A Note From Pastor Ben
Friends,
The man who was my pastor when I was a kid recently sent out an email with a link to a video that contains what I think is an interesting metaphor for life in the church.
Here’s a link to the video so you can watch it yourself http://www.jokeroo.com/bin/player.swf?5f9f_f369 ; for those unable to link the video, or if you are not reading this online, the video shows two clowns who fold themselves up so that they can fit together inside a glass box that is about two feet cubed. This is an amazing feat. I have no idea how people can be so flexible. When I’m standing up, I can bend over and touch my toes, but only if I bend my knees a little bit, and only because I do about half and hour of yoga five mornings a week.
The metaphor for the church is simple: in order for the church to work, we have to be like those clowns: we must be flexible and we must get along.
This is especially important during the current season of our life together as a congregation. We’re trying new things—more Bible Studies, and the CSA, for example—and we’ve been opening our facilities to more and more community groups. Furthermore, the newest class of Elders and Deacons is entirely unlike any group of church leaders I’ve had the pleasure of ordaining and installing: all but one are women, more than half are under the age of fifty. Three of the deacons grew up in our congregation. It is likely that this new group will offer new ideas for the direction of our life together.
We will need to be flexible and we will need to get along, just like the clowns in the video. Thankfully, we are a good and gracious group. Getting along and being nice is always a stretch, but ours is a limber church. We’ll do just fine.
Friends,
The man who was my pastor when I was a kid recently sent out an email with a link to a video that contains what I think is an interesting metaphor for life in the church.
Here’s a link to the video so you can watch it yourself http://www.jokeroo.com/bin/player.swf?5f9f_f369 ; for those unable to link the video, or if you are not reading this online, the video shows two clowns who fold themselves up so that they can fit together inside a glass box that is about two feet cubed. This is an amazing feat. I have no idea how people can be so flexible. When I’m standing up, I can bend over and touch my toes, but only if I bend my knees a little bit, and only because I do about half and hour of yoga five mornings a week.
The metaphor for the church is simple: in order for the church to work, we have to be like those clowns: we must be flexible and we must get along.
This is especially important during the current season of our life together as a congregation. We’re trying new things—more Bible Studies, and the CSA, for example—and we’ve been opening our facilities to more and more community groups. Furthermore, the newest class of Elders and Deacons is entirely unlike any group of church leaders I’ve had the pleasure of ordaining and installing: all but one are women, more than half are under the age of fifty. Three of the deacons grew up in our congregation. It is likely that this new group will offer new ideas for the direction of our life together.
We will need to be flexible and we will need to get along, just like the clowns in the video. Thankfully, we are a good and gracious group. Getting along and being nice is always a stretch, but ours is a limber church. We’ll do just fine.
Peace,
Ben
Join Pastor Ben for Bible Study
Pastor Ben is offering a bible study on Matthew during February at two different times. Tuesday afternoons at 1:30PM and Thursday evenings at 7:30PM.
Everyone is welcome to join this class.
Tuesday at 1:30PM Thursday at 7:30PM
2/8, 2/15, 2/22, & 3/1 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24
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Dinner/Discussion
“On Rendering to the Presbytery”
By Robert McAfee Brown
Wednesday, February 9, 6:30PM
Pick up a copy of the essay “On Rendering to the Presbytery” and sign up to join Pastor Ben for an evening of dinner and discussion. Sign up sheet and essay can be found in the narthex.
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Painting Dedicated in Memory of Joy Horch
Virginia Mignogna
On Sunday, January 23, 2011, a painting was dedicated in memory of Joy Horch. The painting is hung in the library next to the fireplace. The painting was commissioned with funds donated to Joy's memorial. The painter is Joseph Mandracchia of Connecticut. He is a cousin of Ray Mignogna. The painting is from a photograph taken in Glacier National Park by Kathleen Morrow of San Carlos. We believe both the photographer and the artist capture the essence of Joy, a gentle, enduring soul. Please come see and enjoy the painting up close.
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Presbyterian WomenSPRING GATHERING
March 12, 2011
2:00 to 4:00 pm
“Come and Encounter Immigration”
Pastor Ben will introduce his book, “Neighbors” to the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery when they meet for their Spring Gathering at Foothill this Spring. All Foothill Women are welcome to join in this free event. Please RSVP to Claudia Hamm, PW Moderator, 408-356-6665 or jnchamm@gmail.com. For more infomation about Presbyterian Women, contact Isabelle Taylor or visit http://www.sanjosepby.org/PW.htm.
