Monday, November 23, 2009

December 2009

From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for all the ways in which our congregation has stepped up this holiday to address issues of poverty in Santa Clara County. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving we collected a pickup-load of frozen turkeys for the Lord’s Pantry. We’ve been gathering coats for those who might otherwise be cold this winter. We’re collecting toys to be used as presents for children whose parents cannot afford gifts to place under the tree. The “Foothill Fineries” group will be selling fiber arts creations as a way to support the mission of the church. The Preschool will be selling books to help support the work of our preschool, which provides high quality, low cost preschool and childcare for working families. Several of us spent hours at Sacred Heart Community Services, packing and distributing boxes of food for Thanksgiving—and we’ll be back again doing the same work as Christmas draws near.

All this good work has created a special feeling at Foothill. When I walk into the Narthex and see stacks of canned goods, barrels of coats, piles of toys, and stuff that will be sold to support good causes, it feels right, like our congregation is proclaiming the Kingdom of God in real and tangible ways in our community.

Again, thank you.

My prayer is that everyone in our congregation—both members and friends—will come by the church this Advent season to experience what the church is doing to support the poor and to support the church in the most important and basic way a congregation can be supported, by coming to worship.

Without vibrant worship, a congregation cannot engage in the kind of ministry that reaches out to our community by addressing issues of poverty. Our worship inspires us and makes us strong. Our worship is a mixing bowl in which the ingredients that make a vital church family are blended; a full sanctuary is the best way to experience powerful worship.

So this Advent come home to your church family. Support your congregation by experiencing the joyous mystery of Advent in worship.

I look forward to seeing you.

Blessings for Advent,


Ben Daniel
-------------------------------------
Sam Berry on the Fall Retreat

Follow this link to Sam Berry's blog:
http://www.redroom.com/blog/sam-barry/the-daily-sam-the-kazoo-and-god

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

“We always have enough when God is our supply”
Unknown author

This month at work I have seen a lot of death. I have taken many calls for full arrest which usually result in a death, and patients dying due to withdrawals. This past weekend we have had 20 deaths between the Chaplains and Residents.

The saddest one for me was 10/22. The patient was a Hispanic man who loved riding horses. His cousin, a friend, and the patient were riding when an animal ran on the trail and spooked the horses. All of the riders fell off their horses but this man (24 yrs) fell backwards, hit his head, and did not move. They gave him CPR, called 911, and when they arrived, took over CPR and gave him some medication. When he arrived at the hospital in ER (care-flight), they worked on him and finally sent him to OR, then moved him to ICU. I met the family in ICU, after they were located. He received great care but his brain function was minimal and all tests (brain flow) were done but he was virtually dead. The family did not want to accept he was brain dead but on 10/22, the Doctor had to inform them that it had been 48 hrs and he had to call the death of the young man. They have 2 children (2 & 3 yrs) and had just had a miscarriage. The entire family was devastated at the news and told me they were hoping for a miracle, especially his Mom. They kept asking for more time to be with him and were given an extra 2 hours. When the two hours were up, his wife cried out to us and pleaded that we let him stay intubated because God was going to provide a miracle and allow him to wake up. After our Spanish Doctors and Spanish interpreters explained that he was brain-dead, they finally accepted that he was not going to wake up. It was so sad and very difficult for me to handle this death. This young man was healthy and the family did not want to donate because they believed this was what the hospital needed to say he was really dead.

When a man (60) left for work, he went in the opposite direction, pulled on a street, and was sitting in his car. A passerby saw him, called the police; they got there and immediately called EMS. They gave him CPR and then put him in the ambulance and drove to the hospital. He was in full arrest when he arrived and was breathing but CPR was given quickly. I called the policewoman and she gave me his wife’s name and number so that I could call her. When she arrived our triage security people let her come back to the room and she watched her husband as he was given CPR and she was in a state of shock. The Doctor gave her a poor prognosis and within 2 minutes of getting it, he died. When we asked her if she knew what happened, she had no idea. We believe he had a heart attack and was possibly driving to get some help but no one will ever know. He was a COPD (Chronic obstruction pulmonary disease) person and was on the highest dose of daily oxygen and the Doctor said he died of cardiac pulmonary arrest. It was sad, especially when his daughters arrived and the youngest one (20 yrs) was sobbing and so hurt that her Dad had died. I helped them through the death process but they were so overwhelmed that they did not hear much of what I had shared with them.

