A Letter From the Pastor
In January Foothill Presbyterian Church lost two of its most beloved members. Joy Horch passed away on January 7 and Spaulding Norris joined her in the Church Triumphant on January 25th. Joy and Spaulding were great friends to each other and to all of us. They are missed.
I have been gratified and encouraged by the way our congregation has come together to support and help one another through the grieving process. Such mutual comfort and aid are among the most important reasons we exist as a community of faith. We aim to be present for each other.
So as I give thanks for the lives of Joy and Spaulding, I also give thanks for the spiritual family at Foothill Presbyterian Church. You are a blessing.
Warmly,
Ben
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The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender
Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE
-Adrian Rogers
As I walk down the hospital hallways to visit patients, I am reminded that I hang all of my troubles outside their door and walk in smiling to help them see that Jesus sees through us and He sees us through. So many of my 77 patients have illnesses, diseases, traumatic situations, and despair and rely on me to help them feel better. How I long to visit with all of them, how I long to help them all solve their problems but in reality, I can’t. When I visit them I can offer presence, comfort, compassion, empathy, prayer, and silence. Sometimes I pray (unless they say no), sometimes I just listen, and sometimes I read scripture to them.
A young man of 37 years was shot in the head by a police officer and rushed to a nearby hospital. At this hospital they pronounced him brain dead and advised his family that he would not make it so they gave the hospital the go ahead for him to be a donor. This hospital did not have the equipment needed for this surgery so they flew him to Harris Methodist. When he arrived, I was on call and went to ER to be a presence. When I walked into the room, I saw his head with brain mass at one end and blood all over his face. He was on life support (intubated and ventilator) to keep his organs alive. They had to keep him manually alive to harvest his organs but his body had gained too much acid and the Doctors pronounced him dead so he could not be a donor. His family lived one hour away and was on their way to the hospital but had no idea he had been pronounced. His Mother and Father were divorced and the Mom had legal rights. While we waited in the family room, I asked myself what I would say to a Father, daughter and her husband while waiting for the remaining family members. This is where the grace of God helps you. I prayed and listened to them share wonderful stories about their son and brother and question why a policeman would shoot him.
While waiting for the remaining family to arrive, I went to the annex where they had taken the body to make sure he was presentable for the family to view. His hands were in bags (ME case) and the vent was still in his mouth but could not be moved. When they arrived, there were shocked faces as they received word about their loved one. I had the Doctor come in to talk from a medical perspective and I handled the spiritual. I asked if I could pray before I brought them to see their son and they said yes. I asked God to give me the words and when I finished praying, there was not a dry eye because everyone was crying. When I brought them to the annex, it was a horrible scene for them to see their loved one this way! Even though I had described what they would see, it was an impact until they saw him. I have had many sad days but this one was by far the worse. I spent three hours with this family and I share this because this is what we have to deal with each day by being a presence and comforter for our patients. I am reminded that God comforts us so that we in turn can comfort someone else with the same comfort God has given to us. When the family left, they hugged me, thanked me for the prayer and staying with them until they left the hospital. This shooting was on the news for two days because he was shot by a policeman and unfortunately left a wife and two small children.
With my daily walks, I have to let the presence of Jesus guide me, the promise of Jesus gladden me, and the power of Jesus guard me. Without all of this, it would be difficult for me to be a good Chaplain to those in need.
We are in the winter unit and have education three days a week from 9 to noon. I am in a class studying ‘Emotional Intelligence’ one day and ‘Women’s Ways of Knowing’ another day. We still have to write verbatims and present them, write a reflection paper weekly, and have IDS which is our interdepartmental personnel coming to share their work. We have had Ethics, Nursing, Patient Advocates, and Organ Donation so far. In January I will present (along with some folks from the suicide prevention facility) an IDS on Suicide and in preparation have been on an interview to speak with some people who handle suicide folks. I also have wonderful friends who have helped me tremendously. They will share about suicide prevention to help us Chaplains when we encounter suicide attempts, we will have a better idea about what we should do, or minimally have some knowledge.
I currently have another female patient who is 20 yrs old and a suicide attempt. She has been on my floor for 1.5 weeks but I have not been able to visit her because she is on medication and sleeps most of the time.
