Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. 
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
--The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
January 14, 2016
Race Relations Sunday
From Dr. King to Black Lives Matter
     
     This Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., we remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Baptist minister, visionary, and leader of our country's non-violent civil rights movement in the spirit of Jesus.  When we pay tribute to the life of Dr. King, we rightly ask, how far have we come, and how much farther do we have to go until his dream of racial justice is realized?  Are we moving backwards?  The Southern Poverty Law Center Hate Map pinpoints the location of 784 hate groups active in the U.S. in 2014; our state of California contains 57, more than any other state. (See SPLC Hate Map for more info.)  What are the stories we are telling ourselves that contribute to racial injustice and hatred?  How can we revise them?  Join this important conversation. Our scripture texts are Habakkuk 1:1-4 and Matthew 15:21-28.

Let's Talk about Race - all are invited - 10:45 a.m. - share your stories about human goodness across boundaries, and how we transcend our "tribal minds" and silence the voices of racial hatred.
In This Issue
Stewardship Update
Bible Study
Youth Group
Prayers
New Directory
Parent & Baby Group!
Annual Meeting
REST - Sign Ups
Food Bank Delivery
Mason Jars Needed
SHPC Book Club Library
Meals for Wil
Fellowship Sign-Ups
Greeters Needed
Paul's Blog
Bryan Stevenson
Teen YOGA
Support Refugees
Criminal Just Reform
"Screenagers"
A Broadway Cabaret
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From 
Pastor Bev
 
Many of you know that I share a birthday with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and he has been hugely influential in my life.  I grew up in the segregated South, where many of my white Christian relatives and neighbors mistakenly believed that white supremacy was God's way for the world.  Dr. King is a hero to me.  We'll pay tribute to his life and ministry this Sunday.  We'll also look at where we are today in the U.S. with Black Lives Matter and so much anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate speech, and what we can do about it.

Mark your calendars, because we are blessed that another hero, or more rightly, shero, of mine, is coming to SHPC to preach on Sunday, Jan. 31:  the Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr.  Janie has brought the love and justice of Jesus to the PC(USA) through her lifetime of work for equality for people in the LGBT community. Yes, we can change our beliefs and attitudes and create a more just world.  Alleluia!

We have much to celebrate, and there's much of God's work yet to be done.  Thankfully, doing God's work together is a joy!  Blessings of peace to all of you,
                                 Bev

January Calendar
Thursday, January 14
7:00 p.m.

SHPC Singers - New Singers Welcome!
Friday, January 15
Noon

Bible Study
Sunday, January 17
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
RACE RELATIONS SUNDAY
Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Service
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
Let's Talk about Race, Privilege, Power
Thursday, January 21
7:00 p.m.

SHPC Singers - New Singers Welcome!
Friday, January 22
Noon

Bible Study
Sunday, January 24
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUNDAY
Who's Behind Bars? And Why?
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!
Let's Talk about Race in the USA II
Wednesday, January 27
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

New Parent and Baby Group with Marsha Podd, R.N., C.L.E
Thursday, January 28 
7:00 p.m.

SHPC Singers - New Singers Welcome!
Friday, January 29  
Noon

Bible Study
Sunday, January 31
 9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.


Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!

Thursday, February 4
7:00 p.m.
 
SHPC Singers - New Singers Welcome!
Friday, February 5
Noon

Bible Study
Sunday, February 7
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
FAT SUNDAY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA
New Orleans Sound with Gregg Elberg
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome!

 

STEWARDSHIP/PLEDGE UPDATE:
Thank you to all who have pledged!  We have met the DOUBLE MATCH CHALLENGE!

Thank you to Carolyn Goodman and the Argillas for the fantastic DOUBLE MATCH CHALLENGE!

As of today, we have received 50 pledges (GOAL!) with 7 new pledges (GREAT!) and we're at $131,970 towards our goal for 2016 of $135,000. The Finance team presented a healthy 2016 budget to Session for approval last night thanks to your generosity and timeliness.  This level of commitment to the church is TERRIFIC.

If you have any questions about church finance, please contact Finance Elder Peg Maclise at pmaclise@comcast.net.

 

Bible Study - Friday, January 15th- Noon with Pastor Bev
Habakkuk 1:1-4 and Matthew 15:21-28

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

 
YOUTH GROUP THIS SUNDAY!
The youth have chosen a new name for their youth group! 

Introducing POSHY - "People of Sleepy Hollow Youth"

Youth in grades 6-8 are encouraged to join us for some fellowship and discussion.

This month we will be meeting on the 3rd and 5th Sundays, January 17 and 31. We attend the service together, and then meet downstairs in Pastor Bev's office after the sermon and finish up around 11:15.

Katie Brendler, Youth Director 
Questions?  

