November 2009

Dear Friends,

At the end of his newest book, Patience With God: Faith for People Who Don’t Like Religion (or Atheism) Frank Schaeffer writes,

At its best, faith in God is about thanksgiving, shared suffering, loss, pain, generosity, and love. The best religious people and best secular people learn to ignore their chosen (or inherited) religions’ nastier teachings in order to preserve the spirit of their faith, be that faith in secular humanism, science, or in God. It’s the tediously consistent fundamentalists—religious or atheist—who become monsters. They are so sure they have the truth that they dare claim that only the members of “my” religion will be saved.

I like how that paragraph starts with an affirmation of thanksgiving and ends with a rejection of intolerance because both are important and I think they are connected. What if, for example, our faith inspired in us so great a sense of gratitude to God that we were rendered unable to be distracted by the lesser demons that inspire intolerance. At the very least, it seems like a worthy goal.

In a few weeks the American people will be celebrating Thanksgiving and when we do I am going to make this my goal: to be so thankful for all the goodness that surrounds me and for all for all of the beauty that fills my life that I will not have time for thoughts of intolerance or of any other lack of kindness that might cloud my thoughts.

I invite you to share this goal with me. Together, let’s practice the very best in religion: let’s be grateful, sharing our suffering, loss, pain, generosity and love. And let’s remove all intolerance from among us. Let’s be the very best Christians we can be.

Gratefully,

Ben

P.S. We will be discussing Frank Schaeffer’s book over dinner starting at six thirty on Tuesday, November 17. Please reserve a spot around the table by calling the church office.

________________________________________________________________

Many of you know but perhaps some of you don't know where I now live. My home now is at Wesley Pines, Lumberton, North Carolina where 114 of us live getting partial care as needed. The building belongs to the Methodists and sits among acres of the most beautiful pines that I have ever seen. Hence the name "Wesley Pines".

I was lucky to get a two room unit with a kitchenette and bath. Because I have the room, I brought my office furniture, computer, printer TV, and some chairs, and bookcase. I was lucky because there are only five such units in the building. It has been a while since I have lived in such clean quarters. Once a week two kind ladies do the job.

I’ve been enjoying my the Sony eBook book portable reading system. It’s great and I have bought several books now using the money that was given for that purpose. And there is still a lot of money to be used. I am currently reading The Murder of King Tut. Thank you for the entertaining gift.

This is rated as a medical place. Consequently we get constant medical attention. For instance, a lady comes into my bedroom at 5:15 am to check my blood pressure! If I have any need what so ever I have but to push a button several places on the walls, and some one is here immediately. Kindness couldn't be better

This a great place to live until I think about Foothill Presbyterian Church and then the tears flow. And this is quite often. As a Presbyterian, I know it was predestined. (intended humor)

Thank many of you for your letters and telephone calls,
Maury

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

“God has not promised to keep us from life’s storms, but He will keep us through them”

-Unknown author

Starting this month I am back in school and will be writing from two perspectives; seminary student at Brite Divinity and as a Hospital Chaplain.

When I started my new role on September 4^th as a Chaplain, it was exciting, exhilarating and wonderful. I am truly called to be a Chaplain, all credit to God. My night (1030 pm to 830 am) was full of visits with staff members in addition to some patients. Most of my patients are asleep but I get to spend time in the entire hospital and I am the only Chaplain in house.

I had plenty of trauma, crisis calls, and fetal demises- the baby is born (20 weeks or more) with an abnormality, lives for minutes to a few hours, and then dies. I spend time with the patient and her family but most of my attention goes to her. During my last fetal demise, the baby was a boy who was 23 weeks. She really wanted this baby but knew it would not survive. She had asked the RN to call a Chaplain because she wanted her son to be blessed and baptized. When I arrived, the RNs had already dressed the baby in blue and the Mom was holding him. I pulled the RN aside to ask if the baby was still alive and was told he was. The parents had named him and as they were telling me his name, tears flowed freely from their eyes. I asked for sterilized water, prayed with the family, blessed the baby and then baptized him. When I lifted him, he was small enough to fit in one hand and it touched my heart. When I gave her son back to her, she thanked me for a wonderful service and I told her how sorry I was and would get a Christian Baptism certificate to her with her son’s name on it. She smiled. The fetal demises are still very emotional for me and I thank God for the strength and courage I have to walk into a room where I know the baby will die soon.

Last Saturday night I spent seven of my hours in ER. We had a young man who was 25 come in as a Level 1. He had either jumped or was pushed from an 80 foot bridge. The police believe he was possibly running from someone and thought that by jumping he would land in the water but he missed and ended up head first is some sand. He was given CPR, one unit of blood pushed into him but he died after 40 minutes of constant CPR. After trying to find family, the policemen told me it would become a homicide investigation which means no one from his family or friends come view the body. Imagine how difficult this is! We had a policeman stay with the body, crime scene members come take photos and our medical examiner come and bag him for evidence. When his Mom and Dad arrived, we (Doctor, RN and me) met with them to explain about the death in ER and some of what we knew so far without compromising police information. The mother was very distraught, could hardly talk, and the tears flowed constantly from losing her son. I spent time, a lot of time, with her. I had several calls on this night and many deaths but she was important so I had to triage my calls and visits and was able to get them completed.

One of my parishes in the hospital is the Klabzuba outpatient center where our cancer patients go go for their treatments. I visit them once a week and get to see how the medication is administered to them and watch (if they are ok) to see how it affects them. My first visit has been to get to know staff, the patients, their families, and share what Chaplains do so that they can get to know more about me and my role. This type of visit can be difficult but I take bibles and prayer books with me and offer them, if they don’t have reading material. Some of the appointments last 2 hours, some all day, and some patients come every other week. I really like it and the patients tell me how fortunate they are to be alive and most have found God because they had cancer.

I am also responsible for visiting the palliative care parish, which is fairly new and recently remodeled. I have anywhere from 8 to 15 patients and there are many deaths on this floor. The patients who come to this parish have been given a very poor prognosis and are treated for pain and given comfort measures only. Sometimes they opt to leave for home and have a hospice center take care of them so they can die peacefully at home with family surrounding them. All families are invited to stay with the patients around the clock, if they want. The ages range from 20’s to 90’s and all are very special. My other parish is ER/medicine which I had before. I have close to 80 beds now.

School is awesome. I am taking 3 courses this semester which are Evangelism (total of 4 books to read), Congregational Leadership (total of 6 books to read), and History of Christianity (total of 5 books to read). All of the courses have handouts which have to be read and of course many papers to write. My History of Christianity is the only one which has take home exams with 3 questions. In my other two classes, I have the same professor (used to be a Pulpit Pastor) which is very nice.

All new Brite students have to take a one credit course called Theological Resources to learn the correct way to format papers, how to use the software, and how to use the Turabian style of writing papers, which Brite prefers. It is a six week course and we have almost completed it. So far I am doing ok with all of the reading and have handed in two papers and received good marks. It is difficult with work but I am able to keep up, get enough sleep, and still see a movie. I may only take two classes in the spring and take a course in the summer, if I can.

Lord, may I continue to have a servant’s heart in all that I say and do.

~to be continued~

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*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “E” “F”
Numbers: 5 & 6
Lesson for the month:
Words that Rhyme
Pre K Classroom: How to hold a
Pencil.






*Themes & Activities*

*Hat*
11/2-11/6

11/2 Art: Crown
Poem: Happy Hat
· 11/3 Learning the letter E
· 11/4 Learning the number 5
· 11/5 Lesson: Words that rhyme with HEAD
·11/6 Lesson: How to hold a pencil


*Baby*
11/9-11/13

· 11/9 Art: Putting baby to bed
Song: Hush little baby
· 11/10 Learning the letter E
· 11/11 Learning the number 5
· 11/12 Lesson: Words that rhyme BLUE
· 11/13 Lesson: How to hold a pencil


*Thanksgiving*
11/16-11/20


· 11/16 Art: Big Turkey
Poem: Little Pilgrims
· 11/17 learning the letter F
· 11/18 Learning the number 6
· 11/19 Lesson: Words that rhyme with EAT






*Thanksgiving*
11/23-11/25

· 11/23 Art: Hand & turkey card
Song: Mr. Turkey
· 11/24 Learning the letter F
· 11/25 Learning the number 6







*Bible Lesson*




Spiritual Message: Giving

Chapel day with Pastor Ben
Tuesday, November 3

Christian stories, songs & art
Monday-Thursday



*Poetry*

I Found God Today
By Tommy Smith

I found God today through the eyes of a child
He looked up at me and he gave me a smile
He brought me such comfort for which I have longed
Through the eyes of a child I realized I belonged
I found God today in an old woman's face
As she held my hands, I felt God's embrace
From problems in life I knew I would prevail
Which I felt through her hands so old and so frail
I found God today in the warmth of a friend
Who has given me strength for which I can depend
When life had me down and I felt so depressed
I realized through my friend just how much I was blessed
I found God today when I searched for so long
And it's now I realize, he's been there all along
In family and friends and in all who I see
Each day I find God and now I've found him in me


*Special Events*

Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch
Tuesday, November 24
at 11AM.

*Preschool Closed*
Thanksgiving Holiday
11/26 &11/27

________________________________________________________________

The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries


MANY THANKS…

To Carol Goedde, Melissa and Greg Hill, Dana and Benjamin Marino, Jerry and Brian Siegfried, and all others who have helped in the successful production of the Funk Train Express Concert. Thanks for all who came and danced.

Back 2 Back Concerts

South Bay Philharmonic

Friday, November 13, 7:30 PM

Having performed major works all over the Bay Area for over fifteen years, South Bay Philharmonic, formerly known as the HP Symphony Orchestra, will present a program that will feature Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, selections from Elgar’s The Wand of Youth, as well as small chamber works.

Doris Williams and Friends

Sunday, November 22, 3 PM

Performing Celtic and Renaissance music of ancient and modern times, Doris Williams and Friends will feature Doris Williams on lute, vocals, bodhran, and tin whistle; Andrew Davis on violin and vocals, and Karl Franzen on classical and steel-string guitar, bouzouki, tin whistle, recorder, bodhran, dumbek, melodeon, and vocals.

Having received degrees from Oakland University of Rochester, MI, and Stanford University, CA in vocal music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Ms. Williams has performed with the California Bach Society, Philharmonia Baroque Chorus, and the San Francisco Choral Artists. Studying piano, violin, and voice at a young age, Mr. Davis continued his studies at Oberlin College in Music Composition and East Asian Studies. Listening to videogame soundtracks, and his father’s medieval music collection inspired a newfound love of Celtic music, prompting him to rename his old violin a fiddle. Self-taught harmonica, mandolin, tin whistle, melodeon, and doumbek player, Mr. Franzen studied with East Coast guitarist Phil Cooper. Appearing on many modern folk recordings, he is currently playing with Alan Keith, Gary Breitband, Mr. Barky, Harmon’s Peak, Luceo, Slainte of SF Bay (Peter Tommerup), and is also teaching music, privately.

TENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CAROLS

Friday, December 11^th, 7 PM

Featuring Foothill Music Ensembles, Voices of the Valley, soloists, and many other special guests. Please mark it on your calendars. Suggested Donation: one canned good per person will benefit The Lord’s Pantry to feed those in need.

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Special Appeal Update 10-1-09

Dear Members and Friends of Foothill Presbyterian Church,

As you may recall, our projected income for fiscal year 2009-2010 fell some $15,000 short, even after we pared the budget to it bare bones.

To allow this bare bones budget to carry us through the year, we asked your help in covering this $15,000 short fall by donating an extra month’s pledge. (The 13^th Month.)

Our thanks goes out to those of you who have already heard the call and started contributing your 13^th month, either in increments or fully in one payment, and at this point we can report that we’ve reached almost 25% of our $15,000 goal.

In addition to providing you with this interim report of progress, we are also taking this opportunity to address anyone who has not yet begun to assist in meeting our budget needs, by asking that you prayerfully consider your part in the financial support of our church.

Specially marked “pew envelopes” are available in the foyer, marked “Special Appeal 13^th Month.” These envelopes are for your use. We encourage you to join with those already answering this appeal so that all programs in our budget can be met.

Blessings on you,

Finance and Stewardship Committee Members

_______________________________________________________

-Martha Belz

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

The Fall Retreat is behind us and I hope all who attended had a wonderful experience. And I hope more of you will be able to attend next year, the weekend of September 24^th.

I was unable to attend, but I heard Sam Barry did a wonderful job and everyone had a good time.

