Christianity in the Workplace?
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
September 3, 2015
September Series Kicks Off
What It Means to be Christian Today
Christianity in the Workplace*

     How much religion do you take to work* with you each day?  Are you open about your church affiliation, or would that be uncomfortable?  Are you able to live your Christian values in your workplace*?  Evidently these are hard questions for some florists, bakers, and court clerks.  But putting aside court battles over "religious freedom," how much do Christian values infuse the work of your life?  This Sunday, September 6, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., for Labor Day weekend, we'll explore our calling to work in the world, how that sense of calling energizes us for our paying or non-paying work, and how we can renew our enthusiasm for work.  Our scripture text is John 9.

*Work and workplace aren't limited to paying jobs!
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From Pastor Bev
 
I preached my first sermon in January 2007, and have preached over 200 times since then, but my dear Mom has never seen me preach.  So this Sunday, we'll be video-ing the sermon and giving Mom a good look at Sleepy Hollow Church.  Please come and make a joyful noise so she can see what a wonderful church this is!

Our children and youth are such a vital part of this church, and so I'm delighted to invite you to meet Katie Brendler this Sunday.  Katie is a first year student at SFTS in the M.Div. program, and is joining us as Youth Director!  Come meet Katie this Sunday after worship!  

It is such a joy to be part of this church!
With blessings,
Bev


September Calendar

Thursday, September 3
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, September 4
Noon


Bible Study

Sunday, September 6
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

What it Means to be Christian Today
Christianity in the Workplace
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!
MOLOTH Youth and Parents: Welcome Katie Brendler

Wednesday, September 9
6:30 p.m.


Session meets at the Church

Thursday, September 10
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Pastor Bev away through 9/14; please call Bentley Stewart for pastoral emergencies at 407-489-1258

Friday, September 11
Noon


Bible Study and 9/11 Remembrance with Paul Lambert

Sunday, September 13



9:30 a.m.



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

SPECIAL INVITATION TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED WITH REST TO COME TOGETHER TODAY

What it Means to be Christian Today
Solidarity with the Unhoused Community
with Rev. Paul Gaffney, Chaplain, Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!
Let's Talk! about Homelessness in Marin, REST, and Being of Service - with Rev. Paul Gaffney, facilitated by Shannon Mong and the SHPC REST team

Thursday, September 17
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, September 18
10:00 a.m.

Noon


PRESBYTERY OF THE REDWOODS Meets at St. Andrew's P.C., Sonoma
Bible Study with Paul Lambert

Sunday, September 20
9:30 a.m.


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

What it Means to be Christian Today
Christian Values-Equal Dignity, Freedom, Creation Care, and Peace
Birthday Blessing
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!
Let's Talk! about Where Christian Values Meet Human Rights

Thursday, September 24
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, September 25
Noon


Bible Study with Pastor Bev

Sunday, September 27
9:30 a.m.

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

What it Means to be Christian Today
Being the Church
Cents-ability Offering
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!
A Special Let's Talk! about SHPC - Our Facilities, Finance, Future

Sunday, October 4


World Communion/Peacemaking Sunday

 

 

Bible Study - Friday, September 4 - 
John 9


 

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

 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands

All those starting school, students and teachers and all who work in schools, for a successful start and school year;
For the new college students, may they be healthy and flourish;
For the parents who will be experiencing the empty nest;
For the refugees, may the world remember your humanity, and bring generosity to this humanitarian crisis;
Diane Latta and her family, mourning the loss of Diane's father, Ollie Weber, for God's comfort in their grief;
Leona George Davidson and Jeff Davidson, mourning the loss of Jeff's mother, Dorothy Davidson, for God's comfort in their grief;
Betty and Wil Swalberg, for God's presence and community support in this transition, and for healing for Wil's back;
Kelsey Lopin, for healing and full recovery from complications of Lyme disease, and for her family as they care for her;
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;
Wanda Latta, Dennis's sister, for continued healing and full recovery from surgery;
For the people of the Holy Land, especially the children, for just peace;
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.
   
