Jesus in "La ida a Emmaús" by Ramón Sagredo
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
March 24, 2016
Celebration of Easter!
 Sunday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m.
   
     What a week for Jesus and for those who loved him!  They entered Jerusalem, the Holy City, rejoicing.  Then Jesus entered Herod's Temple to upend the established thinking about God.  Today, Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples, when he told them that one of them would betray him.  Tomorrow is Good Friday, when we remember Jesus on the cross.  All are welcome for a special Bible Study at noon. Bring your questions about the Passion of Christ. Our Good Friday service of chant, scripture, and reflection is at 6 p.m.  Bring your sorrows, and the sorrows of the world, to lay them at the foot of the cross.

     And on the third day, he rose again from the dead.  He lives!  Sunday, March 27, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., we celebrate Easter.  Our texts will be from Luke 24.  The Singers and the Flower Guild will uplift us!  Everyone is welcome!

     Easter Egg Hunt for children and youth:  Youth 5th grade and up, please come hide eggs at 8:45 a.m. and help with the hunt, which starts at about 10:45 a.m.  Grown-ups, please take pictures!
     
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From 
Pastor Bev

This year's Easter text (Luke 24) tells the story of two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, forlorn and grief stricken over the death of Jesus in Jerusalem. Jesus himself came near and accompanied them, but although they saw a man, they thought he was a stranger.  They entered into conversation with him, but they did not recognize him. Why? What got in the way?  They came perilously close to missing Jesus altogether.  

What are we missing?  Have disappointment, sorrow, grief, worry, or fear dimmed our spiritual sight?

Our spiritual life begins anew with noticing.  We begin by noticing what we haven't been noticing! Easter IS new life.  It is never too late to begin again, to start afresh, to recognize the light of God right in front of us.

All are welcome for the celebration of Easter this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  

May the joy of Christ be with you,
                                 Bev


March/April Calendar
Friday, March 25
Noon
4:15 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY
Bible Study
Yoga for Tween/Teens
Yoga for Adults
Good Friday Service
Saturday, March 26
9:00 a.m.

Justice Garden Work Day
Sunday, March 27
9:30 a.m. 
10:30 a.m. 
ALLELUIA!
Easter Sunday!!!
EASTER EGG HUNT FOR KIDS; Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
Wednesday, March 30
7:30 p.m.


SHPC Singers - New Singers Welcome!
Friday, April 1
Noon

Bible Study
Sunday, April 3
9:30 a.m. 
10:30 a.m. 
4-6:00 p.m.


Worship and Holy Communion
Coffee & Fellowship-All are Welcome
Youth REST Cook Day
Monday, April 4
5:45 p.m.

Men's REST at St. Rita's
Wednesday, April 6
7:30 p.m.


SHPC Singers - New Singers Welcome!
Friday, April 8
Noon



Bible Study
Sunday, April 10
9:30 a.m. 
10:30 a.m. 


Worship and Birthday Blessings
Coffee & Fellowship-All are Welcome
SAVE THE DATE!  ALL CHURCH PICNIC COMING UP SUNDAY, MAY 29!
 
Calling All Garden Friends 
Come Help Expand the Justice Garden
Saturday, March 26 at 9 a.m.
 
Looks like we're in for a beautiful day on Saturday to break ground on the new garden beds!
 
There will be a job for everyone whether you can swing a shovel, pull beets, spread chips or lay down weed cloth.
 
We'll start at 9:00 a.m.  Thanks to the team in advance - Dave Beach who will go to American Soil early to pick up compost, to Tim Baumsteiger for the rototiller, Richard for picking up a load of lumber and Michael for supplies to bring it all together!
 
We'll be in the garden until about noon, so if you're a late riser or have early plans, stop in at 10:00 or 11:00!
 
Thanks again, everyone for your help! Here's to another bountiful year in service to others.

All the best,
Patti Vance
 
 



                   
            EASTER IS HERE!

IT WOULD BE LOVELY IF YOU WOULD BRING A LILY OR OTHER LOVELY EASTER POTTED PLANT TO FILL THE SANCTUARY AND NARTHEX WITH BEAUTY.                           
PATTI VANCE, FLOWER GUILD




 

Bible Study - Friday, March 25
GOOD FRIDAY 
Noon - with Pastor Bev

Selections from Luke 22, 23, and 24

All are welcome, especially Bible beginners!
 
Please Remember in Your Prayers

Praying Hands
The people of Brussels, suffering from the terrorist attack this week;
The Christian church in the USA, that it be the body of Christ in the world, a place of love and inclusion in the Spirit of Jesus;
Dorothy Slattery, Kit Argilla's friend, for healing and God's constant comfort and companionship;
For Carolyn O'Hara, mother of Laurie, for God's constant comfort, companionship, and strength, and for healing;
Kelsey Lopin, for healing and full recovery from complications of Lyme disease;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy for continued strength in companioning her;
Betty and Wil Swalberg, for God's presence and community support and for health and vitality for Wil;
Patty Kuehn and her family, mourning cousin Shannon and aunt Bonnie;
Lucas Russell, for continued recovery from a concussion;
The family and loved ones of Susan Pey, comfort and companionship in their grief, and healing;
Fred Morfit, complete and speedy recovery;
Ron Saunders, father of Sue Burr, for healing; 
Paul Lambert's Mom, blessed assurance of God's constant presence; 
Our elected leaders, may they serve for the greatest good of the greatest number of people, and for the good of the planet;
The PC(USA), to continue its prophetic voice and fidelity to Jesus;
Our church community, keep us faithful to the love and justice of Jesus, 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.
   