Ben Daniel led the program Friday night, the singing after meals, the campfire program, and Sunday morning worship.

Virginia Mignogna was once again our nurse.

Ellen Chellino and her husband, David, provided programs for the children. Jerry Siegfried’s granddaughter, Darlene, and her friend, Malia helped. Greg and Melissa Hill also led children activities outside program time.

Peg was also tremendously helpful overseeing moneys and paperwork for the retreat.

Jane Wallace was responsible for the cabin assignments.

Jane Wallace and Darlene Ristrim made the name tags.

John Belz designed the tee shirts. Toni Ann Gatzke picked them up for me.

Sharon Rowser covered registration for me on many Sundays.

Gene Hewitt ran the ice breaker Friday night and led the morning watch.

Jay Jordana coordinated the blessings before the meals.

Jim Withrow led the Saturday afternoon hike and was the camp photographer.

Greg Hill built the campfire.

Bill Anderson and Kraig Williams provided music during worship Sunday morning..

Eileen Parks secured Ellen and David to run the children’s program.

Karen Withrow provided much needed support and advice.

Last but not least- thank you so much Sharon Rowser and Gene Hewitt for agreeing to run the weekend in my absence. I really appreciated it!

If I have missed anyone, I apologize. I appreciate all the help and all who attended. Thank you all so much! I could not have coordinated this without you.

Martha Belz

COATS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NONE & FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY

-Submitted by Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

If you have two coats, share one with someone who has none. If you have food share it with someone who is hungry. Luke 3:11

Winter will soon be upon us, the wind will blow strong, and rain will pour down from the sky above. Most of us will be snug and warm in our homes. Some 10,000 homeless people, who live within the bounds of our Presbytery in Santa Clara County, one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S. will face a bleak winter. Cold dark days that can chill the body, never satisfy the hunger and fill the soul with despair.

The need is great. How can Foothill Folks respond? Two immediate areas in which we can response are:

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY - The Lord’s Pantry

• administered by the Deacons forFoothill Folks

Come fill the basket by the entrance to the foyer. The need is great every day and every week. Hunger takes no holiday. We can share with the hungry can by can. Strive to make shopping and sharing part of every trip to the grocery store. I make peanut butter my special item…

ONE COAT TO SHARE – Inn Vision’s Donation Depot

• administered by the Mission Committee for Foothill Folks

Come fill the barrel in the foyer. Have you bought a new jacket or coat recently? Is your coat closet overflowing? How many gently worn jackets and coats you can share? Warm the body and soul of someone who has no coat. The barrel will be available from November 8 – 29.

We will have a Service of Ordination for Sarah Glass Weisger on November 22, 2009 at 5:00PM. We hope you will join us.

October 2009

Dear Friends,

The first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday, a Sunday set aside to remember that as Christians we are part of a Church that is much bigger than our congregation at Foothill. It’s an institution which dwarves the Presbyterian Church (USA) and extends beyond the borders of our nation. On World Communion Sunday we remember that the Church includes Christians from every nation who speak every language and whose skin tones reflect the rainbow of human diversity.

At Foothill we honor World Communion Sunday by using bread for the Eucharist from as many different cultures and traditions as is possible. In the past we have enjoyed Mexican tortillas, Middle Eastern pita, Italian focaccia, French baguettes, salt bread from Portugal, naan from India, and breads from, among other places, Taiwan, the Philippines, Holland, England, and Iowa.

My prayer for all of us is that our celebration of World Communion Sunday, with its international smorgasbord of bread, will remind us to recognize as fellow Christians and as fellow children of God all those from around the world whose faces we encounter in the media: Arabic-speaking Palestinian Christians, Christians in war-torn part of Africa, Christians in Europe and Asia. Pray for your fellow Christians and know that you are part of a big, beautiful family of God.

Wishing you peace,

Ben

___________________________________________________________________

The Life of a Seminary Student -Maxine Millender
“Yet, it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” Matthew 20:26

Now that the end of a year is almost here, I have to say it has been a wonderful year full of learning, love, tension, frustration, conflict, friendship, and grief of our ending! Last night (8/29) was my last extended shift (7:45 am to 10:30 pm) as a resident. We have prepared and presented our last verbatims, ready to send in our last monthly stats reflection papers, had our last IPR (group time), and presented our last final evaluations to each other. It’s interesting how difficult it is to say some things during the year but so easy to say them before you leave. This is what happened when we presented our final evaluations. Most everyone had something to say that should have been said earlier but with no group (IPR) time, these words became a passing thought.

During this month my days have been incredible, wonderful, and most times traumatic. Because our time together as residents is ending, patients still need Chaplains, Doctors will still give bad news, and RNs will still have difficult times. In this last unit it was a time to integrate all of the year’s learning and recognize transformation and growth, while we continued to visit patients. I disclosed more about myself with patients this unit and want to share one of these visits with you.

The patient is an African American woman in her middle 50’s who has had thoughts of suicide and wanting to end her life because of so much pain due to a diagnosed disease. When one of the Chaplains shared this information during report, I said I would like to visit with her. She has a disease called sarcoidosis (similar to tuberculosis) which is sometimes fatal, not enough is known about it, and there are so many medications that can help people from the pain. This is a disease which causes one to have a lot of pain throughout their body. I visited her, listened as she shared her story, and asked if I could pray for her. She said yes and I prayed. I then shared my story about how I have this disease, have been in remission for 26 years, and lean on God to hold and comfort me. When I shared this, her eyes lit up and she wanted to hear more. I shared how I took steroids in the form of prednisone, went to many Doctors, and no one knew how to treat it until one day a Doctor took some blood, analyzed it, and diagnosed what it was. I told her that trusting in God with all your life, having faith that God will heal, and leaving it all in God’s hands will give you peace. After my second visit with her, she shared that she was not going to let this disease consume her and she gave it all to God and felt better. When I leave a patient’s room like this, I am comforted, additionally blessed, and give all of the credit to God.

Last night I was called to ER for a level 1 motorcycle collision. The man is 52; he was not wearing a helmet and was trying to go through a yellow light. The car in front of him stopped quickly and part of his Harley caught on her bumper and threw him. When he came in, he was bloody from so many cuts, terrible scrapes, and they put a collar on him right away in the event of head trauma. He was talking to the Doctors but said he had a lot of pain in his back. I became a detective trying to locate family. I received an address from EMS, used many web-links but had no success. I called the Ft Worth police department, gave the ER# and my name to them and they called me back. They had an officer call me and he was not successful in finding family.

When I went into the patient’s room, I asked for a number or name and he told me his son was a policeman. As soon as he gave me his name, I called the officer and had him locate the son and do whatever it took to get him to the hospital. He was there within 30 minutes. When his son came in, I introduced myself as the Chaplain; he shook my hands and went in to see his Dad. He called family and when he came from the room, he hugged me for contacting him. What’s so amazing is that most policemen rarely hug. I was able to leave because other family members were on their way.

There have been many deaths this month, many code blue calls, many crisis visits such as miscarriages, motorcycle collisions, hit and run accidents, gunshot victims, full arrest which resulted in death, and several suicidal patient visits. As I look back over the year, I must say that the most emotional times for me have been deaths of adults, the 16 year old who drowned but mostly those which were babies. Sometimes they have been 20 weeks, sometimes, 30, and a few have been 32 weeks. I have baptized and blessed many babies but the ones who have died have touched me in a way that is difficult to explain or even for me to grasp the why. When the Mom and/or Dad asks why, I have no answer for them and all I can do at the moment is to hold them and say, “I am so sorry” and sometimes facilitate a conversation about their other children or ask if this child would have been their first. I may ask them to talk about the name and sometimes there is conversation but often times it is silence, which is ok. Sometimes it is hugging them and being with them in their grief, pain and sorrow.

As I leave this wonderful program, I will remain at the hospital in a non-resident role and work as a Chaplain while I attend Brite Divinity on the TCU campus in Ft Worth, TX. I have started school (8/26) and taking Congregational Leadership, Evangelism, and History of Christianity for the first semester. All new students at Brite have to take a 6-week course called Theological resource seminar which helps you to learn the different databases for doing research papers. Fortunately I have used most of them when I attended SFTS in San Anselmo, CA.

My next article will resume my seminary life in Ft Worth, TX at Brite Divinity for the next two years focusing on Pastoral Theology.

Lord, may I continue to have a servant’s heart in all that I say and do.

~to be continued~

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*Academics*
The kids are learning about

Letters “C”& “D”
Numbers: 3 & 4

Lesson for the month:
Words That Rhyme

*Themes & Activities*

*Health & Safety*
10/5-10/9
*10/5 Art: Safety Vest
Poem: Healthy Way
* 10/6 Learning the letter C
* 10/7 Learning the number 3
* 10/8 Lesson: Words that rhyme with CAR
* 10/9 Bring Something to Share &



*My Body*
10/12-10/16

* 10/12 Art: Body parts book
Song: Head & Shoulder

* 10/13 Learning the letter C
* 10/14 Learning the number 3
* 10/15 Lesson: Words that rhyme with CAT
* 10/16 Bring Something to Share &



*Clothes & Shoes* 10/19-10/23
* 10/19 Art: Clothes collage
Poem: Dressed in the morning
* 10/20 learning the letter D
* 10/21 Learning the number 4


* 10/22 Lesson: Words that rhyme with Key
* 10/23 Bring Something to Share &



*Trick or Treat & Harvest*
10/26-10/30

* 10/26 Art: Paper bag pumpkins
Song: I’m a pumpkin
* 10/27 Learning the letter D
* 10/28 Learning the number 4
* 10/29 Lesson: Words that rhyme with DAY



*10/30 Costume Parade
Bring Something to Share &



*Special Events*


Outdoor Work Day Saturday, October 17




Costume Parade Friday 10/30 at 10AM









*Poetry*
OCTOBER MOON
by M. Linda Steffey



Red berries
On the Dogwood tree
And leaves golden turn
October moon gives quiet glow
Sun rays no longer burn…
Still days crisp and cool
The leaves come drifting down
Across the moon's glowing face
Geese skeins..their honking sound;

Brown stalks of corn
'Neath hazy moon
Hot chocolate by the fire
White breath against chill of night
Warm blankets when you retire
To smell the pumpkin pies that bake
The apples and the yams
Soon to have the corn roast
Yeast rolls...family clans…


O how I love the Autumn days
Before the winter skies
The crunch of leaves 'neath your feet
Soon covered when snow flies…
Clear rosey dawns begin the days
And sweaters take the chill
Bright leaves and pumpkins
Squash and corn
Moonbeams on my windowsill...

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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries


MANY THANKS…

To Kelby Antolin, Benjamin and Dana Marino, Ray Mignogna, Patty Potter, Darlene Ristrim, Kevin Rockwood, Brian and Jerry Siegfried for all the help in the production of the Eastside Community Jazz Ensemble concert on September 13th, 2009.

FUNK TRAIN EXPRESS
Sunday, October 18th, 3 PM
Suggested Donation $10 per person

Also known as “FTX,” Funk Train Express is comprised of the vibe of talented musicians and true friends. Based in San Jose in the Bay Area, their music has taken them on a journey up and down California with musical styles ranging from Classic R&B, Old Skool Funk, and the hits of today.

On keyboard and vocals, Noli Magsino has made music a lifetime achievement performing with Bay Area bands including D’Groove, and Pacific Vibrations. Also an established trombonist, Noli enjoys covering the music of T.O.P, and E.W.F.

On trombone and vocals, San Jose native Gerald Corpuz has been playing trombone and piano since age 9. Back from a seven-year hiatus, Gerald gets to showcase his love for music with FTX.

On guitar, Noel Victorio was a former Rock/Metal Band singer whose musical influence includes Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Led Zepplin, AC/DC, Santana, Mike Elnziger, and Joe Satriani.

The foundation of FTX, bass player Josh Daily’s playing has been inspired by the classic R&B and Soul of James Brown, Chuck Brown, and Stevie Wonder.

On drums, San Jose native Benny Vega has been playing drums since age 9. He has played with various groups including The Other Left.

On trombone and trumpet, Keith Hunter is currently pursuing his studies at San Jose State University for trombone performance and music education. He also plays with another group called the Cavalier.

On trumpet and vocals, Darnell Johnson is a DCI World Champion who currently plays with the Santa Clara Vanguard and Renegades Drum & Bugle Corps.

On vocals, Jen Estrada’s soulful sound is inspired by a range of cross-cultural influences, from jazz and bossa nova to R&B and hip-hop.

