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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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April 8, 2016
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Interfaith Conversation
Points of Connection
Christianity and Indigenous/Native Spirituality
Have you gone on a vision quest? Would you consider taking part in one?What might you learn about yourself and about life if you backpacked up to high altitude, fasted for a few days, and spent that time alone in nature? This Sunday, April 10, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., we welcome Dr. Tom Pinkson, psychologist, ceremonial retreat and vision-quest leader, sacred storyteller, and shaman, to an interfaith conversation about bridges between Christianity and indigenous wisdom ways, which point us towards living in sustainable balance with Mother Earth and the Circle of Life.
Dr. Pinkson is founder of WAKAN, an educational and spiritual organization based on the premise that all life is sacred; we are all sacred, worthy, luminous beings; we are love and our love is for giving.
All are invited to Let's Talk with Dr. Pinkson after the service to learn more about his books, Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol and Fruitful Aging, Finding the Gold in the Golden Years, and about vision quests and healing.
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A Note From
Pastor Bev
Only recently have I had the courage to travel without a stockpile of energy bars in my carry on, so the idea of a vision quest, with fasting for days, still scares me. But this Sunday, we will all learn about the rewards we might reap from such a journey. With some exceptions, Christianity hasn't treated the wisdom ways of indigenous peoples with respect. History is replete with examples of Christians who claimed to be saving souls while engaging in horrific cruelty. One example: Junipero Serra, beatified last fall, has been accused by Native American protestors of killing and enslaving thousands of indigenous Americans during the founding of California's missions. With Dr. Pinkson this Sunday, we will begin to build bridges and awaken to much needed deep healing.
Next Tuesday I fly to Washington, D.C. for the annual Church World Service Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference. Last year this was such an energizer! 1,000 Christian social justice activists gathered in one place, working together to make a positive difference in the world! This year our theme is Lift Every Voice: Racism, Class, and Power. We will be learning, networking, and training, and then we'll head to Capitol Hill for a well organized lobbying effort, to put pressure on our Congress to remember the poor and marginalized. More to come next week!
While I'm away, Rev. Bentley Stewart will cover pastoral care emergencies. He is a wonderful pastoral caregiver, and I am grateful for his service to the church. You can reach him at 407-489-1258.
With Eastertide blessings to you all,
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Friday, April 8
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, April 10
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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Interfaith Points of Connection III
Dr. Tom Pinkson in conversation with Pastor Bev: Christianity and Indigenous Spirituality
Coffee & Fellowship-All are Welcome
Let's Talk with Dr. Pinkson about Vision Quests, the Gold of Aging, Healing
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Wednesday, April 13
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
| PASTOR BEV ON STUDY LEAVE
4/12-4/19
Please call Rev. Bentley Stewart for pastoral care emergencies at
407-489-1258
Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir -New Singers Welcome! | |
Thursday, April 14
7:00-9:30 p.m.
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Screening of The Mask You Live In;
High School and up welcome
Post-film discussion with Dr. Tom Pinkson | |
Friday, April 15
Noon
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Bible Study with Paul Lambert | |
Sunday, April 17
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
5:00-6:30 p.m.
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Rev. Bentley Stewart Preaching
Coffee & Fellowship -All are Welcome
Mexico Mission Scholarship Opportunity
Mexico Mission Tool Organization Party
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Wednesday, April 20
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Session Meeting; Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir | |
Sunday, April 24
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
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SHPC Green Team brings us:
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Let's Talk about Green Church
Spring Piano Recital by Cori Rapp
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Wednesday, April 27
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir- New Singers Welcome! | |
Friday, April 29
Noon
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Bible Study |
SAVE THE DATES! ALL CHURCH WORK DAY AND CINCO DE MAYO FEAST ON SUNDAY, MAY 1 AND CHURCH PICNIC COMING UP SUNDAY, MAY 29!
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THIS SUNDAY, April 10th, Join us for Interfaith Point of Connection III with Dr. Tom Pinkson
In conversation with Pastor Bev on points of connection
between Christianity and indigenous spirituality
 MEET TOM:
For over 45 years I have traveled the globe studying indigenous wisdom ways, including completion of an 11 year apprenticeship with Huichol shamans of Mexico, while keeping up with the latest findings of western psychology, wellness practices, brain science and quantum physics which I use to help people wake up, remember and live from the truth of who and what we are and why we are here.
I have worked with thousands of people around the world helping them find and live this truth in their daily lives. Towards this end I have authored four books, including Fruitful Aging: Finding the Gold in the Golden Years and Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol: Medicine Teachings for Modern Times. I founded the non-profit organization, WAKAN, and recently developed a Recognition Rite of Passage Program Honoring Elders Program. I know that the truth of our deepest being is the luminosity of unconditional love, wisdom, creativity and joy.
THEN... Film series on gender stereotypes in the media.
Post-film discussions with Dr. Tom Pinkson
April 14th - The Mask You Live In
7-9:30 p.m.
AGE ADVISORY:The full-length feature deals with mature topics (such as sex, violence, drugs, and alcohol). Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 15 and older.
May 19th - Miss Representation
7-9:30 p.m.
AGE ADVISORY:The film has been rated appropriate for ages 13 and up by Common Sense Media, and the Oprah Winfrey Network gave it a TV-14 rating for its broadcast.
ABOUT:
The Mask You Live In and Miss Representation are films of The Representation Project, using film as a catalyst for cultural transformation. Founded by Jennifer Newsom, The Representation Project inspires individuals and communities to challenge and overcome limiting stereotypes to that everyone, regardless of gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation or circumstance, can fulfill their human potential.
