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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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April 21, 2016
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Earth Sunday
Let's Celebrate and Care for the Planet
This Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., we're invited to step up our commitment to being a 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.
Earth Day is an opportunity each year to access our progress towards creating a healthy, sustainable environment for ourselves and future generations. We may be barraged with news of extreme weather events and doomsday scenarios surrounding climate change, but therein lies a silver lining. Addressing this most urgent world problem has the potential to catapult us into the very future to which we aspire. As a faith community, we have a critical role to play in this transformation.
Judy spent the last nine years exploring why, despite broad public and scientific consensus, the western nations and global institutions, which addressed prior environmental crises, had proven incapable of halting human-influenced climate change. She looked at how culture, universalism, power, and history shaped the worldview, which currently defines public debate and limits the range of solutions we are willing to consider. She found that solutions to climate change lie not within the same narrow worldview from which it emerged, but within a contrary worldview that proposes to both address multiple crises and answer humankind's universal quests for meaning, purpose, community, and nature. Please join us on Sunday to learn more about the role of faith communities in this most important of quests.
We'll also hear from your Green Team - Judy, Doug, Dennis, Ethan, Fred, Robin, and Michael (you can join them!) - about what we're doing to become a GREENER CHURCH. Stay for Let's Talk, take Pastor Bev's quiz to find out how green you are, and bring questions!
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A Note From
Pastor Bev
I am so excited to be back for this Sunday, when we celebrate
Earth Day and Green Church! Judy Ford, PhD, and the Green Team have put together a fascinating, inspiring Sunday for us. My contribution will be leading the Children's Time and sharing a great creation care quiz with all of you from the EAD conference. Are we willing to dip our toes in the water of sustainable living? Maybe we're already there. How about getting in deeper? How much would we have to change to be immersed as a way of life? What would it take for our church to be a PC(USA) Earth Care congregation? Let's find out!
The EAD (Ecumenical Advocacy Days) conference was over-the-top terrific. We started early in the morning and went through the evening, with great preaching and panel discussions on racism, class, and power. Rev. Dr. William Barber, President of the N.C. NAACP (Moral Mondays) and Marion Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund inspired us. We were well educated on the focus justice issues of voter suppression and trade agreements, and then we lobbied our members of Congress on Monday. We made our way through crowds protesting Citizens United on the Capitol grounds and crowds of families gathered outside the Supreme Court, where United States v. Texas was being argued. We had meaningful discussions with our members of Congress and their staffs on the Voter Rights Advancement Act and on the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement. This was democracy in action! I brought home so many interesting ideas and resources to share with you!
With joy,
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Friday, April 22
Noon
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EARTH DAY
Bible Study with Pastor Bev
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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 | |
Sunday, May 1
9:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
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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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Wednesday, May 4
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir- New Singers Welcome!
| Friday, May 6
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, May 8
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
| MOTHERS' DAY
Celebrate Gifts of Women
Coffee & Fellowship - All are Welcome! | Wednesday, May 11
6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
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Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir- New Singers Welcome!
| Friday, May 13
Noon
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Bible Study | |
Sunday, May 15
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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Gift of Holy Spirit & Pentecost
Coffee & Fellowship - All are Welcome! | |
Thursday, May 19
7-9:30 p.m.
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WAKAN screening of
Miss Representation
Post-film discussion with
Tom Pinkson
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SAVE THE DATE! CHURCH PICNIC COMING UP SUNDAY, MAY 29!
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SHPC GREEN TEAM INVITES YOU TO:
"Saving the Bay from Climate Change"
Monday, April 25, 7 - 9 PM
San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA
This educational forum will address:
- How Bay Area residents can meet the challenge of sea level rise
- Discussion of the Clean and Healthy Bay Measure AA on the June 7 ballot.
Featured speakers:
- Dr. Stephen Crooks, a UN Climate Delegate and contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- Bay Area Council Policy Director Adrian Covert
- Marin City Community Services District Chair Nancy Johnson
- Save the Bay Executive Director David Lewis
- Marin Supervisor and BCDC Commissioner Kate Sears will moderate,
- There will be audience Q&A.