On vocals, Honeybill Decter sings with the Minstrels of the Lord for Saint Francis of Assisi Church.

Coming soon to Foothill. Don’t miss it!

SNEAK PEAK

South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, November 13th, 7:30 PM

Celtic Rose – Sunday, November 22nd, 3 PM

10th Annual Festival of Carols – Friday, December 11th, 7 PM

Mark your calendars! Don’t miss them.


JOIN OUR LOVELY MUSIC ENSEMBLES

We rehearse on:

Children’s Choir – Sundays after worship

Chancel Choir – Thursdays, 7:30 PM

Glory Ringers – Mondays, 7:30 PM

Peralta Consort – (contact Kraig for more info)

Enthusiasm highly welcomed.



AV LIBRARY

Folks are using the AV library! It’s no surprise since we do have a variety from which to choose:

THEMES AND MEDIA

In CD and Cassette:

Christian - Anointed, Brian Duncan, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay

Classical – Anonymous 4, Kathleen Battle, John Elliot Gardner, Jessie Norman, Luciano Pavarotti, Robert Shaw, Herbert Von Karajan. Numerous other conductors conducting works by Beethoven, Faure, Handel, Mozart, Verdi, etc…

Pop – Phil Keaggy, David Foster, Spandau Ballet, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Bebe Winans, Steve Winwood

Bluegrass and Country – Foxglove, Sidesaddle & Co., etc…

In DVD and VHS:

Contact, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Independence Day, Leave It To Beaver, Princess Bride, Stepford Wives, Xmen

*NOTE:

Please mind the ratings when you check out movies. Use your discretion when borrowing DVD and VHS tapes rated PG and PG-13.

We also have Christian, Documentaries, Health and Fitness, Inspirational themes and many more.

Movies and Audio recordings are arranged alphabetically.

LISTENING AND VIEWING STATIONS

Not quite sure what to check out? Feel free to use our Listening and Viewing Stations before you make up your mind.

MUSIC SERIES, WORSHIP and SPECIAL SERVICES

We have recordings of them. If you choose to keep a CD of one of our services, please help us with our digital expenses by making a donation of $1 per CD. The alternative is to check one out and return when you are finished. As for Music Series concerts, have you ever been to a Music Series concert or missed one? Check out recorded performances of the guest artists and performers.

DONATIONS

If you would like to donate DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes and cassettes, please feel free to do so by dropping them off in the Donations box.

Thanks for your support.

__________________________________________________________________

(photo: grounds at Wesley Pines)
Conversation with Maury Mitchell
-Gay Southwell

The following is a summary of a phone conversation that Gay had with Maury in August of this year.
Maury is so sad to miss Jazz on the grass. He said he misses us so much, all of his “Foothill Friends”.

He is settling in to his two rooms at Wesley Pines. When I called, he was listening to music.

The two Bible classes he is teaching are rewarding to him and to those who listen and discuss the teachings of Christ.

He has already received his photo directory and said the cover photo of the trees reminded him of his views in North Carolina right outside his window. He really enjoyed the new directory and like the informal photos in it. He was just tickled to get it.

Maury sees his oldest son, Maurice Jr. often as he lives near by and helps him and takes him places. Some of his grandchildren bring the great grandchildren over to visit him. He really is enjoying seeing the little ones.

All in all, Maury sounds great and I told him we all miss him also.

____________________________________________________

Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, October 4 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12: Mark 10:2-16

Sunday, October 11
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31

Sunday, October 18
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Job 38:1-7 (34-41); Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45

Sunday, October 25
30th Sunday in Ordinary time
Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22); Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52

__________________________________________________________________


Men's Breakfast Saturday, October 3rd, 8:30 am, in Room 9




Senior Fellowship Lunch, Wednesday, Oct. 28th, 11:30am,
at Denny's (Capitol Ave & Berryessa Rd.)

September 2009

A Message from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

For me, this summer was a season of many journeys to beautiful places. In May, Anne and I went to Switzerland and Italy, and crossed the Alps, which may be the most beautiful chain of mountains on the planet. In July, I visited the mountains and deserts of the American Southwest and was deeply touched by the expanse of the sky and the colors of the desert. In August, I went to Cape Cod in Massachusetts where I officiated at a joyous wedding and enjoyed the small, quaint New England villages I visited. But here’s the thing: in Massachusetts, I stayed at what very well may be the dingiest motel on the Eastern Seaboard. What it lacked in charm it made up for in dilapidation. It smelled of mildew and depravity. I, who once traveled, unfazed through Communist rebel-held territory in Guatemala, was afraid to do yoga on the carpet. Man, it was bad.

The hotel taught me something about myself that I think can be generalized to a lesson about life. The squalor of the place I stayed depressed me. It put me in a bad mood and made life seem a bit more gloomy than it really is. It wasn’t healthy, but when I got out of the motel, and went somewhere wonderful—the gristmill pond in Sandwich, MA, for example—my spirits came alive. I need beauty in my life to be a balanced, spiritually healthy person; and I’m guessing what’s true for me is what’s true for all of us. Without beauty our lives are uninspired and far more dreary than they need to be.

I believe God has created beauty and has given us beauty as a gift. God has made the world beautiful, and God has made people in God’s image, meaning that each of us is capable of creating and enjoying beauty. We are made to be surrounded by beauty. It’s part of God’s design for our lives.

So let’s all try to include more beauty in our lives. Let’s enjoy God’s creation. Let’s read poetry, listen to good music, plant irises, cook wonderful meals; whatever it takes to make life more lovely for ourselves and for others. Let’s do it and consider it a moral obligation.

May your life be full of God’s wonder,

Ben

_____________________________________________________________________

The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14)

We have learned how to present our verbatims on Thursdays differently. We use a template called theological reflection. As a group we brainstorm about key theological issues of the verbatim, we come up with what the concept of God is for the Chaplain on the visit and try to determine what it is by the patient. We also brainstorm about specific theological doctrines, biblical parables, sin-salvation, grace-works, and community-isolation. The one that is sometimes difficult is our seeking to develop better constructs. As an example, if the construct is sin, what would forgiveness look like in the visit? We also determine what the Gospel is in the context and what Good news would look like to the patient. After all of this, the presenter reviews it to determine growing edges which could mean developing one’s pastoral authority, position on evil and suffering, and the ability to deal with non or anti-religious persons. I really like presenting on Thursdays and each person has to present two verbatims (Tues, Thurs) but I will present three. No one else wanted to present more than two.

Because of the above, my visits have been much more meaningful because I am thinking more theologically now. My conversations are more enjoyable with this new knowledge that I am learning. I especially like visiting on the ER/medicine side because patients have been there short times, long times, and in-between times. Most of the patients that I visit don’t know that Chaplains are available in the hospital and are glad to have someone visit them. Some of my conversations have been quite meaningful. As an example, there was a lady who is a frequent flier (several times in the hospital) of the hospitals in the downtown location and on this particular day she wanted to talk more about her condition. She was burned (60%) a year ago by a gang of men for initiation but she has suffered more lately because her scars on her body itch more.

When I was visiting her, she informed me that she trusts God more now; she wanted me to read James Chapter 1 to her and pray with her. After all of this, she said that she is in more pain now than she has been in the past year. She asked me to tell the RN that she needed her back scratched and I said I would. When I did inform the RN, it took her a while. I was a little irritated at this because the RN was not busy. I was getting ready to say something to her but the patient walked out of her room and when the RN saw her, she quickly got up from her chair. This patient’s face was horrible to look at due to the burns and she would scare anyone who looked at her. The RN put on gloves and walked with her to her room and scratched her back. When she came out, I said to her, “thank you for taking care of her.” I am not sure if she understood or not but I then said to her, “a lot of the time our patients need tender loving care.” She smiled and said, “I know.” I thought about this particular visit later in a theological way and better understand both sides; RN’s and patient’s. You see, the RN was young (~20) and did not understand the urgency of taking care of this patient. I was glad to be there for the patient when she needed someone the most.

It feels so good when we (interdisciplinary team) do something special for our patients. A patient on our trauma ICO floors is Chinese (21), attends Texas Christian University and her parents are here from China. They had not traveled outside of China, and they are here to take care of their only child. When I visited them this past Saturday, I walked in, bowed out of respect (their culture) and put my hands together in prayer and pointed towards their daughter. The father called his interpreter and gave me the phone. After explaining to him what I came to do, he interpreted and the father hung up the phone quickly and held out his hands to me and his wife did also. I prayed in English and they prayed in Chinese. When I said AMEN, they said AMEN. They both came and hugged me. I received such a wonderful blessing from this visit and thanked God for calling me there. Later in the day after they were allowed to have someone come in and perform acupuncture on their daughter, I went to the room later to check on them and they hugged me and were both smiling. There were no words needed and we all understood each other.

My visits are meaningful to me and I try to walk into a room in a loving way without any of my baggage so that the visit is all about the patient. Sometimes this is difficult but most times it is a JOY (Jesus, Other, You) when I enter. I am blessed when I leave a room from a visit because no matter what happens, I have been obedient to God and hopefully been an agent of God for the patient.

I still face lots of death but glad to be there for the families. Sometimes the deaths are so difficult and emotional but thanks to God, I get through it. When I start as a Chaplain in September most of my visits will be with staff members. I will work two nights for 10 hours each night and Tuesday to Thursday from 8 am to 12 noon. I am looking forward to being a Chaplain in a different setting and this means no CPE/education. I will still have to write reflection papers and a few verbatims but will not have to present any of them. The best thing about working is that I get to use all of my work hours towards board certification.

When I presented my Theology of Pastoral Care paper, it was well received and I did not get many questions from my peers. I will most likely make some changes to it as I continue working, caring for patients, and will see how much influence Divinity school will have on me.

A good Pastor/Chaplain shines with peace and love, because they are always in communion with the Word-William C. Martin

~to be continued~

____________________________________________________________________











*Academics*
The kids are learning about Letters:






and the Numbers:







Lesson for the month:
Words the Rhyme


*Themes & Activities*

*Friends*
8/31-9/4
* 8/31 Art: Friendship Mural
Poem: If you’re friendly
* 9/1 Learning the letter A
* 9/2 Learning the number 1
* 9/3 Lesson: Words that rhyme with GO




*Grandparents*
9/8-9/11
*9/8 Art: Grandparents Card
Song: Let’s go see our grandparents
*9/9 Learning the letter A
*9/10 Learning the number 1
* 9/11 Bring a picture of your grandparents
Lesson: Words that rhyme with CAT



*Back to School*
9/14-9/18
* 9/14 Art: Name tags
Poem: First day of school
* 9/15 learning the letter B
* 9/16 Learning the number 2
* 9/17 Lesson: Words that rhyme with ME


*Space*
9/21-9/25
*9/21 Art: Rockets
Song: Mr. Moon
*9/22 Learning the letter B
*9/23 Learning the number 2
*9/24 Lesson: Words that rhyme with FAN

*Hospital*
9/28-10/2
*9/28 Art: Band-aid picture
Song: Doctor make us well
*9/29 Learning the letter B
*9/30 Learning the number 2
*10/1 Lesson: Words that rhyme with DAY

*Special Events*

Grandparents Lunch
Friday, September 11

Back to School Social Dinner
Friday, September 18


Field Trip to Prucsh Farm
Wednesday, September 23



*School Closed* Monday, September 7- Labor Day *Re-Occurring Activities*

First Wednesday Of The Month
Chapel With Pastor Ben




Every Friday
Movie & Share day





*Spiritual Poetry*
From Someone in Heaven

When you feel a gentle breeze
Caress you when you sigh
It's a hug sent from Heaven
From a loved one way up high
If a soft and tender raindrop
Lands upon your nose
They've added a small kiss
As fragile as a rose
If you awaken in the morning
To a bluebird's chirping song
It's music sent from Heaven
To cheer you all day long

____________________________________________________________________

Visioning Committee -Bertha Nelson

As many of you may know, Foothill Presbyterian Church has established a “Visioning Committee.” This committee is charged with the task of strategic planning. This is a disciplined effort to produce decisions and actions that shape what our church is and why it does what it does. Our goal is to attain clarity and cohesion regarding the congregation’s purpose. The end goal is to produce a plan that will promote spiritual growth and vitality of the people involved who will pursue their call to participate in God’s work in the world.

In an effort to start this process, the committee will be distributing a survey to all members of the congregation. It will be available in the church bulletin, through the mail, and on-line. The survey should be completed by each individual person attending Foothill Presbyterian Church age 10 years and older. It is not required that participants be members of the church.

