The Gift of the Holy Spirit
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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April 14, 2016
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The Holy Spirit Sets Us Free
The miracle of Easter has happened, but Jesus' disciples are huddled together, unable to go out into the world to serve. Fear has paralyzed them. How much is fear holding us back? How much is fear driving our collective culture? How can we be set free? This Sunday, April 17, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., the Rev. Bentley Stewart brings us inspiration from John 20:19-31, and an exploration of transcending fear. Bentley is an M.Div. Chaplain and ACPE Supervisory Education Student at UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.
SUNDAY, APRIL 24 is EARTH SUNDAY- CELEBRATE GREEN CHURCH - with Judy Ford, PhD, and the Green Team! Judy brings her remarkable scholarship and multi-cultural lens to the world's most significant problem, climate change, and invites us to take a fresh look at the problem and the future. Plus, we'll hear from the Green Team about how we're becoming a greener church and caring for our planet, God's world.
SUNDAY, MAY 1 is ALL CHURCH TLC DAY AND CINCO DE MAYO FEAST!
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A Note From
Pastor Bev
I'm in Washington, D.C. on Study Leave, participating for the second year in a row in Church World Service's Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference, and it is beautiful here in our nation's capital. Our conference theme is Lift Every Voice: Racism, Class, and Power. We meet first as Presbyterians at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, where President Lincoln worshipped. Then we spend the weekend in Arlington, VA, with great speakers and panelists. A thousand Christian social justice activists will be learning from each other, networking, and training for advocacy. On Monday, we'll head to Capitol Hill for a well organized lobbying effort, to put pressure on our Congress to remember the poor and marginalized. Meanwhile, 99 Rise, an organization I've preached about, has organized Democracy Spring, with a march and daily sit-ins all week on the Capitol grounds, to protest Citizen's United (the US Supreme Court decision which set loose dark money in politics) and voter disenfranchisement. Protesters of all ages are getting arrested to advocate for government for and by the people.
While I'm away, Rev. Bentley Stewart is covering 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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| PASTOR BEV ON STUDY LEAVE 4/12-4/19 Please call Rev. Bentley Stewart for pastoral care emergencies at 407-489-1258
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Thursday, April 14
7:00-9:30 p.m.
| Screening of The Mask You Live In; High School and up welcome Post-film discussion with Dr. Tom Pinkson |
Friday, April 15
Noon
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| Hand Chimes SHPC Choir- New Singers Welcome! |
Friday, April 29
Noon
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Bible Study |
Sunday, May 1 9:30 a.m.
11:30 ON
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ALL CHURCH TLC (WORK) DAY
FUN JOBS FOR EVERYONE IN AND OUT
CINCO DE MAYO FEAST BY THE DEACONS
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SAVE THE DATE! CHURCH PICNIC COMING UP SUNDAY, MAY 29!
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WAKAN Screening of The Mask You Live In
TONIGHT
4/14 at 7 PM
 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.
MEET WAKAN'S FOUNDER, DR. TOM PINKSON:
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.
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.
$5-10 suggested donation (per evening); no one turned away.
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Bible Study - Friday, April 15th
Noon - led by Paul Lambert
Gospel of John 20:19-31
All are welcome, especially Bible beginners!
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
Joan Shannon, mother of Nancy Derr, for God's comfort, companionship, strength, and healing;
Carolyn O'Hara, mother of Laurie, for God's comfort, companionship, and strength, and 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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Support the Mission!
Mexico Mission 2016
Youth 9th grade + are invited to join the Mission!
FUNDRAISING PAGE:
Meeting Dates
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
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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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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Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat!
We are in need of greeters to sign up through the signup genius website.
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!
Thank you all for your continued support,
Jody Brockett,
Worship Elder
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Visualizing ... Christ is alive in us!

Visualizing ... Christ is alive in us!
I was in Florida last week and while there focused on the words of Jesus "I am the vine, you are the branches, if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit" (John 15:5). It is virtually impossible to tell where a branch ends and the vine starts in vegetation. They are both part of a single plant which are intrinsically connected.
A similar analogy is used when the Apostle Paul likens the Church to the body, one in which Christ is the head. In both analogies Christ is intimately present and connected.
Life is lived best in a partnership with the Lord, and in the presence of the Lord. Without it, we are less effective, less happy, and usually experience unnecessary anxiety. Take a moment and think about the fact that Christ resides in you, and because of it we have the opportunity to make God's way of life, our way of life.
We are instructed in the Bible to "conform to the image of Christ" (Romans 8:29) ... now that's a tall order. But, the Bible goes on to teach that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the knowledge and understanding of how to do it, and provide the spiritual strength and fortitude to help us accomplish it.
Last week, in this blog, I shared that I was feeling (after the Easter season) a connection with God's Presence, Protection and Power. This week I'd like to add one more "P" to the list, and that is a connection to God's Purpose.
In my view, God's number one purpose is to be in an intimate relationship with each one of us. If we consciously pursue this, there will be a friendship between Jesus and us that is like no other togetherness we have ever felt.
Jesus wants to build you up, help you grow, and encourage you no matter what is swirling around you. Sometimes it's health issues, a longstanding disagreement, financial stress, or a feeling of being lost or dissatisfied.
Be encouraged that Christ is alive in you, and be thankful that God who resides in you ... never quits. Never gives up. Not today. Not ever. That's a lot to visualize. But, I see it clearly.
Have a wonderful week.
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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NO Adult Yoga Friday, April 15th, but Karen is back for Adult Yoga on Friday, April 22nd ~EARTH DAY~!
Teen/Tween Yoga is Off for April
There will be yoga at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Friday evening, April 22nd from 5:30-6:30pm.
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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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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The American Dream or An Immigrant's Nightmare?
La Jaula De Oro (The Golden Dream)
Canal Alliance has arranged an outstanding opportunity to inform and immerse us more deeply into the real-life journey many of the immigrants living in Marin County have taken.
The immigrant community living right here in Marin County has surpassed unimaginable obstacles to reacha place of safety and promise. This film invites you to experience the journey of three Guatemalan teenagers making their way northward to the U.S.
We urge you to make the time to attend. Bring a friend, and experience a journeythat could not otherwise be imagined.
ONE NIGHT ONLY: Co-presented by Canal Alliance and CFI Education Wednesday, May 04, 2016 at 7PM Smith Rafael Film Center 1118 Fouth Street San Rafael, CA 94901
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FREE Safe Driving Workshops
For youth 14+ plus parents/guardians - VERY worthwhile!
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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