Dear Friends,
Happy Easter!
As we begin the season of Easter, which runs ‘til Pentecost (May 23rd this year) I hope you will remember that Easter is not just a single day. Rather it is both a season and a state of mind.
It is wonderful that the roughly fifty days of Easter take us through the spring, when new life is all around us, when the grass on the hills is still green, when trees are in blossom and wildflowers bloom, when days get longer and warmer and the joys of summer get closer. Easter is a good season, and I hope you will remember to celebrate Easter, not just on a single Sunday but clear through ‘til Pentecost.
But Easter also is a state of mind that lasts forever. Anytime we choose life over death, anytime we choose hope over despair, anytime we choose to walk in the light instead of dwelling in darkness, we are claiming Easter as an ongoing reality.
So may your celebration of the resurrection be rich and full, may your observance of the Easter season be meaningful and life-affirming, and may the living God dwell in you always.
He is Risen Indeed!
Ben
_________________________________________________
(From the Monarch Messenger, the Newsletter of the San Jose Presbytery)
Ben Daniel Publishing Book on Immigration
"Neighbor: Christian Encounters With "Illegal" Immigration"
Ben Daniel Publishing Book on Immigration
"Neighbor: Christian Encounters With "Illegal" Immigration"
Westminster John Knox Press
(Available August 16, 2010; you can pre-order on Amazon.com today!)
(Available August 16, 2010; you can pre-order on Amazon.com today!)
Ben Daniel, pastor of Foothill Presbyterian Church in San Jose, is publishing his first book, a "spiritual, legal, and geographic" study of the immigration debate.
"I'm thrilled that the folks at Westminster John Knox took a chance on a rookie author like me to write a book on an issue as important as immigration, and I'm happy that my book will be part of ongoing conversations about how Christians will respond--not just to "immigration" as a set of issues--but also, and more importantly, to immigrants as people" said Ben.
Using a blend of travel narrative, interviews, theological insight, and biblical scholarship, Daniel tackles the controversial issues that surround undocumented migration in the United States by taking the reader to the spiritual, legal, and geographical front lines of the immigration debate. Here, the political becomes personal and "talking points" have a human face. The result of this journey is a compelling argument that encourages Christians to meet undocumented immigrants as neighbors and as friends. Study questions are included.
Ben has served on the board of Presbyterian Border Ministries and is a regular contributor to UPI's online religion and spirituality forum, as well as KQED FM, the largest NPR affiliate in the United States. He is a graduate of Westmont College and Princeton Theological Seminary.
"I'm thrilled that the folks at Westminster John Knox took a chance on a rookie author like me to write a book on an issue as important as immigration, and I'm happy that my book will be part of ongoing conversations about how Christians will respond--not just to "immigration" as a set of issues--but also, and more importantly, to immigrants as people" said Ben.
Using a blend of travel narrative, interviews, theological insight, and biblical scholarship, Daniel tackles the controversial issues that surround undocumented migration in the United States by taking the reader to the spiritual, legal, and geographical front lines of the immigration debate. Here, the political becomes personal and "talking points" have a human face. The result of this journey is a compelling argument that encourages Christians to meet undocumented immigrants as neighbors and as friends. Study questions are included.
Ben has served on the board of Presbyterian Border Ministries and is a regular contributor to UPI's online religion and spirituality forum, as well as KQED FM, the largest NPR affiliate in the United States. He is a graduate of Westmont College and Princeton Theological Seminary.
__________________________________________________
All Church Service Day Spring 2010
-Marilyn Kromrey
The many who helped:
The Building and Grounds committee thanks those in the congregation who helped with the cleaning and gardening projects on Saturday, March 20th.
Special thanks to Ray Mignogna for checking off the list of projects. Mike Takeda, Kathy Havis-Faler, Lin Peng and Herb Miller trimmed ivy from the west fence. The Cubs and Boy Scouts helped gather the cuttings and hauled them to the green waste bin. Carol Goedde helped the scouts rake out the rose basins and then worked with Dana Marino and Marilyn Kromrey trimming plants in the courtyard. Benjamin Marino assisted.
The community gardeners had their work cut out for them digging weeds from the driveway and the scouts helped pull weeds along the "ditch". It was a beautiful Spring day and we all enjoyed working together.
Special thanks to Jan Miller, Carol Tillman, Udell Eby and Angie Carillo for pruning the roses in between rain storms in February and March.
_________________________________________________
Gifts of Women at FPC-Marilyn Kromrey, Isabelle Taylor and Karen Withrow
We celebrated the gifts of women on Sunday. March 21st. This day is set aside to honor women who contribute their gifts and talents to the church and community. Women of all ages are encouraged to gather into the community of faithful women who provide leadership and service.
First however, we recognized David Taylor who has been taking photographs of Session and Deacon members as well as Easter Egg Hunts, Halloween and Preschool Christmas events at Foothill. He has served one term as Elder and served on the Membership/Outreach, working on the pictorial directory.
