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222nd PC(USA) General Assembly 2016
L. to R. Dr. Doug Tilton, Pastor Bev, Sam Jones, Rob Trawick
After the Presentation of the ACSWP Mid East Report
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Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
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Weekly Happenings at SHPC
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June 30, 2016
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Report from General Assembly ...
Radical Christianity?
On Being "a Matthew 25 Church"
What does it mean to be the church? Is this something that happens inside our sanctuary? In the Justice Garden? Yes and yes. But does God mean for us to focus our efforts and energies mostly within the boundaries of 100 Tarry Road?
Our national church, the PC(USA), met for its biennial convention last week in Portland to elect officers and to consider close to 100 matters, among them how much the Church should be engaged in the world. Overtures from Foothills Presbytery in South Carolina sought to curtail the denomination's justice work. They failed. Our national church voted to be a Matthew 25 church! This Sunday, July 3, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., we'll unpack that, as we explore just how radical Jesus' call to us was and is. And we'll sing Fourth of July songs!
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A Note From
Pastor Bev
I am really looking forward to sharing with you highlights from our denomination's 222nd General Assembly. It was both exhausting and uplifting! (Happily, I did NOT resort to Portland's famous Voodoo Donuts to make it through the late meetings.) Presbyterians used to take credit for the way our U.S. Congress does business. These days Presbyterians are doing better than Congress at maintaining civil discourse during debate and making decisions for the good of the body!
Good news! I have been elected to a four year term on the Advisory Committee for Social Witness Policy (ACSWP, generally referred to as "A-C-swap.") This will be a two week per year commitment to the national church's social witness advisory board. A great use for my annual study leave!
Each General Assembly gives the ACSWP assignments to study current social justice and ethical questions which are before the church and to come back to the following GA with reports and recommendations about policies which the church should adopt to be faithful to God's call. The 2014 General Assembly assigned to the ACSWP: end of life, human trafficking, Israel/Palestine (two state solution), voting reform and campaign finance, Cuba, and international peacemaking.
I don't know yet what assignments are coming out of last week's Assembly, but I will keep you posted. We can all share in this exciting ministry of our national church!
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Friday, July 1
Noon
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Bible Study with Pastor Bev
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Sunday, July 3
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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Radical Christianity - A Mt. 25 Church! Holy Communion
Coffee & Fellowship - All are Welcome! | |
Wednesday, July 6
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir - New Singers Welcome! | |
Friday, July 8
Noon
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Bible Study with Paul Lambert | |
Sunday, July 10
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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| Celebrating Five Years of Shared Ministry w/ Pastor Bev! June and July Birthdays
Coffee & Cake- All are Welcome! | |
Wednesday, July 13
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Hand Chimes
SHPC Choir - New Singers Welcome!
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Friday, July 15
Noon
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Bible Study with Pastor Bev
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Sunday, July 17
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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SUMMER STORYTELLING SERIES BEGINS
Coffee & Fellowship - All are Welcome!
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Sunday, July 24
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
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BIKE TO CHURCH DAY!!
SUMMER STORYTELLING CONTINUES
Coffee & Fellowship - All are Welcome!
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PC(USA) 222nd General Assembly Highlights
Pastor Bev is just back from the June 2016 national church convention. Here are some highlights. Please contact Pastor Bev with any questions or feedback!
PC(USA) leaders issue post-General Assembly letter
to the church
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter
under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3
Brothers and sisters in Christ, there is a new season in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as witnessed by the actions of the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The body of 594 commissioners who gathered June 18-25 in Portland, Oregon, elected Co-Moderators Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, and J. Herbert Nelson as the Stated Clerk. Both were historic, and both signal a new way forward for our church.
The business decisions made by the body also were transformative for the 1,572,660 members and 9,642 churches of the PC(USA). The work wasn't easy, and involved careful deliberations. Collectively, the body acted on nearly 100 overtures by discerning the will of Christ.