 

FAMILY MINISTRIES INVITES ALL MOLOTH, SOON-TO-BE MOLOTH, KIDS, PARENTS, EVERYBODY TO MEET KATIE BRENDLER, YOUTH DIRECTOR! 


 

Sunday, September 6

AFTER WORSHIP

 

Katie is a first year seminary student at SFTS, a mechanical engineer with a masters in engineering, from Montana and NJ, by way of the PCUSA's excellent Young Adult Volunteer program.  She can explain to our youth how science and religion are friends, she has a great sense of humor, and she loves middle schoolers.  Let's all welcome her!

 

FAMILY MINISTRIES AND

SHPC MOLOTH!

5th Annual Youth Gleaning & Work Projects for Green Gulch Farm - 

Sunday, September 20 -

LET'S ORGANIZE THIS WITH CARPOOLS!

 

1:00 pm picnic in the garden (bring your own!)

1:30 pm Introduction to meditation in the Zendo

2:00 - 4:30 pm Gleaning and work projects


 

Green Gulch Zen Center: 

1601 Shoreline Hwy

Muir Beach 94965


 

See what a broccoli plant looks like. Learn about our food system. Hear about how the fields are connected to Buddhism and other faith traditions, and get your hands dirty in the sun. This is a youth event (primarily grades 6-12). We will be gleaning and doing other work on the farm. Long pants, socks and close toed shoes are encouraged. Please remember sunscreen & water. Click here to view flyer.


 

RSVP: [email protected] or call 415-456-6957 by Wednesday, September 16th

 
The Tomatoes Are Calling!

The Justice Garden needs YOU to help in our busy season!  Here are a few ways you can support the Justice Garden and support hunger programs:

Harvest Beautiful Heirloom Tomatoes and Get Fresh Air with Friends
Friday, Sept. 4th -   8:00 - 9:30am at church


Make New Friends for the Church and Raise Money for Hunger Programs at the Butterfield Farm Stand (Butterfield and Green Valley)
Saturday, Sept. 5th  -- 8:00 - 10:00am (meet at church; includes picking basil and set-up )

 
Saturday, Sept. 5th -- 10:00 - 12:00pm (continue selling; take supplies back to church)

Please contact Patti Vance at [email protected] if you can help!



So delicious!

 


  

Come Ride with SHPC's Own Patty Sanders 
September 20 to 26, 2015
          
Charity Ride for Food Pantries along the Northern California Coast

Thanks to all at SHPC for their sponsorship of our own Patty Sanders in the ride!  We raised some great support last Sunday! And thanks to Jillian Robinson for galvanizing us!

Cyclists please join the Pedal for Protein tour on the last day, Saturday 9/26:  you can ride the fantastic Sonoma/Marin coast on Hwy 1 to Pt Reyes Station with 2 options - easier route or Mt Tam to Tiburon finish.
We will have rest stops along the way with snacks and lunch at the end of the ride. Sag support is also provided. Transportation from the finish at Tiburon PC out to Tomales is available for only $15 on Sat. am for you and your bike (limited space available). Free t-shirt while supplies last, so register now at: http://www.imathlete.com/events/pedalforprotein

Please contact Patty Sanders, Hunger Action Enabler, for more information:
Cell: 415-515-6127

Jesus said, "you give them something to eat." Mark 6:37

 

 

FOLLOW UP ON THE HOLY LAND 

RESOURCES from the PCUSA


 

     The PCUSA is committed to living God's values, and is engaged in the world.  Our denomination believes in studying problems deeply and discerning the way forward with the Holy Spirit guiding well-informed committees of lay people and clergy.  Here are two denominational resources on the Middle East, one summarizing General Assembly action on Israel/Palestine since 2010, and the other answering FAQs about selective divestment.