I have had a few good deaths, according to some family members. What I mean is the families are expecting the death and start visiting the patient more often to say their goodbyes, they sing with the patient, have prayers, and celebrate the life of their loved ones. Although they cry when the patient dies, it is what we call anticipatory grief.

We have memorial services four times a year for our family members who have lost loved ones and in November, we will have one. We get as many as 30 families who show up and it helps many of them to talk about the death with the Chaplains who handled the death and was there with them.

I am handling ethics calls and going on more end of life discussions now and it is great for me to spend time with the families during these difficult consultation, especially when the Doctor starts to discuss withdrawals from life support.

My weekends (Saturday and Sunday nights) are getting easier now and the 10-hours are not so difficult but I do have to sleep the next day.

I have submitted many papers in my classes and read many books. It is taxing at times but I am keeping ahead of my assignments. My take home exam in History of Christianity had only three questions but it took me a week to complete the exam. The other two classes had what I call a rote memorization exam. I had 15 pages of notes for each class and had to memorize all of it, which is difficult for me. The professor could ask any question and of course when I took one of the exams, my mind froze, and I completely forgot most of the answers to two questions.

My book responses have been completed and now I am reading a book called Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love by St. Augustine for the Christianity course. I will be writing a 6-page theological response paper which is due the first week in November.

I have had time to see one movie called Law Abiding Citizen. It helped to take my mind off so much death and end of life discussions.

I really appreciate your prayers as I continue to work as a Chaplain and attend seminary.
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 “G” “H”
Numbers: 7 & 8

Lesson for the month:
Words that Rhyme

Pre K Lesson: The correct way to hold a pencil.


*Themes & Activities*


*Christmas*
11/30-12/4
· 11/30 Art: Star Santa
Poem: Tis Christmas
· 12/1 Learning the letter G
· 12/2 Learning the number 7
· 12/3 Bring 1 Christmas ornament
· 12/4 Lesson: How to hold a pencil



*Christmas*
12/7-12/11
· 12/7 Art: Toilet Roll Reindeer
Song: Baby Jesus
· 12/8 Learning the letter G
· 12/9 Learning the number 7
· 12/10 Lesson: Bring 2 things that rhyme
· 12/11 Lesson: How to hold a pencil



*Christmas*
12/14-12/18
· 12/14 Art: Paper Candy Cane
Poem: Christmas Message
· 12/15 learning the letter H
· 12/16 Learning the number 8
· 12/17 Lesson: Bring 2 things that rhyme
· 12/18 Lesson: How to hold a pencil








*Christmas*
12/21-12/23
· 12/21 Art: Christmas Tree
Song: Christmas is in the air
· 12/22 Learning the letter H
· 12/23 Learning the number 8





Spiritual Message: Peace

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Tuesday, December 1





*Special Events*





Scholastic Book Fair
12/7-12/13

The Christmas Store
Saturday, December 12



The Christmas Program
Friday, December 18














*Preschool Closed*
Friday, December 25th through Friday December 1st.







*The Glass Slipper*
The True Meaning of Giving

It was only four days before Christmas. The spirit of the season hadn't yet caught up with me, even though cars packed the parking lot of our local discount store. Inside the store, it was worse. Shopping carts and last minute shoppers jammed the aisles.

Why did I come today? I wondered. My feet ached almost as much as my head. My list contained names of several people who claimed they wanted nothing but I knew their feelings would be hurt if I didn't buy them anything.

Buying for someone who had everything and deploring the high cost of items, I considered gift buying anything but fun. Hurriedly, I filled my shopping cart with last minute items and proceeded to the long checkout lines. I picked the shortest but it looked as if it would mean at least a 20-minute wait.

