Saturday Farm Stand Opens August 27!
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
August 25, 2016
Love Sets Us Free 
Sunday, August 28 at 9:30 a.m. 
Paul's Letter to Philemon

Are you familiar with the Apostle Paul's Letter to Philemon?  It's 18th of the 27 books of the New Testament, found between Titus and Hebrews, and it's Paul's shortest letter, a single chapter with just 25 verses.  What makes this short epistle significant enough to be included in the Bible, and why don't we hear more about it in church?  This Sunday, August 28, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., Rev. Bentley Stewart will lead us in an exploration of Paul's entreaty to his friend Philemon, and we'll explore how love sets us free. 
    
In This Issue
Chamber Thank Yous
Friday Farm Stand
Free to be Me Photos
Bible Study
Prayers
Calling Volunteers
Come Harvest!
Food Bank
Cook's Cozy Corner
Office of Public Witness
Green Team Event
More Cynthia Scharf
Youth Huddle 9/18
Youth/Parenting Speakers Upcoming
Youth Gleaning
Dinner with Wil
Yay Wil - Food Bank
Fellowship Sign-Ups
Re-upholstery By Stephen
Greeters Needed
Paul's Blog
Horizons Bible Study Day
Foster Parent Outreach
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From 
Pastor Bev 
 
We've just had a glorious week at church!  Thank you to all who made the Chamber of Commerce event a HUGE success! (Scroll down for some photos.)  Special thanks to Janel Stewart for spearheading the event, and to Patti Vance and the Garden team for a mega-harvest and for setting up the gorgeous Farm Stand, with Jody Brockett's beautifully displayed baskets of tomatoes. And thank you to the chefs for the delicious delicacies!  It was delightful, and a wonderful way to reach out to the wider community.

Thanks are also in order for the "Friday Farm Stand at the Clubhouse Crew," see photos below, and of course for EVERYONE who participated in last Sunday's FREE TO BE ME!  
What an uplift for all of us!  Thanks especially to the creative spark/Director/Producer, our own Paul Lambert. Wow!  You'll enjoy those photos, too, and his column below. 

I'm away this week serving with the national church Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) for 3 days in Baltimore.  After that, I'll be laying my parents to rest in the family plot in Fairfax, VA, and then grandbaby- sitting for 2 days in NYC, while my son and daughter-in-law unpack and get settled in Brooklyn (after a year in Southern California).  I would really appreciate your prayers this Sunday afternoon, when I'll be doing the graveside service.

While I'm away, please contact dear friend of the church, Rev. Bentley Stewart, for pastoral care emergencies at 407-489-1258.

With peace,
Bev

August/ September Calendar
Wednesday, August 24th-Wednesday, August 31

Pastor Bev to Baltimore with the ACSWP, and then on to Virginia and NYC for family time; 
Please call Rev. Bentley Stewart for pastoral care emergencies at 407-489-1258 through Wed. Aug. 31
Friday, August 26th
Noon

Bible Study with Paul Lambert
Sunday, August 28th
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

Empathic Imagination - Rev. Bentley Stewart 
Coffee & Fellowship - All are Welcome!
Wednesday, August 31st
7:30 p.m.

SHPC Choir and LMP Parent Night
Friday, September 2nd
Noon

Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, September 4th
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

Is Work Feeding Your Soul? Vocation Sunday
Coffee and Fellowship - All are Welcome!
Wednesday, September 7th
9:00 a.m.

LMP Back to School
Friday, September 9th
Noon

Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, September 11th

9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER SERIES:  LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Where is Jesus Located and How Do We Know? 
Coffee and Fellowship -- All are Welcome!
Wednesday, September 14th
7:30 p.m.


SESSION MEETS at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, September 16th
Noon


Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, September 18th
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER SERIES CONTINUES
Where are We Located?
SPECIAL FAMILY MINISTRIES YOUTH AND PARENT HUDDLE with Janel and Pastor Bev
Wednesday, September 21st
7:30 p.m.

SHPC Choir
Friday, September 23rd
Noon


Bible Study with Pastor Bev
Sunday, September 25th
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER SERIES  
Where does Jesus Wants His Church To Be?
w/ Let's Talk after service
             

















       What a Lovely Evening!
      Thank You to All Who Welcomed the        Chamber of Commerce - It was Delightful!

Many, many thanks to our 24 "hosts" and garden chefs! Our wonderful Justice Garden produce was enjoyed with good company last Thursday when we hosted our local business leaders and neighbors from the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce for a garden tour and Farm Stand.  Our guests heard from our Green Team about SHPC's environmental leadership, and about our 56 year commitment to feeding the hungry in Marin County and beyone. A great big thank you to our own wonderful Stephen Iverson for the music, and to all who brought delicacies made from our garden produce.  Look for the recipe for Peggy's yummy bite size BLT tomato bursts below!