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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Family Ministries Update
Coming Up: Pastor Bev and Youth start a monthly Let's Talk, Sunday, May 1st Hike from the church to Three Twins and back, the return of Game Night, and who's interested in a Cooking Camp with Charles? Garden and Farmstand opportunities, too. Janel and Pastor Bev want to hear from youth and their parents on how the church can best serve youth. Contact Janel here.
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Calling all Kids -
Bring your squash plants back to church and let's plant them this Sunday, April 24 for Earth Day! -- Michael Durphy
Calling all Gardeners -
It's plantint season and there's a LOT to do in the Justice Garden, aka FARM! Contact Patti or Michael if you can help.
Calling all Gardeners who love Kids -
We have a request from Short Elementary School (located in Gerstle Park in San Rafael) to help 2nd grade students have their first garden experience next Thursday, April 28th and Friday, April 29th from 9:00am to 12:20. We will be working with groups of 4 students as they learn more about micro-organisms in the soil (I have this covered) and then planting seeds and small plants.
If you would like to assist with the activity either morning, let me know - thanks! -- Patti Vance
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Sunday, May 1st is ALL CHURCH TLC (WORK) DAY and Cinco de Uno Feast!
It's that time again, to show our love to our dear church; SHPC needs your TLC
There will be opportunities to:
Beautify rainwater memorial garden
Clean out fellowship deacon closet
Inside/Outside Jobs for all ages!
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 Bible Study - Friday, April 22nd - Noon - Earth Scriptures - Genesis 1-2, Psalms 24 and 65:9-13
All are welcome, especially Bible beginners!
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Adult Yoga on Friday, April 22nd ~EARTH DAY~!
Teen/Tween Yoga is Off for April
There will be yoga at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church this Friday evening, April 22 from 5:30-6:30pm.
The main class will get going at 5:30pm, but I will be available from 5:15pm if you would like to arrive early to discuss poses that you
struggle with, or modifications you can make to poses in order to work around injury or pain.
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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Please Remember in Your Prayers
The people of Ecuador in their time of hardship following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake;
All those suffering from lead contamination, living in toxic areas, with unsafe water, air, or earth;
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:
Funding amount update: $3,930 as of April 20th, 2016
Meeting Dates
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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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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:
Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!
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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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I never feel lonely when we're together
I thought this week I'd share some personal thoughts about our Church.
While Pastor Bev was away in Washington DC last week our own Rev. Bentley Stewart spoke. Many times in a workplace or a Church, when the boss or leader is away, there is a let down or lack of intensity among its workers or congregation.
Pastor Bev has created (along with our deacons, worship committee, and a nucleus of committed members) a strong connection to God's presence and Spirit at almost every function here at the Church. It is so exhilarating to come and experience "whatever has been prepared".
The Spirit of the Lord is present at the blessing of the garden, at the 6 am send off breakfast for the Mexico mission program, at the preparation of food for the REST Program, at our Friday Bible Study, or mid week choir practices; and in our Sunday services whether Pastor Bev is present or not, the message, the music, and the interaction between us is personal and powerful.
Sometimes we ponder should I go today or not? to an activity that someone has prepared at the Church - I have found once I come I am never disappointed. I'm always glad I did and leave knowing "I needed that". This feeling is not always true in other Churches. But here we have a group of talented, committed folks who all admit we're growing, and love to participate and truly enjoy the fellowship, talents, and sense of humor of each other.
One of my favorite moments in our Sunday services is when we pass the peace. I always feel each of us are divinely empowered to truly be real messengers of "divine peace" at that moment. There isn't a Sunday that goes by that I don't look forward to shaking Wil's hand, winking at our accomplished musicians, giving Jeri a hug, and high-fiving 2 or 3 of the young folks.
I'm really glad Pastor Bev is back because there's no better teacher or preacher for me. Our Church is her calling. And we are her flock. However, I am also proud that we have such meaningful worship services and activities whether she is present or not. That is a huge credit to her leadership, to each of us and the presence of the Holy Spirit that reaches out every day to our band of imperfect Presbyterian warriors.
Welcome back Pastor ... you are doing a terrific job!
From one of those imperfect warriors ... 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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 Human Kind. Be Both.
