An Extraordinary Experience!
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
November 12, 2015
Stewardship/Pledge Sunday - 
String Quartet and Harvest Feast!
Showers of Blessings

This Sunday, November 15, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., we'll have the extraordinary experience of sharing our sanctuary with the Eldridge String Quartet!  Bring music-loving family, friends, and neighbors!  All ages are welcome; this is a great opportunity for the young folks to sit right next to symphony musicians and feel the wonder.  Our church has been richly blessed this year.  This is our opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, and to commit our support to the church for the coming year.  Bring your pledge cards (there are extras in the narthex)!  One last thing to bring:  a potluck dish to share at the delicious annual Harvest Feast, hosted by our Deacons. Great food and fun for all!

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

Today's newsletter is late because I was participating in two key Marin Interfaith Council events today. This morning, I was at Rodef Shalom with the Marin rabbis and some of my fellow Presbyterian ministers engaged in interfaith discussion about the PC(USA)'s selective divestment from companies benefitting from the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories.  Scroll down to see a report from the occupied Palestinian territories from our PC(USA) mission worker, Rev. Kate Taber.  And please pray for an end to violence and for just peace in the Holy Land!

Tonight I was celebrating with Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr, honoree at MIC's Visionary Marin. Janie has devoted her life and ministry to including the marginalized, and to insisting that gay marriage must be honored as marriage and not something less.  Her co-honoree tonight, Laura Talmus, founded Beyond Differences, a great organization dedicated to ending social isolation in middle school.  One of the wonderful teens who spoke on her behalf said, "inclusion is the new cool."  Amen!  

Our church has done so much this year to bring more dignity to more people, and to share the love of God through food, shelter, friendship, and encouragement.  I hope to see you all Sunday to celebrate this beloved community!

                            With joy,
Bev


November Calendar

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


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.


A Heart Healthy Thanksgiving
Coffee and Fellowship - All welcome!

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

Season of Advent Begins - Where Heaven and Earth Meet
Coffee and Fellowship - 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 don't know who your Deacon is, haven't been contacted, or have any questions, please contact Carolyn Goodman, Moderator of the Deacons ([email protected]) - and we hope to see you and your family at this years' event.

One of our highlights of the year! 
 

Meet the String Quartet Musicians


Meg Eldridge (viola) has been playing with the Carmel Bach Festival since 1987. She studied music performance at the University of Michigan, the Manhattan School of Music, and at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She performs regularly with the Marin Symphony, the Santa Rosa Symphony, New Century Chamber Orchestra, Oakland Symphony, Berkeley Symphony, Sacramento Philharmonic, the California Symphony, the Echo Chamber Orchestra, the Sound Collective, and other Bay Area groups. She plays Baroque violin and viola with the Archangeli Baroque Strings, Marin Baroque, the California Bach Society, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Jubilate, and Philharmonia Baroque. Meg performs regularly with the Tamalpais String Quartet, The Marin String Quartet, and Lawrence Strings.

Meg plays on a modern viola that was made by Bronek Cison in Chicago in 2007, and on a Baroque French viola made in Mirecourt in the late 1800's. She teaches violin and viola at the Marin Waldorf School.

  
Paul Rhodes (cello) is a native of Marin County, started learning the cello from Betty Musser and studied at Dominican College (B.A.) and the University of Texas at Austin (M.M.) with Margaret Rowell and Paul Olefsky, with additional study from Steven Isserlis, Steven Doane, Michael Grebanier and Carolyn McIntosh. Paul is a member of the Oakland Symphony and the Carmel Bach Festival and has previously worked with San Antonio Symphony, Brandywine Baroque, New Century Chamber Orchestra, Earplay, Santa Cruz Baroque Festival, and as principal cellist if the Austin Symphony, with whom he toured France and Germany in 1995.


Anna Washburn (violin), a native of the beautiful state of Maine, holds degrees in performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Boston University.  Her principle violin teachers included Bettina Mussumeli, Peter Zazofsky and Robert Beacham. As a Baroque violinist, Anna performs and records with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Bach Collegium of San Diego and Agave Baroque.  Anna has also recently worked with LA-based group, Musica Angelica and the Mark Morris Dance Group, Live Oak Baroque Orchestra, and has attended the Oregon Bach Festival as a Berwick Academy Fellow. As a modern violinist Anna performs regularly with Symphony Silicon Valley, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, Monterey Symphony, Stockton Symphony, and Merced Symphony, and has performed with the Cape Symphony, Atlantic Symphony and the New Bedford Symphony.
 

Anna is a very dedicated teacher and currently holds faculty positions at West Portal Lutheran School and the Golden Gate Philharmonic as well as at Cazadero Music Camp.  As a music educator she has also attended teaching symposiums at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Juilliard. 


Aaron Westman (violin) was a "metal-head" growing up in California. Attempts to turn his viola into an electric guitar were marginally successful. In college, he instead became obsessed with the heavy metal of the baroque period, and began to focus on the electric guitar of the seventeenth century: the baroque violin. He performs regularly with Orchester Wiener Akademie and, since 2006, with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra.


Aaron co-directs the award winning chamber ensembles Agave Baroque and Live Oak Baroque Orchestra (LOBO).  Agave was Ensemble in Residence on San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music's 2014-15 Presidio Sessions, and is currently working on their third album on the VGo Recordings label. Aaron holds a Master of Music from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he double-majored in viola performance and early music. 


 

Bible Study: Friday, Nov. 13 
Noon - 1 Corinthians 12
 
 
Whatever your experience with the Bible might be, you are welcome!
 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands

All veterans, and their loved ones; 
Betsy Fox, and all the loved ones of Betsy's nephew Evan, especially Evan's mother, father, and brother, for God's comfort in their bereavement;
Jody Schmetz's mother, for successful surgery next Tuesday, and strength and comfort for Jody and the family;
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!


