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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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October 29, 2015
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Season of Gratitude
The Stories We Tell Ourselves, Part Two:
From Glass Half Empty to Cup Overflowing
Is your glass generally half empty or half full? Do you tend to focus on what's wrong, who's slighted you, what you don't have, or does that stuff bounce off you like you're teflon? Psychologists and storytellers tell us that it's not what happens to us in life that makes the most impact on our quality of life, it's what we tell ourselves about what happens. How can we tell our own life story so that we'll feel blessed with a cup overflowing? This Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. we'll explore that, and we'll renew and refresh our spirits! Our scripture texts are Psalm 23 (KJV) and John 2:1-12.
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A Note From Pastor Bev
Here at church, our cup is overflowing! We have a fun week coming up! You are all invited to stop by the church Saturday for the Halloween Open House. We will be decorating starting at 5 p.m., and if you would like to join Captain Kernel and pop oodles of popcorn, that would be fantastic! What fun to admire the kids' costumes and to meet the parents! My granddaughter Grace (not quite 3 months old) will be making an appearance in her dragon costume!
We'll be inviting the neighbors to church, of course, and also to our upcoming YOGA classes, starting Friday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. with Lizzy Rothschild for tween and teen GIRLS, and Intro to YOGA for 40+ following at 5:15. Join me in this great class with yoga master and sacred dancer Nubia Teixera! These are healing ministries of the church, offered on a donation basis. Together we can remember that our body is the temple of our spirit!
And please do invite all your family and friends to the return of the Eldridge String Quartet on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. This is magic for all ages!
With joy,
Bev
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS THIS WEEKEND
DON'T FORGET TO "FALL BACK"
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st.
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October/November Calendar
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Thursday, October 29
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! | |
Friday, October 30
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Saturday, October 31
5:30-8:30 p.m.
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ALL WELCOME! Halloween Open House at the church! | |
Sunday, November 1
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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November Nurture Your Spirit Series
From Cup Half Empty to Cup Overflowing The Stories We Tell Ourselves, Part Two
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome! | |
Thursday, November 5
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! | |
Friday, November 6
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, November 8
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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From Cup Half Empty to Cup Overflowing
Showers of Blessings and Love
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome! | |
Thursday, November 12
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! | |
Friday, November 13
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, November 15
9:30 a.m.
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ALL WELCOME! INVITE FRIENDS!
String Quartet, Harvest Feast and Pledge Sunday!
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Thursday, November 19
7:00 p.m.
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Choir Practice - New singers welcome! | |
Friday, November 20
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, November 22
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Gratitude Sunday Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome! | |
Sunday, November 29
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
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Season of Advent Begins - Where Heaven and Earth Meet Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome! |
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A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE A WEDNESDAY DINNER TO WIL
Cook it yourself or bring take-out and a hug
Wil is spending afternoons and early evenings with Betty at Harmony House, so please call him Tuesday to arrange a delivery time for your delicious meal. And bless you!
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Bible Study -Friday, Oct. 30- Noon -
Psalm 23 and John 2:1-12
Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome!
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Pastor Bev's Mom, Anne Brown, for healing from a fall and broken bones, and for God's comforting presence;
Candice Taylor and Torey Burris, for a delightful honeymoon;
Patty Sanders, for continuing speedy recovery from a successful hip replacement surgery;
Diane Latta and her family, mourning the loss of Diane's father, Ollie Weber, for God's comfort in grief;
Betty and Wil Swalberg, for God's presence and community support in Betty's transition to Harmony House, and for pain relief 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;
For our elected leaders, and for all world leaders, for decisions for the common good and for the future of the planet;
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.
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JOIN US FOR YOGA AT THE CHURCH!
4 Fridays in November: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
Fun and Stress Relief for Tweens and Teen GIRLS w/Elizabeth Rothschild (Lizzy):
Fridays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Lizzy's passion for yoga started at the age of 23 and has been since dedicating herself to the art and practice of yoga. She has studied extensively from many wonderful yoga teachers in the Bay Area and beyond, culminating with her teacher's training in 2013 under Nubia's care, wisdom, and guidance. Lizzy teaches yoga from her heart's joy and her intention is to bring healing and peace to the young generation, weaving the precious aspects and layers into a playful and accessible experience.