Friday Night Farm Stand at the Clubhouse!



A very special thank you to Paul Lambert, Producer and Director of FREE TO BE ME!



























      Free to Be Me a Smash Hit!

THANK YOU ALL
 Free to Be Me was a smash hit! Thanks to all our participants for the talent AND EXUBERANCE that was poured into each performance. Thanks to Paul Lambert, Stephen Iverson, Michael McCarty, Bill O'Callaghan, Hallie Foster, Jeri Rayford, Alex Gauna, Ryan Finanne, Linda and Richard Peltzman, Skye Bailey, Jesse Gauna, and the SHPC Singers. HUGE thanks to soloist Jen Boynton and "preacher" Ethan Russell; you both inspired us so much!  And thanks to surprise guest dancer Janel Stewart; you rock!  Thank you all!
Bible Study - Friday, August 26th w/ Paul Lambert - NOON - 
Paul's Epistle to Philemon


Please Remember in Your Prayers

All those who are suffering from the earthquake in Italy;
All those who have lost their homes and/or suffered on account of the California fires, and for our firefighters;
Our country, for a national discourse of respect and dignity for all;
The family and loved ones of Deb Birrell, who passed away Monday, July 25, for God's comfort in bereavement;
Joan Marks, dear friend of the Argillas, for healing and full recovery;
Michael McCarty, our music minister, for full recovery;
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;
Praying Hands
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; 
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;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Rev. Kate Taber, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in East Jerusalem;
The world's poor, and all who suffer from disruptive climate change;
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.
   
Calling Garden, Farm Stand, and Short School Volunteers!


Find your bliss in our gorgeous Justice Garden, harvesting, or at the weekly Farm Stand starting up THIS SATURDAY! 
We need volunteers to harvest on Friday, bring the produce and set up on Butterfield on Saturday, and be our staff at the stand, making great contacts with the community!  Saturday shifts run 8-10 or 10-noon.
Contact

or Sign-up through SignUp.com

Let Patti or Bev know if you would like to join the team to volunteer at Short School in San Rafael this fall after school weekly for a month.

Find your bliss 
harvesting in the 
Justice Garden!



Just click to be placed on Patti's Garden team e-list for e-mails on upcoming harvest days and times, and for the up to date news on when our Saturday Farm Stand opens on Butterfield Road!  Or sign up on the links in the previous item! 

And thank you so much!
"If you get any large zucchinis this week, call me."
 --Chef for homeless meals services to the Marin Food Bank
 
What a match! The Food Bank was thrilled to receive our giant zucchinis.  A chef for the meals program loves using them in soups and stews. 
Thank you to our bountiful justice garden and caring garden team!
 
With gratitude,
Patti

The Cook's Cozy Corner -
BLT Bites from Guest Cook Peggy Maclise, Gazpacho, and Molten Tomato Sandwich 

This week we have a guest appearance by Peggy Maclise with a recipe for cherry tomatoes that she served to great acclaim last Thurs at the Chamber of Commerce Mixer at the church.  They are delicious!  

BLT Bites (Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes)
made famous by Peggy @ SHPC

Ingredients
20 cherry tomatoes
3/4 lb bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1/2 cup mayonnaise or as needed to "glue" everything together
1/3 cup chopped green onion
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (snipped) 

Directions
1. Cut a thin slice off each tomato top.
2. Scoop out the insides and drain upside down on a paper towel.
3. Gently combine bacon + Parmesan in food processor. In a small bowl combine all other ingredients.
4. Spoon the mixture into the tomatoes.
5. Chill and serve.

Gazpacho
I also have a link for you to the recipe for gazpacho that has been making a few appearances lately. 

Molten Tomato Sandwich
Finally, I have to share with you my new favorite sandwich, toasted cheese with tomato.  Use hearty grainy bread, sharp cheddar, and thin slices of fresh tomato (I know where you can get some of those).  I spread aioli on the insides and olive oil rather than butter on the outsides.  Toast it slowly over medium-low heat until it is super melty.  Have plenty of napkins handy:  it is a wonderful molten mess!
--Michael Durphy





