Dear Friends,
This year we will celebrate Pentecost on Sunday, May 23, and for me our worship on Pentecost Sunday is one of my favorite moments in the church year. Each year on Pentecost Sunday we try to gather together as many people as possible to recite the Lord’s prayer in the many languages they speak. It is remarkable that people in our congregation grew up speaking more than twenty different languages. Members of our congregation were born on every continent except Antarctica, and this makes us unique.
For a congregation our size, we are exceptionally diverse. More than most churches we are beginning to reflect the vision of the Christian family that was communicated by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, when the disciples proclaimed the good news of God’s grace in the dozens of languages native to people visiting Jerusalem from around the known world.
The message of Pentecost is this: God cannot be captured or claimed by one people. God speaks every language and in conversant in every culture. The kingdom of God transcends political borders and every other barrier that humans erect to partition themselves one from another.
My prayer is that we will keep the spirit of Pentecost alive all year long, and not just in our sanctuary, but wherever we go, so that when we meet people who come from different place, who speak languages we don’t understand, who look different us, we will welcome them as sisters and brothers, fellow children of God.
To be a people of Pentecost is to resist the human tendency toward balkanization. It is to reject fear and to embrace hope.
May Pentecost long endure in us!
Peace,
Ben
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The Music Series
Joanne Reinecker, Music Enthusiast
As a stalwart, avid concertgoer and as an advocate and lover of ‘good’ music, I recommend any concert given here at Foothill Sanctuary. The acoustics are so clean and clear- a joy for us as listeners. I have enjoyed Early Music, earlier HP Symphony Orchestra, now South Bay Philharmonic, instrumental ensembles, Celtic groups, NACUSA with fabulous Bay Area composers, many singers, and pianists. I’ve heard new or old works and lesser-known instruments like Viola de Gambo, harps, and recorder families of all sizes and pitches.
My absolute favorite, and most captivating concert was last Sunday, April 25th. It showcased the Ives Quartet, named for our American eclectic composer. I was riveted by
the impressive playing of four gifted musicians, the faculty all of the prestigious San
Francisco Conservatory of Music. Their first work, Beethoven’s No. 1 Quartet, at age 27; next, the intricate, modern ‘50’s sensuous, beautiful mostly unknown work of fascinating rhythmic structure (new to me) of No. 3, one of four quartets by Quincy Porter (American).
Most intriguing was the final work of the “American” Quartet by Dvorak. Here is my reaction: the violist, Jody Levits, rarely performed with such incredible warmth, verve, and élan; great interplay with cellist, Stephan Harrison and Bettina Messemelli, violin, and other members including Susan Freier. This work has both snatches of American folk music, spirituality and joyous Czek melodies and rhythms (drawn from the Czek Colony in Spillville, Iowa in 1893). Dvorak’s music actually took flight, pulsing and throbbing, similar to Beethoven. It was very alive in its depth of expression, and the group paid full attention to details and phrasing. Their presentation of the piece was exquisite and breath taking.
Kudos to Jay Jordana!! You, Jay, -have given me such a gift to be a member of our choir and to participate in our wonderful church program; by bringing such amazing music such as the latest Prelude, Ilki Lee’s pianistic bravura performance of Chopin’s heavenly
Nocturne in D flat major, and all concert series programs.
Please support our own next recital, May 2nd, next Sunday. Come hear the Two Sopranos, Jay Jordana and Anne Daniel. My own recital was two years ago, and I treasure that fact.
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RESCHEDULED
Gift of the Heart Kit Assembly Event
New Date-TBA
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.
Lunch - TBA
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 Lunch, please contact the church office.
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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Sopranos Anne Marie Daniel and Jay Jordana In Recital
Sunday, May 2nd, 3 PM
Featuring art songs and opera selections written by Brahms, Debussy, Handel, Mozart, Purcell, Schubert, Schumann, R. Strauss, and Wolf.
Suggested Donation: $10
South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, May14th, 7:30 PM
Featuring William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1 (“Afro-American”), Tracy Rush’s Spirit of Freedom, Michael Mauldin’s Three Jemez Landscapes, and Kevin Mixon’s Crescent City Collage.
www.southbayphilharmonic.org
Suggested Donation: $10
Monteverdi Brass Quintet
Tuesday, May 18th, 7:30 PM
Trumpet players Richard Roper and Robert Wilkins, trombonists Don Benham, Frank Bunger, and Mike Cushing share their passion for chamber music and glorious works from the Renaissance. Program includes music by Palestrina, Schein, Isaac, and Victoria.