The Visioning Committee consists of the following members: John Belz, Ben Daniel, Greg Gatzke, Bertha Nelson, Kevin Rockwood, Sharon Rowser, and Andrew Yarborough. Please see any one of us if you have questions regarding this process and/or survey.

____________________________________________________________________


The Fall Retreat registration has begun. I hope you are planning to attend the weekend of September 25th.

The location of the Fall Retreat is Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods. Each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And this is always a fun fellowship weekend with the FPC family.

Sam Barry, columnist Dave Barry’s brother, will be providing our program. The theme is "How to Play” focusing on keeping a sense of fun in the life of the spirit. We will explore ways to keep humor and levity in our spiritual lives despite trying times. I expect music and humor to be a large part of the weekend.

With additional donations I was able to obtain this year, the fees have been lowered.
THANKS FOR THE HELP!

The costs are as follows:
Adults $130
12-19 $95
03-11 $55
Less than 3 $15

This includes 2 nights and 6 meals. Partial attendance is available, also.
Please contact me for the costs.

Please register early as it helps with planning. Look for the sign up table after church or sign up at the church office.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks!
Martha Belz


____________________________________________________________________


FEAST DAY OF ST. FRANCIS
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
11:00AM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2009

FOLLOWED BY A POT LUCK LUNCH
PLEASE HAVE YOUR ANIMAL LEASHED OR CRATED.

WE WILL ALSO BE COLLECTING BLANKETS & TOWELS TO DONATE TO THE CITY SAN JOSE ANIMAL CARE AND SERVICES

____________________________________________________________________
East Valley Artists
Annual Member Juried Art Show
Saturday, October 3, 2009
9AM-6PM

The East Valley Artist (EVA) organization (who conducts their monthly meetings at Foothill) will again be holding its annual art show on Saturday, October 3, 2009 in the Fellowship Hall from 9AM to 6PM. The public will be invited to view local fine art offered for sale. EVA will be donating 10% of all sales to the church.

A free raffle will be conducted for those who come and vote for their favorite art with a piece of EVA original art being awarded to the winner (do not need to be present to win). Free refreshments will be available.

The EVA has also asked the Foothill Christian Preschool and church children to display their art for viewing. MARK YOUR CALENDARS and PLAN TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS on October 3rd. For more information, call Wendell Fiock, EVA, at 408-806-0919.


____________________________________________________________________

Learn more Presbyterian News Service 'Hungry to make a difference' San Francisco church's 'Welcome Ministry' transforms lives, members by Anitra Kitts Special to Presbyterian News Service Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of stories about congregations engaged in significant outreach and evangelism ministries, reflecting the General Assembly's commitment to "Grow Christ's Church Deep and Wide." - Jerry L. Van Marter SAN FRANCISCO - It started with a sermon. One of those sermons that at the time probably seemed like just another day of preaching but turned out to be a sermon that changed people's lives. There was no altar call, no great cries of alleluia, no flames of spirit descending from above. The preacher probably went home to lunch and the life-giving preacher's nap, already releasing the words from his heart and mind. But those words were deep at work in the hearts of the congregation, and within a few years the homeless would have homes and some lost in addictions and illness would find new life restored to them. It was an Ash Wednesday service in the spring of 1996, the preacher was the Rev. Tim Hart-Andersen and the congregation was Old First Presbyterian Church, in a San Francisco neighborhood that struggled not just with poverty, mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse, but also homophobia. Long before The Castro, just a few miles south of Old First, became internationally known as a gay neighborhood, the area known as Lower Polk Street hosted businesses and bars welcoming to gay, lesbian and transgendered people when little else in the city was safe. As the more affluent moved into The Castro, the people who lived on the margins remained behind, trapped in poverty, sometimes mental illness, and often drug and alcohol abuse. The sermon's message was simple. "I pointed out that according to Matthew, the three disciplines Jesus taught that are at the core of Christian life were alms-giving, prayer and fasting," Hart-Andersen said. "I challenged the congregation that Lent to take on the discipline of alms-giving to our homeless neighbors - or at least giving of their time in conversation with them, if they did not want to give money. I urged them not to pass a single homeless person without stopping to give them a greeting or a quarter or some acknowledgement that they were not invisible." The congregation took up the challenge. Some made sandwiches, some gave away quarters and some built more time into their commute to work in order to engage in conversations along the way. Later that spring, the congregation put together a series of classes on the problems of homelessness led by social service providers, advocates and even the homeless themselves. By 1997, a simple ministry began to develop, led by volunteers and seminary intern Susan Young and in partnership with neighboring congregations and organizations. Based on extensive conversations with neighborhood businesses, city government service providers and policing representatives, Old First began to host a Welcome Center on Tuesday afternoons in the church basement. A simple lunch of soup and sandwiches was prepared and served to the guests and one-on-one conversations were initiated. "It became our M.O.," said Barry Clagett, an elder at Old First and an early volunteer. "We called them guests and over a period of time the visitors and the volunteers would become acquainted with each other and develop some mutual trust till there was enough trust that a homeless person would let a volunteer help. When they are ready for us to help them, then we do." More than 10 years, four directors, and one 501(c) (3) incorporation later, sharing food and conversation remain at the heart of The Welcome Center's ministry. Two years ago, those conversations revealed a key that has helped nearly 300 guests get off the street and into long-term, stable housing: access to a government-issued I.D. Everything from access to shelter, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, job training, jobs, food stamps or even the right to simply walk on the sidewalk depends on having and showing government-issued I.D. - a requirement that is driven by immigration and post 9/11 security legislation. Because of their vulnerability and the fundamentally transient nature of their lives, it is difficult for homeless people to hold on to any possessions, including their I.D. Some never had I.D. to begin with, due to running away from (or being thrown out of) home in their teens. In either case, without I.D., the leaders at the Welcome Ministry learned through conversations with their guests, there was little hope of getting off the street and into long-term solutions. Replacing one's I.D. is time consuming, requires follow-through and money for fees and frequently some form of a permanent address, all of which is in short supply when living on the streets. So, two years ago, the Welcome Ministry decided to concentrate on getting I.D.s for its guests. "We hired a second person, Jay Wilson, who is a pastor and a social worker and who I call a miracle worker because he loves to fill out paperwork," said the Rev. Megan Rohrer, executive director. "We hoped we could help 150 people get their I.D., and we helped 340 people. Of that group, 155 people got into housing just because we could help fill out the paper work. Listening helps us find the tiny little things that really make a difference." In May, The Welcome Ministry formally changed its focus from "Service to the Homeless" to "A communal response to poverty" because the guests were no longer homeless. "To tell you the truth, the church benefits," said the Rev. Maggi Henderson, Old First's pastor. "We've got some really great members who have joined who first came through the (Welcome Ministry) program. Members volunteer at the Welcome Ministry and our people are integrated with the board. "I'm proud to say that this is our church and this is what we do," Henderson said. "We're doing what the gospel very clearly tells us to do. "It is a bit risky. It is a bit uncomfortable, but this is where the joy comes from. I think people are hungry to make a difference." Anitra Kitts is a freelance writer in Santa Rosa, CA, and a candidate for the ministry certified as ready to receive a call by Cascades Presbytery. http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09730.htm

August 2009

Sarah Glass here.

Many of you at FPC have watched over me as I have grown up from a child into a young woman, and you have guided me and supported me as I pursue a call in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is my great honor and privilege, then, to extend to all of you an invitation to another milestone in my life.

On August 15th at 2pm, Ben will be presiding over my marriage to Alex Weisiger, a wonderful person whom I met while at seminary, and we would both be honored to share this celebration with all of you. We are continually blessed by your love and support, and we look forward to sharing this sacred moment with you.

What? Sarah Glass and Alex Weisiger's Wedding
When? August 15, 2009 at 2pm
Where? Foothill Presbyterian Church, sanctuary


The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender

One of the wonders of grace is that it can move into the most broken of lives with a kindness that is as wise as it is good. -Mart de Haan

This is my final unit of the one year residency program and there are a lot of things to complete prior to our graduation. We have our summer resident students (two), we have a lot more reading this unit, we have to facilitate class and teach three chapters from a book, we have verbatims to write and present, reflection papers (two a week for me), a five page Theology of Pastoral Care paper, and our final unit eval in late August. We are still expected to complete our pastoral visits and write a stats reflection paper each month. In addition, we have had to watch two movies and write reflection papers on them. I have spent more time at work due to many residents on vacation or out sick but the nice thing is I am compensated with time off, when I can take it.

I have had the summer residents shadow/trail me and had to write a reflection paper when their training was completed. I had so much joy with them and was glad to be in this position to help them. Also, I learned that I have grown tremendously and it wasn’t until they were with me that I noticed it. In my papers, I described what it was like to have someone trail me, debrief with them, I taught them how to observe a patient and be clear what they see in someone’s room, and I taught them how to chart electronically. Because both are Catholic and studying to become Priests, I worked with them on how to be a Chaplain to anyone, regardless of their faith tradition. The influence and power I had over them was used to enable and empower them.

These past few weeks I have started to take care of myself to be sure I am healthy. I have had a physical, mammogram, nuclear stress test and an upper/lower GI test and they have come back negative. I am also going to a chiropractor three times a week for disk decompression due to pain in my lower back which is starting to go away. After working as a Chaplain and seeing so much sickness and poor prognosis, I decided it was time to do this.

We have seen many increases in full arrest (results in death), suicide attempts, self inflected gunshot wounds, and accidental drowning beside the usual natural cause deaths.

I had a very traumatic death on 6/20. A young man of 16 was brought in due to being in a pool for a long period of time. He was at his girlfriend’s house and she had not seen him and thought he was sitting outside until she checked. He was at the bottom of the pool. She dove in, pushed him up and immediately started CPR. Her parents called EMS, they rushed to the house, took over CPR and continued it until they reached the hospital. Because she was not family, I could not share any information with her.

I was able to get his Mom on the phone and handed it to the RN because Chaplains are not allowed to share medical information unless it is a dire emergency. She and her husband rushed to the hospital and while reroute, I was with the girlfriend, her Father and Mother who were all sobbing. At one point she was on the floor crying to God to let him breath but unfortunately he never woke up again but we couldn’t tell her due to HIPPA laws.

When his Mom and step-Dad arrived, we brought them to a room that had the Doctor, RN, and me. When the Doctor explained what he had tried to do, the Mom screamed and said, “I know this is a dream and I am going to wake up from it.” When she opened her eyes, she said, no Mother should have to bury her son, especially one so young. She cried and cried and I held her for a long time. When she finally said, “I want to see my son”, the officer came in to tell her that she couldn’t due to the suspicious nature of his drowning, I thought she would fall over and die.
As I stood outside the room, I asked if he had children, how many, and what ages. He did have a 16 year old and did understand. They were allowed to see him but not touch him and this was so difficult for her not to touch her son who was the youngest of four children and he was the only boy. When the biological Father came, he broke down and was sobbing for some time.

There were police officer, detectives, and our medical examiner that had to examine him to understand the nature of his drowning. We were informed by the Mom that he was an excellent swimmer but maybe he drank alcohol and fell into the pool. Anyway, I spent 6 hours with this family. When they finally allowed the girlfriend to come back to see him, she almost passed out and we had to hold her for a long period of time. The Mother was so sick that we had to admit her in what’s called kwik care to get her some valium. She could not understand how her son who was healthy could have drowned and she wanted to wake up from this nightmare. I have not been able to completely process this death nor write about it in a verbatim. I have had many deaths this month but not as traumatic.

Because I worked on a Saturday (6/20), I have 6/26 to 6/28 off to relax and travel someplace. It was highly recommended that I go to the Long Horn Caverns near Austin, TX and enjoy the weekend sightseeing.

I will begin school on 8/24 but only take three courses due to my work schedule. My director at work has committed that he will read my reflection papers and give me feedback and one of the Staff Chaplains has also committed to be a resource for me when I start my new Chaplain’s role.