 

Summary of PCUSA Actions on Israel/Palestine


 

FAQs about Selective Divestment
 


  
The Separation Wall, ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004

FOCUS ON THE HOMELESS:

Coming up Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 a.m., we welcome back Rev. Paul Gaffney, Chaplain with the Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy, for a morning of solidarity with the unhoused community.  All those who have served the REST program, or are considering volunteering, please join in this community building day.  Rev. Paul will preach and be our guest for Let's Talk.  Let's provide a warm welcome!
SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, September 27

9:30 a.m. Being the Church

10:45 a.m. - Let's Talk about our Facilities, Finances, and Future!
With Fun and Food

Visioning, priorities, fellowship, and community building
Greeters Needed!

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
WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP -
PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT

 

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.

 

Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!

 

A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP 
WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY MEALS for WIL 

The online sign up sheet urgently needs more volunteers!


 

How to Thrive, Instead of Just Survive
 
How tempting it can be for us to focus on erroneous things in life instead of what really matters. 
 
Understanding and identifying life's real priorities is definitely the key to "thriving" instead of "just surviving." It has taken me a while to learn that being healthy and possessing a good frame of mind are two of the most important priorities in life; they are critical to laying a foundation for how to "thrive" instead of "just survive."
 
Getting a proper amount of rest is essential to our ability to interact wisely and effectively with unexpected surprises and stress. Making this a priority may require that we turn down certain social functions, reduce some late night activities, re-evaluate certain habits, and maybe even volunteer a little less if it's too much on us physically.
 
A second important emphasis is making sure we take time to interact with our family and closest friends. This is really important. We need balance in our lives and I regret when I see someone I care about focusing too intensely on work and avoiding fun and relaxation. We need to unplug and spend time away from our professional environments. It is in our "personal" environments where we are most loved, where we can let go, laugh, and best recharge our batteries.
 
A third priority I'd like to accentuate is to look in the mirror and work toward being happy with what you see. Are you being honest about your present situation? Are you working to change things in your life for the better? Are you over-connecting with the internet and under-connecting with the real you? 
 
In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly." Some interpret this word as have it in an "overflowing" way. Growing in our relationship with God leads to abundant living. By doing so we will see clearly the person God meant us to be, and recognize the things God gifted us to do. Being where God wants us to be, and doing what we are divinely called to do are the keys to "thriving" instead of "merely surviving."
 
However, getting enough sleep and having fun are also top priorities in successfully "thriving." This week plan some fun and endeavor to get some extra sleep. Speaking from experience, that little extra sleep may be the most fun of all!
 
Your friend ... Paul


Paul Lambert is a member of SHPC who travels extensively for his career as a producer of Broadway-bound musicals.  He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute who studies the Bible daily and attends our Bible Study whenever he's in town. He posts this blog each week no matter where he is, to the delight and comfort of many.  SHPC thanks you, Paul.

Need More Help to End Youth Solitary Confinement

I am writing to let you know that last week we faced a significant hurdle in our efforts to #EndYouthSolitary when the Assembly Appropriations Committee shelved SB 124 for the year. We need to let legislators know that this bill is important to us. Please call Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez, the Appropriations Committee Chair, to ask why the bill was shelved.

Call script:
Hello, my name is ______, and I support SB 124, a bill that limits juvenile solitary confinement. I am very disappointed that the bill was held up in the appropriations committee and am calling to find out why it was held. CDCR is under court order to release thousands of adults from solitary confinement-youth should also be released from solitary. Will you commit to protecting our youth and getting them out of solitary and into the classroom?

Assemblymember Gomez's Sacramento office: (916) 319-2051
If you live in Assemblymember Gomez's district, please call his district office: (213) 483-5151

Despite this recent obstacle, all hope is not lost. This week there was a major victory when California agreed to move thousands of adults in prison out of solitary confinement. We need to capitalize on this victory and build momentum so that legislators across the state do not forget that we need to end solitary confinement for California's youth as well. 

