Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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April 2, 2015
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HOLY THURSDAY,
GOOD FRIDAY, and
CELEBRATION OF EASTER!
Today is Holy Thursday, when we remember Jesus surrounded by his disciples at their Last Supper. He asked those who loved him to remember him in the breaking of the bread and drinking of the cup, and 2,000 years later, we faithfully do that each month. At Supper and many times before, Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for what was coming next. But pain and grief overwhelmed them. There is much sorrow in life, and we need opportunities to let it seep out of our souls so we can heal. Bring your sorrow to church tomorrow and lay it at the foot of the cross in a special Good Friday Bible Study at noon, or at our Good Friday Service of Scripture, Song, and Reflection at 7 p.m. We walk through the valleys of life together, because together we cannot forget that God is with us.
The Christian year culminates in our Celebration of Easter this Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Our Floral Artists will bring us the Sacred Circle in full bloom, a delight for all. Our children and youth will be singing original music composed by Youth Music Director Hallie Foster. The SHPC Singers will sing an original anthem composed by Music Minister Stephen Iverson. The message is He Lives! with the mystical Gospel of John 1:1-18. Come join in the creativity, beauty, and joy!
Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children follows the service.
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A Note From Pastor Bev
So far three people have told me it's going to rain Sunday morning on Easter.
If our prayers for rain are answered on Easter, that will be just fine! We'll just wear waterproof gear over our finery and keep our Easter bonnets under our golf umbrellas! (Because surely no one will be golfing Easter morning.) Our Easter Bunny assures me that our Egg Hunt is waterproof. Parents, if it is raining, just make sure the kids have some shoes that will withstand wet grass.
Rain would be fantastic for all the obvious reasons, and also because our Building and Grounds elder Fred Morfit reports that the church's rainwater catchment system is complete and awaiting just one thing: rain. It would be wonderful to be here together Sunday for its inaugural rain collection.
Easter is a great time to bring new folks, friends, neighbors, co-workers to the church. The Flower Guild's Sacred Circle Full Bloom is not to be missed! Let's share the joy of the good news that God is alive, and that this community is participating with love and joy in the fullness of God. Alleluia.
With joy,
Bev
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Thursday, April 2
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HOLY THURSDAY | |
Friday, April 3
12:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
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GOOD FRIDAY
Special Bible Study for Good Friday
Service of Scripture, Music, and Reflection | |
Sunday, April 5
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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CELEBRATION OF EASTER - SACRED CIRCLE FULL BLOOM
"He Lives!" with SHPC Singers and Children's Choir
Egg Hunt for the youngsters!
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Thursday, April 9
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! | |
Friday, April 10
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, April 12
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY
All Fun w/guest Jen Boynton singing Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome! | |
Wednesday, April 15
Noon
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ISFC Roundtable Lunch in the Fellowship Hall | |
Sunday, April 19
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Lora East preaching Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome! | |
Thursday, April 23
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! | |
Friday, April 24
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, April 26
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Freedom! A Report on Pastor Bev's Study Leave Coffee and Refreshments - All Welcome! | |
Thursday, April 30
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! |
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 Bible Study - Friday, April 3 - NoonWe Remember Jesus on the Cross
The Passion Scriptures
Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome to come and learn and make meaningful friendships.
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Today's Decisions are Tomorrow's Realities
Making decisions is one of the biggest factors in who we are, what we become, and how we approach things. Someone has said we are not products of our circumstances, we are products of our decisions.
So, making decisions must be a high priority if we are to have a vibrant existence instead of a stagnant and paralyzed one.
The Bible says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). The Lord also says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).
Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. I think we should always reflect on our decisions (both good and bad) as prisms of learning. The worst thing we can do is make no decision when a situation begs for one.
One way to understand Good Friday and Easter would be to say that God made a huge decision regarding the best way to reconcile God and humanity from the gap that sin had created between us. Sin turns us away from God, and thus breaks our fellowship with God. God loves each one of us, and so God made a decision. And this decision initiated a plan that was executed in an atmosphere of ridicule and suffering.
The choices we make play a big part in determining our destinies. And we can see the cross and resurrection of Jesus as God's choosing to bring humanity to a turning point in all of our destinies. As you think through key decisions you need to make, remember there are others that need you to resolve your thinking and take action.
Be courageous! In the case of decision making, it's called for. We are free. We are forgiven. Because God made a decision to stay in fellowship with us.
Happy Easter from your friend,
Paul
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Chris Lopin, and his father and family as they mourn the loss of Chris's mother;
Cat Caldwell and her father and family as they mourn the loss of Cat's mother;
The family of Clyde Ongaro; 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 blessed assurance of God's constant presence;
For those onboard Germanwings flight #9525, and for all of their loved ones;
For Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk, Syria, and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank;
For the people of Kenya, and for all those impacted by terrorists everywhere;
For the PCUSA, thanksgiving for marriage equality and acceptance for those remaining in the church who oppose it;
For the church of Jesus Christ, to be open and inclusive to all in the spirit of Our Lord;
For all facing financial stress, and for those with tax problems as we approach April 15;
For those with relationship stress and with loneliness in this holiday season;
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.
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 Easter Lilies Needed! The Flower Guild would appreciate your donations or loan of lilies and similar spring potted flowers for our Easter service this Sunday. If you can help out, please bring them in on Friday or Saturday morning while our artists are at work. You are welcome to take them back home after the service on Sunday to brighten your Easter table! --Patti Vance PV3@comcast.net |
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Who Doesn't Love a Giant's Game?