Third generation Presbyterian pastor elected Stated
Clerk of PC(USA)
J. Herbert Nelson becomes first African American to lead nation's largest Reformed body
GA turns back move to divest from fossil-fuel firms
Opponents say maintaining investments gives PC(USA) more clout
GA approves report re-evaluating two-state solution in Israel/Palestine
Belhar added to PC(USA)'s Book of Confessions
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Another Great Year for Mexico Mission!
Follow the link above to view all the photos from the mission trip
Follow the link above to view the slideshow, made by Katie Davidson
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Bible Study - July 1st @ Noon with Pastor Bev
The Gospel According to Matthew, chapter 25
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
The PC(USA), as it discerns and follows God's call to be a Matthew 25 church, and its new Co-Moderators, Revs. Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, and Stated Clerk, Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson;
The people of Istanbul, and all those whose lives have been broken by violence;
Michael McCarty, our music minister, for full recovery from surgery;
Our Mexico Mission team as they re-integrate into Marin life after their mission trip;
Ryan Burks, son of Warren and Jackie Burks, for healing, and for strength and hope for his family;
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;
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;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Rev. Kate Taber, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in East Jerusalem;
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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June 2016 Garden Report -
New Irrigation System is IN and ON
  
After our magnificent spring Work Day, our veggies, herbs, and flowers are thriving in our glorious garden! We have been working over the last several weeks to get an irrigation system installed in the new planting beds, and with the help of Michael and Patti, our crops will be happy on this new automated system! HUGE thanks to Patti and team for watering by hand up till this point! Now we can leave the dials be, as they turn on/off automatically. Please contact Michael or Patti with any questions about the new system.
ALL are welcome to take part in our garden ministry - see information below. Reward yourself with meditative and centering time in the Justice Garden.
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The SHPC Green and Garden Teams
would love your support -
With your donations of dollars (any amount)
and your precious time,
we are building up the world.
Share these opportunities with friends!
Donate now: www.generosity.com - Search for "Small Steps"
or write a check to "Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church" and note "Solar Project" |
Log into Volunteer Spot, all you need to input is your email, and sign up for the various activities occurring this summer/harvest season. The following sign-up includes opportunities to help grow food, sell food, deliver food and teach younger people about great food! Please contact justicegarden@sleepyhollowchurch.org with any questions.
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Become part of the Volunteer Team at Short Elementary, one of the most under-served schools in Marin
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SHPC's own Merle Ongaro teaching at the Short School
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We are joining our mission partner, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael (FPC/SR), in inviting you to participate in an after-school enrichment program with art, science, cooking, and computer technology classes at Short School Elementary in downtown San Rafael. Working with small student groups in grades K-4, volunteers assist the program teachers with creative instruction and help each child succeed in school.
Short School is a kindergarten through fourth grade school with one of the most under-served student populations in Marin County. 97% are Hispanic children from the San Rafael Canal neighborhood.
We are seeking volunteers to assist the program teachers by accompanying and helping the children as they do their projects. We are hoping volunteers may be able to assist Wednesday afternoons from 2:00-4:30 once a week or 1-2 times per month for a semester, September - December 2016.
Youth on the Move After-School Program
Contact FPC/SR to become a volunteer or
find out more about the program.
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Cooking & Nutrition
Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:15 pm
Two 40 minute class sessions
Students learn about nutrition and prepare simple,
delicious food to eat each week. Volunteers support the
cooking teacher by helping to set up and clean the kitchen
and demonstrate safe food practices. Chef Hollie Green
from JoyFoodly provides weekly menus for class lessons,
visit www.joyfoodly.com to see what we're cooking!
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Gardening
Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:15 pm
Two 40 minute class sessions
Students learn how to care for a community garden by
preparing soil, learning about seeds, tending to the planting
and watering, and the harvesting of herbs, fruits and
vegetables. Our volunteers support the gardening class
by participating in group discussions, interacting with student
and demonstrating organic gardening practices.