Action Alert: Water Can't Wait
 
Support Equal Water Rights for Palestinians and Israelis
 
Two experiences in June involving access to water for West Bank Palestinians show "the serious harm that Israel routinely inflicts on residents of the Jordan Valley as it abuses its powers," according to the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem.  On June 14, 2016 "the temperature recorded in the Jordan Valley surpassed 40°C (104°F). Nonetheless, Civil Administration personnel seized a tractor that was hauling a water tank in the Palestinian community of Khirbet Samrah, and left a demolition order for water reservoirs built by residents in the area of Khirbet al-Malih ."
  • Muhammad Abu 'Awad, a shepherd from Khirbet Samrah, explains, "We bring along a tractor hauling a water tank so the flock can drink. We get the water from faraway places like 'Ein al-Beida and Kardalah, and it costs more than 20 shekels (5 USD) per cubic meter... On Tuesday, we were out grazing the flock with the tractor when suddenly a car drove up with a Civil Administration officer. He stopped the tractor. They confiscated it and took it to the military camp. This tractor is like an extra limb for me. I can't give our flock water without it."
  • 'Abd a-Rahman Khalil, a 70-year-old resident of Khirbet al-Malih, describes the impact of the demolition order for two springs:  "About six years ago, the local council restored two springs here, in the al-Malih area. They cleaned them and fenced them in to keep away animals that contaminate the water. We were overjoyed. Suddenly we had a little bit of water...But then, "Civil Administration people came and left notices that they plan to demolish the two water reservoirs at the springs. If they do, it will be a disaster, because most people in the area rely on this water for the flocks and for their family consumption."
 
 
A recent UN report covering a one-week period noted "the Israeli authorities issued multiple demolition and stop-work orders for lack of building permits, which are near impossible to obtain."  Two wells were among the structures targeted by the orders.
 
In Gaza the water crisis is dire. In its 2009 report, "Troubled Waters-Palestinians Denied Fair Access to Water," Amnesty International described the depletion and contamination of the Coastal Aquifer in Gaza with the result that "90-95 per cent of its water is contaminated and unfit for human consumption."
 
The discrepancy between water available to Israelis and to Palestinians is stark.  For example, according to EWASH, a coalition of Palestinian and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues, "Palestinian average water consumption in the West Bank is already as low as 73 liters per capita per day, well below the World Health Organization minimum standard of 100, and clearly lower than the 240 liters to which Israelis have access."


Monday, September 19
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Angelico Hall, Dominican University, San Rafael
Congressman Jared Huffman 
'Risky Business' author Kate Gordon 
Carbon Pricing expert Michael Wara
Moderated by NextGen Climate COO & Novato Councilman
Josh Fryday
Tickets at
  SHPC Commits to Bringing Back Cynthia Scharf, Climate Change Expert from the United Nations, for More!

On Sunday, July 17, Cynthia Scharf visited our church. Cynthia Scharf has served since 2009 as the senior officer and speechwriter to the United Nations Secretary-General on climate change and sustainable energy, supporting the UN's top leader in framing the discourse on these critical global challenges. Ms. Scharf leads strategic communications, partnerships with civil society and the global scientific communities, and is responsible for writing the Secretary-General's speeches, media remarks, op-eds and thought leadership material on all aspects of climate change. 
Fairfax Mayor Renee Goddard and Cynthia Scharf love our garden
From 2011-2013, Ms. Scharf served as the head of communications for the Secretary General's Sustainable Energy for All initiative, a global public-private partnership seeking to expand energy access, efficiency and renewable energy in more than 80 countries. 

We're Gathering Interfaith Partners, Youth, and Youth Leaders to Address Climate Change Realities, Spiritual Impact, and Solutions

We are seeking to partner with the Marin Interfaith Council, local congregations, community leaders, schools, non-profits, youth activists, and counselors to host one or more events with Cynthia Scharf in the Sept. 29- October 2 time window.  Let Bev or  Patti Vance know if you feel called to be part of this world-saving effort! 


 
Calling Youth of All Ages AND THEIR PARENTS  
SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 - 10:30 a.m.

LET'S HUDDLE Sunday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m. to talk about how the church can meet the needs of our young people for a safe, affirming, and fun "second home."  Pastor Bev serves on the Steering Committee of the Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative, (see upcoming events immediately below), along with our White Hill MS and Drake HS principals and others who are very concerned about the extraordinarily high rate of binge drinking, early onset of drug/alcohol use, and persistent feelings of sadness among young people in our wider community.
There's nothing more important that making the church a second home for our young people, a place where they feel accepted exactly the way they are, without having to compete or win approval. We have an important spiritual job to do so that our kids have the tools and support they need to make healthy choices and feel hopeful, not stressed, about their futures and the world.  This is Pastor Bev's passion.  Together we can find a way to make a very positive difference!
    
 
Fall 2016 Speaker Series 

Please see below and attached for information on the Fall Speaker Series events brought to you by our Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative.  We have put together four events featuring highly regarded speakers in each respective area and I strongly encourage you to attend these presentations/discussions.   They are open to all members of our community and we encourage parents with younger children to attend as well - it won't be long before you are facing the challenges associated with the topics referenced below and now is a good time for all of us to get educated and prepared.


