Education is a Human Right
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
September 17, 2015
September Series Continues
What It Means to be Christian Today
Where Christianity Meets Human Rights

    From Syria to Lake County, California, people are losing everything through no fault of their own.  In a world where people are often valued based on their showplace homes and shiny cars, what value do we place on people who have only the clothes on their backs?  And how do we live those values?  This Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 9:30 a.m., we'll explore those questions and take a look at where the teachings of Jesus meet the universal human rights movement.  Do you have a right to clean, affordable water? Does everyone?  A right to education?  To a sustainable planet?  Who enforces these rights?  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations (1948) is based on the conviction that when all nations honor human rights, the world will know peace.  What do you think?  Bring your ideas and bring middle schoolers:  MOLOTH MEETS THIS SUNDAY.

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

I'm back from D.C., from meetings with terrific people from the National Council of Churches, the Mennonite Central Commitee, the AFSC, and pro-Israel lobby J Street, jubilant over their victory in helping "pass" the Iran deal.  A fascinating trip!  One day of meetings took place at the National Presbyterian Church; the first photo below is of the sanctuary there.  On a quick Monday morning visit to the glorious National Cathedral (now Episcopalian), I was very amused by the stone plaque at the entrance to the main sanctuary (photo two below). Bearing the hot coal of Jesus!  The gorgeous stained glass windows on a sunny day are worth a trip to DC; you can dance in the streams of rainbow light. And when you visit, don't miss the many smaller chapels (St. Mary's altar in photo 4) with their beautiful fresh flower arrangements.  I do love stained glass, but there's no place like home, and I am feeling blessed to be back at SHPC!

With joy,
Bev





September/October Calendar

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; Bev presents on Israel/Palestine
Bible Study with Paul Lambert

Sunday, September 20
9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

What it Means to be Christian Today
Where Christianity Meets Human Rights
Birthday Blessing
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!

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.
10:30 a.m.

What it Means to be Christian Today
Being the Church
Cents-ability Offering
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!
All Church Conversation about SHPC - Our Facilities, Finance, and Future with Fun and Food

Sunday, October 4


World Communion/Peacemaking Sunday

 

 
ALL CHURCH CONVERSATION!  5 F'S:
FACILITIES, FINANCE, FUTURE,
FUN, AND FOOD
Sunday, September 27, 10:30 a.m.

How many buildings does SHPC own?  
Answers:  zero or two, depending on how you look at it.  
Steve Derr will explain at this informative and fun All Church Conversation!  It will be a great opportunity to get to know your Elders, Deacons, and church teams, and each other.

We'll have small group time to focus on what church means to you and to the wider community, and to talk about where God is calling SHPC to serve and grow.  Be part of the conversation!

 
A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP 
PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE A WEDNESDAY DINNER TO WIL and BETTY
Cook it yourself or bring take-out and a hug

Wil and Betty have done so much for SHPC, and it's our time to help them now while Betty is recovering and they both need TLC.


 

 

Bible Study with Paul Lambert - Friday, September 18

Genesis 1:27-28a and Luke 7:11-17
 

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

For all those impacted by the California wildfires, those who have lost their homes, those who have been evacuated, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and for the firefighters, and their families;
For those who lost their lives in the Utah flash floods;
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 grief;
Leona George Davidson and Jeff Davidson, mourning the loss of Jeff's mother, Dorothy Davidson, for God's comfort in 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 continued 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;
For the people of the Holy Land, especially the children, for just peace, and for a sense of opportunity and hope for the future;
For our church community, for creativity and faithfulness in discerning the way forward, and for the energy and compassion to answer God's call.

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

MOLOTH IS BACK!  

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS AND SPECIAL GAME NIGHTS AND FIELD TRIPS!  


 

Sunday, Sept. 20!


 

WITH KATIE BRENDLER, YOUTH DIRECTOR! 

 

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! THIS SUNDAY 

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

Email Katie Brendler if you can drive:

[email protected]

 

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.


 

 

KATIE NEEDS A COUCH! 


   Our Youth Leader Katie has just moved here to start seminary at SFTS, and she needs furniture, especially a couch.  Please email her if you have one you could loan or donate:

[email protected]

 

 

Presbytery of the Redwoods Meets this Friday, 9/18 at 10 a.m.

St. Andrew's P.C. Sonoma - Bev and Linda P. are driving up; contact Bev if you would like to join them. News about our church response to Lake County wildfires to come! 

 


  

Come Ride with SHPC's Own Patty Sanders 
September 20 to 26, 2015
or pray for the riders
It's not too late to support Patty!
          