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Called to Serve
Darlene Ristrim
Ordained as an elder in 1955, I did feel a strong sense of being called to serve and that sense of serving has remained ever strong. I remember my ordination as one of those life changing events. (Want details…just ask) Do I think it was predestination? Yes, Do I think I was called? Yes.
I joined First Presbyterian Church, Petaluma when I was in high school. Along with my friends we attended Westminster Fellowship (youth group), joined in Youth Presbytery activities (such as work projects at Westminster Woods), attended Youth Synod and had a close connection with SFTS.
As I recall, in the early 50’s, the church had five elders, four men and one woman. They were all very “old” to my 21 year old eyes. So it was with much prayer and soul searching that I agreed to serve.
I attended First Church, downtown San Jose from 1959-1965. Teaching Sunday school, being active in the Women’s Group, Mariners and serving on the Christian Education Committee.
In 1965 with three small children, I decided to attend a church closer to home. Foothill has been my home church ever since. Over the years I have served in many different areas and I am currently serving as Clerk of Session.
I want to thank our 2010 Nominating Committee for their wisdom in nominating three young adults (children of Foothill) to serve as Deacons. Also in their wisdom, our Session will include two newly ordained elders and two elders returning to “active” duty.
To our newly ordained/installed officers, I say “Serve the Lord with joy and thanksgiving in your heart.”
Would you like to share your ordination story? Contact Peg in the church office to have your story published in the Messenger.
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Boy Scout Sunday
Sunday, February 13
Boy Scout Troop 13 has called Foothill their home church for over 40 years. The boys of Troop 13 will be here during worship next Sunday to show us their appreciation by greeting, and serving coffee hour. Be sure to join us next Sunday and take this opportunity to meet Foothill’s Boy Scouts.
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*Bible Lesson*
Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, February 9
Spiritual Message
Love
I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another.
Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.
John 13: 34
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes,
is ever ready to believe the best of every person,
its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances,
and it endures everything [without weakening].
1 Corinthians 13:7
*Special Days in February*
2/14 Valentine Party
2/25 Parents call your child to say “I love you” day
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Fellowship OpportunityFamily Art Night -Paper Making
Special Invitation for Adults
Friday, March 4, 5:30PM
Fellowship Hall
RSVP to the church office
Dinner will be served, we will ask for donations to cover the cost.
Family Art Night is meant to be a multi-generational event where all members of the Foothill Family come together in fellowship to share artistic expression and creativity. The last 2 art nights have been well attended by the children of our Foothill Family, but we didn’t get many adults. In order to be more welcoming to all ages, we will have an adults only area. Please come out and join us for an evening of art, food, and fellowship.
Donations and VolunteersVolunteers: We need 3 people to help with the paper making stations. We need 1 person to help with food preparation. Supplies: We need plastic tubs 6” deep and large enough to fit an 11x14 inch sheet of paper. We need these non-returnable items: 1 blender, 9”x12” and 11”x 14” wooden picture frames, embroidery hoops, netting or mesh like window curtains or screen, flat plastic trays or Plexiglas, interesting stuff to embed into the paper like seeds, leaves, or flower petals.
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Foothill Presbyterian Church
Festival of Carols 2010
Carol Tillman and the Peralta Consort
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries
SING AND RING!
HEY KIDS! I know you already love to sing. Interested in learning how to play bells too? They’re bright, shiny, and come in different sounds and colors! Sound good? Our first children’s bell/chancel choir rehearsal will be on Sunday, Feb 20th after church. Come check it out!
For the big kids of the adult variety ;) if you would like to help me keep some of the kids (particularly the very young ones) focused, that would be a tremendous help! Thanks for your support. We’ll have those kids ringing in no time!
IT’S BACK!
Remember when the Semibreve used to have a tidbit of the month? When I would throw out a musical question, and anyone who got the answer would get to choose the closing hymn (from the Presbyterian hymnal) for the last Sunday worship service of the month ? Well, here it is again! If you know the answer, there are several ways you can get it to me: via email at jayjordana@gmail.com, phone (408) 258-8133x105, or via my mailbox in my office.
So here goes: FEBRUARY TIDBIT: What is a Semibreve?