Suggested Donation: $10
Flauti Dolci & Amici II
Sunday, May 23rd, 3 PM
Some of the Bay Area's most skilled and talented recorder consorts and mixed ensembles. The Belmont Consort, The Cupertino Crones, Recorder Journey, and others come together to perform early music as well as recent compositions. Suggested Donation: $10
SOLI & SIBELIUS*
Friday, June 4th, 8 PM
~Featuring
Michael Paul Gibson, music director and conductor
Eric Leong, violin
Rebecca Davis, lyric soprano (Opera San Jose)
Michael Daley, tenor (Opera San Jose)
Testament to the sanctuary’s wonderful acoustics, Silicon Valley Symphony will be using our facility for one of their performances. Their program will feature Saint-Saëns’: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Cilea’s E la solita storia del pastore from “L’Arlesiana,” Verdi Duets – Parigi o cara and Brindisi: Libiamo ne’lieti calici from “La Traviata,” Puccini’s Un Bel Di from “Madama Butterfly, and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43. www.siliconvalleysymphony.net
Ticket Donation: $20/$15 seniors & students, children 12 and under free with adult
*This concert is not part of the Foothill Music Series.
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*Bible Lesson*
Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, May 5
Spiritual Message: Faith
Ether 12:3
For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them that by faith all things are fulfilled—
*Special Events*
Mothers Theme
5/6 Mother’s Potluck Lunch
Community Helpers Theme
5/11 Special Guest - Fire Chief, Sheri Kerr
Graduation Theme
5/21 Graduation Ceremony
*Fieldtrip*
5/27 Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
*Happy Mother’s Day*“A mother’s love feels like a blanket that warms your soul .” – Ms. Tricia
“A mother holds her children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” – Ms. Amelita
“A mother is like a compass, she will guide you in the right direction.” – Ms. Ellen
“A mother is like a telephone that never hangs up, you can always talk to her day in and day out.” – Ms. Rosemary
“A mother’s heart is a place a child calls home.” – Ms. Tricia
*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “Q” “R”
Numbers: 17& 18
*Themes & Activities*
*Mothers* 5/3-5/7
*Community Helpers* 5/10-5/14
*Graduation* 5/17-5/22
*Camping* 5/24-5/28
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A Note of Thanks
-Kitty Rugebregt
With much appreciation,
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Have you run out of storage space? Are you tired of fumbling around all those extra items you just haven't gotten around to getting rid of? Chances are you have household items that are still in great shape that you just don't have use for anymore.It's time to empty the closets, reorganize the cabinets, and clean out under the bed. Don't dust that unused item again! Donate it to the Spring Flea Market. Unclutter those cabinets and support your Buildings and Grounds Committee. Donated items will be accepted during office hours, Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 14. Call ahead if you need help unloading. (no clothing please)
But wait! What if you don't have any items to donate but still want to support Buildings and Grounds? Just volunteer to set up or tear down, work a table, or come out on Friday to help out with pricing. Look for sign up sheets in the narthex or call the office to claim your spot.
Want to rent a space to sell your things? You can do that too! Just a $10 donation gets you your very own flea market space for the entire day. Call the church office to request your space.
Donate, Participate, or just come out to shop! Don't miss the Spring Flea Market, Saturday, May15 from 8AM to 2PM in the front parking lot.
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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender
Only when we are changed can we be agents of change.
-Branon
This month has been an emotional roller coaster for me and I would like to share some of these traumatic scenes with you to give you an idea.
A young man (14 yrs.) was air-lifted on 3/13 to our hospital due to a head injury he received while racing in his favorite sport, which was motor-crossing. He flipped over his handle bars, landed head first, and he was wearing a helmet. {He never regained consciousness} When he arrived in emergency the Doctor took one look at him and he was rushed to the Operating Room. His parents were on their way and within hours our ICU waiting room was crowded with relatives and friends. I did not know it at the time but he was known throughout the US.
The world champion of motor-cross racing lives in Australia sent the parents a telegram to let them know he was going to donate his numbered tee-shirt to be auctioned and all proceeds would go to a fund for the patient. I visited the Mom and Dad often and early one Friday morning they called me to discuss some things with them. I spent two hours sharing and discussing cremation, baptism, withdrawal from life-support, being saved, death of a loved one, communion, and belief in Christ. After this conversation, they asked if I would baptize their son and I said yes. I left, prepared a service, came back, and we (included his RN) had the service.
His RN had prepared some sterilized water for me and she said, “thank you for doing this.” When the service was completed, everyone had tears in their eyes. Before I left work that Friday morning, I requested a baptism certificate and gave it to the parents. I didn’t know it at the time but they had already decided to withdraw their oldest son from life-support.
