January 2010

Festival of Carols 2009


Christian Unity Prayer Service, Panel Discussion
at St Elias Church 28 January

Several Catholic and Protestant churches in the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose will sponsor a service of prayer for Christian Unity, followed by a panel discussion on the quest for Christian Unity, on Thursday 28 January at 7:00 pm in St Elias the Prophet Melkite-Greek Catholic Church, 4411 Hyland Avenue in San Jose. People attending are invited to stay for refreshments and conversation with the speakers.

The prayer service will follow the order of Vespers in the Byzantine Christian tradition, with Scripture readings suggested for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by the Graymoor Ecumenical Institute and the World Council of Churches. Clergy and lay people from Alum Rock United Methodist Church, Foothill Presbyterian Church, Interfaith Space, St Elias Melkite-Greek Catholic Church, St John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, and St Philip Episcopal Church will participate in the service.

Following the prayer service, the Rev. Ben Daniel, the Rev. Andrew Kille, and the Rt Rev Alexei Smith will present a panel discussion on the topic “That All May Be One: Perspectives on Christian Unity.” The panelists will especially focus on the ways in which Christians from different traditions define and pursue unity.

The Rev. Ben Daniel has served as pastor of Foothill Presbyterian Church since 1997. In addition to his pastoral work, Rev. Daniel writes faith-based social and political commentary and has been active in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue locally, nationally, and internationally, including a conference that focused on the work of the ecumenical community in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Rev D. Andrew Kille, Ph.D. is an ordained American Baptist minister, the former pastor of First Baptist Church in San Jose. He is currently director of Interfaith Space, an on-line resource for interfaith information and collaboration. He has more than 30 years of extensive experience in inter-religious dialogue and cooperation in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Archimandrite Alexei Smith is pastor of St Andrew Russian-Greek Catholic Church and St Paul Melkite-Greek Catholic Mission in El Segundo, California. He serves as Protopresbyter of the Western Region of the Melkite-Greek Eparchy of Newton and as Ecumenical Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He has participated in many local, national, and international ecumenical services, conferences, and dialogues.

This panel discussion will be the fourth in this year’s series of monthly presentations sponsored by St Elias Church. This series aims at expanding people’s knowledge and understanding of the whole Christian Church, especially the Eastern Churches.

For more information, please call Father James Graham, Pastor of St Elias the Prophet Melkite-Greek Catholic parish, 408-259-0259. For directions to St Elias Church, visit www.steliastheprophet.org .

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A Note From Pastor Maury

Dear Church Members,

Thank You for the Christmas Greetings. I hope you will forgive me but my ambition is insufficient to send each a person thanks.

I have read and reread each one and how I wish I could greet each of you personally.

I presume that you know why I moved to here. In case you don’t: The result of a fall at home was a broken left hip. This, of course, brought surgery. When I came home progress was very slow.

My four Sons, none could be greater, decided that I needed to give up living alone, and move here. At first I was shocked at thinking I would not be seeing you.( I am not over that shock).

They could not have moved me to a better place. I am in an assisted living facility that couldn’t be better. When I need help a person is right here. I am living in a 2 room very special place. My breakfast (big) is brought to my room. They keep my quarters spic and span. My other two meals are in a very nice D.R.

Would you send me a Northern Cook?

I am teaching two Bible Classes a week. Right now, by request, we are studying Revelations. Why oh why did I agree to do it? There are lots of extra activities including music.

I attend a Methodist Church most of the time where Maurice,Jr and Beth are very active. About 600 members. I go to the Presbyterian Church now and then. It is about 800 members. When the choirs sing, Jay, they need you.

I have a wonderful place to live but oh how I miss Foothill

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*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “I” “J”
Numbers: 9 & 10






*Themes & Activities*

*New Year*
1/4-1/8
1/4 Art: 2010
Poem: Happy New year
1/5 Learning the letter I
1/6 Learning the number 9
1/7 Bring something with 2010 on it
1/8 Share Day & Movie Day

*Winter*
1/11-1/15
1/11 Art: 3D Snowflakes
Song: Snowflakes
1/12 Learning the letter I
1/13 Learning the number 9
1/14 Wear your gloves today
1/15 Share Day & Movie Day


*Winter Bear*
1/19-1/22
1/19 Art:Hibernating Bear
Poem:Bears are sleeping
Learning the letter J
1/20 Learning the number 10
1/21 Wear your hat & scarf today
1/22 Share Day & Movie Day

*Shapes*
1/25-1/29
1/25 Art:Triangle Tree
Song: All Shapes Come Together
1/26 Learning the letter J
1/27 Learning the number 10
1/28 Bring a rectangle shaped item
1/29 Share Day & Movie Day

*Bible Lesson*

Spiritual Message: Peace

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, January 6

*Preschool Closed*

Monday, January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day


*A Special Thank You*
To:
Pastor Ben
The Preschool Board
Fred & Marilyn Kromrey
David & Isabelle Taylor
For helping us make our
Christmas Season a memorable event.