CONCERTS OF THE MONTHFalling in Love With Ragtime
Sunday, February 13th, 3 PM
Sparkling and lively ragtime is coming when duo pianists Jack and Chris Bradshaw return to Foothill, this time teamed up with Robyn Drivon, tuba, and Steve Drivon, percussion and vocals as the Ragnolia Ragtette. Adding to this mix is special guest, Tom Brier, pianist extraordinaire. Their program will cover 100 years of toe tapping, rib-tickling, heart-bursting ragtime pieces including favorites as Pearl of the Harem (Harry P. Guy), Pickles and Pepper (Adaline Shepherd), and Swipesy Cakewalk (Joplin & Marshall). www.
South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, February 25th, 7:30 PM
This concert will feature works by Beethoven such as Symphony No. 2, Coriolan Overture, and Turkish March. www.southbayphilharmonic.org
Suggested Donation: $10 per person, per concert
Proceeds will benefit the Foothill Music Series to facilitate future concerts for the community. Thank you for your support.
SNEAK PEAK
Flauti Dolci & Amici I – Saturday, March 5th, 3 PM
Gabrieli West – Sunday, March 13th, 3 PM
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SESSION NOTES – FEBRUARY 2, 2011
- Committee assignments made
- 8 Elders to attend Safe Church Training
- Confirmation Class scheduled
- 10% tithe from CSA “shares” for mission
- Reviewed January financial report
- Discussed handicapped parking needs
Community Supported Agriculture
Sign up now for March - $125 for 5 weeks
Prepayment due by February 25th
Don’t forget to bring your own bags or boxes!
Pick up your produce in FPC’s narthex Tuesdays from 10:30AM-9PM
Contact the Church office to sign up
Find out for yourself what everyone is talking about, join the Foothill CSA! Our goal is 50 shares, so please help spread the word about Foothill CSA.
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Just Coffee Group OrderThe church office will be placing an order with Just Coffee and invites everyone to try this Fair Trade coffee. We will split the cost of shipping between those who place orders.
To see what products are available go to http://www.justcoffee.org. Contact Peg in the church office to place your order.
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Artists Open Studio
Tuesdays, 10AM to 3PM
in Fellowship Hall
Bring a bag lunch and your art supplies!
East Valley Artists has reserved our fellowship hall from 10 AM to 3 PM on Tuesdays, beginning February 1st. Local artists and crafters of all levels are invited to drop in to paint, sculpt and craft while enjoying each other’s company. Don’t be shy if you are a beginner! Also, if you plan to attend, it would be nice for you to let Peg know, so that we will know how many tables to set up. However, if you decide to come at the very last minute, please do! We will be glad to get out another chair. Questions: Peg Nickl (258-8133) fothillpc@gmail.com or Julie Cline (258-4984), juliacline@sbcglobal.net.
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Finance Update
Sue Williams, Treasurer
As of Jan 29, 2011
Our monthly offering
- Needed $15,662
- Collected $16,112
- Variance $450
- Needed $114,028
- Collected $114,659
- Variance $631
The new year brings with it the responsibility to submit our Per Capita Apportionment for 2011. It is a fee we are charged by our governing bodies to support their administrative costs. Thank you for those who have been able to provide us with their per capita donation. Here’s our progress:
Per capita bill $5,975
Collected to date 1,795
Variance $4,180
As you can see, we still could use your help. Per Capita amount is at least $30 per person again this year. We ask that you pay your per capita as soon as possible.
Blessings,
Finance and Stewardship Committee Members
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If you are a senior and do not have mobility concerns, we ask that you leave the reserved senior only parking spaces open for those seniors who do have mobility concerns.
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Reasons to CelebrateThings that made us happy in January:
- We welcomed our 2013 class of Elders and Deacons and are very excited about the new committee assignments.
- A beautiful painting was dedicated in memory of Joy Horch and will be displayed in the church library.
- Our Community Supported Agriculture program is off to a very successful start.
- We welcomed another Scout troop, Daisy Scouts who are all 5 years old
- As a congregations we enthusiastically answered the need of a neighborhood family that is in need of assistance due to the illness of their mother. We are helping with the families childcare needs by providing a Preschool Scholarship for their youngest daughter. Members of our congregation have been providing meal assistance by preparing dinners for the family.
- The East Valley Artists are holding Open Studio every Tuesday in the Fellowship Hall and have invited all of the Foothill Community to come and share and create art.
- We have a lot of content for the February Messenger!
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Women’s BrunchSaturday, January 29th
11:30 AM, Room 9
Join us for Brunch and program.
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Presbytery of San Jose Safe Church Training for Elders, Deacons, and Teachers
February 26, 2011
10AM to 3PM
Fellowship Hall
Lunch will be provided
Reservations are required. Please RSVP to the church office.