How sweet are thy words unto my taste!
Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
~Psalm 119:103 ß King James Version

~to be continued~

*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “X” “Y” “Z” Colors: Orange & Green
Shapes:

*Themes & Activities*

*Transportation*

8/3-8/7

8/3 Art: Shape Train
Poem: Trains
8/4 Learning the letter X
8/5 Learning the color orange

*Veggie Tales*

Bible Week
8/10-8/14

8/10 Topic: Kindness
Story: Blind Bartimaeus
Art: Kindness Place Mat
8/11 Topic: Forgiveness
Story: Zacchaeus
Art: Trees Of Forgiveness
8/12 Topic: Gentleness
Story: Let The Children Come
Art: Children Come To Me
8/13 Topic: Love
Story: The Crucifixion
Art: Jesus’ Cross
8/14 Topic: Compassion
Cookbook Day: Pudding
Pleasers



*Dinosaurs*
8/17-8/21
8/17 Art: Dinosaur T-Shirt
Poem: The Dino Ditty
8/18 learning the letter Y
8/19 Learning the shape Circle






*Five Senses*
8/24-8/28·


8/24 Art: Scented Flower
Song: 5 Senses
· 8/25 Letter review day X Y Z
· 8/26 Learning the shape Square


*Special Events*
Summer Jazzercise
Monday & Wednesday



Let’s get wet Fridays
Veggie Tales
8/10-8/14


Dinosaurs T-Shirt
8/17

*Re-Occurring Activities*

Every First Wednesday Of The Month
With Pastor Ben

Every Friday
Movie & Share day





*Spread the word*

FCP is now excepting enrollments.


*Spiritual Poetry*
A Child’s Prayer

Dear angel ever at my side,
how lovely you must be,
To leave your home in heaven
to guard a child like me!

When I am far away from home,
or maybe hard at play,
I know you will protect me
from harm along the way.

Your beautiful and shining face
I see not, though you're near,
The sweetness of your lovely voice,
I cannot really hear.

But when I pray you're praying too,
your prayer is just for me.
And when I sleep, you never do
-you're watching over me!
__________________________________________________________

The Fall Retreat registration has begun. I hope you are planning to attend the weekend of September 25th.

The location of the Fall Retreat is Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods. Each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And this is always a fun fellowship weekend with the FPC family.

Sam Barry, columnist Dave Barry’s brother, will be providing our program. The theme is "How to Play” focusing on keeping a sense of fun in the life of the spirit. We will explore ways to keep humor and levity in our spiritual lives despite trying times. I expect music and humor to be a large part of the weekend.

With additional donations I was able to obtain this year, the fees have been lowered.
THANKS FOR THE HELP!

The costs are as follows:
Adults $130
12-19 $95
03-11 $55
Less than 3 $15

This includes 2 nights and 6 meals. Partial attendance is available, also.
Please contact me for the costs.

Please register early as it helps with planning. Look for the sign up table after church or sign up at the church office.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thanks!
Martha Belz

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the month of May the Lord’s Pantry helped to feed 832 families, 1420 adults, 1860 children, and 13 homeless individuals.

Foothill has partnered with the Lord’s Pantry and helps to support this mission by contributing food, blankets, and infant layette items. Thanks to all who help.

Especially in these times, we need to continue to help those who need it most. Please bring a non-perishable food item to church with you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feast Day of St. Francis
Blessing of the Animals
11:00AM Saturday, October 3, 2009

followed by a Pot Luck lunch

We will also be collecting blankets & towels to donate to
the City San Jose Animal care and Services

Please have your animal leashed or crated.

July 2009

A Letter from the Pastor

Friends,

On June 30 a group of us met to discuss the book Portofino, by Frank Schaeffer over a shared meal in the community garden. It was a beautiful event, and to me it was a wonderful example of our church's strengths. We enjoyed each other's company in a beautiful space over food, much of it coming from the gardens of those who shared the meal, while talking about an entertaining and thought-provoking book.

It was almost magical. We'll be reading Frank Schaffer's second book, Saving Grandma and discussing it over a similar dinner on July 14.

I hope you will join us

Peace,
Ben
--------------------------------------------------
The Life of a Seminary student
-Maxine Millender

Access to God’s throne is always open-Hess

I know that it may sound like a broken record but this has been another incredible month for me but this is not to say it’s all easy. What makes it so incredible is that we completed another unit. After each unit we present our final to our peers, CPE supervisor and our clinical coordinator, receive feedback, questions are asked, and sometimes you have to defend or stand your position on something you have said or believe in. Sometimes it can be scary but often times, it is wonderful to know you have grown since the last one that was presented. I have grown a lot since the completion of my first final. I have a very good written evaluation from my CPE supervisor that says how much growth has been noticed in me.


I would like to share some great news. I was asked to remain at Harris Methodist Hospital as a Chaplain in a non-student role working 32 hours each week, with full benefits, and continuation of PTO (pair time off). I will work on Thursday and Saturday nights and the Director will work around my school schedule to be sure I am not impacted. What this means is that I can use all of the hours I work towards board certification as a Professional Chaplain and the Staff Chaplains are committed to helping me with the paperwork once I graduate and become ordained as a Pastor. All thanks to God.


My CPE supervisor has left the hospital but gave me a glowing evaluation. Some of the things he said are, “She is fearless and open to ministry to any kind of person she meets in ministry and believes she is following God to her floors and goes with enthusiasm, expecting God’s presence in each encounter and models acceptance and tolerance in her pastoral ministry. She stands her ground with the Physicians and advocate for the patients. She is one of the most organized and productive students they have had at Harris and hold the CPE program world record for verbatim reports and reflection papers. She has come to value the reflection process and finds it helpful to write things down and writes extra verbatim papers each unit, even during the breaks and her file is the thickest file in the drawer.”


This past unit I was able to document 397 visits. I spent a lot of time with patients in ER/Medicine and on my two parish floors, which are medical illnesses and medical surge which has mostly isolation patients. We split ER into three sections and I was given the medicine side which is where the patients are most stressed due to their long wait times. I have a total of 89 patients now; I don’t plan to see each one but those I do visit are extremely meaningful to me and them. Sometimes a patient or their family member will say they don’t need or want a Chaplain and this is ok because I still inform them of our Chaplain availability, if they desire one.

Because summer time is here, our patient load will increase due to many traumas and once released from trauma, they can go to any floor where their illness will be treated. There are many parties, much drinking, and gun shots happening and they come to the hospital by EMS (ground) or by air. We still have many suicide attempts, miscarriages, and fetal demises. One of the most difficult for me is the neo-natal area. Some of the babies are so tiny that they fit in my hand and weigh ounces. Whenever I get to visit this unit, it is special.

One of the things that we hope to accomplish in CPE is our Pastoral Authority and Identity. Mine was certainly established when I baptized and blessed a baby. I cannot quote the words of the prayer but God truly spoke through me that night and I was blessed to receive confirmation from the baby’s Father. I was finally able to meet the Mom after she was out of intensive care. She developed sepsis but God was with her. God will certainly lead us, provide us with the invitation, and all we have to do is accept it. I accepted it and was rewarded. When you get the chance, read Hebrews 4:16 to understand what it means to respond to God’s invitation with awe, humility, and thanksgiving.


I have not had as many deaths this month but there has been many. When I was with the families, my time as spent to show compassion to them, comfort them, give them space and privacy to allow them to start their grief. Sometimes I am with a family up to four hours which includes prayer, scripture reading, discussing a funeral home, and waiting on other family members who come to the hospital. During the private time I give them, I am making phone calls to the medical examiner (if necessary), life gift, nursing operations, and the funeral home, if one had been chosen. I don’t approach the family about donations but have to make the call to the organization and they are the ones who call the family but we assess the family to determine if they are ready for this. If my families are grieving appropriately, I inform the coordinators it is ok to call but if they are in distress, I advise them to wait. Sometimes the family will send a card of thanks and this goes into my file. We have a memorial service every three months to help the families and this is a very special time for us.

When we work on a Saturday, we get the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. I decided to take a trip (5/22-5/24) to the western part of the Texas and after 7.5 hours of driving, I arrived in Fort Davis and went to Mount McDonald at the Observatory which is one of the highest peaks in all of TX. I had an incredible time even with the rain and hail storms. It was my time to spend with God in thanks.


I continue to let the word of God dwell in me richly in all my wisdom and teaching ~Col 3:16

~to be continued~
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*Academics*·


The kids are learning about Letters “U” “V” “W”
Colors: red, white & blue
Shapes: star & rectangle




*Themes & Activities*

*Red, White & Blue*
7/1-7/3


·7/1 Bring a red item
· 7/2 Boys wear blue Girls wear red


*Beach*
7/6-7/10

· 7/6 Art: Under the sea scene
Finger play: 5 shells
· 7/7 Learning the letter *U*
· 7/8 Learning the color white
· 7/9 Wear your pajamas day


*Sea Animals*
7/13-7/17

· 7/13 Art: Starfish
Song: Starfish
· 7/14 Learning the letter “V”
· 7/15 Learning the color blue
· 7/16 Crazy hair day

*Insects*
7/20-7/24
· 7/20 Art: Spider web
Song: Little cricket
· 7/21 Learning letter “W”
· 7/22 Learning star shapes
· 7/23 Mixed matched shoe day



*Little Chefs”
7/27-7/31
· 7/27 Snack: Beach cups- pudding & gummy fish
· 7/28 Letter review day *U,V,W*
Snack: Sea animals- graham crackers & gold fish
· 7/29 Learning rectangle shapes
Snack: Bugs in the dirt- chocolate pudding & gummy worms
· 7/30 Drink: Strawberry Frost Milkshake- Strawberries, ice cream, milk, & pink lemonade
· 7/31 Snack: Ice cream cones- home made ice cream

*Special Events*
Summer Jazzercise Monday & Wednesday

Let’s get wet Fridays








Fieldtrip Friday, July 17Park day

Every Friday Movie & Share day

*A Special Thank You To*
Jay Jordana, Fred Kromery & Jerry Segfried

Graduation Helpers
I appreciate your kindness
More than words can say
Jay’s “Pomp & Circumstance”
Really made our day

Fred’s sound system
Was easy on the ear
Little singing voices
Came through nice and clear

Jerry’s helping hands
Seemed to be everywhere
The kids really adore him
We all know you care

So, from me to all of you
Your help was the best
Our graduation ceremony
Was a complete success
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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries


MANY THANKS…


To Dana and Ben Marino, Nancy Leonard, Patty Potter, Bud Schmidt, and Kraig Williams for the successful production of the MPRO concert. To Kraig Williams who made it possible for accomplished early music musicians to be a part of the Music Series. To everyone who has contributed to the successful production of all the concerts for Season 2008-09 of the Music Series, thank you, thank you, thank you. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

NINTH ANNUAL
JAZZ ON THE GRASS
Sunday, August 23, 2 PM
Sit back, relax and listen to cool cats play hip jazz. Stay tuned for more information.

SUMMER MUSIC

Thank you to the following who are providing special music during worship while the ensembles are on summer break:

June 14 – Joanne Reinecker

June 21 – Ronn Ealy

June 28 – Laurel Brobst Gilbert

July 5 – Peralta Consort

July 12 – Katie Drew

July 19 – Grace Takeda

July 26 – Lin Peng

August 2 – Peralta Consort

August 9 – Paula Chacon

August 16 – Jillian Shiba

August 26 – Sandra Rasmussen

August 30 – Anne Marie Daniel

You make worship a more meaningful experience.
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The Fall Retreat will be here before we know it. I hope you are planning to attend the weekend of September 25^th.

The location of the Fall Retreat is Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods and each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And this is always a fun fellowship time with FPC members.

We are looking forward to a great weekend led by Sam Barry. The theme will be "How to Play” focusing on keeping a sense of fun in the life of the spirit. We will explore ways to keep humor and levity in our spiritual lives despite trying times. Sam has written a comical book about playing the harmonica and I expect music and humor to be a large part of the weekend.

I am still determining what the fees will be. Registration will begin July 5^th.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks!
Martha Belz




Summer Sunday School



Sunday School Teachers Needed for July 19th, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Contact Jane Wallace to volunteer.

It’s time to register
for Vacation Bible School
August 10-14 from 9 am-12 pm

$15 per registrant (Make checks payable to FPC)
Registration Deadline Monday, August 3rd
(community scholarships available.
Scholarship registration deadline July 17th)

Kindergarten to 6th grade. (Younger siblings accepted on a case by case basis)

A snack will be provided each day.
Daily outdoor activity. Crafts & Music

Contact Melissa Hill for more information
408-879-9688 or
tazzzz777@earthlink.net

2nd Time Around Books
Summer Reading
The book cart could use some new selections.
Please donate books you are finished with and share the love of reading this summer.