The other day (12/17) I went into the room of a lady who is 85, prayed for her, and read some scripture to her prior to her dialysis treatment. I spent a lot of time with her even though she was intubated and could not talk, see me, or move. I am so glad that I spent this time with her because when they took her to her dialysis treatment, it was not helping her and after two hours her family put a stop to it and decided to do a withdrawal on her. This means that her tubes and ventilator would be removed and hopefully she would breathe on her own or die naturally without machines helping her. These decisions are so difficult for family members and it is also difficult for the Doctors to inform the family that their love ones will not get better and perhaps become a vegetable, if they choose life support. A Chaplain has to be in the room when the Doctor consults with the family about withdrawal and this is for the family and Doctor because both have difficulty with this kind of conversation.
I am seeing movies and enjoying them. I have seen Yes Man, Seven Pounds, and Young Dereaux. I am also reading novels about nothing in particular to get my mind off so much sickness, death, and traumas. I am so glad that Jesus gave Himself for me, so He could give Himself to me, so He could live His life through me.
I have been accepted to Austin Presbytery Theological seminary where I will be in the fall of 2009; another move but still in the state of TX.
~to be continued~
A young man of 37 years was shot in the head by a police officer and rushed to a nearby hospital. At this hospital they pronounced him brain dead and advised his family that he would not make it so they gave the hospital the go ahead for him to be a donor. This hospital did not have the equipment needed for this surgery so they flew him to Harris Methodist. When he arrived, I was on call and went to ER to be a presence. When I walked into the room, I saw his head with brain mass at one end and blood all over his face. He was on life support (intubated and ventilator) to keep his organs alive. They had to keep him manually alive to harvest his organs but his body had gained too much acid and the Doctors pronounced him dead so he could not be a donor. His family lived one hour away and was on their way to the hospital but had no idea he had been pronounced. His Mother and Father were divorced and the Mom had legal rights. While we waited in the family room, I asked myself what I would say to a Father, daughter and her husband while waiting for the remaining family members. This is where the grace of God helps you. I prayed and listened to them share wonderful stories about their son and brother and question why a policeman would shoot him.
While waiting for the remaining family to arrive, I went to the annex where they had taken the body to make sure he was presentable for the family to view. His hands were in bags (ME case) and the vent was still in his mouth but could not be moved. When they arrived, there were shocked faces as they received word about their loved one. I had the Doctor come in to talk from a medical perspective and I handled the spiritual. I asked if I could pray before I brought them to see their son and they said yes. I asked God to give me the words and when I finished praying, there was not a dry eye because everyone was crying. When I brought them to the annex, it was a horrible scene for them to see their loved one this way! Even though I had described what they would see, it was an impact until they saw him. I have had many sad days but this one was by far the worse. I spent three hours with this family and I share this because this is what we have to deal with each day by being a presence and comforter for our patients. I am reminded that God comforts us so that we in turn can comfort someone else with the same comfort God has given to us. When the family left, they hugged me, thanked me for the prayer and staying with them until they left the hospital. This shooting was on the news for two days because he was shot by a policeman and unfortunately left a wife and two small children.
With my daily walks, I have to let the presence of Jesus guide me, the promise of Jesus gladden me, and the power of Jesus guard me. Without all of this, it would be difficult for me to be a good Chaplain to those in need.
We are in the winter unit and have education three days a week from 9 to noon. I am in a class studying ‘Emotional Intelligence’ one day and ‘Women’s Ways of Knowing’ another day. We still have to write verbatims and present them, write a reflection paper weekly, and have IDS which is our interdepartmental personnel coming to share their work. We have had Ethics, Nursing, Patient Advocates, and Organ Donation so far. In January I will present (along with some folks from the suicide prevention facility) an IDS on Suicide and in preparation have been on an interview to speak with some people who handle suicide folks. I also have wonderful friends who have helped me tremendously. They will share about suicide prevention to help us Chaplains when we encounter suicide attempts, we will have a better idea about what we should do, or minimally have some knowledge.
I currently have another female patient who is 20 yrs old and a suicide attempt. She has been on my floor for 1.5 weeks but I have not been able to visit her because she is on medication and sleeps most of the time.
