Showers of Blessings
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
November 5, 2015
Season of Gratitude Continues with
Showers of Blessings
 
Each day of our lives is precious and never-to-be-repeated.  Are we making the most of each day?  If how we live each day adds up to how we live our life, are we living our best life? This Sunday, November 8, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., we'll take a good look at how we spend our time, energy, and resources, and explore what that says about our priorities and values. We'll take time to give thanks for God's blessings in our lives, including the great blessing of our vibrant church community! 

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

This is Stewardship season, when we all prayerfully ponder our pledge to the church for the coming year.  The church relies on all of our pledges to continue bringing dignity to hungry, homeless, and impoverished people, and to co-create a more just, peaceful, and joyful world, the world that we want our beloved children and young people to inherit. When each of us makes church a high priority, we build a church that matters, a church that heals, a church that makes a positive difference in the world.  Thank you all for your support of the church!

I hope to see some of you tonight at 6 p.m. at HAND CHIMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS, and also tomorrow for YOGA class, starting at 4 p.m. with Lizzy Rothschild for tween and teen GIRLS, with Intro to YOGA for 40+ following at 5:15 taught by yoga master and sacred dancer Nubia Teixera!  These are healing ministries of the church, offered on a donation basis.  (Bring yoga mats if you have them.) Invite your friends and neighbors! 

Make sure to invite all your music-loving 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


November Calendar

Thursday, November 5
    6:00 p.m.      



HOLIDAY HAND CHIMES - all ages, no prior experience needed

Thursday, November 5
7:00 p.m.


Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, November 6
Noon
4:00 p.m.
5:15 p.m.


Bible Study
Tween and Teen GIRL Yoga
Intro to Yoga - Aging Gracefully

Sunday, November 8
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

Season of Gratitude Continues
Showers of Blessings
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!

Wednesday, Nov. 11
                 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 12
               6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.


Session meets at the church


Hand Chimes
Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, November 13
Noon
4:00 p.m.
5:15 p.m.


Bible Study
Tween and Teen GIRL Yoga
Intro to Yoga - Aging Gracefully

Sunday, November 15
                  9:30 a.m.

ALL WELCOME!  INVITE FRIENDS!
String Quartet, Harvest Feast and Pledge Sunday!

Thursday, November 19
               6:00 p.m. 
7:00 p.m.


Hand Chimes
Choir Practice - New singers welcome!

Friday, November 20
Noon
4:00 p.m.
5:15 p.m.


Bible Study
Tween and Teen GIRL Yoga
Intro to Yoga - Aging Gracefully

Sunday, November 22
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.


Gratitude Sunday
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!

Sunday, November 29
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

Season of Advent Begins - Where Heaven and Earth Meet
Coffee and Refreshments - All welcome!

 

A VERY SPECIAL SUNDAY - 
ALL WELCOME!
  
Sunday November 15, 2015
9:30 a.m.
Eldridge String Quartet
Bring your Pledge Cards
ANNUAL HARVEST FEAST
following the service

Every year, your SHPC Deacons host a Harvest Feast after worship one Sunday in November. This year, please plan to join us on Sunday, November 15th.
 
By now your Deacon should have emailed you with a suggested dish to share... the Deacons will supply the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, so when combined with your side dishes, we'll have a complete feast.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Goodman (Carolyn@goodmanmarketing.com) - and we hope to see you and your family at this years' event.

One of our highlights of the year! 
 

Bible Study - Friday, Nov. 6
Noon - Ezekiel 34:26, John 7:37-39 
 
 
Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome!
 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands
 
All those dealing with aging issues, our seniors and their loved ones, and for care providers;
The SHPC Green Team, for continued creativity and spirit; may their efforts be blessed;
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, keep us strong in our commitment to the church, and make us hope-bringers to the world.

Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
   
 
JOIN US FOR YOGA AT THE CHURCH!


4 Fridays in November:
6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
DONATION BASIS
BRING FRIENDS, BRING MATS IF YOU HAVE THEM (WE WILL HAVE SOME ON HAND)

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. 

 
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE AT THE CHURCH A GREAT SUCCESS!

THANK YOU TO 
Sharon Adams,
Ahmed Abu-Aly,
Katie Brendler,
Michael Durphy,
Frankie Eakes, and Leona George Davidson for the great Open House!
                                   
       
        
















 
 
 
Pictured left to right:  Scott Hamilton, Doug Eisinger, Ahmed Abu-Aly, Patti Vance, Jen Gauna, Nancy Ellberg, and Jeanette Molineaux.  Not pictured:  Sebastian Molineaux.
 
A GREAT START FOR REST NOV. 2- HOSTING THE MEN 
AT OUR MISSION PARTNER, ST. RITA'S - 
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVED!
 
REST (Rotating Emergency Shelter) kicked off the winter season on Monday, Nov. 2, with 8 volunteers cooking and bringing hospitality and dignity to 20 unhoused men.  Here is some general info about the program.  Please scroll down and sign up to serve the women on Tuesday, Nov. 10, or for dates in the coming months.
 
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 about 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 about 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
 
 
 
"First Sunday" Cooking for REST by Our Middle and High School Students Got Off to a Great Start

Eleven students participated in the Sunday evening cooking session, creating a beautiful fall salad of fresh greens, Broccolini, and persimmons, with a knockout Green Goddess dressing.
 
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 next session will be December 6.  Info and sign-ups are at:  http://bit.ly/REST-StudentCooks 
 
With thanks,
 
Shannon Mong
REST Volunteer Coordinator
 
 
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




 
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
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!

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!

 

    
The Difference Between Murkiness and Clarity


If you're like me you are surrounded by wireless appliances that attract countless thoughts, expressions, and propaganda for our consumption. On today's popular TV shows, we are forced to witness the quips and interruptions of controversial hosts battling each other on the likes The View, The Talk, The Real, Hardball and The Five. 

I am also amused when I hear the scattered nature of the rules of todays national debates which, in most cases, allow 60 seconds for our Presidential candidates to respond to complex issues, with 30 second rebuttals. 

Through these popcorn pronouncements and exaggerated diversity, we have allowed ourselves to create a murky society in which we are forced to live, work and play. One that lacks clarity, is confusing, and full of gobbledygook Does anyone have a concise point of view that can be expressed calmly and convincingly without show biz gymnastics? 

There is definitely a cloud of murkiness that is surrounding our modern day culture.

Frances Bacon once said "In order for light to shine brightly, darkness must be present". Og Mandino (a great author and public speaker) declared " I love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars". 

I believe the key to clarity in today's "cultural fog" is to unleash light on it. Brilliant light breaks through topsy turvy clutter. To make sense out of the vagueness and the ambivalence that surrounds us we need to be agents of clarity. And I believe that starts with being a source of light.

Jesus says, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life".(John 8:12). The Apostle Paul shares "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light". (Eph 5:8).

In each of us is this light. It is our possession. 

As we focus on our routines and relationships I would encourage us (starting with me) to be a conscious source of light. Assume we are interacting with a world surrounded by turbulence and darkness. Be that beacon of light that makes a difference, one that establishes good priorities, and guides others to transformation.

Christine Todd Whitman has said, "Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room!". 

From San Anselmo this week ... your "beaming" 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.
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

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 

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: FREE


Since the Death with Dignity Law was just signed by Governor Brown, all of us may have new questions and concerns.  This training is a good opportunity to learn more.  It is free and includes  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 
 
 
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)
&
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
 

* 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
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, 
100 Tarry Road, San Anselmo, CA  94960
Allie Duro, Editor/Office Administrator
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221