June 2009

Pastor Ben’s Prize Winning Sermon




The following sermon “Freedom and the Beauty of Diversity” has won Pastor Ben first prize in an international sermon-writing contest held in conjunction with the celebration of the 500th birthday of Protestant reformer John Calvin. The prize-winning sermon earned him a three-day stay in Geneva, including travel and accommodations, in conjunction with this year’s Calvin Jubilee celebrations.

As I think about what it means for the Spirit of Pentecost to be alive in the Church, the image that comes to mind is that of Cathedral St. Pierre in Geneva, from whose pulpit Calvin preached in the days when the people of Geneva gave birth to the Reformed Tradition.

It is a building I love for its historical importance, but I also love the cathedral for its eclectic architecture. Over the years, the church has evolved with additions and renovations without conformity to one architectural style. Rather, the building reflects the values and aesthetics of architects and laborers working in various historical contexts.

The cathedral has a gothic nave and a neoclassical façade; its two bell towers and its spire all come from different eras. Inside, there is both a stained-glass image of Mary Magdalene holding the Holy Grail and a carving of an erotically suggestive mermaid. Just to keep us doctrinally-correct Calvinists confused, an excavated pagan shrine lies almost directly beneath Calvin’s pulpit. The cathedral in Geneva is glorious because of its eclectic design. It’s a lot like the Church, the Body of Christ - both are made beautiful by diversity.

Now, I have met people who lament the diversity that marks the Church Triumphant, especially in the Reformed Tradition. To them diversity is evidence of imperfection, as if the Church must manifest doctrinal, liturgical and ecclesiastical conformity to be beautiful.

I think they are wrong. It is God who breathes life into the Body of Christ, and since the very first Christian Pentecost God has chosen to create a church made up of people from every tribe and tongue by giving humanity the freedom to worship and to serve God in the language of our hearts and our dreams.

Here’s what John Calvin had to say about the Holy Spirit’s liberation of language at Pentecost: The diversity of tongues did hinder the gospel from being spread abroad any farther; so that, if the preachers of the gospel had spoken one language only, all [people] would have thought that Christ had been shut up… But God invented a way whereby [the gospel] might break out, when he divided and clove the tongues of the apostles, that they might spread that abroad amongst all people which was delivered to them. Wherein appeareth the manifold goodness of God, because a plague and punishment of man’s pride was turned into matter of blessing. [Commentary on Acts vol. 1, 2:2]

This is typical of how Calvin understood the role of human freedom in the Church. In the Institutes, Calvin speaks of God freeing Christians from the law—not so that we can live libertine lives but so that we my use our freedom to follow God’s leading as God’s children, “cheerfully and with great eagerness.” [Institutes, III, 19, 5]. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit breaks down human linguistic barriers, not so that we can all be the same, but so that we can be faithfully different by being faithfully ourselves. The miracle of Pentecost does not cause us to look back to the human condition before the fall of Babel; Pentecost sets our sights on the Kingdom of God, when, in the fullness of time, Christ will gather people of every nation to join with saints and angels in eternal praise, each of us singing in the language we know best.

God calls the fullness of humanity freely to serve and praise God as God created us: speaking the language that is natural to us, employing the gifts with which we have been endowed, worshiping in ways that reflect the cultures that have nurtured us. The problem is that too many of us miss the miracle that is a Church made beautiful by the diversity of God’s children.

In the story of the first Pentecost we’re told that while many people heard the Gospel in their mother tongues and rejoiced, others were unable to hear the message in any language. To those who remained closed to the Holy Ghost, the beautiful tapestry of languages woven into the Christian Church at Pentecost was dismissed as drunken cacophony, and there remain many who consider it crazy to embrace diversity as, in its better moments, the Reformed Tradition always has sought to do.

Our congregation has learned to appreciate the beauty of linguistic and cultural diversity. We’re a church of two hundred members who grew up speaking more than twenty different languages, but not every congregation is so richly blessed. Even among Presbyterians here in San Jose, which is among the most linguistically and culturally diverse cities on the planet, there are those who believe that everyone should worship in English, who fear that we cannot be one church if we speak many languages.

Nonetheless, our Presbytery has communities that worship in Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Taiwanese, and Indonesian. Are we crazy? Have we been drinking the new wine of cultural relativism?

No. We have caught a vision of the Kingdom of God. We have been touched by the Holy Spirit. We have seen visions. We have dreamed dreams. We know that God is building a church in which every facet of human diversity is essential. God has chosen us each to leave a mark upon the Church of God’s own design.

At Pentecost, we are freed from the constraints of language, just as we are freed from sin by God’s grace. We are freed to serve God gladly as children and not as servants; we are freed from the bondage of linguistic confusion to the beauty of human diversity made manifest in the Church.

Let us then make use of the freedom that is a divine gift. Let us rejoice in the beautiful diversity of God’s children in the Church. Let us value each member of the church equally, understanding that each voice—including those who normally are marginalized—speaking every language is cherished by God. This has been the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church since Pentecost; it will be the work of the Church until God’s work is complete, when each of us takes a seat in the great multilingual choir and together we abandon ourselves in eternal praise.
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The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender

Even the ordinary and the outcast can make the cut to follow Jesus -Spear

This month it seems like my visits were focused on medical power of attorney, overdoses, and death. The medical power of attorney is an interesting visit with a patient. We always speak direct to the patient but sometimes the families will try to respond for them. When this happens, we inform them that we cannot complete the document because it is up to the patient to appoint or designate an agent or more. I have had one revoked because I listened to the wife instead of the husband who was the patient but I quickly learned my lesson. When we have hearing impaired folks, we have them point to the person they want to designate and it works fine. We always obtain the two-witnesses, make a copy of the document for the hospital chart, and give the original to the primary agent who was designated.

There have been many overdoses this month. It is not always drugs that folks overdose on, we also have those who overdose on alcohol and are so drunk they have tremors as if they are in withdrawal. A lady of 55 came to the ER due to an overdose on her depression meds. She and her husband had a fight because he decided he no longer wanted to be married to her. She was devasted, took all these pills in the bottle, and he was trying to pump on her stomach until EMS arrived and took over. (because we are notified by pager for all crisis calls, I was already waiting for her) I introduced myself to her, asked her name, and asked if she was ok with her family coming into her room. She told me she only wanted to see her Mother and Aunt. Her husband was on his way but she did not want to see him. I spoke with our security folks and only those she approved of were allowed to go in her room. When the husband arrived, he tried everything he could think of to convince security but they would not allow him in the room. We have very good security in the hospital and I use them due to a lot of family dynamics that don’t often turn our good.

One young man (27) came in drunk and had been run over by a car; turns out it was his friend who was also drunk (both drank 12 cans of beer) and didn’t see him. He was terrible to the staff and we let him sleep it off. When he was sober enough, he wanted pain medicine because he usually gets it from another hospital but the Doctors told him no and he was not happy. He was nasty to the RNs, Doctors, and care techs. I shared his overall perception with him so that he could see how he had been and why no one wanted to help him. When he was admitted, he had the nerve to smoke in his room and the room had oxygen in it.

Death happens in many ways at the hospital. We have elderly that come from nursing homes, young adults, middle age adults, and babies. I have dealt with many deaths in our labor and delivery area and when this happens, they are very emotional. One young lady is 34, had tried for years to get pregnant, and they decided to do in vitro. She was expecting twins but at 22 weeks, she started to cramp. The Doctors discovered that one of the twin babies had a prolapsed cord and they had to cut it, leave the baby inside her, and hope the other twin lived. She developed sepsis (blood poison) in her body and as soon as the babies were delivered, they intubated her and she was rushed to ICU. She is much better but both babies are dead. The one baby who was breathing was alive for 22 minutes. Since the baby was alive, I made a decision to baptize and bless the baby and I am so thankful that I did this for the couple. The RN was so compassionate with both babies and it was heartbreaking for me, the RN, and the Father. The baby was a boy but the Father told us it was a girl, based on the sonogram. I helped him pick a funeral home and he decided to have the baby cremated. I was so touched by it that I wrote a verbatim on it which caused many emotions to surface for the entire group.

I finally had some time off and decided to drive to Granbury, TX. The drive was about one hour from Ft Worth and I stayed in a Christian bed & breakfast. I saw a musical which featured songs from the 40’s to the 80’s. I really enjoyed myself and it was good to get away. Before leaving Granbury, I drove to a place called Glen Rose where I was able to drive the 9.5 mile scenic safari and see many animals. In this wilderness there were all kinds of animals that came to your window and you could feed them. The zebras were biting on this day so I was careful but had a wonderful time and came back to work refreshed. I also purchased a GPS because I am constantly lost here but now I can find my way.

Today during our IPR, we were informed by our CPE supervisor that May 25th is his last day; he handed in his resignation on Monday (Apr 25th). We were shocked and had no words that would come from our mouths. He explained his reasons to us but it still hurts, especially since he is so good and well liked. He will remain through this unit and write our final evaluations for us. With four more months to go, he encouraged us to stay flexible, be as calm as we can but keep our eyes fixed on completing our last unit.

There are so many things which happen in a month and I can’t share them all because I would be writing many pages. I am learning more and more about me, have established my Pastoral Identity and Authority, and still enjoying my patient visits. I really enjoy the cold visits, walking in ER’s medicine side, and participating in patient rounds with the social worker and case managers on the floors. I have 75 to 89 patients and it fluctuates because of the number of patients I may have in ER’s medicine area. Of course, I can’t see them all but I have a pretty good system of seeing a lot of patients.

Due to the swine flu, the hospital has issued a pandemic plan which is 88 pages. Many family members are coming to the hospital with masks. We have been told to wash instead of using the foams and gels to clean our hands.

I continue to let the word of God dwell in me richly in all my wisdom and teaching ~Col 3:16
~to be continued~
____________________________________________________________________

-Martha Belz

I hope you have marked your calendars and are planning to attend Foothill’s Fall Retreat the weekend of September 25th.

I am very grateful to session for approving the allocation of money to offset the expense of the retreat. This will allow me to lower the fees and make the retreat more affordable. I will set the fees and have that information soon. Thanks, session!

Sam Barry is providing our program this year. He is a musician, writer, and columnist Dave Barry’s brother. Sam will bring music and humor to the weekend. Ben is meeting with Sam soon to begin developing the program. I’m sure it will be a special weekend.

The location of the Fall Retreat is Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods and each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And the center will be filled with members of the Foothill Family! More information will follow.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thanks!
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*Academics*
The kids are learning about the letters “S” &“T”
& numbers 19 & 20.

*Themes & Activities*


*Summer*
6/1-6/4

6/1 Art: Paper plate flower / Song: Summer is here
6/2 Learning the letter “S”
6/3 Learning the number 19
6/4 Wear your sunglasses






*Community Helpers*
6/8-6/11

6/8 Poem: I’m a happy doctor
Art: Fireman
6/9 Learning the letter *S*
6/10 Learning the number 19
6/11 Bring magazine cut out of a community help




*Father*
6/15-6/18

6/15 Art: Father’s tie card/Bring a picture of dad
Song: Daddy
6/16 Learning letter “T”
6/17 Learning number 20
6/18 Dads drop your child off at preschool day

*Zoo Animal*
6/22-6/25

6/22 Art: Elephant Song: 5 little Monkeys
6/24 Learning letter “T”
6/24 Learning number 20
6/25 Bring a toy zoo animal




*Red, White & Blue The 4th of July*

6/29 Art: Fireworks
6/30 Letter review day *S & *T*

*Special Events*

Jazzercise Monday & Wednesday


Every Friday








~Community Helpers~

San Jose Police officer visits the preschool - Thursday, June 11


FieldtripChildren’s Discovery Museum - Friday, June 12


Father’s day potluck lunch - Tuesday, June 16

Sunday, June 21

MY HERO
By Debbie Young

As I ponder the love that I saw in his eyes,

A Godly love, given without compromise....

I recall many times that he stood by my side,

And prodded me on with great vigor and pride.

His voice ever confident, firm and yet fair,

Always speaking with patience and care.

The power and might of his hands was so sure,

I knew there was nothing we couldn't endure.

It's true, a few others provided insight,

Yet, he laid the foundation that kept me upright.

He's the grandest of men to have lived on earth,

Although he's not royal by stature or birth.

He's a man of great dignity, honor and strength.

His merits are noble, and of admirable length.

He's far greater than all other men that I know,

He's my Dad, he's my mentor, my friend and hero.

__________________________________________________________________

The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS…
To folks for the successful production of the following concerts:

• Flauti Dolci & Amici – Kraig and Sue Williams, and Susan Andersen, Peg Nickl

• South Bay Philharmonic (formerly HP Orchestra): Dana and Ben Marino, Peg Nickl, Patty Potter, Darlene Ristrim, Jerry Siegfried, Ellen Chelino.

