel Canosa, present Birds of Paradise: Exotic Music of the Old & New Worlds, Janequin, Flecha & Fernandez, and music of the Latin American missions.  Sixteen voices, percussion, vihuela, Baroque guitar, shawm, cornett, and early brass instruments are all featured.

Sunday, March 28, 8:00pm. Tickets are $5-$25.
FPCSA 

 

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