Immigrant Detention Center in Texas
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
April 23, 2015

Freedom! A Report on Pastor Bev's Study Leave 

Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2015 - Breaking the Chains

 

In this season of Easter, we are called to bring new life to dark corners of our world.  In that spirit, 800 Christians gathered last weekend outside Washington, D.C. to explore what God might be calling us to do to bring more justice and hope to those in prison and detention in the USA.  Pastor Bev will share what she learned this Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.  The first step towards solution is looking at the problem, and we will do that together with stories and song.

 

In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From Pastor Bev


 

This has been an incredible week of learning with wonderful justice seekers, and a chance to renew friendships with Presbyterian colleagues who are doing great work in the world!  Our lobbying day on Capitol Hill was exciting and fulfilling.  (Yes, that's me with our Senator below.)  I can't wait to tell you all about it this Sunday!

 

   Bev


 


 


April/May Calendar

Thursday, April 23
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, April 24
Noon


Bible Study w/Pastor Bev

Sunday, April 26
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.


Freedom! A Report on Pastor Bev's Study Leave
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!
Let's Talk! with Pastor Bev

Thursday, April 30
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, May 1
Noon


Bible Study

Sunday, May 3
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m.

ALL CHURCH WORK DAY and Cinco de Mayo Feast
Church is Our Co-op
Work and Feast!  All welcome!
Mexico Mission meeting

Thursday, May 7
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, May 8
Noon


Bible Study

Sunday, May 10
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

MOTHER'S DAY
Sharing Stories about our Mothers
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!

 

 

Bible Study - Friday, April 24 @ Noon - Luke 4, Hebrews 13


 

Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome to come and learn and make meaningful friendships.

 

Paul is taking a break due to illness. He'll be back next week!

 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands

Marie Ongaro for healing and recovery from a broken ankle;

Skye Bailey and her daughters as they mourn the loss of Michael;

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 healing for all those who are in grief for every kind of loss;

For the caretakers;

For the imprisoned and those in detention and their loved ones;

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 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 

 

SHPC Justice Garden a Certified Wildlife Habitat Site!

 

  

 

The National Wildlife Federation� (NWF) is pleased to recognize that Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church in San Anselmo has successfully created an official Certified Wildlife Habitat™site. NWF celebrates the efforts of  Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife - natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young.

 


 

"Providing a home for wildlife in our communities - whether it's at home, or in schools businesses or parks - is the demonstration of a healthy and active eco-system. There is no more rewarding way to stay connected to nature right outside your door," said David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation.

 

Click here to take a look at SHPC's official Wildlife Habitat Site certificate.

 

Thank you to Dennis Latta and to all who made this happen!

 

MOLOTH April Schedule - 

 

Join us for the last Sunday in April:

 

Sunday, April 26th

 

Charles Wei,

Youth Leader

 

MOLOTH Plants for EARTH DAY!


 

On Sunday, April 19th before MOLOTH departed for their field trip to the Marin Recycling Center they planted the following native, drought tolerant, plants in the wildlife area:

 

Butterfly Bush, Sticky Monkey Flower, Milkweed, and Flowering Current Berry.


Milkweeds are the only plants on which Monarch Butterflies can lay their eggs. According to scientists, the continent's Monarch population has declined by more than 80 percent from its average during the past two decades-and by more than 90 percent from its peak of nearly one billion butterflies in the mid-1990s. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing a petition to list the butterfly as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Meanwhile, dozens of nongovernmental groups are mobilizing members and partners nationwide to restore Milkweed and native nectar-plant habitat for Monarchs.

 

               

 

 

MOLOTH Earth Day Field Trip


 

On Sunday, April 19th the MOLOTH group, along with Dennis Latta and Charles Wei, participated in Marin Sanitary Service's Customer Appreciation Day. MOLOTH toured the Marin Recycling Center, the Transfer Station, and the Marin Recovery Center to check out some of the leading recycling technology in the industry. The kids also toured the Flying Can Ranch complete with pigs, chickens, and peacocks. 


 
 

 


 

 

 

 

All Hands on Deck on Sunday, May 3!

 

It's our annual All Church Work Day!  We've been worshipping and serving in our building since 1960, and it needs some maintenance and TLC.

 

We have jobs for every skill level and time commitment. Wear your work clothes to church and B and G Elder Fred Morfit will find a job for you!

 

 

 

Pitch in to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

 

Following our church work day, the Deacons will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo brunch/feast, but you're invited to contribute your favorite dish!

 

The Deacons will provide the "main" course: beef, chicken and black bean burritos, plus sides of chips and guacamole, drinks and dessert, but our meals are always more festive when you bring your own dish to share. No need to sign up in advance; just show up with your dish and we'll take care of the rest.

 

See you on Tres de Mayo!

 

Your Deacons


Let's Talk! about what WE CAN do to Break the Chains - with Pastor Bev
April 26 at 10:45 a.m.


 
REST Program Wraps Up -- Sign up now for "REST Plus" in June and July!