• Ragtime Americana – Dana and Ben Marino, Darlene Ristrim, Bud Schmidt

• 4th Annual Alum Rock Music Festival – Peg Nickl, Jerry Siegfried

I hope I’m not forgetting anyone. If I am, I’m sorry. I’ll get you in next time. Thanks everyone!

MID-PENINSULA RECORDER ORCHESTRA (MPRO) IN CONCERT
Sunday, June 7, 2009


Formed in 1962 and directed by Frederic Palmer, this American Recorder Society Consort will feature William Boyce’s Symphony No. 5 (Allegro ma non troppo), Guillaume de Machaut’s Ballade Quant Theseus/Ne quier veoir, Harry Kandel’s Der Shtiler Bulgar, Andrea Gabrieli’s Quando’io ero giovinetto, Heinrich Isaac’s Isbruck, ich muss dich lassen, Johannes Brahms’s O Welt, ich muss dich lassen, and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Gigue from the Orchestral Suite No. 3. MPRO appearances include those at KQED, KCSM, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, and those with the Palo Alto Madrigal Singers, the Congregational Oratorio Society, the Young Performers String Orchestra, the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, and the California State University, East Bay Singers. www.sfems.org/mpro/

Suggested Donation: $10 per person


~~What the Neighbors are Saying~~

Hello ARNNE Friends and Neighbors,

My wife and I are in awe of this upcoming performance! But unfortunately we will miss it because of traveling to So. Cal. to our son's home.

I am posting this on ARNNE in the hopes of encouraging many of you into going in our stead. This is a wonderful way to soak up a refreshing sound of music. The acoustics in the small chapel are very intimate and the proximity of the performers right in front of us, we can even talk to them during the intermission, is not like going to the California Theatre down town. And this is not a substitute for rap or hard rock music lovers. This is "long hair" stuff.

Thank you Jay Jordana and your music skills for bringing this great venue to our neighborhood,
Frank Crane
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Outreach Social Time
-Nancy Leonard, Membership/Outreach

Membership/Outreach would like to initiate some activities for Foothill folks with the thought of simply enjoying each other's company.

The first get together will be at noon on June 17 in Alum Rock Park. Bring a simple dish (such as fruit, salad etc.) to share and your own drink. We will supply the plates and utensils.
We will gather at the tables by the children's playground. Meet at the church parking lot at 11:54 if you would like to carpool. Let the church office know if you need a ride.

If you are available at lunch time, please join us!
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Keeping You Posted...
-Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

Selected information from the minutes of Session, Deacons and Committees

Mission Committee
Foothill CROP walkers raised approximately $ 1,250 to help combat hunger locally and globally.

Buildings and Grounds
Under the tutelage of Jim Withrow the Geezers (Tuesday Men’s Maintenance Crew) have begun repair on the weather damaged windows in Fellowship Hall.

Worship
Reviewed Holy Week activities and began preparation for Pentecost. Discussed preparation and serving of Communion.

Finance
Discussed the 2009-10 Stewardship timelines. The “bare bones budget” will be presented to the congregation on June 7. Finance and Stewardship Committees will meet to prepare the budget for Session on June 21.

Christian Education
Melissa Hill met with the committee to discuss coordination of a VBS program for Foothill. Open House for Sunday school will be on June 7.

Preschool
43 students (29 full time and 16 part time) are currently enrolled. It is estimated that 150 people will be attending the Teacher Appreciation event to be held on May 1.

Deacons
Shared family ministry reports. Reviewed preparation of communion elements. Assignments were made for flower delivery.

Session
Our membership is 207 as of April 30. The annual Presbytery review of Session minutes was held on May 2. We reviewed the proposed 09-10 budget. It was m/s/c to offer Foothill Church for a Disaster Shelter.

Information secured from the May 6 Session packet.
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Gifts of Women at FPC
-Isabelle Taylor and Marilyn Kromrey

On April 19th we celebrated the Gifts of Women of Foothill Presbyterian Church.

An Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women was conferred upon Jan Miller in recognition of her faithful service in our Church's work.

Jan and her husband Herb have been members of Foothill since February 1984 and Jan has served an Elder and presently as a Deacon . Jan Miller has become a great asset for the preschool and was one of the original members of the Preschool board of directors.

Jan has been there for the preschool staff not only as an advisor, she also enjoys being in the classroom with the children. She gives moral support and encouragement to Trish, the director. Jan has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers and is currently working on creating whimsical baskets for the Spring Extravaganza and silent auction.

Jan not only helps in the classroom, she and Eileen Parks are also great at preparing food for the Teacher Appreciation luncheon and other events for the preschool. She and Eileen recently oversaw the renovation of Room 7 for a teacher break room and meeting room.

To show their love for Jan the preschool children (and teachers) made special Thank You Cards to show their appreciation and to send their love to Jan.

Jan is also interested in gardening and helps prune the FPC roses in the Spring. When planning begins for the Halloween Family Festival, Jan is so helpful to look for prizes for the various games and helps organize the event. Jan is the cashier during the Building and Grounds Flea Markets and is great at categorizing the donated items.

We applaud Jan for her efforts and thank her for the time and talent she has contributed to the Foothill Preschool and to the life of the church. We were pleased to present Jan Miller with an Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women.
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Fun and Faith

Vacation Bible School
August 10-14 from 9 am-12 pm

Come and spend a week with Foothill this Summer.
Learn all about the words Faith Joy Peace Love.

We'll have craft activities, music, and a snack every day!

Call or email to the church to Register
$15 per registrant
(community scholarships available)

Kindergarten to 6th grade.
(Younger siblings accepted on
a case by case basis)
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Parish Concerns

Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Bobbie Stites, Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, Glenda Parmentier, Charlie Klotz, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda, Marilyn Kromrey, and Nancy Azzarello.



Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, June 7
Trinity Sunday
Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29;
Romans 8:12-17; John 3:-17

Sunday, June 14
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 15: 34—16:13; Psalm 20
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17;
Mark 4:26-34

Sunday, June 21
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20;
or 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10– 16 and Psalm 133;
2 Corinthians 6: 1-13; Mark 4;35-41

Sunday, June 28
28th Sunday in Ordinary time
2 Samuel 1:1-1, 17-27; Psalm 130;
2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43

Worship Opportunities

We are looking for Sunday worship volunteers.
Please consider signing up for one of the following worship opportunities:

• Liturgist (contact Peg in the church office)
• Coffee Hour
• Flowers
• Greeter
  

Sign up sheets are located on the bulletin board next to the sanctuary doors. Everyone is welcome to volunteer.

May 2009

A Letter from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

At the end of this month, I will be traveling to Geneva to celebrate John Calvin’s 500th birthday, and I suppose the occasion of my pilgrimage to that city on a hill above the place where the Rhone begins its journey from the Alps to Provence is as good a time as any to say what I like so much about John Calvin, a man remembered primarily for his stern demeanor and his commitment to the doctrine of predestination.

Calvin’s popular reputation is not without factual merit. Calvin is, after all, the man who used the weight of his spiritual authority to convince the Geneva city fathers to pass a law requiring bar patrons to say grace before having a drink; Calvin’s writing can be acerbic and obtuse, and many of his ideas have not withstood the test of time.

There is, however, another side to John Calvin, a side that often is forgotten in the public imagination and ignored by Calvin’s detractors. Calvin truly wanted the world to be a better, more just place. He believed that Christians had a responsibility to care for the poor and hem believed that governments should exist for the wellbeing of the people and not the other way around. This is obvious to us today because Calvinist ethics have permeated our society, but it was a novel idea five hundred years ago.

I also like John Calvin because he was a populist. Calvin’s then-radical notion was that everyone was equal before God, and that all faithful and honest work is equal before God, so that the craftsmanship of a bricklayer is just as important to God as the state craft of a president. These are ideas that are hard for a progressive like me to dislike!

But I am a fan of John Calvin for another reason, too: I love the fact that despite Calvin’s frequently crotchety demeanor, in his writings, Calvin has moments of profound beauty, particularly when, in the first chapters of the Institutes he celebrates the wonder and magnificence of the natural world. When a man so thoroughly grouchy as John Calvin is able to write with profound grace, then I have hope for most of us—people of generally amiable dispositions, who may like to work a little bit more beauty into our lives. If Calvin was capable of loveliness, than so are we, and from I sit, that’s reason to celebrate.

May God Bless You!

Ben

View Pastor Ben's sermons online.
...........................................................................................................................................................................~The The Life of a Seminary Student {on internship}
-Maxine Millender

When we forget about ourselves, we do things other will remember

-RBC Ministries

Last month I shared about the 13 year old who had shot himself. I had the opportunity to visit with him when he was in trauma ICU. He had had surgery, there was no brain damage, and he was on breathing treatments. His grandparents were in his room and they remembered me. They hugged me and I pulled a chair to sit close to the young man. I asked him if I could pray for him and read some scripture to him and he held up his thumb to signify ok. Because the policy is not to bring up an attempt, I read about forgiveness to them so that they now God loves them. I talked to him about how much everyone cares about him, how the Doctors worked very hard to make sure he would be ok, and that I loved him also. He help up his thumb and nodded his head yes. I told him to be good and continue to honor his grandparents. They legally adopted him. He was sent to a children’s hospital so that he would have good help from a psychiatric RN.

Sometimes it is so lonely walking the halls but I continue to do it. When we work the extended shift, we have to carry the primary pager. All calls after 4pm come through this page. We have to respond to all of them within a specific amount of time. All trauma related calls are within 5 minutes, no matter where you are in the hospital. Sometimes this is almost impossible so I have learned to prioritize my calls and let the RNs know I am working on a family crisis or will be there in so many minutes. This has worked so far.

Lately there has been an influx of suicide attempts, full arrests (heart stops), brain bleeds, and motorcycle accidents. Two weeks ago, a 17 year old girl was brought in because she had gone to a party with friends. They convinced her to take the drug ecstasy and she started to convulse. Now she has tremors throughout her entire body and shakes constantly. Believe it or not, when I went to visit with her, her friends were in her room. I was not able to have a good pastoral visit with her and left disappointed.

We had a young man (30’s) come to the ER by helicopter. He had gone outside to smoke or so he told his wife but when he took too long to come inside, she went out and found him hanging from a tree. She was able to cut him down, paramedics of the care flight crew fought to save his life and when he arrived in ER, he was barely alive. The doctors worked hard to save his life but he died. The cut and burn marks around his neck were horrible to look at. His wife informed us that this was not his first attempt at suicide! How scary is this? When we have deaths in ER, they are horrible for us Chaplains.

I am open to all situations and have no time to wish things were different. I constantly try to see the Light and be able to love those who are hurting and I try very hard to show hospitality and compassion but sometimes this is difficult. The other night a 37 year old woman came in by ambulance. When she arrived, one paramedic was on the gurney giving her CPR. The Doctors took over but her heart never started. Imagine the family arrived to the hospital (20 total) and I was the first one they saw. I invited them to the family room and they immediately took this to mean DEATH because I said I was the Chaplain. When I finally got them in the room, I explained that I could not share medical information but brought them in this room so that the Doctor and/or RN could come in and give them information as a family in privacy. When I came back with the Doctor, he informed them of the poor prognosis and her heart not starting but they were still trying. When I went back after 10 min, the Doctor pulled me aside to say she was practically dead and he wanted me to bring some of the family members in to discuss. They agreed with him and then it all started. There was crying, sobbing, dry heaving, and some passing out. They were very nasty to me at times but I kept being compassionate. In the midst of their grief, I have to get critical information and in this case, all information. Some of this information is the emergency contact, phone numbers, address, funeral home if they had one, and a primary Doctorr. In all ER deaths, we have to ask for primary Doctors and all deaths go to our Medical examiner. We have a group called Life Gift who we call to give death information and they let us know if the patient is a candidate for organ donation and they are the ones who call the families. A lot of times families will donate and sometimes they cringe at the thought of considering this for their loved one.

The most amazing thing for all of us is we are not alone in any of our crisis. We tend to our flock, we write reflectively about it, and we share it with each other to get feedback. This is an incredible tool for me; I am able to express my hurt, fears, and anger with my peers, get feedback and not get judged.

