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

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'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.)

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