On Saturday night when I returned to work, I visited, prayed with them, and at midnight, he was extubated from life support. A decision had been made to take him to a hospice center and they were waiting for him. At 7:10 that Sunday morning, he died at the center. When the RNs informed me this past week, I felt very sad but glad that I was able to help them in many ways. He was in the hospital for 15 days. All of the Chaplains have thanked me for providing a wonderful service for the family and I thanked God for the opportunity.
Another young man (22) was air-lifted to our hospital because he was in critical condition. He was drinking, traveling at a very high rate of speed when he crashed into a wall and the wall fell on top of his car. It took emergency crew members 45 min to extricate him from the car. Upon arrival, he was immediately rushed to surgery and the Chaplain who was on duty at the time worked with police from the area to get phone numbers for his parents.
His Father lives in Houston and Mother lives in the Austin area. Fortunately he had an Aunt who lives in Ft Worth and she came to the hospital immediately. When I came on duty, I called the patient’s Father to ask if it was ok for the Aunt to receive information and he approved. The Father was speeding to get to the hospital as quickly as he could and thank goodness he arrived safely. In the OR waiting room, I prayed with the entire family and friends of the patient. Due to severe head injuries, part of his brain was removed. He is still in ICU and his head is still swollen. He has been in ICU 26 days.
The family wants a miracle, one Doctor wants to provide another operation (plastic surgery), another Doctor has informed the family their son will not have any quality of life. The RNs and Chaplains are torn. I visit, pray often, and ask for God’s will, in his life. .
A young lady was sitting at a park with her daughter when a man came behind her, stabbed her, and then fled but was later apprehended. She was air-lifted to our hospital and this incident has made national news. The young lady is paralyzed! The man had not been taking his medication and said the devil was after him and told him to do it. This young lady’s daughter, who was with her, is in counseling; she saw the entire thing and called 911.
I have spent some time with her Mom who is still very angry. In situations and times like this, I listen, hug if they are ok with it, and offer prayer. This is all the Mother can take for now. It is so sad to think that you are not safe in a crowded park.
As Chaplains, we have emotions, we are on emotional roller coasters, we get angry and upset about things we see, and hear. I try to see the good in things but sometimes it is too difficult.
I am getting involved in the church and like what I am doing. I joined the Prayer Vigil team and now I’m a member of the Pastoral Care Committee who visits the homebound- many of you know how important this is to me.
Seminary status
On a different note, I am doing well in school. Now that I am working nights (Thurs, Fri & Sat) it is much better for me. I am doing better with my papers and still trying to think deeper about what I am learning. I am also focused on how to integrate what I am learning with my embedded theology and will try writing more on my theology this summer.
This summer I am taking one class which is Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis. It is a two week class from 9:00 to 12:30 Monday through Friday.
~ to be continued
Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-
Adrian Rogers
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Recipe Corner
Peg Nickl
Thank you to all who submitted recipes for the May issue. If you don't see your recipe this month, don't worry it will appear in the June issue.
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Submitted by Miss Tricia4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon golden potatoes, washed and quartered
Salt
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Place potatoes in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and cook until fork tender. Drain well. Add back to the pot that they were cooked in.
Meanwhile, heat butter and cream until hot. Add the crumbled blue cheese and stir together. Add sauce to potatoes and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Angle Food Cake
Submitted by Nicky FrizzellIngredients
12 eggs
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour or cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar
Directions
- Separate eggs; discard yolks or refrigerate for another use. Measure egg whites, adding or removing whites as needed to equal 1-1/2 cups. Place in a mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sift confectioners' sugar and flour together three times; set aside. Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on high speed. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time. Gently spoon into an un-greased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely before removing cake from pan.
- Or you can bake this in cupcake pans for individual cakes, use paper liners. Bake for
20-25 minutes, only check after 20, so the cupcakes don't deflate. - Serve with whip cream and strawberries.
- Can substitute Splenda(R) for the sugar.
From the Kitchen of Marilyn Kromrey
Ingredients
6 cups grated zucchini (can use blender or food processor)
Drain off as much liquid as possible
1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
6 cups sugar
1/2 cup Real Lemon juice
Directions
Boil the above ingredients for 6 minutes. Add one large package of dry Peach Jello. Boil one more minute. Pour into sterile jars. Let jam set awhile and drain off any water that forms. Freeze, refrigerate or seal with paraffin.
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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
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Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, May 26th
11:30AM @ Denny's
Capitol Ave & Berryessa Road
Fiber Arts Group
meets every 1st & 2nd Saturday at 10AM.
All are welcome.
Saturday, May 1st
8:30AM in Fellowship Hall