Fridays in November:
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. 

 
 
 
Pictured left to right:  Scott Hamilton, Doug Eisinger, Ahmed Abu-Aly, Patti Vance, Jen Gauna, Nancy Ellberg, and Jeanette Molineaux.  Not pictured:  Sebastian Molineaux.
 
REST SIGN UPS HERE
 
REST (Rotating Emergency Shelter) kicked off the winter season on Monday, Nov. 2.  Here is some general info about the program.  Please scroll down and sign up to serve 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 - Middle and High School Students Sign Up Here!
 
Once a month we 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
 
 
 
Beautiful Holiday Wreaths for Sale! 
Sunday, November 15

Boy Scout Warren Brouwer will be taking orders for beautiful holiday wreaths at Church this Sunday, November 15. If you would like to order a wreath please be sure to bring your checkbooks.

 

The Green Team's Field Trip  
Monday, November 9


Green Team's Patti Vance, Doug Eisinger, and Pastor Bev with Congressman Jared Huffman

 
We learned a lot and were inspired by the dozens of great organizations and leaders working to educate and advocate in this area.  Talk to the Green Team's Doug, Patti, Ethan, Dennis, or Michael to get a full report.

 
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!

 

    
Being Provocative is a Balancing Act

Living a life steeped in the teachings and actions of Christ is provocative. Whether we realize it or not, our lifestyles, attitudes and actions provoke a response. Jesus's sure did.

Let's refresh our memories regarding the provocative "radical teachings" of our Lord that we are trying to understand better and incorporate into our daily lives: Love and forgive your enemies; embrace the brokenness of the world and do something about it; resist evil; turn the other cheek; be anxious for nothing; rejoice when you are persecuted; and finally, one of the most challenging is accepting that Jesus loves us, has forgiven us, and has a terrific desire to be our close friend. 

Who me? Jesus really wants to be my close friend? Jesus wants me to be anxious for nothing? And learn to love my enemies?

The answer is yes. Jesus finds real value in you and I. The Lord knows our every thought and every aspect of our personalities. Nonetheless, in Matthew 4:19 Jesus is still proud to say "Follow me" ... and in Isaiah 41:10, the Lord promises "Fear not, for I am with you." God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks.

The teachings of our Lord are many, but the more we familiarize ourselves with them the more provocative we become. Balancing 
these teachings with appropriate actions takes hard work and requires a certain amount of wisdom and sensitivity.

I would encourage you to join our Friday noon Bible Study with Pastor Bev. Here we have established a place to grow. A place where 
we are all comfortable asking questions and sharing anything on our minds. And yes, there are times we express our disbelief in certain 
things or our being uncomfortable with specific "teachings" in the Bible.

Pastor Bev is a wonderful teacher. She is knowledgeable, patient, and connects with us on many levels. 

If you want to learn more about what it means to connect with God and be embraced by God, if you have always wanted to learn more about the Bible and have questions about its teachings and content, join us for Bible Study on Fridays at noon. We are a collection of imperfects for sure, but we are a group who agree on one thing without question: we're not what we want to be, but thank God we're not what we used to be. 

Friday at noon, downstairs with Pastor Bev. It's where we "imperfects" come together and be provocative.

From Los Angeles ... 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.
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


What Do You Consider Lethal? 
Parent-Teen Safe Driving Workshop

Distracted driving causes over 5,000 fatal crashes and nearly half a million injuries annually - and these numbers are rising. Distracted driving is the leading cause of fatality for young people in the US.

Tuesday, December 1
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Student Center - Sir Francis Drake High School
1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
San Anselmo

Free to parents and teens 14+

Presented by Impact Teen Drivers in collaboration with Drake High School, Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative, Central Marin Police, San Anselmo Library and Safe Routes to School

Distracted driving crashes are 100% preventable. This evidence-based curriculum empowers drivers and passengers with decision making strategies and engaging tools and resources.

For more information contact: 
Aly Geller, [email protected] / 415-828-8170
Update from the Holy Land
    Oct/Nov 2015


From Rev. Kate Taber, PC(USA) Mission Worker in East Jerusalem

OCTOBER
IN NUMBERS
(Information from Al Haq and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
Injuries to Palestinians:
Live Ammunition: 760
Tear Gas: 5,399
Rubber Coated Bullets: 1,861
Severe Beatings/Burns: 234

Total injuries inflicted on Palestinians by IDF: 
8,266

Injuries to Israelis:
(no access to breakdown of cause of injury)
90

Casualties:
Palestinian: 64*
Israeli: 8

*does not include 8 deaths of various causes, arguably conflict-related, including deaths occurring after individual was prevented from receiving timely medical care due to movement restrictions

Arrests of Palestinians:
Women: 14
Men: 1,006
Children: 177
Held in Administrative Detention (without charge or trial): 171
 
Total Number of Palestinians Arrested: 
1,197

Attacks on Palestinians and their property by Israeli Settlers:
52

New Restrictions on Palestinian Movement:
(all in addition to restrictions already in place)

Obstacles in East Jerusalem Palestinian Neighborhoods (as of Oct 26)(cement blocks, checkpoints, road barriers):
38

Metal Detectors in Jerusalem Old City targeting Palestinians: 5

Flying checkpoints in West Bank: over 100
plus access to 6 villages completely blocked

Additionally, the government has instituted a heavy police presence in Jerusalem with widespread body searches targeting only Palestinians.


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 [email protected].   
 
Learning and serving together,
 
The Reverend Carol
Hovis
Executive Director
Marin Interfaith Council 
 
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