Nate Hamilton has the opportunity to sing the National Anthem with his 8th grade class at the Tuesday, August 25th game. As a fundraiser for his graduation and class trip, the Novato Charter School of 2016 is selling tickets to the evening game. Come join us for a great game and a great cause. Nate's last chance to sell tickets is next Wednesday, so look for him at fellowship on Easter Sunday or email him at Natehamilton123@gmail.com
Tickets are $30, View/Reserve. If we get enough church members, we might even rent a van!
With thanks,
The Hamilton Family
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 MOLOTH April Schedule - No MOLOTH on Easter Sunday but please bring the youth to church for the Advanced Level Egg Hunt, courtesy of Family Ministries And join us for the 3rd and 4th Sundays in April: Sunday, April 19th Sunday, April 26th -----Charles Wei, Youth leader. |
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Let's Talk! resumes after Easter
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LAUGH-A-LOT at Sleepy Hollow Church
Calling All Comedians and Jokesters for
Holy Humor Sunday - April 12, 9:30 am
The tradition of letting loose with some good clean fun the Sunday after Easter is said to date back to the ancient Greeks! All are encouraged to bring jokes, funny stories, songs, limericks, puns, and all forms of good CLEAN fun to church for our own LAUGH-A-LOT. The SHPC Singers have something planned and more percolating. Let Pastor Bev know what you have up your sleeve!
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Join the Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative's April Roundtable Discussions about CSAs and Community Gardens
- April 14, Community Supported Agriculture
First Congregational Church, Sonoma - April 15, Community Gardens
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo
These informal discussions are free programs from Noon-1:15 pm and include lunch. A donation basket will be passed to help cover lunch and expenses.
Through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), a congregation can establish a relationship with a local farmer and interested members can pick up a fresh box of produce weekly at their place of worship. Hear from local farmers and receive resources needed to launch a Congregation Supported Agriculture program. Attendees will discuss planning steps to ensure long-term success of the program. The discussion will be valuable for both those who already have experiences with CSAs and for those who are interested in starting a CSA.
Faith-based garden projects offer benefits to congregations and the surrounding community including opportunities to advance fresh food access for those in need, active stewardship of creation, and faith teaching. Discuss common challenges and best practices to move your garden project forward! Learn about diverse, successful models such as sharing your congregation's space with non-member gardeners from independent garden associations (all Marin community gardens have waiting lists) or "greening" a local food pantry by offering fresh veggies from the garden.
Share this with other members of your congregation and encourage them to RSVP!
Please call (707) 634-4672 or email us for more information about this event or our organization.
With thanks,
The Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative Team
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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
Upcoming Important Dates:
Sunday, April 19th @ 5:00 pm
Mandatory Meeting for Students at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
Any outstanding participation forms and $200 due (second non-refundable installment)
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.
Forms can be found here.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
| Mark Sarkisian | Allie Duro | | Cell Ph: 415.812.3395 | Cell Ph: 415.497.5006 | | Email: mark.sarkisian@som.com | Email: alliemduro@gmail.com |
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Greeters Needed for 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
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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.
April 2015: Marie Ongaro's Parish
Sign up now before the good slots are all taken!
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SIGN UP TO TAKE MEALS TO WIL AND BETTY!
Thank you and bless you to all who have signed up to take a hot meal and your love to Wil and Betty on Wednesday nights. The online sign up sheet has been updated and is ready for more volunteers!
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Save the Date...
3rd annual "Church in the Redwoods"
Sunday, June 14th @ 1:00 pm
Samuel P. Taylor State Park - Redwood Group Picnic Site
BBQ available and kept going by the Peltzmans'. You provide what you want to BBQ and bring a dish to share. Water, iced tea, and decaf coffee will be provided. Other drink selections welcomed; there will be an ice chest available. We will plan to have an early dinner together and a camp fire after.
Other suggestions:
camp chairs, jackets, games, bikes, guitars, books
See you there!
Elder Linda Peltzman,
Membership Nurture
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PCUSA - Advocacy as Discipleship:
We Are All Immigrants to the United States, Except Native Americans
By the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Director, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness
"When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." - Leviticus 19:33-34
Meeting the "Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act (SB1070)" at the Door
Upon my arrival as Director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness (OPW) in Washington, DC, in May 2010, SB 1070 was passed by the Arizona State legislature. A local evening newscast showed protestors on both sides demonstrating around the Arizona State Capitol. As I watched the local broadcast it was difficult to make sense of the need for such a bill given the growing populations of immigrants in the United States. Was the motivation fear or the continued need for power, dominance, and control among the already powerful? Read More...
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Interfaith Counseling Center
Growth, Hope and Healing
The Interfaith Counseling Center offers a variety of services to promote the healing, growth and wholeness of individuals, couples, families and congregations.
15 Austin Avenue
San Anselmo
(Near downtown, off Kensington between Ross and Bolinas)
415-256-9701
www.interfaithcc.org
All services are non-denominational, interreligious, confidential and available to persons without regard to race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. A sliding scale of fees for service is available.
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Raising Resilient Girls - Drake High School
Wednesday, April 29 - 6:30-8:00pm
Drake High School
1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Cost: FREE
Please join us for an evening with Simone Marean, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the internationally recognized Girls Leadership Institute (GLI). Simone will share with parents and teachers how to help girls practice assertive self-expression, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships, preparing them for a life of personal and societal leadership. Her engaging presentation will cover the development of girl dynamics beginning in pre-school through high school.
If you would like to attend this event, please visit the Eventbrite website to RSVP
Simone will discuss:
- How and why girls of all ages are aggressive with one another
- The Good Girl phenomenon; how the pressures of femininity, and the socialization of girls away from conflict, influences their aggressive behavior and approach to conflict
- What girls need to avoid victimization
- The importance of emotional intelligence for healthy conflict
- The importance of a plan for healthy communication and conflict at school and at home
The presentation is for adults only.
Click here for more information about Girls Leadership Institute (GLI).
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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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