The other day (12/17) I went into the room of a lady who is 85, prayed for her, and read some scripture to her prior to her dialysis treatment. I spent a lot of time with her even though she was intubated and could not talk, see me, or move. I am so glad that I spent this time with her because when they took her to her dialysis treatment, it was not helping her and after two hours her family put a stop to it and decided to do a withdrawal on her. This means that her tubes and ventilator would be removed and hopefully she would breathe on her own or die naturally without machines helping her. These decisions are so difficult for family members and it is also difficult for the Doctors to inform the family that their love ones will not get better and perhaps become a vegetable, if they choose life support. A Chaplain has to be in the room when the Doctor consults with the family about withdrawal and this is for the family and Doctor because both have difficulty with this kind of conversation.
I am seeing movies and enjoying them. I have seen Yes Man, Seven Pounds, and Young Dereaux. I am also reading novels about nothing in particular to get my mind off so much sickness, death, and traumas. I am so glad that Jesus gave Himself for me, so He could give Himself to me, so He could live His life through me.
I have been accepted to Austin Presbytery Theological seminary where I will be in the fall of 2009; another move but still in the state of TX.
~to be continued~
____________________________________________________________________
The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries
MANY THANKS
to Joyce Banks, Peg Nickl, and Isabelle Taylor for the production of the Music Series brochures. Thanks for your support.
UPCOMING CONCERTSMonteverdi Brass Quintet Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 7:30 PM
Performing individually with numerous Bay Area ensembles including the California, Oakland, and Santa Cruz Orchestras as well as Symphony Silicon Valley, five musicians share their love for chamber music and Renaissance literature in this upcoming concert. Trumpet players Richard Roper and Robert Wilkins, trombonists Don Benham, Frank Bunfer and Mike Cushing will play works by Palestrina, Schein, Isaac, and Victoria on modern instruments.
Nothing set Ensemble Sunday, February 22, 2009, 3:00 PM
Comprised of a continually shifting cast of composers and performers, Nothing set strives to promote recent, and seldom-heard masterworks from all musical genres. This season will feature compositions by Andriessen, Hindemith, Messiaen, Piazolla and premieres by living composers, as well as works written for saxophone, guitar, marimba, and voice.
www.nothingset.com
www.nothingset.com
Suggested Donation per concert - $10 per person
MARCH and APRIL SURPRISES
American Recorder Orchestra of the West – Saturday, April 18, 3 PM
National Association of Composers USA (San Francisco) – Sunday, April 26, 3 PM
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FPC is having fun
in February with 42 kids
*Academics*
· The kids are learning about the
letters “K” & “L” & numbers 11 & 12.
*Themes & Activities*
Valentine
2/2-2/6
· 2/2 Art: Valentine bagPoem: “3 Valentines”
· 2/3 Letter *K* day
· 2/4 Number 11 day
· 2/5 Bring a heart shaped item
· 2/6 Movie & share day
Valentine
2/9-2/13
· 2/9 Art: Window HeartsPoem: Valentine
· 2/10 Letter *K* day
· 2/11 Number11day
· 2/12 Wear something red day
· 2/13 Movie & share day
Presidents2/16-2/20
· 2/17 Art: Red, white & blue Presidents
Poem: “Presidents’ Day”
Letter *L* day
· 2/18 Number 12 day
· 2/19 Bring an item that has Washington
or Lincoln on it
· 2/20 Movie & share day
Feeling
2/23-2/27
· 2/23 Art: Paper plate KitePoem: Oh my kite
· 2/24 Letter *L* day
· 2/25 Number 12 day
· 2/26 Bring something that makes you feel happy
· 2/27 Movie & share day
*Special Activities*
February 2Parent Education Night
(Kindergarten Readiness)
February 13
Valentine Dessert Party
February 27Call your child to say,
“I love you” day
Preschool ClosedMonday, February 16
Presidents’ Day
Spaulding’s Wings
“An angel that once walked amongst us.”
By, Miss Tricia
God opened his pearly gates to Heaven,
Where the angels stood to sing.
In walked a great man, his name was Spaulding.
He’s walking in the clouds with angels,
I’m sure he hugged everyone today.
He probably gathered all the littlest angels,
To read to them and pray.
A window into Heaven,
I wish I could look through today.
I just want to know how he's doing,
And heaven seems so far away.
If I could just look for a moment,
I’ll catch a glimpse of his kind face.
Heaven was in need of another angel,
He is now in his resting place.