 
6th Annual Youth Gleaning
and work projects for Green Gulch Farm

 
Sunday, September 25, 2016
1:30-4:30
 
Green Gulch Farm 
1601 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965
 
This is a youth event (primary grades 6-12) 
 
See what a broccoli plant looks like. Learn about our food system. Hear about how the fields are connected to Buddhism and other faith traditions and get your hands dirty in the soil.  We will be gleaning and doing other work projects on the farm. Long pants, socks and close toed shoes are recommended.
 Remember sunscreen & water.
 
or 415-456-6957
 by Wed, Sept. 21st


Wil LOVES being asked to dinner!

Thank you and bless you to all who have reached out to invite him over for a meal.  

He's been having a few problems with his telephone, so try 415-454-7555 if you don't get through on 415-454-8303.

Or grab him at church!  And thank him for his faithful and continuing FOOD BARREL MINISTRY (see below).


Click Above to See the impressive amount of canned and dry food donated by the Church!
Thank you all for your contribution! 
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: 

SEPTEMBER: Robin's Parish

Sign up now and keep the hospitality going!
 
Who You Gonna Call (For all your re-upholstery needs)?


Stephen Iverson has his shop space back and is able to supply you with your re-upholstery needs once again. Free estimates of course. Chairs I can pick up, couches, we'd have to make arrangements for.
(415) 454-4412
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
Thank You
 
Last Sunday we had a chance to enjoy the talents, bravery, and fun of everyone who participated in our end of summer musical celebration. It was enjoyable for me to watch each number grow and get better in rehearsal and ultimately be spot on in the service.
 
To those who participated, thank you. Those of us in the audience were thrilled and uplifted.
 
This is a Church packed with individuals who love to participate. We feel the Spirit, follow our instincts and are anxious to put into practice the teaching of our Pastor and our understanding of the scriptures. We are a special community, one in which there is sympathy and compassion for what each person has been through. One in which we are trying to have a meaningful impact and positive influence on the activities and life of others here in Marin County.
 
We are students of the Bible and aware that the word of God is like a mirror that exposes the natural thoughts and intentions of the heart. It exposes the danger of pride. It confronts self-centeredness and exhorts us to be filled with love and pay attention to the needs of our community and where possible be the "hands of God" and a "messengers of hope" for those in need around us.
 
I feel loved here in this Church. I hope you do too. For loving each other, supporting each other, and encouraging each other is an important priority if we're to be physically healthy and spiritually productive. I am so thankful to be worshipping and growing in a Church where I am appreciated and feel like I belong.
 
As this fall arrives, I'd like to encourage you to enjoy the love that is here. Be thankful, as I am, for both the diversity and unity that exists here. Above all, make sure you are getting involved using your talents and gifts in a way that is needed by others. For we are not just "hearers of the Word ... we are doers of the Word as well. "
 
Wishing you an invigorating final week of summer, and looking forward to joining with you in being a part of "healing" and "helping" others in the months ahead.
 
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.

HORIZONS BIBLE STUDY DAY

Saturday, September 10, 2016 | 10:00am - 3:30pm | $40 in advance | $50 at the door

Spend the day learning and preparing to lead this magnificent study which invites you to join  "a journey to expand our understanding of who Jesus was and is-a journey of our hearts and our minds, a journey that we will take together." Rev. Dr. Judy Yates Siker, author of the 2016 Horizons Bible Study, invites you to be good conversation partners along the way, sharing with one another how you see and experience the various lenses and how these different perspectives impact your understanding of who Jesus is. READ MORE

Foster Parent Outreach



Become a Resource Family
1. Attend Orientation
Learn about the process of becoming a resource parent at one of our monthly
orientations with a social worker and an experienced resource parent.

Orientation Calendar 2016
August 31 | September 22 | October 18

7-8:30pm at 3240 Kerner Blvd, Room 110, San Rafael
November 17 | December 8
7-8:30pm at 3250 Kerner Blvd, Room 107, San Rafael


2. Apply
Complete an application and background check.

3. Complete Training
Complete a training course and become CPR/First Aid certified.

4. Get Approved
Work closely with a social worker during a 60-90 day approval process. There will be interviews with family members and a home safety inspection. The interviews help make matches between a family's strengths and children's needs. Become a Resource Family


Resource Family Orientation
Learn about fostering opportunities!

July 26 | August 31

7-8:30 pm
3240 Kerner Blvd. Rm 110
San Rafael 94901
FosterOurFutureMarin.org
Questions? (415) 473-2200
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