If you have any concerns about attending Safe Church Training,
please contact Pastor Ben.
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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender
We need prayer the most when we have the least time to pray-Sper
The month of December has been a very trying time for most of us as Chaplains. Typically December is a time when it’s blue, or so many say. Well, it has been for us at the hospital! In addition to making time for visits I have crisis calls and traumas that I have to respond to. During this month it has been heart attacks (7), Deaths (10), strokes (5), vehicle accidents (4), autopeds (3), suicide (1), stabbings (2), falls (1), and motor cycle collisions (2). Please keep in mind that I work on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights but in the spring, this will change to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights due to my class schedule. There are always one or two calls that affect me in some way and this month it is the suicide of a teenager and an autoped accident where a young lady fell from truck and was rolled over.
The call came in for a 16-year old female who had hung herself because of an argument with her boyfriend. Her Mom found her in the closet with curtain cord wrapped around her neck; she cut her down, and started to give her CPR. She called for her son and told him to call 911. When they arrived, they were in process of CPR and got her stabilized. I met with the Mother, Father, and son when they arrived. They were quiet and I respected this but did explain that she was being assessed and I would have the Doctor come in soon.
I met with the Doctor and he was concerned about the patient and did not know the words for the family but I explained how he could do it. After the explanation he asked if there were questions and her Mom said, “I would like to see my daughter.” After 20 minutes, I brought them to her room and closed the curtain to give them privacy but did let them know I would come check on them. I came back after 15 min and again asked how I could be of comfort. Prayer was the response and this is what I did. When I finished, they were all crying. When the RN came into the room, they would not have a conversation or share information but felt comfortable with me.
When I walked them to the trauma floor, her Mom started to share some information with me. On Sunday morning about 7:30, her Mom was standing in front of the Chaplain’s office when I came up the stairs and I took her into the Chapel. She cried and then told me she had wanted to leave the hospital and walk outside to let a car hit her and kill her. As she talked I listened and when she finished, I asked if she still had thoughts of killing herself and she said no. She shared about her daughter’s depression, eating disorder, and attempts at her life. We prayed together, she cried, I listened and she shared that I brought comfort to her. Her husband came in, embraced her and I left but let them know I would come back to check on them. When I returned, he was sobbing and asking God why this happened.
During the week their daughter was being cared for but did not get better and her health continued to decline. The family wanted a 2nd and then a 3rd opinion but when the Doctors insisted on the brain flow test, it was found that there was no activity and in the state of TX, this is declared as death. When I returned to work that Thursday, I was able to spend some time with the family; her husband hugged me and thanked me for the care I had given to them. Of course there were a lot of conversations that happened on that Sunday between me and the family. I am glad I listened to both of them during this time with them because they shared a lot about their family and problems they have had. This death affected many in ER and the trauma floor. Because of so much trauma, I spent individual time with many RNs to help them cope with their emotions because many have children who are close to this age. As for me, I have spent time in prayer, reading the Bible, going to a movie, and talking to another Chaplain.
When a young lady sat on the back of a U-Haul truck, she fell, and as the driver put the truck in reverse, he ran over her. Someone called 911 but no one came to the hospital. The medical team worked on her for more than 10 min but she died from many extensive injuries. I was able to get information from the police, call her Mom and left several voice messages. Her Mom did not return my calls and she did not return calls from the police. We believe her cell phone was turned off. We released her body to the medical examiner and this tragic accident was in the paper. It was sad to think her Mom would hear about the death of her daughter from the medical examiner.
Seminary status
The fall semester is over and it was a difficult one but with help from God, I have passed. I received a B- in History of Christianity, B- in Theology, and B+ in Worship. I have a commitment from my Theology professor to spend time with me so that I can better understand the theologians from the past and learn how to integrate their work so that I can write better papers. I am excited and eager for my classes in the spring and believe it will be a much better semester for me. Besides Theology II, I am taking Christian Education, Religion and Violence, and Conflict Management. I will be working with another student on the project for Christian Education and we have already agreed on one. As it gets closer to the end of my seminary education, I can say I am learning more and integrating more at work but nothing is better than the practical work of a Chaplain.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
~ to be continued~
Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-Adrian Rogers
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Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, February 23
11:30AM @ Denny's
Capitol Ave & Berryessa Road
Fiber Arts Group
meets every 1st & 2nd Saturday
in Room 9 at 10AM.
All are welcome.
Men's Breakfast
Saturday, March 5
8:30AM in Fellowship Hall
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