“An angel that once walked amongst us.”
By, Miss Tricia
God opened his pearly gates to Heaven,
Where the angels stood to sing.
In walked a great man, his name was Spaulding.
He’s walking in the clouds with angels,
I’m sure he hugged everyone today.
He probably gathered all the littlest angels,
To read to them and pray.
A window into Heaven,
I wish I could look through today.
I just want to know how he's doing,
And heaven seems so far away.
If I could just look for a moment,
I’ll catch a glimpse of his kind face.
Heaven was in need of another angel,
He is now in his resting place.
Spiritual PoetryMy Greatest Valentine
By, Tracy Smith
Your arms are open always
With a smile you hold me
The warmth in this relationship
Is something that I will treasure always.
My inner strength comes from you.
My prayers shield me
From all dangers and evils.
Your love keeps me going,
It gently whispers like an angel
Telling me that you love me.
On this day I realize
I have been blessed with the greatest Valentine
I'm happy to share this day with you.
Thank you, God, for loving me,
Your love I feel and see.
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Session Notes
-Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session
The 2008 Nominating Committee is continuing their search for two more elders. When the search is over, the committee will bring their nominations before the congregation at a called meeting of the Congregation. Should you be asked to serve please spend time in prayerful consideration before you give the committee your answer.
The Nominating Committee is comprised of four members at large from the congregation. These members cannot be serving as active Elders or Deacons. To complete this committee, one Deacon and two Elders will be appointed by their respective bodies. The 2009 Nominating Committee will be nominated and elected at a Congregational meeting to be held in the near future. Be thinking about who you would like to nominate to be on this committee. It is always a good idea to ask that person’s permission prior to placing their name in nomination.
CLASSES OF 2008DEACONS Completing three years of faithful service are:
Alice Chaignon Worship Committee
Carole Goedde Flowers/Bereavement
Pat Heisey Greeters
Estie Joubert Mission Committee
ELDERS Completing three years of dedicated service are:
Martha Belz Personnel
Ray Mignogna Worship
Herb Miller Stewardship
Bertha Nelson Christian Ed/Preschool
Blessing upon each and every one of you for your faithful service. Take your time "off” to refresh your spirit and reflect upon new opportunities that may open up to you.
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House Building Mission
- Carol Goedde
My sister’s church, Mission Springs Community Church, in Fremont has a House Building trip each year leaving the area on Dec. 26-30th. This is the 15th year that Bob Johnson, the leader has taken a group of people to Tijuana to build houses for Christian families in need of a house. He has built between 40-50 houses in this time.
My sister and I decided this would be a wonderful way to give back to less fortunate people and we had the time and the money to go. The total cost of the trip was $300. Thirty + people volunteered for the trip with ages from 14-66 with 4 people being deaf, four Korean with limited English and several teenagers. I think my sister and I were two of the oldest participants. The trip was thoroughly organized by Bob who was in charge of all the building equipment, food, water, directions, etc. There were three church vans and three individual cars that carpooled from Fremont to Tijuana.
We were housed in Tijuana by a pastor by the name of Sergio who gives a lot back to his community. We slept in a dormitory type room with three bunk beds stacked high with about 20 beds in a room. There were flush toilets but no paper could be flushed down the toilet. We had some hot water for showers so some of us only took one shower in the 5 days we were there. Even though the evenings and early mornings are chilly, there was no heat. Our accommodations were first class in comparison to how many families live in Tijuana. For breakfast each of us fixed our own cereal, juice and coffee and packed our lunches with sandwiches, chips, fruit, snacks and a drink. We had the opportunity to see the orphanage that Sergio supports because they fed us two evening meals. The orphans enjoyed us playing with them before and after dinner.
It’s a humbling experience to just cross the border and immediately see the poverty. In the 15-20 minutes it took to arrive at Sergio’s you saw the poorly built houses, the graffiti all over buildings, and maneuvered the poorly paved roads, etc.
Each morning we arrived at the work site around 7:30 ready carry heavy pieces of plywood and other materials to one of the two job sites, hammering nails, cutting plaster board, painting, installing roof tiles etc. I had never done any building before. I started my first two days with painting plywood sidings for the houses and strips for the seams and then I ventured into the buildings and started hammering nails and helping others do their job. We met the wonderful, cheerful, and grateful families who would be receiving these two houses. The fathers helped us each day and Abigale, the fourth grade daughter, helped sweep, pick up trash or whatever she felt like doing to help. These families had been waiting two years for this very small house to be built for them. We would pack up the tools and equipment and leave the job site around 5:00.