*Poetry*
A New Year
By Ms. Tricia

The last day of the year,
Is called New Years Eve.
Looking back on all the memories,
2009 is going to leave.
May hope love and warmth,
Be in your heart’s possession.
And may the New Year bring
You and Yours,
God’s many blessings.
I wish for your happiness,
As we enter into a new year.
From me to you,
I’m wishing you,
A very Happy New Year!
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ONE COAT TO SHARE

Thank you Foothill Folks and friends for your generous response for warm jackets. Between November 8 and December 22 three trips were made to InnVision. A total of 145 jackets were delivered. The demand for warm jackets is great and volunteers were very appreciative of our donations. Did you receive a new jacket for Christmas? Will you be cleaning out your closet during January?Collection of jackets will continue through the month of January.

DONATIONS NEEDED

InnVision will gladly accept your donations of: blankets, towels, sheets, clothing all sizes. Donations are accepted Monday - Friday 12:30 to 3:30 PM. InnVision is located on the northwest corner of Commerical and 7th Street. Take Mabury Rd or Berryessa RD to 7th Street and turn right, cross over Commerical and turn left into their drive through drop-off area. Volunteers will unload your car, you can fill out a donation form and be on your way.

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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY, MANY THANKS… Looking back on 2009, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to anyone who has contributed their time, talent, anything of themselves for the life of the music ministry: all the musicians - the bell, chancel, and children’s choirs, the Peralta Consort, other small ensembles, soloists, and guests; all the behind-the-scenes folks- the parents of those in the children’s choir, families (and yes, pets), and friends who support the time commitment that the musicians give; Music Series staff – those who give up their Sunday afternoons and odd times of the week, and those who share their resources to keep our concert series alive and growing, Ben Daniel and the Session, and TO ANYONE, AND EVERYONE who has in anyway supported the ministry. YOU GUYS ARE TRULY AMAZING! You are the music of the church, and words cannot express the gratitude and humility I feel working together. THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY CONCERTS

Flauti Dolci and Amici I
Saturday, February 6, 3 PM

Some of the Bay Area’s most skilled and talented recorder consorts and mixed ensembles: Baroque Etc…, Ministriles, SDQ, Ensemble Sonoma, and others come together to perform early music as well as recent compositions.

South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, February 26, 7:30 PM
Featuring excerpts from Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1
de Falla: Three Cornered Hat

Judith Linsenberg & Katherine Heater
Sunday, February 28, 3 PM

Recorder virtuoso Judith Linsenberg and harpsichordist Katherine Heater will feature recorder and continuo music from the 16th through the 20th centuries including works by Bach, Sammartini, Bassano, Pete Rose, and others. www. Linsenberg.com Suggested Donation: $10 per person per concert

NEXT MONTH

Saturday, March 13, 7:30 PM - CanVonier featuring works from Italy, France, Spain, and England in the 13th and 14th centuries. www.canconier.com

Sunday, March 14, 3 PM – Sopranos Anne Marie Daniel and Jay Jordana in their Napoleon Dynamite concert: renaissance, classical, romantic, and contemporary. Anything goes!

Sunday, March 28, 3 PM – American Recorder Orchestra of the West (AROW) featuring works by Brahms, Debussy, Hovhaness, Mozart, Offenbach, Poulenc, Satie, Schubert, and Shostakovich. www.arowmusic.org

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NEW OFFICERS FOR CLASS OF 2012

Elders: Tony DeRose
Kathy Havis-Faler
Gene Hewitt
Mike Takeda

Deacons: John Belz
Rene Banks
Carol Goedde

The Nominating Committee is still seeking a fourth person to serve on the Board of Deacons.

Memorial Endowment Committee
Marilyn Kromery

Audit Committee
Al Schuler

WORKING TOGETHER
- Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is comprised of seven members. Two Elders, one Decon and four members of the congregation. Members of the congregation are elected at a Congregational Meeting. Now is the time to be thinking about who would you like to nominate for this position. Be sure and ask the person if they would be willing to serve on this committee prior to placing their name in nomination.

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Welcome to Caitlin Grace Leonard, born January 31, 2009. Congratulations to proud Great Grandparents, Charlie and Helen Klotz; Grandparents, Bill & Nancy Leonard; and Parents, Tim & Julie Leonard.

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

We are at our best when we serve God by serving others.
-Unknown author

This month of November has been interesting and I am grateful to God for the strength that I muster. I still have many deaths; gunshot wounds, domestic abuse, stillborns, and our regular traumas. When I visited an elderly woman (88), she said, “I am ready.” I had an idea what she meant but wanted her to talk about it. She said, “I am ready to meet the Lord because I have been a good servant.” She had been trying to satisfy her children but decided to make a decision that made her comfortable. Her children wanted her to have three dialysis treatments a week but she was not willing to do this. She had one treatment which took four hours and said she could not live this way for the rest of her life.