 
Please Remember in Your Prayers
Praying Hands

For all those suffering from racial injustice and hatred;
For all those in prison unjustly;
For all those who are grieving;
Ron Saunders, father of Sue Burr, for healing; and for Ron, Sue, and the family, for God's comforting and sustaining presence, made real through the love and support of those around them;
Sharon Adams, speedy recovery from surgery;
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 and her family, for healing and for God's peace and comfort;
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 President Obama, and for all who work for solutions to gun violence;
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.
   
 

Make Sure You're Included and Your Info is Correct in the New 2016 Church Members and Friends Directory 

A new church directory will be given out at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, Feb. 7th.

If your address, phone, or email address have changed this year, please send your new info to the church office by clicking here.

Thank you -- Sophie De Quattro in the church office

 
New Parent and Baby Group
with Marsha Podd, R.N., C.L.E.


     STARTS WED. JAN. 27
           11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
        SHPC SANCTUARY
                     FREE!

     SPREAD THE WORD!  ALL NEW MOMS/DADS AND BABIES A YEAR OLD OR UNDER ARE WELCOME TO THIS SUPPORTIVE, EDUCATIONAL, ENCOURAGING GROUP -- PLEASE INVITE ALL NEW PARENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.


Marsha Podd, R.N., C.L.E.         
Infant and Toddler Consultant
Lactation Specialist
www.GoToSleepBaby.com
 

Save the Date!
SUNDAY, FEB. 7, 9:30 a.m.
FAT SUNDAY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA
AND ANNUAL MEETING OF 
THE CONGREGATION following
the service

Our traditional "Fat Sunday" service takes place the Sunday before Lent.  We are delighted to welcome back Gregg Elberg; our musicians will take us to New Orleans with their sweet sound! 

Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 10th and we will have a 7 p.m. service.  The First Sunday of Lent is also Valentine's Day, Feb. 14th.  

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation for review of the 2016 Budget , approval of the Pastor's Terms of Call (compensation package), and election of officers will be held on February 7th following the service.

 
 
SIGN UP NOW FOR REST (ROTATING EMERGENCY SHELTER)
DIGNITY, SOLIDARITY, HOSPITALITY, FOOD & SHELTER FOR OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS 
 
  • January Update: At St. Rita's, we served 20 unhoused male guests plus 3 St. Vincent's staff.
Volunteers included (Left to Right):
Tom Crowell, Carolyn Goodman, Jeanette Molineaux, Kit Argilla, Sebastian Molineaux,  Scott Hamilton, Carly de Frondeville, Lucas Russell, and Luke Argilla  (Not pictured):  Robin Abu-Aly, Shannon Mong

  • The Youth cooking group this month consisted of 5 students.  They made a luscious Caesar salad to serve 35, completely from scratch. The homemade croutons got rave reviews! 
With thanks,
 
Shannon Mong
REST Volunteer Coordinator

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT REST:  
Please contact Shannon Mong (shannon@in-sightassociates.com)

 

Food Bank Delivery!  

Our own Wil Swalberg transported 74 pounds of dry goods last week to the Marin Food Bank. Thank you to Wil and to all those who donated to feed the hungry!
 

The Membership Nurture Team 
would love your clean Mason canning jars to re-load with their special bean soup fixins' which they give to visitors! Please leave them in the marked box in the upstairs office. 
--Linda Peltzman, Membership Nurture Elder
 

SHPC Book Club Library

Do you have a book you have read that you would like others to read? Or would you like to pick up a book recommended by someone you know? Join the SHPC Book Club Library; lend a book, borrow a book. You can add a book to the library just by adding a "checkout card" so others will see who else has read this book. You can borrow a book just by stopping by and picking one out. We hope you'll want to discuss the book with others.  There is no checkout procedure. It's that simple. The Book Club Library is located in "Pastor Bev's MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM."

--Dennis Latta, Family Ministries Elder
A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP 
PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE A WEDNESDAY DINNER TO WIL -
Or bring HIM home and cook together!

Pictured at right, Wil baking cookies in 
Nance's kitchen


Wil is spending most afternoons with Betty at Harmony House, so please call him to arrange a time.  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.

 

JANUARY: Robin Abu-Aly Parish

FEBRUARY: Nancy/Frankie Parish

MARCH: Patti Eisinger Parish

 

Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!

 

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
 
Always Leave Room for God to Enter the Room 

I have a passion and excitement for the projects my partners and I produce. They each embrace vision, require financing, casting, rehearsal, promotion, advertising, and necessitate the supervision of an administrative team. 
 
However, for all the excitement and pizazz that surround one in show biz, there are also many 
"not so glamorous" tasks that take time and that also require one's attention.
 
Over the past couple of years, I have started to realize that no matter how crowded the space becomes, the Lord has made it clear to me that God would like to be included in the room with me.
 