 
This Friday, March 25 and then we take a break--
Tween/Teen Girl Yoga with Lizzy at 4:15 p.m. and
 Adult Yoga with our own Karen Baigrie at 5:30 p.m. 

contact the church office for more information

Tween/Teens at 4:15 p.m, Adults at 5:30 p.m.
It's not too late to join the Mission!
Mexico Mission 2016
Youth 9th grade + are invited to join the Mission!
Contact Mark or Allie for more info!

Meeting Dates

April 3

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mandatory Meeting at SHPC

Students and parents all
participation forms due

April 17
2:30 p.m.

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.


Scholarship Opportunity

Mandatory Meeting at SHPC
Tool Organization Party
May 1
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Mandatory Meeting at SHPC
Team Building
May 15
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mandatory Meeting at SHPC
Work Site Preparation Day
June 5
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Mandatory Attendance
Church Mission Commissioning Service

Mission Trip
June 11-18
Departure and Mission
June 19
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mandatory Attendance
Mission Return Service
Return Brunch Following Service
 
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE LAST REST (ROTATING EMERGENCY SHELTER) OF THE SEASON!
DIGNITY, SOLIDARITY, HOSPITALITY, FOOD & SHELTER FOR OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS 




LAST Men's REST date: April 4th (5:45-8:45 pm)
LAST Women's REST date: April 12th (5:15-8:00 pm)
Next Youth REST date: April 3rd (4:00-6:00 pm) - Cookies

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


Take a Stand - Sign a Card for REST this Sunday, March 27

Please sign a card voicing your support for a permanent year-round home for Marin's REST program. You don't have to be a registered voter to sign! The Marin Organizing Committee (MOC) is leading this initiative to create a permanent, year-round home for Marin's REST program. 

MOC Proposal: 
  • Single brick-and-mortar site
  • Year-round operation, 365 nights per year
  • Replicate existing guest capacity of 40 men and 20 women
  • Commercial kitchen and bathrooms
  • Low barrier, behavioral standards ("safe for self and others")
  • Ability of community groups to prepare and share meals with guests
 

 
 
Back in Full Force!

Please forgive us in the office for any inconveniences that Volunteer Spot may have created over the past couple months. We're going back to SignUpGenius for organizing volunteers in the greeters and fellowship positions; YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT THE DEACON OF THE MONTH DIRECTLY BY CLICKING THEIR NAME. Similarly, Wednesday Night Meals for Wil will also be on SignUpGenius. 
A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP 
PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE A WEDNESDAY DINNER TO WIL -
Or bring Wil to your home for dinner!

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

Sign up here to take Wil a Wednesday Night Meal or to note that you have invited him over.  

Wil is spending most afternoons with Betty at Harmony House, so please call him at 415-454-8303 to arrange a time.  And bless you!

WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP -
PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT

Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons. We need everyone to sign-up about 3-4 times a year. 

Click below to sign up: 

MARCH: Nance's Parish
APRIL: Marie's Parish
WE NEED EXTRA GOODIES FOR EASTER!


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, 
Worship Elder
What is the -- "So What " -
Of the Mystery of Jesus and the Consequence of Easter
 
Each year during the week of Good Friday and Easter, I try to lighten my schedule and spend time reflecting and better understanding today's impact of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. 
 
In other words, what does all of it really mean in 2016? What impact does it have on my outlook and behavior? Maybe you might want to take some time and think about what it all means to you, too?
 
There are so many questions that swirl out of this time in history. But at the heart of Christ's life, death and resurrection is that Jesus wanted to usher in a clearer and more applicable understanding of God. One that, through His ministry, miracles and lifestyle demonstrate what our priorities in our daily lives ought to be. 
 
Jesus's death and resurrection transformed cowardly disciples into courageous martyrs. They were a turning point in human history and are the cornerstone of our Christian faith.
 
Let's step back and put a little context into our thinking as we visualize the significance of our Lord's final week on earth. Jesus was furious with a certain sector of the religious establishment. He was one who healed the sick, defended the poor, and upheld the rights of people against all forms of injustice. As He arrived at the temple in his last fateful trip, Jesus witnessed exclusion (not inclusion) of the poor and marginalized. He saw the religious hierarchy putting themselves on a pedestal at the expense of the common man. His Father's place of worship had been transformed into a commercial market and a profit center for money changers, instead of an appropriate residence for God's presence.
 