Introduction to Yoga, Aging Gracefully w/Nubia Teixeira: Fridays from 5:15 to 6:15 pm
A Brazilian-born yogini, Thai Massage practitioner and Reiki Master, Nubia has devoted herself to teaching many different aspects of Yoga for the past 25 years. Perceiving Yoga as a Healing Art, Nubia's refinement and devotion to this ancient practice is reflected in her unique teaching, overflowing with heartfelt compassion and inspiration. A longtime dancer in the classical Indian dance tradition Odissi, Nubia joyfully infuses her classes with its' symbology and sacred geometry. She is the author of the CD Pranayama: May Breath Be Our Prayer released by Sounds True.
These classes are offered as a healing ministry, and we ask only for donations for the teachers.
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ANNUAL HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE AT THE CHURCH!
Saturday, October 31 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. All welcome, and ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SET UP, GIVING OUT TREATS, ADMIRING COSTUMES, AND CLEAN UP Please let Pastor Bev know if you can help out!
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YOUTH GROUP!
Sunday, November 1
CANNED GOODS SCAVENGER HUNT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
after church and
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS AND HIGH SCHOOLERS WILL BE COOKING FOR REST ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH STARTING SUNDAY, NOV. 1 FROM 4-6 P.M. - SEE SIGN UPS BELOW
QUESTIONS? Contact Katie, our Youth Director at
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REST is Gearing Up for November and Beyond!
We are hoping you will be able to support the REST program once again this year! We have just opened up the sign-up, have LOTS of openings for November 2 (men), November 10 (women), and beyond.
About the Timing:
This year the REST season encompasses 7 months (Nov-May). During this time the Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church organizes volunteers to prepare and provide dinners twice a month -- once for the men's program and once for the women's program. The Men's program takes place on the 1st Monday of the month (5:30-8:45pm), with meals serving 32 guests & volunteers. The Women's Program is the 2nd Tuesday (5:15-8pm) at the county's Health and Wellness Center in San Rafael and serves 26 guests & volunteers.
A Reminder about What Volunteering Involves:
In addition to preparing and bringing a dish, we welcome and say a blessing with our un-housed neighbors, serve the meal, eat dinner with our un-housed neighbors, and then clean up the meal. The men's program also involves setting up cots & tables before dinner, serving a snack, and washing pans & dishes after the meal. We count on everyone who has volunteered to fully participate on-site. To sign-up online, please go to: http://bit.ly/RESTprogram
With thanks,
Shannon Mong
REST Volunteer Coordinator
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New Developments for REST: Calling All Middle and High School Students!
We're happy to announce we're now providing local Middle and High School students with an opportunity to collaboratively prepare part of a REST meal. Once a month we'll provide a place, supplies, and on-site support for the students to gather and prepare either a large salad or cookies for our un-housed neighbors. This cooking session will take place once a month from 4-6pm, on the Sunday before the Men's REST meal. The first session is on November 1, just a few weeks away. Info and sign-ups are at: http://bit.ly/REST-StudentCooks
With thanks,
Shannon Mong
REST Volunteer Coordinator
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INVITE YOUR FRIENDS OF ALL AGES - FREE AND MAGICAL!
Sunday November 15, 2015
9:30 a.m.
Eldridge String Quartet
Harvest Feast
Pledge Sunday
One of our highlights of the year!
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Spirit of Sustainability Award
awarded to
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church!
"Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church members of all ages worked together in 2014 to create their flourishing 'Justice Garden.' After initially donating the produce to the Marin Food Bank, the team expanded the project by offering a farm stand with affordable, organic produce for the greater community. After launching the garden with a mini-grant from the Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative the Sleepy Hollow 'Green Team' secured a Marin County grant to model water conservation by adding a rainwater catchment system to irrigate the garden." Click here for more information about SHPC's garden project.
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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
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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.
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!
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Join the Green Team in a Field Trip to the
UN Climate Conference -
hosted by Dominican University
Time to Lead on Climate
CA - US - UN
Monday, November 9th
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Angelico Hall, Dominican University
San Rafael
Firing up the state, national and global leadership to solve climate change.