Since the middle of December I've held the office admin position at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church. Hello, for those that don't know me yet, my name is Sophia De Quattro and 2016 is a year of metamorphosis for me - a change in substance within my scope of learning, passion, and daily endeavors. This is the first time in my life since I was three that I have not been bound by the scheduling of school. In December of 2015, I became a graduate of Dominican University of California with Summa Cum Laude honors and was swiftly prompted to make decisions on my next step in life for applying my degree in Communication and Media Studies.
First on the list, like many others, was to make travel arrangements. Throughout my college experience, I have gravitated towards immersing myself in service opportunities. As I envisioned my short-term goals following the completion of my undergraduate studies, I longed for a trip with purposeful meaning and one that would thoroughly impact me. For years I heard of an Immersion Trip to El Salvador that my campus ministry attends annually. This delegation trip is hosted by CRISPAZ, or Christians for Peace in El Salvador. Its premise calls for a reverse mission--you spend 10 days listening to stories of local citizens, governmental officials, nonprofit leaders, policy makers, and then spend the next 355 days of your year applying and telling the information at full capacity.
As I write to you, exactly three months after my return to the United States of America, I am graciously thankful and forever indebted to the people I connected with in beautiful San Salvador, El Papaturro, and Suchitoto. Once back in Marin, the emotional toll overwhelmed me; however, the sacrifices and injustices the citizens of El Salvador faced daily-such as a husband who works in the U.S. to provide for his family in a rural community and has only met his daughter a handful of times-helped me in transforming my feelings of lost hope, uncertainty, and helplessness into a catalyst for hosting events to educate others and becoming more politically involved.
For years I have stood on the sidelines, or the epicenter of inaction. Now, more than ever, I feel personally connected in being politically active and understanding immigration law, human rights, social justice movements, and how my privilege can play a role in benefiting the oppressed. If you would like to learn more, I have created a blog to recount my experience as well as use it as a platform for discussion. You can read it here, or at the URL: quattrofiles.weebly.com
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Interested in hearing about Pastor Bev's Study Leave?
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|  | | Pastor Bev with Conrado Olivera of Joining Hands Peru | |
There will be a perfect opportunity Saturday, April 30th from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Spring Gathering of the Presbyterian Women of Redwoods Presbytery. (The entire event runs from 9:30 until 2 including lunch.)
Hear her reflective talk on the EAD conference theme: Lift Every Voice: Racism, Class and Power
Novato Presbyterian Church
710 Wilson Avenue, Novato, CA 94947
All are welcome to join!
Luncheon Reservations $10.00 (Due by 4/23). Please send reservations to Carol Dacquisto (415) 892-2070; 76 Santa Maria Dr. Novato, CA 94947
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Lesson for Parents & Youth
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Lesson for Parents & Youth
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Annual MIC Prayer Breakfast
Wed. May 4, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Bid Farewell to Rev. Carol Hovis
Congregation Kol Shofar
Please register on-line by
Monday, April 25
And a fascinating evening:
MIC, Congregation Kol Shofar,
First Pres San Anselmo and Sausalito Pres
invite you to an evening with Israeli Human Rights attorney Michael Sfard at Congregation Kol Shofar - Wed. April 27 - 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. speaker.
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WAKAN Screening of Miss Representation 5/19
 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
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:
Miss Representation is a film 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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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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First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
Study Tour to Costa Rica
Oct. 19-26, 2016
FPC/San Rafael has invited us to join a group going to San Jose, Costa Rica to study theology and learn about this
Central American Country
Leadership:
Faculty and Staff at the Latin American Biblical University.
Rev. Dr. Karla Ann Koll, Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Mission Co-worker
Rev. Elizabeth Cook, Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Mission Co-worker and both Professor and Dean at the University
Topics and Features:
*Eco Justice and Theological Alternatives
*Immigration issues
*Liberation Theology in the Americas
*Reading the Bible through the eyes of Latin Americans
*Visit local Presbyterian congregations and organizations doing mission work in the country
*At least one field trip into the countryside
Options to add days for additional explorations of the Country
Estimated Cost: $700 Room and Board at the University, plus air fare
CONTACT PASTOR BEV IF YOU ARE INTERESTED by clicking here
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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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