A young man (24) answered his door and was shot four times in his chest. Someone called EMS; he walked down the steps and threw up a lot of blood. When he arrived in ER, he was trying to talk and all of a sudden a stream of blood came from his mouth and in an instant he was rushed to OR. The Doctors operated for hours trying to save his life. What they found was one of the bullets nicked his aorta which explained why he was throwing up so much blood. I was fortunate that I was not in his ER room when he first arrived but for a week I could smell blood on my hands. When the investigator came, no one in his family wanted to discuss anything about the shooting and I wondered if they wanted to take the law into their own hands. I visited this man today in ICU and he is still alive.

An elderly man (79) was sent home on a Friday afternoon because the family wanted hospice care at this time. On Sunday he was rushed to ER and given a poor prognosis. The family was in shock because they thought he had a lot more time to be with them. He coded and the family wanted everything done which included CPR and they watched as the staff tried to save him. When he died, it was very difficult for the family.

It does not fail! It seems as though each month I have a very difficult death. An 18 year old had gone hunting for a few days with some friends, they had a good time, and he was all smiles when he came home, according to his parents. When he went upstairs to his room, his Father heard a pop and then a thump. He ran upstairs to his son’s room, saw blood and realized his son had been shot. His Father yelled for his wife to call 911 while he was giving him CPR. They rushed him to ER; he was immediately taken to OR due to the massive amount of blood loss. I spent four hours with the family while he was in OR and spent time facilitating the conversation for them to talk about it. He knew how to handle guns and the family did not believe he had shot himself. After sitting patiently for a long time, they were given an update. I left the room while this was done and when the RN she saw me I was given information about his poor prognosis. The surgeons were able to stop the bleeding, remove his left lung, and then rush him to ICU. At 2:30 in the am, I received a code blue page for intensive care, another page for a full arrest (turned into a death), and a page for a still born. I had to wake up the Resident Chaplain (in sleep room) and ask her to go to the code. Yes, it was the young man. They had given the family a very poor prognosis and the family chose to withdraw life support which caused the code. He was stabilized and they made him a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). The resident Chaplain was with the family from 3:00am to 8:30am. There were about 100 school children who had come to see him, hold him, get on the bed and cry, and most of them went to the Chapel to pray for him. I had spent time with his family and went to his room after my crisis calls to say my goodbyes to his parents and grandfather. They had aged several years because of what they had to deal with. This was their only child. God is always on time and as sad as this was, one good thing did come from this, the ME (medical examiner) ruled it an accidental shooting.

The still born was emotional and sad visit for me. The baby, 28-30 weeks was a boy, and the Mom had not felt movement in several days. When the Doctors delivered him, he had mold on his head and the RNs believe it is because the Mom (28) could not afford pre-natal care. When I saw him, I felt so sad for the parents and because he was already dead, I offered prayed for her and her husband. She was very distraught and her husband cried for a long time.

I had not seen any domestic abuse patients in a long time but during this month, I had the opportunity to provide pastoral care and support to two ladies. One lady (45) was in what’s called kwik care and has been to the hospital six times with the same related concern. She did not want to discuss what happened but said she felt comforted by my presence. I gave her some literature on abuse and held her hands for a while.

The other lady (65) was brought to trauma. She has been dating this guy for nine years and he has been in jail a few times for hitting her. She moved 200 miles from Ft Worth and was home visiting her daughter, son, and brother. She said this guy called her daughter’s house, spoke to her, she agreed to see him and her daughter drove her to the nightclub. When the club was ready to close, he got agitated, and when she asked what was wrong, he hit her in the nose. She ended up with four stitches and I thank God it was nothing more serious. She called her brother to come get her and he said, no way because I am tired of this and when you really want to do something about it, I will help you. She cried for a long time and shared her up and down times about this behavior. She said he is not right for me but it is difficult to stop. I listened for a long time and asked her to think about the years in this relationship, how many times she has tried to stop, and asked her to think about getting help. She agreed to do it. We talked about God in her life and I gave her a lot of literature and held her hands for a while.

My school status:

I received a B+ on my mid-term paper for history of Christianity and a B on my paper regarding book, The Enchiridion. This is the last week of classes for this semester; we have study week, and then finals. I registered for two classes in the spring; History of Christian Ethics and part II of the history of Christianity. I will have 6 books for the Ethics class and one book to purchase for the other class. After the spring semester, I will need 27 credits to graduate from seminary, all thanks to God.

Lord, may I continue to have a servant’s heart in all that I say and do.
~to be continued~
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Special Prayers For
Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Bobbie Stites,
Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Kitty Rugebregt, Karen Withrow, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda,
Marilyn Kromrey, Nancy Azzarello, Dick Rush, Beulah Thomas, Cruz Chacon, Virginia Harro, and Tirzah Spencer.


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Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, January 3
2nd Sunday after Christmas
Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20;
Ephesians 1:1-14; John 1:(1-9) 10-18

Monday, January 6
Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,
Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Sunday, January 10
Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29;
Acts 8:14-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Sunday, January 17
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10;
Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

Sunday, January 24
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8, Psalm 19;
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21

Sunday, January 31
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6;
1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30