March 2009

A Letter from the Pastor

Friends,

Because Lent is a season of penitence and a time reflect upon our morality and our need for God’s grace, I believe Lent must necessarily be a time for spiritual discovery. As we confess our shortcomings and our sin; as we work out new ways to “live as dust that will return to dust,” we will learn. We will grow.


This Lent I have discovered a prayer that I hope will be used by the Holy Spirit to guide be to Easter, and I’m offering it you as well. The prayer comes from Kenya, and is published in a variety of sources, including Desmond Tutu’s collection of prayers called, An African Prayer Book (New York: Doubleday, 1995). Here is the prayer that is my prayer for me, for you and for us this Lent:

From the cowardice that dare not face new truths,
From the laziness that is contented with half truths,
From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,
Good Lord deliver me.

Amen.

May you be blessed and may you grow in God’s truth this Lent.

Peace,

Ben

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~The Life of a Seminary student {on internship}
-Maxine Millender

Lord, I ask you to direct me in what I do, in the way I do it, and in the motives of my heart. Make it right with you.-Marilyn Driscoll

Last month (12/2008), I shared more about my daily walk as a Chaplain at Harris Methodist Hospital’s trauma center. As I continue to walk along these corridors and visit patients, there are so many things happening. During this second unit which is our winter unit, we have education on Tuesday from 9 to 12 and 1 to 2:30. Wednesday is usually from 10 to 12 and what’s called an IDS which stands for Inter Departmental Status. This means different groups come in to explain what is done in their department. Thursday is from 9-12 and our most difficult day.

I presented an IDS on Suicide prevention and Suicide survivors. I had three people who are all survivors come in to share their stories. I became interested in Suicide because I have had more patients who have attempted it and this has become of interest to me, especially with younger people.

Let me explain why Thursday is so difficult for us. From 10:30 to 12 it is IPR time. IPR is Inter Personal Relations and no one likes this time because it’s the time that you bring a problem, issue, or ask for help from your peer. Most times no one says a word. This past week (1/22) I brought an issue to the table about one of the women who had mis-interpreted what I had said to her. We got into a heated argument, had to stop for our CPE supervisor to help us process and he said that we would most likely start to develop a healthy relationship after this. What happened is that I said something to her; she heard what she wanted to hear but did not listen to me. She said something to me and I heard what I wanted to but did not listen to her. We were both saying wrong and hurtful things and also saying some things right but at the time of our conversation, neither one of us could process it correctly due to our anger. When the supervisor put a parallel process on the board, we could both see where we were wrong by not listening to each other. CPE is such a wonderful program as difficult as it is sometimes. I have grown so much and feel great, especially when I walk into the patient’s room.

The other day (1/22) a woman (60) was found in the woods in a sleeping bag, airlifted to our hospital, and I was called because this was a crisis and full arrest. Most times full arrests die but she was still hanging on and transferred from ER to out trauma ICU floor. She is a Harvard educated Doctor, has been out of work for 6 months and had been seeing a psychologist and psychotherapist. When they called me, they were insistent on trying to get information from me but I had to continually tell them I could not give out medical information as a Chaplain but would put her in touch with a Doctor or RN, which I did.

On one of my other floors, I have a young lady (26) who has been depressed for several months, has two children, her husband left her, and she is not working. She has had thoughts of trying to kill herself and eventually tried. Each time I have gone to her room, she is asleep which means the Doctors/RN’s have sedated her. On my last visit, she had seen a psych nurse who had completed her evaluation on her but she was asleep when I arrived.

One night on my extended shift (1/14), a man who was 55 yrs old died and I was called to his room to help the family. When I arrived, there were about 50 adults (men, women) and children in and around the room. I went into the room to meet the wife and let her know I was there and would give them privacy. Before I could turn to go out, one little boy ran out of the room crying and sobbing. I followed him to the waiting room; he was already on the couch with his body turned towards the wall. I lowered myself to his level and asked him if I could touch his shoulder and he said yes. I comforted him, and asked if he would be ok with me hugging him and he said yes. I hugged him and let him know that I would be there and not leave him without letting him know. Since his forehead was warm, I let him know I would get a cloth with cold water for his forehead. When I returned, his Mother came out and I told her I would stay with him and take care of him and the other little children. They seemed happy about this. I left again to get water for the adults and any of the children who were thirsty. I helped a young man (25) who was crying so much he started to throw up.

This patient was obese, had sleep apnea, lung problems, terrible wounds all over his body and he was well liked by all the staff. I asked the family to wait in the family room so that the RN could clean his body and I would come get them when she finished. The RN tenderly washed his body, shaved him and put on a new gown. I went to get the family and one of the ladies asked me if I was an angel sent from God. I looked at her and said that I am an agent of God's to be with them, comfort, and help them through as much of this grieving process as I could. She said, "We really do thank you for all you are doing to help us." These are always comforting words to hear. I spoke to the wife about prayer and she said yes. I prayed and when I finished, there were tears in their eyes, even the children. She told me it was a lovely prayer.