Please share some of these tweets this week on social media, encouraging our state legislature to take action and #EndYouthSolitary in 2016:
  • #SolitaryConfinement is inhumane and ineffective. CA must end this practice for both adults AND youth. #FreeYouthFromSolitary #FreeSB124
  • If adults shouldn't be in #SolitaryConfinement, neither should youth. Legislature needs to pass SB 124 to #EndYouthSolitary #FreeSB124
  • Court frees adults from #solitaryconfinement but legislature keeps youth in isolation #FreeSB124 #FreeYouthFromSolitary
If we stand together and unite our voices, we will make ourselves heard and end the brutal and torturous practice of solitary confinement for all.

With appreciation,
Jennifer Kim
Director of Programs
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights

P.S. Please share #EndYouthSolitary video: three youth share their own experiences in solitary confinement, and their vision for what the juvenile justice system should look like.

Pastor Bev's Op-Ed Piece Published in the Sacramento Bee Aug. 30:
End Prolonged Solitary Confinement for California's Youths

Imagine you are shut into a windowless room the size of a parking spot and locked up for 23 hours a day. Imagine you have no idea when you'll get out. Now imagine you are a teenager.

This is the reality of solitary confinement, a cruel but all too usual feature of California juvenile detention. Experts call prolonged solitary confinement a form of torture, noting that it causes rapid deterioration in the mental health of those incarcerated and dramatically increases suicide rates.

California law provides no outside oversight regarding solitary confinement, severely limiting the recourse that incarcerated youths and their families have to challenge its use. We can change that.

First, why does it matter? Aren't all incarcerated people in solitary confinement a danger to society and to others in the prison system? Isn't that why they're in solitary? No, no, and no.

The truth is, close to half a million of the 2.2 million people incarcerated in the U.S. today are awaiting trial.Between 60 percent and 70 percent of those incarcerated in California jails are awaiting trial. That's right; they haven't been convicted of anything. And, tragically, this practice unjustly targets people of color and the poor.

Although records are not kept, justice advocates estimate that most of the youths in solitary confinement in California are black and brown. Overwhelmingly, our incarcerated population is poor. Our criminal justice system treats the rich and guilty much better than the poor and innocent.

If our Bill of Rights is for everyone, including people of color and youths, then we need to stand up and put an end to cruel and inhumane treatment of youths. Ending solitary confinement of young people in our state matters.

There is no excuse for delay on critical legislation to prevent youths from being placed in solitary. Gov. Jerry Brown and the members of the Legislature must act with urgency to adopt reforms like those proposed in Senate Bill 124. State Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, outlined how significant these changes would be for youths in state custody when the bill was introduced.

SB 124 limits the use of solitary confinement at state and county juvenile correctional facilities, and creates statewide standards that encourage the use of less damaging and more effective disciplinary actions. It allows solitary confinement to be used in juvenile correctional centers only when a young person poses an immediate and substantial risk of harming others or threatening the security of the facility.

And it demands that solitary confinement be used only when less harmful options have been exhausted. The bill also defines solitary confinement, stipulates that a person can only be held in solitary confinement for the minimum time necessary to address the safety risk, and requires statewide reporting of the use of solitary confinement in juvenile facilities.

A wide range of organizations and advocates have endorsed SB 124, from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture to the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, from the Children's Defense Fund-California to the California Public Defenders' Association. Whether we are motivated by our dedication to the rights of children, our commitment to racial justice or our religious beliefs, surely we can all agree that solitary confinement is an abhorrent way to treat our children.

As followers of Jesus, who taught that God's way for the world is equal dignity for all people, Christians must remember that Jesus was unjustly imprisoned, tortured and executed. The New Testament tells us "Remember those who are in prison as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured." Hebrews 13:3.

California's youths must no longer be subject to inhumane and unnecessary solitary confinement. California's youths must be remembered. Let's put an end to this pointless cruelty and make California a more just and humane state.

Visit the Sacramento Bee web site to view the Op Ed piece.


SFTS: Coming Up Soon!
 