We also recognized Fred Kromrey who has been faithfully working the sound system, is the head usher, taking pictures at Easter Egg Hunts, Halloween, special event coffee hours, Festival of Carols and helping with church garden chores. We thank these two men for their faithfulness.
We recognized Anne Daniel for her efforts with the Earth Care Task Force.
She has enlightened us about our carbon footprint and how Moringa Trees can help replace carbon in our atmosphere. She has spearheaded Electronic Waste Disposal events and encouraged us to support Recycle Sunday. She was a big help when we renewed our green business status with the county. She was an inspiration in helping to organize the Foothill Fineries and the Boutiques. Lately she has been working on the Haitian Relief Project. Thank you Anne.
An Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women is conferred upon an individual in recognition of faithful service in some area of the Church's work. We honored Sharon Rowser. She and her husband, Gene Hewitt, have been members of Foothill since 1987, soon after they moved to California from New York.
Since she has been a member of Foothill, Sharon has served two terms as an Elder and one term as a Deacon. Sharon Rowser has become a great asset to the Sunday School, teaching 4th and 5th graders. She has served as secretary of Presbyterian Women in the 90's and participated in many of the planned events. She served 3 years on the Presbytery Committee of Self Development of People. After being introduced to the Linus Project by and Patti Knight and Anne Daniel, Sharon has become an avid crochet person. This project has become Foothill Fineries and the group has crocheted many colorful lap blankets for the warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Last year Sharon stepped in at the last moment to help organize the Fall Retreat.
During the workweek Sharon is a busy lady. Sharon is currently a Vice President and Deputy Director of MDRC’s Policy Research Department. MDRC was created in 1974 with the overall objective of providing hard analytic data regarding the effectiveness of programs targeted to low-income people within the United States. In this capacity, Sharon specializes in evaluation program operations and technical assistance in a number of MDRC program areas including: employment and training systems; marriage education services; non-custodial parents; and, welfare-to-work.
Since these evaluation studies are long-term and cover organizations throughout the United States, she regularly travels throughout the country. If these professional duties weren’t enough, she also manages the firm’s office here in the bay Area. If she isn’t traveling, she is regularly is on the phone in 2-3 hour conference calls with project co-workers based in New York City.
There is a humbling beauty in seeing the world through the eyes of a child. So, when Sharon’s daughter, Elizabeth, was asked by a girl friend in 3rd or 4th grade “What does your mother do (for work)?” Elizabeth said, “My mom plays video games while talking on the phone (long conference calls) and fires people”.
She and her husband, Gene Hewitt, have raised two children, Greg and Elizabeth. Elizabeth helps out in the Nursery on Sunday mornings.
We applaud Sharon for her efforts and thank her for the time and talent she has contributed to the life of Foothill and to the community. We were pleased to present Sharon Rowser with an Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women.
_________________________________________
The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries
MANY THANKS…
To Dana and Benjamin Marino, Ray Mignogna, Peg Nickl, Patty Potter, Carol Tillman, Kraig Williams for the production of the March concerts. Thanks for all you do for the Music Series.
DISASTER RELIEF
Benefit Concert
I’d also like to thank everyone who supported the Disaster Relief Concert on March 10th. We raised awareness and an additional $117 Thank you for your generosity and support.
UPCOMING CONCERTS:THE IVES QUARTET IS COMING TO EAST SAN JOSE!
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 3 PM
"The Ives Quartet doesn't have it easy. One of a bevy of top-drawer string quartets in the Bay Area (think Kronos, St. Lawrence, Turtle Island and the like), the group has yet to garner the fame it deserves. My advice: Make them your personal discovery. The group plays with refinement and fire, and its performances typically number among the South Bay's top chamber music events, year to year!"
~Rick Scheinin, San Jose Mercury News
"The ensemble sounded like a single powerful string instrument, in terms of intonation, color, and direction. A listener could hardly ask for more from a string quartet."
~San Francisco Classical Voice
The program will feature Beethoven's Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No.1, Quincy Porter's Quartet No. 3 (1930), Antonin Dvorak's Quartet in F Major, Op. 96, "American."
For more information, check out www.ivesquartet.org
Suggested Donation: $10
Tell everyone! If you would like to help me spread the word, there are flyers in front of my office. Please take some and distribute to your friends and family.
LET’S PACK THE HOUSE, FOLKS!
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMPOSERS USA (SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER)
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 3 PM
Featuring new works by living Bay Area composers. Program will include Greg Steinke's Another New Beginning, Simon Bokman's Humoresques, Edgar Simons' Two Songs, Jean Ahn's Folksong Revisit, Paul Rosas' Bare Tree Canon, Evan Mack's Will They Listen?, John Bilotta's Two Songs, Brian Holmes's Six Ayers, Reynold Tharp's Littoral, and Karl Schmidt's 3x3-Round 2.
www.nacusasf.org
Suggested Donation: $10
_________________________________________________
Moringa Trees for Haiti
Presbyterian Hunger Program, PC(USA) has a goal to plant 3,700,000 Moringa trees across Haiti between March 2010 and February 2011. Each and every tree planted will go toward providing Haitians with a sustainable resource to end hunger and reduce poverty.