 

Thanks to the many volunteers who contributed our church's hosting of eleven hearty and heart-full dinners for more than 240 of our un-housed neighbors during the "regular" REST season (Nov-Apr).  This effort to feed and staff emergency shelters would not have been possible without the generous efforts of more than 35 volunteers, as well as the unwavering commitment and compassion of our two site hosts (Scott Hamilton and Millie Millar).  Many youth also contributed, learning early about the joys of service.  A frequent refrain heard from volunteers was -- "I got a lot more tonight than I gave."

 

Having just served the final meal last week for the women (see photo below), we are getting ready to contribute to an 8-week pilot expansion of the REST program.   

This pilot is designed to address questions that arose during the Marin Organizing Committee's (MOC) work to expand REST to a year-round program - in particular:

-        what sort of demand is there for shelter in the summer

-        what is the best way to recruit additional volunteers needed for a year-round program?

-        what is the best way to fund a shelter?

-        what additional services do REST guests need?  

-        and, are Marin County's congregations and organizations willing to volunteer to help staff the expanded program?

 

Our church's answer to the last item is YES!  SHPC is stepping up to host the temporary shelter for men on 6/8 and 7/6 at St. Anselm's School Gym, serving 40 guests at these events.  On 6/29 and 7/27 we'll be hosting the women's program, which will remain at the county's Health & Wellness Campus in San Rafael. As during the regular season we anticipate serving 20 guests each evening.  In addition to preparing and bringing a dish to the site, the volunteers are on-site from 5-8pm to welcome and say a blessing with our un-housed neighbors, serve and share the home-cooked meal, and then clean up.

 

You can sign up now to volunteer one or more of these dates at our online sign-up site: 

 REST Plus sign-up

 

Conversation flowed between our SHPC volunteers and the guests of REST last week at our last evening to serve the women during the regular REST season. Each time we serve, we build relationships between our congregants and those we serve, and we build relationships with each other as folks from SHPC! We are looking forward to helping with the summer pilot program!

 

 

 

Pictured from left to right:

Jan Ardell, Patricia and son, Lora East, Millie Millar, Koren Grubb, and Robin Abu-Aly. 

 


 

If you'd like more information about what's involved with volunteering, or anything else related to the REST program), please contact Shannon Mong at [email protected] 

 

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, May 3rd @ 5:00 pm

Mandatory Meeting for Students at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church

Any outstanding participation forms, Passport copy and $200 due (third 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 SarkisianAllie Duro
Cell Ph: 415.812.3395Cell Ph: 415.497.5006
Email: [email protected]Email: [email protected]

 

Report from Clerk of Session on 
April 8, 2015 Meeting of the Session

Session met on the second Wednesday of the month for its regularly scheduled meeting.

Our Rain catchment system is up and running and the tank is already almost half full! 

The Cinco De Mayo celebration/work party is set for May 3rd with jobs for every level of handiness.   

The Justice Garden is is the process of being planted for our next year's harvest.  

Easter was a great celebration and service with over 160 in attendance. Thirty children enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt. Thanks to the Flower Guild for the beautiful Sacred Circle. Bean Soup jars prepared by the Membership/Nurture committee are ready for distribution to our visitors.

 

Your Clerk of Session,

Sharon Adams


Greeters Needed for April 26 and the month of May

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
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 - EXTRA SUPPORT needed while Marie is laid up with a broken ankle!

 

Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!

 

NEW FOLKS - JOIN THE 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!


 

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 

 

The 16th Annual Interfaith Breakfast:

A Fundraiser for Marin Interfaith Council


 

Wednesday, May 6, 8:00-10:00am

Congregation Kol Shofar

215 Blackfield Drive

Tiburon, CA


 

Please join us Wednesday, May 6th from 8-10 am at Congregation Kol Shofar for an interfaith celebration during the week of the National Day of Prayer with leaders from the three Abrahamic traditions.

 

Reservation Information:

Individuals: sliding scale of $50-$35.

Sponsor a table of 8: $350

Partial scholarships are available upon request - email: [email protected] or call 415-456-6957.

 

Guest Panel of Speakers:

Ms. Zahra Billoo, J.D.  - Executive Director, SF Bay Area, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA)

Rabbi Susan Leider - Congregation Kol Shofar

Dr. Johnathan D. Logan Sr.  - Pastor, Cornerstone Community Church of God in Christ.

 

Mangia/Nosh will cater a delicious breakfast with vegetarian and gluten free options. Breakfast items include: bagels, muffins, scones, danishes, banana bread, veggie frittata, fresh fruit, coffee and tea.

 

Please register online by Tues, April 28th for catering purposes. 

 

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, inter-religious, confidential, and available to persons without regard to race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. A sliding scale of fees for service is available.

Seussical the Musical - May 8-17


As part of Holy Humor Sunday on April 12th, Jen Boynton sang "How Lucky You Are" from the family favorite Seussical the Musical

 

Jen will also be performing as the Cat in the Hat in Stapleton Theater Company's production of Seussical the Musical May 8-17 at The Playhouse in San Anselmo. Go to stapletonschool.org for more info.


 

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).

 

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