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!  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

 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: SYRIA

 




In 2015, the number of forcibly displaced persons around the world exceeds 51 million, including some 13 million refugees who lack access to the most basic necessities of life, including food, clean water, safe shelter, health care, education, and protection from conflict, war, and violence.

Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in March 2011, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been engaged in responding to the needs of displaced persons and refugees. The response has been in collaboration with and support of ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) members and other ecumenical partners who are providing relief to refugees in neighboring countries and to internally displaced Syrians. PDA has also been providing direct assistance to our mission partner, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), which is also providing relief and care.

Rebuilding begins in Homs, Syria

PDA committed $100,000 to help restore permanent infrastructure within the country, and is now committing $75,000 to help with schools.

Syrian refugee resettlement in the United States

In addition to providing funds for humanitarian response for Syrians overseas, PDA is working with our partner in refugee resettlement, Church World Service, to resettle Syrian refugees who are coming to the United States.  1,000 Syrian Refugees have now found a new home in the US, but more are ready to come. Help them find peace and a new hope this World Refugee Day.  To find out more about supporting refugees in your community please contact  Susan Krehbiel.

**********************************************************

WAYS TO ACT
  • Follow the PC (U.S.A.) response on Facebook and share updates with your congregation and others. 
  • Help resettle Syrian refugees. Most coming to the U.S. do not have family or close friends here and need emotional, spiritual as well as physical support. If you are interested in becoming directly involved in accompanying a newly arriving refugee family or supporting them through in-kind donations, contact the nearest Church World Service (CWS) affiliate and ask to speak to their volunteer/outreach coordinator.  If you do not live near a CWS affiliate and still want to be involved, please contact Susan Krehbiel to connect you with other resettlement organizations around the country.
  • Sign this petition to demand the U.S. increase the resettlement of more Syrian refugees
  • Advocate for the Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act.

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.

 

SEPTEMBER: Nancy Elberg/Frankie Eakes Parish

OCTOBER: Patti Eisinger Parish

NOVEMBER: Marie Ongaro Parish

DECEMBER: The Deacons

JANUARY: Robin Abu-Aly Parish

FEBRUARY: Nancy/Frankie Parish

MARCH: Patti Eisinger Parish

 

Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!

 

What's it Like to be With Oprah For a Full Day?
 
This past Saturday, Oprah taped a TV special in Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA. I've always
wondered what it would be like to see her in person and feel her passion for people and hear her talk about the topics that touch her soul.
 
Oprah is actually a family of dynamic executives, wonderful staff members, outstanding celebrity
personalities and fantastic teaching - that's what it was like to be with Oprah for a full day. 
 
Oprah shared with me in a private one on one that in her audition for a slot on the local ABC affiliate
(WLS-TV / Chicago), Dennis Swanson, the executive across the desk, shared with her that they thought she should "just be herself" as she began to compete on air directly opposite the formidable Phil Donahue. She looked up at me and, with a twinkle in her eye, said, "You know Paul, I've made a career out of doing just that."
 
Oprah knows who she is. She understands her place in God's blueprint and works hard to stay "in the flow" and use her talent and clout to spread the essence of a phenomenal life. She shared with us that "others will help you if and when we are ready to listen." Oprah is making a career out of teaching and tutoring in her own way to millions who are ready to hear, heal, and move on. 
 
Listening to God's spokespersons in the Bible, to today's dedicated teachers and gifted pastors in Churches, observing Jesus's actual example and exhortations in the New Testament are all a part of our opportunity to grow and become a divine influencer in the world today.
 
Tim Storey, to whom I will be forever grateful for taking me back stage to meet and speak with Oprah, said in his part of the taped special that "those of us who have been delivered now are to become a bridge of deliverance to others in need." In other words, "the delivered now deliver." What a huge thought and responsibility for each of us as we look in the eyes of others and navigate our daily lives.
 
So, one September Saturday on the campus of UCLA, I felt the magic of one of America's most caring individuals. I met Oprah. What a force. What a woman and what a hug, one I will never forget.
 
Our Pastor Bev two years ago emphasized a New Years resolution about "listening." Listening to ourselves, listening to Biblical teaching and listening to the quiet prodding of God's spirit inside of us. It makes me think of the verse Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." What a great first step to listening. 
 
Since Pastor Bev and Oprah have both emphasized this all-important theme, I say we listen up, and get in the flow - God's flow. Wishing you a great week. 
 
From L.A. ... 

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.
SFTS: Coming Up Soon!
 

September 19
Horizons Bible Study
10:00 am-3:00 pm


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 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