Speakers include:
- Congressman Jared Huffman
- UN Climate Delegate Ken Alex with the Office of Governor Jerry Brown
- Josh Fryday, NextGen Climate Action
- Susan Stephenson, Interfaith Power & Light
- Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, will speak by video
Dominican President Mary Marcy will moderate. Sponsored by Organizing for Action, Sustainable San Rafael and two dozen other Marin environmental and social action groups.
$10 advance (best seating), $15 at door, $5 students. For ticket and information visit www.leadonclimate.org
In faith & hope,
The CIPL Team
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Have You Ever Wondered What  it Would be Like to Take a
Stroll Alone With God?
Just think of the possibilities: you could ask questions or view the cosmos from the Lord's point of view. Would you feel comfortable or intimidated?
Imagine, God describing the trees, the foliage, pointing to a fox, a butterfly, or explaining why geese fly in a V formation. Could you envision the Lord plucking some fruit, sharing berries with you, or suggesting you try the sugar cane?
I actually believe being alone with our creator would be calm and peaceful not intimidating or stressful.
Hear the words of our Lord, "Do not be anxious about anything ... let your requests be made known to Me ... and My peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" (Philippians 4:6-7); "For I know the plans I have for you, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11); "Nothing can ever separate you from My love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow" Romans 8:38-39.
Being alone with God could be a spectacular experience - could be or would be?
I spend time alone with God regularly. It's special, calming, and builds my faith in God's desire to help me, be with me and encourage me. Whenever there is a situation that causes stress, produces anxiety, or gets me riled up, I go for a walk with God. Just the two of us.
Sometimes this walk never leaves the big blue chair where I pray. But, even so, we cover some amazing territory together. Always remember, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you," and that the best walk is "by faith, not by sight."
I feel terrific every time I take one of these strolls. I encourage you to do the same - one word of caution though, be alert when you do, because the butterflies are spectacular and the sugar cane taste great.
In L.A., your friend ... Paul
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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.
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A Message From a Mission Partner in Israel/Palestine
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has relationships with denominations throughout the world. In Israel / Palestine, one of our closest connections is with our partner church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land. We urge you to prayerfully consider, and to share, these reflections from Lutheran pastor Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, who serves the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem.
Dear Friends,
A new wave of political unrest is here. Within the last five weeks, over forty young people from Palestine were killed and over 1100 injured. These are not mere numbers, but young people with faces, names, and dreams. Yet, as if their lives do not matter, the Israelis are easing their already loose laws on using arms with a clear message of shoot to kill. For the Israeli government, these young Palestinians are rebels that do not deserve to live. They must be taught a lesson. To add insult to injury, you hear the western politicians talking about Israel's right to defend itself, and stand shamelessly with Israel. Thus, to those international players the lives of Palestinians are worthless while the life of an Israeli is so precious.
This pattern reminds us of how the world viewed the lives of black people under apartheid and how racism against blacks is felt in so many countries around the world. The same applies to indigenous peoples and the oppressed. The most dangerous thing however, is when young people from those oppressed groups are pushed to the point where they start looking for a life after death but do not believe any more in a life before death that is worth living.
In this context, we have three messages to share:
The first message is to our Jewish Israeli neighbors. This history of the Maccabeans, of the so-called first Jewish revolt, and that of Bar Kokhba, teaches us that as long as there is occupation, there will be uprising. Over and over again, young people will rise requesting their freedom and this is their right. The occupation has to end for our sake and for your sake. Enough lives have been wasted.
The second message is to the international community: without justice for Palestine, there will be no peace for Israel. Unless we start seeing the lives of the Palestinians as important as the lives of the Israelis, the bloodshed will continue. Palestinian lives matter.
The third message is to our Palestinian young people: The question is not if we should resist or not, but the most important question is how to resist, and how to resist creatively. We do not want you to die, but to live for Palestine. Through your life you can contribute more to the future of Palestine. We want you to cling to your dreams, even if the occupation wants to steal these dreams from you, and if the whole world ignores your rights. The denial of your life and dignity with all its harshness should be used to propel you to cling to life and not allow anyone to waste it. Your lives matter to God, to us, your community and to those who love justice in this world. Your creative resistance will eventually free Palestine and then you, your families and all Palestinians will enjoy life in abundance.