I will continue to share my daily walk but also share some protocol that we follow for our visits. As Chaplains we have to be very careful how we handle information. We are given information, we see and hear things, and when we visit family, especially in the emergency room, we have to realize that family will hang onto our every word.

~to be continued~
____________________________________________________________________
FOOTHILL CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
IS HAVING FUN IN MARCH







*Academics*

· The kids are learning about the

letters “M” “N” & numbers 13 & 14.

*Themes & Activities*



*Me, Myself & I*

3/2-3/6



· 3/2 Art: I’m on television
Poem: “Special me”

· 3/3 Letter *M* day

· 3/4 Number 13 day

· 3/5 Bring your favorite book

· 3/6 Movie & share day


*Body Awareness*

3/9-3/13

· 3/9 Art: Body parts collage

Poem: Here are my ears

· 3/10 Letter *M* day

· 3/11 Number 13 day

· 3/12 Wear a hat for your ‘head’

or a scarf for your ‘neck’

· 3/13 Movie & share day




*St. Patrick*

3/16-3/20

· 3/16 Art: Blarney stones

Poem: “I’m a Leprechaun”

· 3/17 Letter *N* day/wear green

· 3/18 Number 14 day

· 3/19 Bring something green

· 3/20 Movie & share day



*Family*
3/23-3/27

· 3/23 Art: Family Mobile
Poem: Some Families

· 3/24 Letter *N* day

· 3/25 Number 14 day

· 3/26 Bring a picture of your family

· 3/27 Movie & share day

*Multicultural*

3/30-3/31

· 3/30 Art Chinese Fan

Poem: We Are Different

· 3/31 Letter review day: *M* & *N*





*Special Activities*
Outdoor Workday
Saturday, March 28

*Spiritual Poetry*

Hugs From 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 a song you hear fills you
With a feeling of sweet love
It's a hug sent from Heaven
From someone special up above

If you awaken in the morning
To a bluebird's chirping song
It's music sent from Heaven
To cheer you all day long

If tiny little snowflakes
Land upon your face
It's a hug sent from Heaven
Trimmed with Angel lace

So keep the joy in your heart
If you're lonely my dear friend
Hugs that are sent from Heaven
A broken heart will mend

____________________________________________________________________

The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS!
Monteverdi Brass Quintet - to Nancy Leonard, Peg Nickl, Stevie White for concert production, and to Kraig Williams for all the work you do in bringing fine early music acts to our Music Series.

Nothingset Ensemble – to Joyce Banks, Nancy Leonard, Dana and Benjamin Marino, Peg Nickl, and Bud and Shirley Schmidt for concert production.

Without the help of folks, our Music Series would not survive. Thanks so much for continuing the vision of providing a wide variety of high caliber music to East San Jose. We are the only ones in East San Jose Foothills that is doing that on a regular basis.

I TAKE IT BACK!
Okay, so we now have a jazz combo, opera singers, a folk band, a guest bell choir, our FPC musicians BUT no funk band!

We can’t have a benefit concert without the funk band!

So, our benefit concert will have to be moved to another date. Instead of March 8th, it will be held after Easter, which falls on April 12th this year. The concert will be after that. Besides, we could still use a bit of planning time. So, stay tuned for more!


American Recorder Orchestra of the West (AROW)
Saturday, April 18, 2009, 3:00PM

Founded and directed by Richard Geisler since 2000, this Northern California ensemble is known to feature compositions not traditionally played on recorders. Playing on sopranino to contrabass recorders, AROW has performed German, French, English, Medieval, and Eastern European programs, which have included both the formal and folk sides of national musical traditions. www.arowmusic.org www.sfems.org

CONCERT SCHEDULE Spring 2009
National Association Composers USA (San Francisco)
-Sunday, April 26, 3PM

Flauti Dolci & Amici II
–Sunday, May 9, 3PM

Chris and Jack Bradshaw (Ragtime Piano Duet)
– Sunday, May 17, 3 PM

Mid-Peninsula Recorder Society
– Sunday, June 7, 3 PM

If you are interested in helping out with any of the concerts, please let me know. We would love your support. Let’s keep our Music Series Healthy and Alive!

Feedback From the Community
The following reviews are taken from ARRNE

Hello Alum Rockers, There were a few familiar faces at the Concert last night and now I am thinking, "If you all knew what was in store for you, the place would have been packed!"