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Art & Science
Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:15 pm
Two 40 minute class sessions
Students learn the basic elements of art and science with
hands-on activities. Volunteers support the teachers by
helping prepare class lessons, demonstrate concepts and
encouraging students to explore new materials. Our aim
is to create rich learning opportunities that foster growth,
learning and fun!
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Kid's Corner
Upcoming Summer Fun
Kids' Let's Talks w/ Pastor Bev
Ice Cream Social
Game Night
Garden 101 - learn to harvest & share food
Look out for more announcements of dates and times
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 Summer Dates for Yoga
July 8 July 22 August 19
Join us for summer-time YOGA IN THE HOLLOW we will practice from 5:30-6:30pm at Sleepy Hollow presbyterian Church.
Summer heat is wonderful, it opens our bodies and muscles is a seasons for moving and getting outdoors.
Yoga is the perfect union of movement and energy and the cooling and centering we need at the end of a hot day.
Join us for a flowing, centering and heart opening flow.
The main class will get going at 5:30pm, but I will be available from 5:15pm if you are new to yoga or would like to arrive early to discuss poses or adaptations.
We are a community class for all levels and all ages.
Class is donation based, $5-$10 suggested, anything welcome.
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We're changing things up a bit!
You are encouraged to ask Wil over to your home for dinner! Any night by pre-arrangement.
Pictured at right, Wil and Nance sharing a birthday cake at our TLC Fiesta!
Wil is spending most afternoons with Betty at Harmony House, so please call him in the morning or evening at 415-454-8303. 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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The Margin of Uncertainty
In my line of work there is a lot of dreaming, excitement, and passion. But, there's also a lot of uncertainty. If you're going to be in show business, you have to learn to navigate uncertainty; and, learn how to remain productive and positive knowing there is always going to be a cloud of uncertainty around you.
Uncertainty creates vulnerability and fuels anxiety. It can cause us to drift into areas that pigeonhole us, cause us to check out, and give birth to certain kinds of mental and emotional paralysis.
It's important to remember that people who have faith in God have the ability to embrace uncertainty instead of fear it. To move through it, instead of being blocked by it.
The scriptures have insight into what to consider when going through uncertain times ... "Do not throw away your confidence" (Heb 10:35) ..."because under God's wings we find refuge and need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by the day" (Psalm 91).
Many times in scripture it is recorded that God acts and speaks with "certainty". When this occurs it means the situation being addressed is fixed, determined, and done! You can take that to the bank, as they say!
My wonderful friend, Tim Storey, spoke with me this morning and reminded me ... "we can have certainty in uncertainty" ... and referred me to Proverbs 3:5,6 where trust is the key to being steadfast and confident when uncertainty is whirling around us - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding and He will direct your paths".
I am the first to admit it's hard to stay steady and move forward when experiencing uncertainty.
In my case, uncertainty has brought me closer to God. When turmoil occurs, personalities explode, and things appear out of control - with the help of God - I am becoming more patient and tolerant -- realizing most of these situations are temporary. I have trained myself to work through uncertainty, to become comfortable with it; to expect it and manage it. What has helped me the most, is the knowledge that God will go through it with me, and that I am not alone.
The great painter, Vincent van Gogh, once said "I know very little with any certainty, but the sight of the stars gives me great confidence and allows me to continue to dream big". So the next time you are filled with uncertainty, take a moment and look up at the stars ... know that God is with you ... know that there's a way forward ... and that, I assure you, is for certain.
Have a great 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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Action Alert:
Urging Congress To Do Their Job,
Pass Gun Violence Prevention Legislation
After the historic and unprecedented Democratic sit-in on the House floor
Wednesday June 22 to urge the House to take up what it has long ignored
- preventing gun violence - it is now up to us, people of faith,
to take this message to our Representatives.