Wakan is a non-profit organization committed to helping people remember that heart-centered wisdom and purpose are essential for healing alienation and separation. Wakan offers programs and services that help people awaken to their true love-based nature.
$5-10 suggested donation (per evening); no one turned away.
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 Bible Study - Friday, April 8thNoon - with Pastor Bev
Psalm 24:1-5 and Matthew 28
All are welcome, especially Bible beginners!
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
The indigenous people of all lands, especially those struggling for survival with rising sea levels in the Pacific Rim, and those struggling with poverty and many challenges here in the USA.
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;
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.
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Adult Yoga This Friday!
Teen/Tween Yoga is Off for April
There will be yoga at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church this Friday evening, April 8 from 5:30-6:30pm.
This week we will have a pre-class lesson, with time for teaching of poses, or learning how to modify poses to suit your needs.
This bonus time will be from 5:15pm onwards. Arrive and join in. The main class will get going at 5:30pm.
We are a community class for all levels, with an emphasis on poses for those new to yoga.
Class is donation based, $10 suggested.
See you on Friday!
Karen
"The hardness of a diamond is a part of it's usefulness, but it's true value is in the light that shines through it" B.K.S. Iyengar
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A Weekend Whirlwind: Relive The Moments!
Easter Sunday Service
Watch this video of the Easter highlights! Credit goes to Janel Stewart -- Thanks for capturing such precious memories!
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|  | | Janel & VanIke | |
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| | Annual Easter Egg Hunt |
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| | | And They're Off! | |
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Kate & her basket
AND GARDEN WORK DAY:
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Zolin explores
FUN FOR ALL AGES!
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Garden Work Day
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It's not too late to join the Mission!
Mexico Mission 2016
Youth 9th grade + are invited to join the Mission!
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
Meeting Dates
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April 17
2:30 p.m.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
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Scholarship Opportunity
Mandatory Meeting at SHPC
Tool Organization Party | |
May 1
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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Mandatory Meeting at SHPC
Team Building
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May 15
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Mandatory Meeting at SHPC
Work Site Preparation Day
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June 5
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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Mandatory Attendance
Church Mission Commissioning Service
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Mission Trip
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June 11-18
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Departure and Mission
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June 19
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Mandatory Attendance
Mission Return Service
Return Brunch Following Service
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SIGN UP NOW FOR THE LAST REST (ROTATING EMERGENCY SHELTER) OF THE SEASON!
DIGNITY, SOLIDARITY, HOSPITALITY, FOOD & SHELTER FOR OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS
LAST Women's REST date: April 12th (5:15-8:00 pm)
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT REST:
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Take a Stand - Sign a Card for REST this Sunday, April 10
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
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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
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!
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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:
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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,
Worship Elder
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Why We Feel Wind in our Sails After Easter
I feel a powerful wind in my sails following Easter.
Hearing about the final days of Jesus on earth always weighs heavily on me. Thinking about His actual suffering and crucifixion takes a lot out of me emotionally, however, after our rousing Easter Sunday celebration and upon further reflection things have changed.
I feel lighter, less burdened, relieved, reinvigorated and ready to move ahead. There are real reasons why.
Soon after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven God sent the Holy Spirit to calm and comfort believers who were experiencing turmoil, to be beside them in their loneliness, and to remind them of Christ's teachings.
Jesus said, "These things have I spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." These are Jesus's words to us, too.
For me there are 3 important things that the coming of the Holy Spirit inaugurates. And, they are very personal. Through the Holy Spirit, God has assured you and I of the Lord's divine presence ... protection ... and power.
Just focus on that. Because of the Holy Spirit's arrival, you and I have been assured of God's presence, protection and power.
I flew all day yesterday and arrived in Miami around midnight. During the entire flight I kept quietly whispering and repeating ... I posses God's presence, protection and power; I enjoy God's presence, protection and power; I will conduct myself today knowing I am in God's presence, under God's protection, and have access to God's power.
That has put incredible wind in my sails. And I am ready to head for the high seas ..."Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching for those things which are ahead". (Phil 3:13-14).
Remember the Styx mega-hit? "Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me" ... that's how I feel. Have a great week.
From Miami ... 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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SHPC GREEN TEAM INVITES YOU TO:
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, AND THE SHPC GREEN TEAM!
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Stepping Stones Speaker Series with DR. TOM PINKSON : Contemporary Rites of Passage and Journeys of Initiation
April 28th
7 - 9 PM
Join us for an evening with Dr. Tom Pinkson, as we explore the dynamics of initiatory rites of passage.
This event is a benefit for the Stepping Stones Project, serving youth and their families around the Bay Area. ALL PROCEEDS will benefit the Stepping Stones Project, allowing us to reach more youth and offer diverse programming. All ticket purchases and additional donations are 100% tax deductible. Thank you for your generosity!
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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.
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FREE Safe Driving Workshops
For youth 14+ plus parents/guardians - VERY worthwhile!
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 *
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
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Former SHPC Member Spotlight:
At just 29 years old, Chase Adam already has made impressively profound improvements in the world of philanthropy. As a former member of the Peace Corps in Central America, specifically working in Costa Rica for two and a half years, Adam drafted the business plan and founded Watsi, a San Francisco-based crowdfunded medical care platform for impoverished people in developing countries around the world.
Last week he became the second recipient of the Visionary of the Year award. It honors Bay Area leaders who work to create social change.
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Sophia De Quattro, Editor
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E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221
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