Many of us have been discerning about what it will look like at the end of August. One resident will remain for another year as a Chaplain but go to our mental illness hospital. She is Presbyterian, has not been able to pass one test, and cannot seek a call. She graduated from seminary two years ago. Our male resident (Catholic) will be ordained as a Deacon in September, our resident from Kenya will return in September and one intern interviewed for another year at Harris but was told no and she was devastated. I received my letter from the University of Texas at Austin and it was decided not to recommend me for admission to the social work school. It is interesting that I felt ok and at peace with this decision. Now I am in prayer about moving to Austin to attend seminary or remain in Ft Worth and attend Brite Divinity School. I have a few weeks before the deadline so I request prayers from you about where God will lead me. If I stay in Ft Worth, I can join organizations which support children who are abused and if I move to Austin, I can join organizations and also volunteer to work at the children’s hospital as a Chaplain.

I continue to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus-Philippians 3:14

{I keep my eyes fixed on the prize}

~to be continued~

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Preschool is having Fun
in May with 43 kids




*Academics*
· The kids are learning about the
letters “Q” “R” & numbers 17 & 18.

*Themes & Activities*

*Mothers*
5/4-5/7

· 5/4 Art: Mothers day Flower & card
Song: I Love Mommy
· 5/5 Learning the letter “Q”
· 5/6 Learning the number 17
· 5/7 Bring a picture of your mother



· 5/11 Art: Paper plate flower
Poem: Planting Time
· 5/12 Learning the letter *Q*
· 5/13 Learning the number 17
· 5/14 Bring flowers to plant

*Zoo Animals*
5/18-5/21

· 5/18Art: Tent
Song: A Camping We Will Go
· 5/19 Learning letter “R”
· 5/20 Learning number 18
· 5/21 Bring a camping thing




*Graduation/Picnic*
5/26-5/28
· 5/26 Art: Graduation Owl
Song: Graduation
· 5/26 Art: Ants at the picnic mural
Song: Picnic Packing
· 5/26 Learning letter “R”
· 5/27 Learning number 18
· 5/28 Graduation dress rehearsal



*Re-occurring Activities*







*Special Events*

Friday, May 1
St. Jude’s Hospital
Bike-A-Thon
&
Teacher Appreciation/
Silent Auction Evening







Thursday, May 7
Mother’s potluck lunch




Friday, May 15
Fieldtrip
Bounce-A-Rama


Friday, May 29
Preschool Graduation Program




*Preschool Closed*
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day (observed)

*HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY*
Sunday, May 10

My mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it's start.

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem...

And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough-
But not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.

====================================================================

The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS…

To Kraig Williams and Stevie White for the successful production of the American Recorder Orchestra of the West concert.

“THE GROUP FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE HP SYMPHONY”
Friday, May 15, 7:30 PM

Yes, they are in the process of changing their name. To what? Dunno yet, but we do know that they are coming to Foothill soon. Their program will feature small chamber works (to be announced), and the popular Dvorak Symphony No. 9 (New World).

RAGTIME AMERICANA!
Sunday, May 17, 3PM

All are cordially invited to attend a program of Ragtime Piano Music from the Past 100 Years, presented by Ragtime piano duo Jack and Chris Bradshaw. With a sparkle reminiscent of old-time piano rolls, Jack and Chris Bradshaw produce a crisp, colorful, varied sound, encompassing the magic of the entire keyboard. Program will feature Scott Joplin’s Cleopha, Joseph Lamb’s Bohemia Rag, Charles N. Daniels’ Margery, Charles L. Johnson’s Dill Pickles, Charlotte Blake’s Gravel Rag, Galen Wilkes’s Cakewalking through Kansas, and Harry P. Guy’s Pearl of the Harem. Travel back to a gentler time and enjoy works by ragtime’s most notable composers.

AUDIOVISUAL (AV) LIBRARY

People are actually checking stuff out! It’s good to know that some folks are using our AV library to check out CD, DVD, and VCR recordings. Let’s make our AV library more attractive. Interested in donating CD, DVD, VCR, and cassette recordings of films, music, and so on? Please drop them off in the box marked “Donations.” In the meantime, check out our AV library. Go ahead and sign stuff out. We’ve got some neat stuff!
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Have you run out of storage space? Are you tired of fumbling around all those extra items you just haven't gotten around to getting rid of? Chances are you have household items that are still in great shape that you just don't have use for anymore.

It's time to empty the closets, reorganize the cabinets, and clean out under the bed. Don't dust that unused item again! Donate it to the Spring Flea Market. Unclutter those cabinets and support your Buildings and Grounds Committee. Donated items will be accepted during office hours, Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. Call ahead if you need help unloading. (no clothing please)

But wait! What if you don't have any items to donate but still want to support Buildings and Grounds? Just volunteer to set up or tear down. Or plan to come out and work a table.

Want to rent a space to sell your things? You can do that too! Just a $10 donation gets you your very own flea market space for the entire day. Call the church office to request your space.

Donate, Participate, or just come out to shop! Don't miss the Spring Flea Market, Saturday, May 23 from 8AM to 2PM in the front parking lot.

Set up at 7:30AM.

*************************************************************************************

I hope you have marked your calendars and are planning to attend Foothill’s Fall Retreat the weekend of September 25^th.

Sam Barry is providing our program this year. He is a musician, writer, and columnist Dave Barry’s brother. Sam will bring music and humor to the weekend. Ben is meeting with Sam soon to begin developing the program. I’m sure it will be a special weekend.

The location of the Fall Retreat is Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods and each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And the center will be filled with members of the Foothill Family! More information will follow.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks!

Martha Belz

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A Thank You Note from Marilyn Bahr

I wish to express my appreciation to Foothill Prayer Chain, and to all who offered their prayers and support during Larry's operation and time in the hospital. The operation was a success and eliminated the pain he had suffered for a long time. We know your prayers helped and made things easier for the doctors, as they did not have to face what they expected. God be praised!

Thank you

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Parish Concerns

Special Prayers

Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Helen Klotz, Bobbie Stites, Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, Glenda Parmentier, Joanne Reinecker, Charlie Klotz, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda, and Maury Mitchell.

Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, May 3
4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23;
John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

Sunday, May 10
5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31
John 4:7-21; John 15:9-17

Sunday, May 17 6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98
John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17

Sunday, May 24
7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

Sunday, May 31
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21, or Ezekiel 31:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34,35b
Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
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NOTES FROM THE MINUTES OF SESSION AND VARIOUS COMMITTEES
-Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

Session

• Session approved John Moore’s request to move into Inquirer status as he continues to define his call. He recently met with the Presbytery Committee on the Preparation for Ministry and has been granted Inquirer status.

• Sarah Glass has passed all ordination exams and once her other graduation requirements have been met she is ready to accept a call.

Buildings and Grounds

• Ray Mignogna, Herb Miller, Jerry Siegfried and Jim Withrow volunteered over 240 hours working on the recent Sewer Repair Project.
  

Finance

• The cost of various projects at Foothill, including the parking lot, sewer repair and tree removal grew to $55,750. We are grateful to Verizon for their generous contribution in assisting with costs.

Foothill Christian Preschool

• As of March 17 a total of 45 children are enrolled, 29 full time and 16 part time.

• The downturn in the economy is being felt, some parents have lost their jobs.
  

Worship

• The members of the Worship Committee were very busy with preparations for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Tasks included: order and arrange Easter lilies, Details relating to Maundy Thursday Simple Supper and Service, securing palms and hanging banners for Palm Sunday and serving coffee hour on Easter Sunday

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday School
-John Belz

Ever wonder what our children do after they leave church each week following the children’s sermon? If they are in grades three through five, they attend a Sunday School class taught by Amanda Belz, Sharon Rowser or John Belz.

These three teachers rotate duties bi-weekly and teach using the Witness Curriculum from the Augsburg Fortress press. This is a rich program that offers Bible reading and discussions, weekly leaflets with puzzles and quizzes and an array of crafts and activities.

The activities include games and plays from this week’s Bible lesson (or sometimes a high energy game of Fruit Basket Upset! – ask one of the children what that is). The crafts tend to be making educational projects using paper, glue, twine and stickers. Rather than send the leaflets and crafts home each week we save them all for an open house the second weekend in June. We hope to see you there. Each week also includes a snack of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. Did you know that there are six different flavors?

This picture is from Palm Sunday and includes some of the palm fronds that were carried up the aisle during the service. Clockwise from left are Grace , Samara , Katelyn , Nathania and Luke.

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Christian Ed needs volunteers for vacation bible school. VBS will be held August 10-14.

Contact Melissa Hill if you are able to volunteer for teaching, recreation, snacks, crafts, or music.

All Foothill kids, grandkids, and friends are welcome to attend. CE will need a commitment of both families attending and volunteers by May 17th. Help CE make this happen and sign up for VBS today!

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'A whole new way of doing mission'

Life-style changes at home benefit mission partners elsewhere, pastor finds

by Emily Enders Odom
Associate for Mission Communications
Reprinted from One in the Spirit

TENNENT, NJ - Although her two trips to Bolivia under the auspices of the Presbyterian Hunger Program were unquestionably life-changing, it was a visit here from a former mission worker to Bolivia that unexpectedly changed how the Rev. Phyllis Zoon lived.

In her unique, joint role as Hunger Action and Stewardship of Creation Enabler for Monmouth Presbytery, Zoon came to the conclusion that hunger and poverty cannot be effectively addressed without also engaging environmental issues.

To raise the presbytery's awareness of the dynamics and consequences of this intimate interrelationship, Zoon had invited former mission co-worker, Bob Dunsmore - who, with his wife Julie, served nine years in Bolivia until August 2008 - to speak during Mission Challenge '07, the highly successful initiative which sent 48 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) missionaries to visit 144 presbyteries in September 2007.

When Dunsmore began to explain that the glaciers in Bolivia that provide water for millions of people would be gone within ten years because of global warming, Zoon experienced a moment of remarkable insight and clarity.

"Bob told us that what we can do to help our brothers and sisters in Bolivia the most is not writing a check or even sending clothing or medicine," she said. "Their biggest request is that we drive less. Our partners in Bolivia say that what they most want is for us to change the way we live so that we can at least mitigate the effects of climate change. It's a whole new way of doing mission because it asks us not to give so they can live like us but to change, to transform our lives so they can live."

Zoon's perspective enriched and her spirit profoundly moved by the Bolivian partners' specific request, Zoon immediately set out to change her behavior. "Their appeal that we change ourselves changed me," she said. "I have started putting fewer pollutants into the air, I buy less stuff, and I've gotten more involved in local initiatives and in the environment than ever before. I'm preaching the message broadly throughout the presbytery that the small changes we can each make in our own lives can have a big impact."

One of the programs of the PC(USA)'s General Assembly Council on which Zoon has greatly relied for resources in both making and advocating lifestyle changes toward building more sustainable communities is Enough for Everyone.

She specifically cited Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table, a curriculum designed for high schoolers and adults that aims to bring into dialogue daily eating habits, the Christian faith and the "needs of the broader world," and The Presbyterian Coffee Project, which helps to ensure that more of Americans' "coffee dollar" goes to the farmers who do the work.

"This is something that people can do," Zoon said. "These are changes that we can make in our lives. We can give up the cup of coffee that we buy and make a gourmet cup of fair trade coffee at home. We can really do these things so that our lives will be changed, all while we learn the stories of the people behind the different projects."

Because hearing the stories that connect Presbyterians in mission is critical to Zoon's ministry as well as her own spiritual growth, she is currently working on again securing a mission worker to speak at Monmouth Presbytery during the 2009 World Mission Challenge, scheduled for Sept. 25-Oct. 18 this year.

She has also been a guiding force in planning and programming an upcoming May 30th symposium entitled "Out of Africa," jointly sponsored by the Hunger Action and Advocacy Programs of Monmouth and New Brunswick Presbyteries.

Its purpose is to lift up the exciting ministries that are currently taking place in Africa as well as the many connections that are shared with the congregations of both presbyteries.

"The symposium will also get people acquainted with important church-based advocacy efforts such as Publish What You Pay (PWYP), which calls for oil, gas, and mining companies to disclose what they pay governments for the extraction of natural resources, thereby holding them accountable," Zoon said, adding that billions of dollars are lost each year through government corruption.

The PC(USA) endorsed the campaign and joined the PWYP coalition by action of the 218th General Assembly (2008).

Zoon sees programs like Publish What You Pay and Joining Hands, another initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, as being a critical part of creating long-term solutions toward healing the world.

"So often we give our money so people can be like us when they don't really want that," she said. "We think we can do things in the short term without changing our own long term behavior. But Jesus came into the world to change lives, starting with our own."

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09342