This is a perfect time for you to let your Representative know that
ignoring the epidemic of gun violence will not protect public safety.
Every day 91 people in the United States are killed by a gun.
Yet, the House and Senate continue to act as if this is not happening
because of the stifling grip of the gun lobby.
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National Gun Violence Awareness Day Recap
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Volunteers on the Marin side of the GGB await the SF side to meet and march in solidarity for victims of gun violence
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On June 2nd, cities, public officials, political icons, celebrities, and the public proved that it is possible to hold discussion and stand in solidarity for the victims that have suffered due to gun violence nationwide. Sophie, the office admin at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, joined a large group in walking across the Golden Gate Bridge for the 2nd Annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Here are some photos from that event!
Unfortunately, we have all been shocked to learn of the horrific tragedies that have taken place since June 2nd. The purpose of this walk was to create public, but most importantly, political attention for the need to amend legislation that supports gun safety in EVERY town. Legislation, that if intact, would have substantially prevented the access to guns that these killers are able to purchase and unleash horror onto another human life. My heart truly goes out to the victims of the Orlando massacre at the Pulse Nightclub, murder-suicide at the UCLA Campus of a professor as well as a murder-suicide at Plaza Live in Orlando of singer Christina Grimmie, and a drive-by killing of 17-year-old Reggina Jeffries in Oakland, CA. All of these have occurred within the last month, and it is only a handful of events... 
Another thing to mention is that on Wednesday, June 15th, one of the longest filibusters in modern U.S. history was held, lasting 14 hours and 50 minutes. Congressional offices were flooded with tens of thousands of calls and over 95,000 signatures were signed on a petition calling for action from Congress in the wake of this mass shooting. While prayers are always welcomed and a healthy part of our humanity, taking a moment to act and speak up will really make all the difference. Text "DISARM HATE" to 644-33 to thank those senators that took the nearly 15 hour long stand to create an opportunity to introduce bills that will prevent suspected terrorists from getting guns and require background checks for all gun sales. This is the closest our nation has ever been for enacting gun sense laws, and you can be a part of that historic change. Go to http://tinyurl.com/DisarmHate to sign the petition and/or call your senator TODAY and: 1) Tell them your name, and that you're a constituent 2) Tell them that you want the senator to close the loopholes that let dangerous people get their hands on guns AND 3) Tell them you want the senator to vote to prohibit suspected terrorists and those convicted of violent hate crimes from legally buying guns, and to require background checks for all gun sales. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about and act on these issues,
Sophie
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Calling All Bikers! Register for the Presbytery's Hunger Ride, the Pedal 4 Protein
Pedal for Protein is coming up in September, beginning the 18th and continuing until the 22nd.
You can register for the 5 day tour, 48-37 mile ride, 20-10 mile ride, and two day rider slots.
Regular Registration dates are 6/1/2016-8/31/2016 and Late Registration is between 9/1/2016-9/20/2016
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Directed by our own Jen Boyton, with an OUTSTANDING CAST! Jen is featured July 22nd and 24th!
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YES THEATER
Summer Playwriting Workshop 2016
with Andrea Hart
AUGUST 15th-19th
TIMES:M-F, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
PLACE:White Hill Middle School RM 601
COST: $150 Full Week
$ 35 Daily drop in
You do not have to sign up for the entire time!
Different options Available
All current Middle School students are eligible to participate! Bring a friend!
Students will use a variety of writing, devising and improvisational exercises to create a play. Participants will discuss topics and themes, use a variety of exercises to explore those themes, devise short scenes around those themes and create a larger work incorporating the ideas of the entire group. Methods used might include physical improvisation, found and source material writing, Silent Sustained Writing, site-specific writing and other methods of devised theater.
Participants will learn about character development and arc, plot, universal themes, dramatic writing, employing stage directions, and using design elements to create a story.
Come for both weeks, one week or one day
REGISTER HERE
or contact Yes Theater Managing Director
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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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