It is my belief that God wants a bigger part of all of our lives and can be helpful in most every decision we make. God knows us and is fully aware of the tasks and challenges we are facing. The Lord knows what troubles us and wants to be right next to us as we deal with difficult personalities and navigate today's tough circumstances.
 
The Bible says  ...  "Seek God's face always" (I Chronicles 16:11) ; "The Lord is near to all who call on him" (Psalm 145:18); "Fear not, for I am with you ... and I will help you" (Isaiah 41:10); "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for I am with you always" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
 
Life gives each of us a real chance to test these verses. For we are forced to deal with insults from others, hardships,  reversals from what we had anticipated, dreams we had hoped for being delayed or sometimes even shattered.
 
Sound familiar? I love that Jesus is keenly aware of all of this. 
 
In Matthew 19:26 Jesus stated, "With men things are impossible, but with God all things are possible". He was referring to the dilemma of a rich man's desire to enter the kingdom of God. For a rich man has distractions, a different focus than ordinary people, is subject to the seduction of the world, and often develops a hardness that makes it problematic to embrace the Kingdom of God. Yet, Christ wanted it known that with God, all things are possible. Even in the case of a rich man.
 
Christ wants His teachings to make a difference and have an impact on our decisions and the way we conduct ourselves. In other words, I believe Christ is saying  ... let me on the playing field with you today before you say ... "Play Ball". 
 
It's good to know that "God knows what we need even before we ask" (Matthew 6:8). And that's the best reason of all to make sure we leave room for God to enter the room with us. God is a God of intervention, a God of action, and a God of wisdom. 
 
I hit the road next week, and am going to think about always leaving room for God to enter the room. It's a great feeling knowing whatever I face, wherever I am, there will be two of us on my side. How cool is that?
 
Your friend ... in San Anselmo ... 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.
 
American Injustice: 
Prison Reform in the Criminal Justice System

Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 6:30 pm, 
Sanctuary of congregation Rodef Sholom

Bryan Stevenson is one of Pastor Bev's heroes, and one of our country's most visionary legal thinkers and social justice advocates. He is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization providing legal representation to indigent defendants and prisoners denied fair and just treatment in the legal system, and founding leader of the movement against mass incarceration in the U.S. He is the author of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, a memoir that speaks to our shared humanity in the most desperate circumstances, and is a powerful indictment of our broken justice system and the twisted values that allow it to continue. 

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Pastor Bev has reserved some spots. If you are interested, please contact her at beverlybrewster@comcast.net

For more information on Bryan Stevenson and his terrific organization, Equal Justice Initiative, please visit eji.org.
 
Tween/Teen Girl Yoga with Lizzy and
 Living Gracefully Yoga with our own Karen Baigrie start up in February 
contact the church office to keep posted

Support Refugees -- Call Your Senator TODAY







The U.S. Senate plans to vote next Wednesday, January 20th on H.R. 4038, "The American Security against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act," which would grind to a halt the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
 
This bill was passed by the House of Representatives in November, so it is critical that it not pass the Senate. Senators need to hear from their constituents NOW.
 
 
The SAFE Act discriminates based on ethnicity and will punish refugees who are themselves fleeing violence and persecution. This legislation says to the world that we're too afraid to show compassion those most in need. We are better than this.
 
Call your Senators TODAY & EVERY DAY leading up to the vote: Urge them to vote NO to H.R. 4038 and any legislation that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. 
 
Click here to contact your Senators today!
 

And also from our PC(USA) Washington, D.C. Office:
A Crucial Moment for Criminal Justice Reform: Add your Voice!
 
Federal criminal justice reform is possible in 2016, but we need your help in making it happen!  In October the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation to reduce harsh mandatory minimum sentences for low-level drug offences and to protect people in federal prison from sentencing laws that are unfair and racially disparate. The next step is to bring it up for a vote on the Senate floor.
 
Both President and Obama and leaders in Congress have stated that federal sentencing reform is a top priority. It is time to remind them of their commitment!
 
Your senators need to hear from you. Call and ask them to urge Senate leaders Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Harry Reid (D-NV) to make passing the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (S.2123) a priority. Call 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator's office.
 
Here is a sample script that you can use to call 
both of your state Senators!
 
"Hello, my name is ________, and as a Presbyterian I believe that our criminal justice system should be both just and merciful. I urge Senator _______ to support the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (S.2123), and to also urge Senator McConnell and Senator Reid to make passing this act a priority!"

"Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age" 
Documentary Premiere

The premier of documentary Screenagers is being hosted at the Fairfax Theater on January 25th at 7pm followed by a discussion with the producer and local parent, Lisa Tabb.
 
Check out the movie trailer:
 
There are 180 seats and we anticipate it will be a sell out so get your tickets and information at 
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA  94960
Sophia De Quattro, Editor
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221