We urge all in the Foothill Community to offset your 2010 carbon footprint by purchasing Moringa Trees for Haiti. Please look for the information table in the narthex.
"Moringa is a tropical multipurpose tree. It is resistant to drought and fast growing. Moringa is raising a growing international interest, as a source of: food supplement, flocculent for water treatment, cosmetic oil, and vegetable, fodder." from moringanews
---------------------------------------------------------
Gift of the Heart Kit Assembly Event
Saturday, April 24, 10AM
Everyone is welcome to come and help assemble kits!
We will put together about 50 Hygiene Kits and 10 Baby Kits, and double check the contents of about 50 kits that have been donated by members of our Foothill community. Once we have all the kits together we’ll need to box them up for shipping to the Church World Service warehouse.
Pot Luck Lunch - Saturday, April 24, Noon
After all the hard work we’ll be doing putting together the Gift of the Heart Kits, we’re going to relax and enjoy a meal together. To RSVP for the Pot Luck, please contact the church office.
_________________________________________________
33rd Bay Area CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, April 251:00 PM Registration - 1:30PM Walk
Hoover Middle School, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose
Make plans to join the Foothill Team by walking or giving your financial support.
What is a CROP Hunger Walk?
Neighbors walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting.For more information on CROP visit http://www.crophungerwalks.org/bayarea/
_________________________________________________
*Bible Lesson*
Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, April 7
Spiritual Message: Kindness
Scriptures Genesis 24:12,14,49
12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. 14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. 49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.
To The Preschool Board: Eileen Parks, Jan Miller, Bertha Nelson, Jerry Siegfried and Nancy Rubio for recognizing all the hard work that we, the staff, put in to the preschool to make it a successful business. We have always taken pride in providing excellent care for all the children who enroll in our preschool. We recognize that it takes a team of great people to create success. We have remained open for 12 years partly due to the support of our board members. We thank you, for your great leadership.
~Fundraiser Profit~Silent Auction- $1,317.92
See’s Candies- $542.00
__________________________________________________
Preschool Spring Extravaganza
-Eileen Parks
March 19th was a busy day for the Preschool. Each year the preschool board hosts a Teacher Appreciation Dinner which this year served approximately 92 people. The dinner is prepared by the board using our old tried and true baked pasta recipe, decorations are created by the children, Fellowship Hall set up by the usual cast of characters (Herb Miller, Jerry Siegfried, and Tom Parks), tables are set with flowers, and away we go. For the last several years, this event has grown to include a Silent Auction to help raise money for the school. Parents donate decorated baskets with a creative variety of goodies – this year we had 40 baskets – and we sell them to the highest bidder. The event earned us a little over $1300 which will be used to upgrade toys on the playground. This event requires a huge amount of time and effort to coordinate and put on. Thanks to the efforts of the board – Jan Miller, Eileen Parks, Jerry Siegfried, Bertha Nelson, Nancy Rubio, it was once again a huge success.
The Preschool is chugging along, although with fewer children right now. The economy is certainly reflected in our enrollment numbers which is putting a lot of pressure on our finances – just like everybody else. As soon as we recover from putting on this dinner, we plan to do one for the church members as well – without the auction part. The preschool is a mission of this church and we are in need of support. More on this plan later.
Fellowship Soup Lunch
Sunday, April 25 Following Worship Service
Plan to stay and enjoy lunch. Look for sign up in the narthex or RSVP by calling or emailing the church office (408-258-8133 or foothillpc@gmail.com)
We need one or two people to volunteer as the coordinator(s) for the next Fellowship Lunch. This is a super easy job and, if you are a newer member, a great way to get to know people. Nancy Leonard will be available to assist any volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Nancy in the church office.
_________________________________________________
POTATO CASSEROLE
submitted by Karen Withrow
1 2-pound package frozen hash browns (thaw 40 minutes)
½ c. margarine or butter, melted
½ c. finely chopped onion
2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 (16 oz.) sour cream 1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery or mushroom)
Topping
Mix together to create topping
2 c. crushed corn flakes ¼ c. melted margarine or butter
Mix all ingredients and pour into greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle topping over potato mixture. Bake at 350 degree for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Casserole can be made and refrigerated overnight and topping put on just before baking.
Do you have a favorite recipe that you'd like to share? Send it to foothillpc@gmail.com or drop it off at the church office.
Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, April 28th
11:30AM @ Denny's
Capitol Ave & Berryessa Road
Fiber Arts Group
meets every 1st & 2nd Saturday at 10AM.
All are welcome.
Saturday, March 6th
8:30AM in Fellowship Hall