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, Bethlehem
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Mariposa and the Saint
Wednesday, November 4
6:45 pm
Venetia Valley School gym
San Rafael
(meet in front of Rodef Shalom no later than 6:30 pm and we will walk over together)
A powerful two-person play about the solitary confinement, currently on national tour, followed by a discussion with one of the playwrights.
Mariposa and the Saint is a play written through letters, by Sara (Mariposa) Fonseca and Julia Steele Allen, over the two and a half years Mariposa has been isolated in confinement in a California women's prison. The text of the play is derived entirely from Mariposa's own words and experience. The play conveys the agony and injustice of long-term solitary confinement as well as "the magic that comes with the struggle to keep your spirit alive" as Mariposa says.
The 45-minute play will be followed directly by a 45-minute workshop/dialogue highlighting the work of the local or statewide organization we are partnering with, and asking audience members to take a concrete action step together to further the campaign.
Click HERE for more information about the play.
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Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative
Fall 2015 Parent Speaker Series
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
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Marin Interfaith Council:
Advanced Care Trainings for Clergy & Congregational Leaders Marin Interfaith Council (MIC) was approached this past summer by Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST), a coalition of health care providers who are prepared to train clergy, chaplains, lay ministers, Stephen's ministers and religious leaders on the topic of terminal illness, aging and dying. In particular, they want to assist all of us to explore our own plans regarding advance care planning so that we as clergy and religious leaders are equipped to serve and accompany our congregants about advance care planning and end-of-life choices and decisions. Click here to view flyer Two program dates offered:
Thursday, November 5*
First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
*Pastor Bev will be attending the November 5 training
Tuesday, November 17
Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church
410 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley
Time:
9:00 am - Registration and Breakfast
9:30 am to 12:30 pm - Program
Cost: FREESince the Death with Dignity Law was just signed by Governor Brown, all of us may have new questions and concerns. These 2 identical trainings will be a good opportunity to learn more. They are free and include breakfast and program handouts. 9:00am Registration/breakfast; 9:30am- 12:30pm program. Please RSVP directly with Teresa Tooker, Marin County POLST Coalition Chair/Hospice by the Bay, whose email is: Teresa Tooker TTooker@hospicebythebay.org. Learning and serving together, The Reverend Carol
Hovis
Executive Director
Marin Interfaith Council
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Marin Interfaith Council:
Visionary Marin 2015
Thursday, November 12
6:00-8:30 pm
Mill Valley Community Center
It's our 10th Anniversary and The Marin Interfaith Council honors:
Friend of SHPC Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr & Ms. Laura Talmus
Ms. Laura Talmus (co-founder & Executive Director of Beyond Differences - inspiring youth to end social isolation in middle school through online and campus programs)
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Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr (ordained lesbian Presbyterian minister, co-founder of the Spectrum Center for LGBT concerns & Marin AIDS Project)
*Culinary Delights *Raffle *Silent Auction *Program
Reservations:
$90 one, $160 for two and $750 for ten
Reserve your tickets HERE
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* Meet * Munch * Mingle * Growing Hope, Healing and Wholeness to Live Joyfully, Courageously and Meaningfully
ICC Open House
November 8, 2015
Open House 2:00-5:00 PM
RSVP to the ICC Office 415-256-9701
Please join us for:
* delicious healthy snacks & beverages
* informative conversations
* tours of our offices
Short (5 minute) presentations will be offered on a variety of topics at the following times:
2:30 - Responding Effectively to Suspected Addiction with Barbara Nelson 3:00 - Spiritual Direction - What is it? With Jacqueline Perlmutter 3:30 - Conscious Choice - Listening to Our Inner Voices with Ananya Hixon and Ruth Mordecai-Schweitzer 4:00 - Achieve Inner Peace through Touch and Verbal Expression 4:30 - Finding Balance in Your Life with Judy Slater The therapists, spiritual directors, coaches, body workers, and other professionals of the Interfaith Counseling Center warmly welcome you.
Interfaith Counseling Center 15 Austin Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94960
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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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