In front of me were two small children - a boy of about 5 and a younger girl. The boy wore a ragged coat. Enormously large, tattered tennis shoes jutted far out in front of his much too short jeans. He clutched several crumpled dollar bills in his grimy hands.

The girl's clothing resembled her brother's. Her head was a matted mass of curly hair. Reminders of an evening meal showed on her small face. She carried a beautiful pair of shiny, gold house slippers. As the Christmas music sounded in the store's stereo system, the girl hummed along, off-key but happily.

When we finally approached the checkout register, the girl carefully placed the shoes on the counter. She treated them as though they were a treasure. The clerk rang up the bill. "That will be $6.09," she said. The boy laid his crumpled dollars atop the stand while he searched his pockets. He finally came up with $3.12. "I Guess we will have to put them back," he bravely said. "We will come back some other time, maybe tomorrow."

With that statement, a soft sob broke from the little girl. "But Jesus would have loved these shoes," she cried. "Well, we'll go home and work some more. Don't cry. We'll come back," he said. Quickly I handed $3.00 to the cashier. These children had waited in line for a long time. And, after all, it was Christmas. Suddenly a pair of arms came around me and a small voice said, "Thank you lady."

"What did you mean when you said Jesus would like the shoes?" I asked. The boy answered, "Our mommy is sick and going to heaven. Daddy said she might go before Christmas to be with Jesus." The girl spoke, "My Sunday school teacher said the streets in heaven are shiny gold, just like these shoes. Won't mommy be beautiful walking on those streets to match these shoes?" My eyes flooded as I looked into her tear streaked face. "Yes" I answered, "I am sure she will."

Silently I thanked God for using these children to remind me of the true spirit of giving.

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December Lectionary Readings

Sunday, December 6
2nd Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79;
Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

Sunday, December 13

3rd Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6;
Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

Sunday, December 20
4th Sunday in Advent
Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 80:1-7
Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96;
Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Friday, December 25
Nativity of Jesus Christ/Christmas
Dawn Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97;
Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20
Day Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12); John 1:1-14

Sunday, December 27

1st Sunday after Christmas
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148;
Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
____________________________________

Opportunities Right at Foothill Presbyterian Church for YOU!
-Gay Southwell, Moderator of Deacons

Do you like flowers? Bring A BOUQUET OR 2 PLANTS to a Sunday Service in honor or memory of someone and share the beauty. SIGN UP ON THE BULLETIN BOARD BY ENTERY DOOR TO SANCTUARY.

Do you like food after Sunday service? SIGN UP TO BRING SOME COOKIES.

Do you like to be friendly? SIGN UP TO BE A GREETER ON SUNDAY MORNING.

Do you like to read the BIBLE? Call Peg and sign up to read during our church service. (You also get the best seat to hear the choir and or bells.)

Monday, October 12, 2009

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 4th 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~

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


*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

For use in printed publications, Right-Click on the filename below to download and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"
*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

File:Lindisfarne StJohn Knot2 3.svgPerforming 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 11th, 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.

_____________________________________________________________










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 13th Month.)

Our thanks goes out to those of you who have already heard the call and started contributing your 13th 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 13th 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


_______________________________________________________
'For
-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 24th.

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.



'For



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




Monday, September 14, 2009

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
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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
File:Bees Collecting Pollen 2004-08-14.jpgFile:Raunkiaer.jpg

*Themes & Activities*

*Health & Safety*
10/5-10/9
Miracool Hi-Viz Orange Cooling Vest*10/5 Art: Safety Vest
Poem: Healthy Way
* 10/6 Learning the letter C
* 10/7 Learning the number 3
http://image.motortrend.com/f/car-news/potential-third-generation-toyota-prius-rendering-again/6393109+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-toyota-prius-drawing-side-view.jpg* 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*

For use in printed publications, Right-Click on the filename below to download and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"
Outdoor Work Day Saturday, October 17




Costume Parade Friday 10/30 at 10AM










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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
For use in printed publications, Right-Click on the filename below to download and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"
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.

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(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.
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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

__________________________________________________________________
'For
For use in printed publications, Right-Click on the filename below to download and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"
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.)