Two evening we sang songs, played games and just visited with each other. The third night we had a short worship service with singing and sharing how this trip had affected us. I felt so blessed to be able to be a part of helping these two families have a small home in which to live. At 5:00 on the 29th, upon finishing the job, we had a prayer service in front of each house, blessing the families and their continued Christian Ministry to others in the area. We then surprised each family by carrying $350.00 of food from Costco into their homes. To see the smiles and joy on each of their faces was enough to make you want to come back and make other families happy.
Jay and I would like to give a minute for mission on our experience in hoping that others from our church would join us next year building houses in Tijuana.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My sister and I decided this would be a wonderful way to give back to less fortunate people and we had the time and the money to go. The total cost of the trip was $300. Thirty + people volunteered for the trip with ages from 14-66 with 4 people being deaf, four Korean with limited English and several teenagers. I think my sister and I were two of the oldest participants. The trip was thoroughly organized by Bob who was in charge of all the building equipment, food, water, directions, etc. There were three church vans and three individual cars that carpooled from Fremont to Tijuana.
We were housed in Tijuana by a pastor by the name of Sergio who gives a lot back to his community. We slept in a dormitory type room with three bunk beds stacked high with about 20 beds in a room. There were flush toilets but no paper could be flushed down the toilet. We had some hot water for showers so some of us only took one shower in the 5 days we were there. Even though the evenings and early mornings are chilly, there was no heat. Our accommodations were first class in comparison to how many families live in Tijuana. For breakfast each of us fixed our own cereal, juice and coffee and packed our lunches with sandwiches, chips, fruit, snacks and a drink. We had the opportunity to see the orphanage that Sergio supports because they fed us two evening meals. The orphans enjoyed us playing with them before and after dinner.
It’s a humbling experience to just cross the border and immediately see the poverty. In the 15-20 minutes it took to arrive at Sergio’s you saw the poorly built houses, the graffiti all over buildings, and maneuvered the poorly paved roads, etc.
Each morning we arrived at the work site around 7:30 ready carry heavy pieces of plywood and other materials to one of the two job sites, hammering nails, cutting plaster board, painting, installing roof tiles etc. I had never done any building before. I started my first two days with painting plywood sidings for the houses and strips for the seams and then I ventured into the buildings and started hammering nails and helping others do their job. We met the wonderful, cheerful, and grateful families who would be receiving these two houses. The fathers helped us each day and Abigale, the fourth grade daughter, helped sweep, pick up trash or whatever she felt like doing to help. These families had been waiting two years for this very small house to be built for them. We would pack up the tools and equipment and leave the job site around 5:00.
Two evening we sang songs, played games and just visited with each other. The third night we had a short worship service with singing and sharing how this trip had affected us. I felt so blessed to be able to be a part of helping these two families have a small home in which to live. At 5:00 on the 29th, upon finishing the job, we had a prayer service in front of each house, blessing the families and their continued Christian Ministry to others in the area. We then surprised each family by carrying $350.00 of food from Costco into their homes. To see the smiles and joy on each of their faces was enough to make you want to come back and make other families happy.
Jay and I would like to give a minute for mission on our experience in hoping that others from our church would join us next year building houses in Tijuana.
Parish Concerns
Special Prayers for: Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Helen Klotz, Bobbie Stites, Shirley Schmidt, John Roberts, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Natalie Gatzke,
Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, and Glenda Parmentier.
A Loss in the church family
We are greatly saddened by the passing of
Joy Horch on January 7, 2008.
Sympathies to her husband, Walt and daughter, Emily.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Spaulding Norris on January 25, 2008.
A memorial service for Spaulding Norris will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 3PM
at Foothill. A reception will follow.
Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar
Sunday, February 1
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28
Sunday, February 8
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c;
1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39
Sunday, February 15
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30;
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Mark 1:40-45
Sunday, February 22
Transfiguration of the Lord
2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6;
2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
Wednesday, February 25
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or
Isaiah 58:1-12;
Psalm 51:1-17;
2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10;
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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