The subject line of the announcements sent out to ARNNE a few days earlier, Concert Announcement, perhaps was not challenging enough or was too scary. But let me tell you, my friendly neighbors in Alum Rock, you missed a good one! The beautiful sounds of melody and harmony filled the church chapel and filled our hearts with the love of music. Granted, there was no amplifier. No bank of speakers to back up the musicians. No pounding drums. No flashing strobes. Just five skilled brass players, two trumpets and three trombones, consummate professionals. This was not a concert for the younger generation; it was for adults who love the sound of real music.

Thank you, Jay Jordana, JayJordana@gmail.com, for posting this announcement on the Network. This was the first time June and I have attended the music series at Foothill. We will be back. Please keep up the good work and keep us informed.

Thank You,
Frank Crane

PS: While I was waiting to hit "Send" for this message, I received a new announcement on ARNNE for the concert on 2/22, Sunday, at 3:00 PM. You should make plans if at all possible! FKC

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

Well, I will echo Frank Craney that the community is really missing out on a terrific event right here in our neighborhood.

The music on Sunday was excellent. There was Bach, there was Hindesmith, there was Piazzolla. Singing and playing a wide assortment of pieces -rousing folk songs, a Bach duet with violin and saxophone(!), Hungarian dances, soaring voices - amazing.

The young (highly trained at the SF Conservatory of Music and other nationally renown schools) musicians were amazingly talented on a wide range of instruments. The last piece (a tango) was played with flute, clarinet, melodica (Google it), marimba and drums, electric guitar, violin, viola and two double basses - a whole orchestra.

The church has great acoustics and the crowd was way too small for the caliber of the musicians. The players and singers were very gracious and appreciative to those of us who came. We chatted after the concert which you usually don't get to do with professional musicians. One couple came from Connecticut to perform.

Jay Jordana is committed to bringing high quality music events to the East Side and we can support her efforts by attending. It was a wonderful two hours on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Jay just announced her next concert and we will be there.

Cheers,
Bracey ________________________________________________________________
Notes from the Congregational Meeting of February 8, 2009
-Darlene Ristrim Clerk of Session

• Karen Withrow, Moderator of the 2008 Nominating Committee, gave her final report.

• Sue Andersen and Nancy Rubio were elected to the office of Elder.

• Four members at large were elected to serve on the 2009 Nominating Committee. They are: Sue LeValley, Eileen Parks, Ray Mignogna, and Herb Miller. Two Elders and one Deacon will be appointed to serve on this committee. An Elder will be moderator.

• An amendment to Rev. Daniel’s term of call was approved. At a cost of approximately $167 per year his Life Insurance will increase from a $50,000 death benefit to $300,000.

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S.H.A.R.E.S. Program at SaveMart and Lucky's
Rewards Foothill Church

Late in 2008, S.H.A.R.E.S. cards were distributed to members to be used when making purchases at Lucky and SaveMart stores. These stores have pledged to support the communities in which they do business and do so by returning a percentage of their profits to us as a thank you for patronizing them. For our patronage at Lucky's and SaveMart during the fourth quarter, Foothill received a check for $100.92 -- and our cards weren't even used during the whole quarter!

Please continue to use your cards when making purchases at these stores!

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Spring Clean Up
Saturday, March 28
8AM-Noon

Gather up your favorite home improvement tools, roll up your sleeves and meet us bright and early for a day of Fun, Fellowship, and (a little) Hard Work!

Look for a sign up sheet in the narthex with a list of projects, OR…donate $40 to cover the cost of a day worker.

_______________________________________________________
Lectionary Readings Available in the
Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, March 1, 1st Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

Sunday, March 8, 2nd Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38

Sunday, March 15, 3rd Sunday in Lent
Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

Sunday, March 22, 4th Sunday in Lent
Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

Sunday, March 29, 5th Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

Parish Concerns

Loss in Our Church Family
Our church family is saddened by the loss of long-time member John Roberts on February 10. Our prayers and sympathy goes out to John's family.


Special Prayers
Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Helen Klotz, Bobbie Stites,
Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Natalie Gatzke,
Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, Glenda Parmentier,
Joanne Reinecker, Charlie Klotz



____________________________________________________________________


March 28th
9:00AM
Room 9

February 2009

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
_____________________________________________
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~

____________________________________________________________________

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 CONCERTS
Monteverdi 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

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 bag
Poem: “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 Hearts
Poem: Valentine
· 2/10 Letter *K* day
· 2/11 Number11day
· 2/12 Wear something red day
· 2/13 Movie & share day

Presidents
2/16-2/20
· 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 Kite
Poem: 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 2
Parent Education Night
(Kindergarten Readiness)




February 13
Valentine Dessert Party









February 27
Call your child to say,
“I love you” day




Preschool Closed
Monday, 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.

Spiritual Poetry
My 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 2008
DEACONS 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.

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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