September 12 - 
Crafting Worship and Liturgy
9:00 am-3:00 pm

This workshop led by SFTS Chaplain Scott Clark offers the opportunity to explore all areas of crafting worship - from writing liturgy to creating innovative ways that congregations can interact with and respond to the Word. Working with the SFTS Worship Team, workshop participants will craft a complete worship service with interactive prayer stations. By the conclusion of the day, we hope that participants will have new worship ideas, experiences, and skills to share with their congregations in worship - from a day that is both meaningful and fun. Cost: $30.00. Register at tinyurl.com/nl8x4n2, or find out more: http://sfts.edu/event/crafting-worship-and-liturgy/
 
September 19 - Horizons Bible Study

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. 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.
 
September: Laboring and Working
 
Are you dealing with a career shifts or change? Do you need help gaining perspectives on job searches, your career trajectory, or maintaining personal confidence while job seeking? Is this shift precipitated by factors beyond your control? Talking it through with a professional equipped to provide you with support as you seek the insights that will provide you with direction and conviction may help you make the best choice possible for this particular time in your career and life.
 
Natalie Harvey, MFT 53575
[email protected] (415) 747-5182
Cheryl Bradshaw, MA, MFT 39675
Richard Flout, MA, MFT #23923
[email protected], 415-453-0532
Mary Spilsbury, MA, MFT #50574
[email protected], 415-342-9640
Richard Engebrecht, MFT #44793
[email protected]. 415-289-6800
 
15 Austin Avenue
San Anselmo
(Near downtown, off Kensington between Ross and Bolinas)
415-256-9701

 
Note from Pastor Bev - Our own Jan Ardell is a great resource for those seeking help with issues of addiction and dependency, including gambling addiction - from shame to healing!
Contact Jan Ardell, MFT #M16147, [email protected], 415-233-0384 
Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative
Fall 2015 Parent Speaker Series
 

September 16: Weed 101: Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Kevin A. Sabet and Jody Belsher. Kevin has served as a drug policy advisor to three Presidential Administrations; is the author of "Reefer Sanity: Seven Great Myths About Marijuana"; and co-founded Smart Approaches to Marijuana with former Congressman Patrick Kennedy.  Jody is the creator of the documentary, The Other Side of Cannabis.  This event is co-sponsored by the Marin County Office of Education, Redwood, Tamalpais and Drake High Schools. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Redwood High School small gym.
 
September 28: SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices. This is an award-winning Internet safety program created by the San Diego Police Foundation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Parents will learn how kids today are using technology and how we can keep them safe online.  6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at White Hill Middle School.
 
September 30: Parenting Now for Healthy Teens Later. Tasmin Pesso and Linda Henn.  8:45 -10:15 a.m. at Brookside Elementary School.
 
October 7: The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed.  Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure will present from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Redwood High School large gym.  This event is co-sponsored by Redwood, Tamalpais and Drake High Schools in conjunction with White Hill Middle School.
 
October 28: Having difficult conversations with your teen/child around cannabis use; parent Q&A session (Jennifer Golick, LMFT and Clinical Director of Muir Wood Treatment Center together with Drake Peer Resource students). Drake High School at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
 
November 18: The Mask You Live In Screening.  Jennifer Siebel Newsom's film that explores how our culture's narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men and society at large and unveils what we can do about it. Drake High School Student Center at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
 
 
Please refer to our Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative website for further information on upcoming events: rvhcc.com

Training Class for Suicide Prevention & Community Counseling

 

Fall Class:

September 15 - November 17

Tuesdays, 7:00pm - 10:00pm

October 10

Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm

 

$25.00 fee for the training

 

To volunteer on the Hotline, individuals must successfully complete the Hotline Training Class. The class is supervised by the Program Director, a licensed MFT, and includes information on the following topics: identifying individuals in suicidal or other types of crisis; communication; counseling; active listening skills; and suicide/crisis intervention techniques and other subjects.

 

To register for this class, please call Linda Allen at 415-499-1193 x3001

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