Jesus was angry, but His anger had a proper motivation, focus, and duration. Some think that approximately 300,000 to 400,000 Jewish pilgrims were in Jerusalem at this time for Passover. Jesus, however, was fearless, in spite of the crowds, and not afraid to publicly declare and demonstrate that God's temple was not to be turned into what might be viewed today as the trading floor of the NY stock exchange.
 
God had the right to claim what was His, and did so through these acts of Jesus. The temple was God's and so are we. And I believe He wants to lay claim to every one of us no matter where we are or what situation we are in. 
 
And, this is the essence ... or the SO WHAT ... of the historical events celebrated at Easter. It is God reaching out and providing a way to unequivocally claim what is His. God's love for us and His desire to be in fellowship with us is paramount. 
 
Christ's example of humility and complete alignment with God is highlighted by all the scriptural accounts of these events, and is what I have connected with so vividly this year. Therefore, I am going to work hard on being more humble and more aligned with God, since these are clearly two of our Lord's most significant attributes exemplified in this collection of historical events.
 
An interesting question we might consider in 2016 is,  "If Jesus walked into our city today, would we listen to Him, or just say, Hey Jesus - can I get a selfie?" (Tyler Perry). I hope we would listen ... and listen ... and listen some more.
 
I am home in San Anselmo this week, and want to wish each of you a wonderful Easter. See you in Church, 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.

Information and RSVP at www.leadonclimate.org. $10 donation appreciated, no one turned away for lack of funds. Sponsored by Time to Lead on Climate, a coalition of leading environmental and social action groups.

 
Grant Temporary Protected Status to Central American Asylum-Seekers

Fleeing extreme violence in Guatemala, Hilda Ramirez and her son Ivan arrived at the U.S./Mexico border in 2014, along with thousands of other Central Americans seeking asylum at our border. Immediately, they were placed in Karnes Residential Facility, a family detention center. These family detention centers were dramatically expanded to respond to the flow of asylum-seekers from Central America in the summer of 2014. Their stated purpose was to deter further migration into the United States, contrary to international humanitarian law that guarantees the right to seek asylum. After 11 months of inhumane treatment and confinement, Hilda and Ivan were released on bond from Karnes, with an ankle bracelet. She was not granted asylum.
 
Fearful of the ongoing immigration raids targeting Central Americans like her, on February 9, 2016, Hilda publicly took Sanctuary at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. There, she could fight her and Ivan's deportation order. She explained, "I feel safe here. I don't think immigration agents will break down the door and take me away. That is why I came here."
 
 
In May of 2014, the Sanctuary Movement was reinvigorated when Southside Presbyterian offered sanctuary to Daniel Ruiz, a man who wanted to fight his final deportation order to stay with his wife and son. Since then, 11 people, including Hilda, have publicly taken Sanctuary as a stop-gap measure to delay their deportation order while they negotiate their case with immigration authorities. Four of the churches that have stepped into Christ's call to welcome the stranger are members of the PC(USA). The General Assembly of the PC(USA) has affirmed many times its support for actions to stand with and protect immigrants such as Sanctuary, for instance in its 1999 resolution to "seek justice for refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants."
 
While Sanctuary has helped 9 people achieve deportation relief, a larger solution is needed. As comprehensive immigration reform legislation stalls in Congress, the Obama administration must grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for families like Hilda's who have fled violence in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Twenty-five years ago, TPS was established by Congress in order to provide temporary immigration protection to women, men, and children fleeing catastrophic situations. Of the 18,600 Central Americans who received a deportation order,
85% of them did not have legal counsel. It's time for the President to act to protect these families.
 
Click HERE to Contact President Obama today!
 
To stay updated on the Sanctuary Movement, follow us on Twitter @sanctuarymvmt.

 
  
 
Spread the word; we will resume meeting Wednesdays at 11 a.m. when we have a few babies and parents signed up!

We are looking forward to hosting this New Baby & Parent Group, meant to create a gathering space for parents to discuss topics like: child development, safety & child proofing, feeding issues, helping your fussy and colicky baby, and how to get your baby to sleep! 

   We're looking for a one month commitment so that the group gets      connected and feels supportive.

Sign-up 

 



 
Empowering Teen Girls: Be a SHE-RO



More Info
(Clickable Links):


REGISTER NOW
!!! 

 
FREE Safe Driving Workshops

For youth 14+ plus parents/guardians. It is VERY worthwhile. If you have a teen, this is a very important workshop to go to if you want a safe driver and passengers. 

April 7, 6:30pm - Drake High School * Free *  Please RSVP 
A conversation for parents and teens with New York Times reporter Matt Richtel, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on distracted driving
 
May 25, 7:30pm - Osher Marin JCC * Free * 
pre-registration strongly encouraged: mglaser@marinjcc.org
Join Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Matt Richtel, Kol Shofar Rabbi Chai Levy and Brandeis Marin Head of School Peg Sandel for a conversation about why focus matters in our distracted age 

For more resources on distracted driving, read Allyson Geller's blog post. Geller is a health writer and director of Heads Up distracted driving awareness and education. Contact her at alysong1@comcast.net
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

Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church | 100 Tarry Road | San Anselmo | CA | 94960