Monday, June 20, 2011

July 2011




A Note From Pastor Ben



Dear Friends,

As I write this my hands smell like basil, which isn’t that uncommon this time of year; when basil is in season I like to make pesto. The difference is that today the basil came out of my plot in the community garden.

This is the first year I’ve ever been successful growing anything in the ground. I’ve always grown plants in pots in my patio, and I’ve tried unsuccessfully to grow vegetables in an unused bit of ground beyond my back fence—its part of my home owners’ association common area—but I’ve never been a very good gardener.

This year is different. I’ve got more basil than I know what to do with, my corn is already springing ears, my strawberries are sweet, my tomatoes are outgrowing their cages, and my cucumbers are in bloom with the promise of a bumper crop. Suddenly I’m some kind of farmer.

My experience in the garden this summer is changing how I think of myself. I’m no longer just a person of words and ideas. Now I’m a man of the soil. My mind is full of garden metaphors. Ideas germinate. Thoughts blossom. When I finish a project it is harvested.

Only a few months ago, I had no idea I could plant a garden and watch it grow with the promise of nourishment and the joy of delicious vegetables, but now all of that has changed. And it’s a mater of grace. I didn’t do anything to become the kind of person who can grow food. All I did was plant in the right place. The soil, sun, and rain, together with miracle of the life-giving earth did the rest.

It makes me wonder what else is possible when we try new things. So often in life our ideas for doing new things are met with doubts. Sometimes we doubt ourselves and sometimes we listen to the doubts of others, and those doubts keep us from changing and growing and learning new ways to think about ourselves. But, of course, nothing new can be done if we don’t ignore those doubts.

We need to listen to the promise of grace instead of paying attention to the nagging of doubts. We need to plant gardens. We need to try out new ideas and follow fresh innovations. We need to do this personally and as a church.

As we think about the future, let’s say “yes” more than we say “no.” Instead of doubts, let us be mindful of grace. Let’s be gardeners together.

I Bid You Peace,

Ben
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The Prayer Chain
Joan Destro

The Prayer Chain at Foothill would like to add more members to their network.

The strength of others praying together unites with the power of the Lord and makes all the difference in the world to those who are ill or in need of spiritual support.

An example of receiving a Prayer Request:
All this is needed is a paper and pen to record the request or thanksgiving as it is given. upon receiving the telephone request, the Prayer Chain participant prays for the request, then telephones the next available prayer chain person on the list and forwards the prayer request to them. The person in turn, telephones the next person, and so on tot he last person on the list.

For those interested in joining the Prayer Chain contact Joan Destro.
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Special Worship Music, Dixieland Hymn Sing,
& Salad Conte
st
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

The South Bay Traditional Jazz Society is be coming to Foothill on Sunday, July 17th to play Dixieland Jazz. They will be playing special music during the worship service to be followed by a hymn sing where we have the chance to tap our feet, snap our fingers, and sing our favorite hymns a la Dixieland. Following that will be a potluck.

Here is where it gets interesting...

We mentioned before that it would be great if everyone would bring food to share. However, we've decided it would be exciting if we have a salad contest instead!

Here's how it goes...
For those who want to participate in the contest (which we hope will be everyone). We would love it if:
1) folks brought their most awesome salad to enter in the contest
2) folks (that's the rest of us) sample the salad
3) folks vote on which salad they prefer by written ballot

We will then count the number of votes, and the salad that gets the most votes wins!

Then what?

Here is the best part...

Whoever owns the salad that gets the most votes wins a free week of CSA fruits & veggies! You heard it right! One week of free CSA produce!*

Interested? If you are, please sign your name to indicate that you are intending to bring your salad to enter into the contest. The sign-up sheet will be outside my office door. I hope to see your name on there!

Remember, July 17th... Hope to see you (and your salad) there!

* Free CSA share will be for August 2, 2011. If you are already a CSA member your cost for August will be reduced from $150 to $120.
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Join us Tuesday evenings this summer in the courtyard (or room 9 depending on the heat) to enjoy the long summer evenings. You can bring games, the kids can play on the playground, we can share a snack and enjoy the good company.
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Dabbler’s Delight Schedule of Classes
Fellowship Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3PM

Offered by the East Valley Artists

You may sign up for the entire series ($80) or for individual sessions ($10 each). Walk in are welcome at a cost of $15 per class. Materials will be provided by the instructors, additional material fees may apply.

To sign up contact Julie Cline (juliacline@sbcglobal.net or 408-258-4984) or register in the Church Office with Peg Nickl. Please make checks payable to East Valley Artists.

July 12
Robert Johnson
Charcoal

July 19
Carolina Mueller
Silk Painting

July 26
Jeanne Wardrip
Oil

August 2
Clyde Stout
Watercolor

August 9th
Linda Sieker
Watercolor

August 16
Candy Yu
Watercolor

August 23
Julie Cline
Collage

August 30
Julie Cline
Pastel
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Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

Thanks to the people who "liked" us on Facebook. Now we can easily be found at www.facebook.com/FoothillPresbyterianChurch.

Each week we will post a video link to Pastor Ben's latest sermon. We will also post things like concert and special service announcements, worship and mission opportunities, parish concerns and things we are celebrating.

Stop by and "like" us so you can see our posts on your Facebook News Feed page.
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries


MANY THANKS

I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this year another wonderfully musical year! -To the members of the Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir (their parents and guardians), the Glory Ringers; to all who have in any way helped to produce/staff the Music Series concerts; to Kraig Williams and his crew for assistance with concert production of early music and for bringing great talent to the church through the Peralta Consort; to all who have provided special music and musical assistance in any way; to the congregation and your community of family and friends for promoting and attending the concerts, and for Ben Daniel and the Session for continued support. Your every show of support and appreciation is an expression of gratitude for God’s gift of music to humankind.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The music program wouldn’t be where it is if it weren’t for your continued support. THANK YOU!

GREAT JOB!

Congratulations to Kraig Williams and the Peralta Consort for a successful debut concert! All your hard work, patience, and practice paid off. You guys sounded great. Well done!


Read More Semibreve



DIXIELAND HYMN SING AT FOOTHILL!
Members of the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society will be coming to Foothill on July 17th to provide special worship service music followed by a hymn sing after the service, and a potluck to follow. Sing along, snap your fingers, and tap your toes as the band plays traditional hymns that we all love. Mark your calendars for July 17th You won’t want to miss this!

2011 VBS
JOYFULLLY MAKING MUSIC
Parents, and guardians are invited to bring a child (or more) to a VBS- inspired summer music camp here at Foothill. Anne Marie Daniel, Ben Daniel, Ronn Ealy. and I will offer classes that involve Music Theory, Kodaly, Singing, Instruments, Song games and many more! The VBS music camp will begin on August 8th at 9:30 AM. Stay tuned for more detailed information.

11TH ANNUAL JAZZ ON THE GRASS
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family and friends. Hang and chill in the Foothill courtyard where you’ll hear Steve Turner’s jazz ensemble play standards. Mark your calendars for August 21st at 1 PM. See you there!

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
Thanks to the Personnel Committee’s financial support, I will be attending what is called the Summer Institute at Holy Names College from July 11th to the 29th. During this intensive, three-week course, I will be learning Kodály. Developed by the Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967), Kodály is a system of music education for children. Specifically, it teaches children to sing solfeggio using movable do (do, re, mi, et al…), and a repertoire of songs and exercises based on the Hungarian folk tradition. Since 1954, it has been a staple in the Hungarian school system. Moreover, it also has been modified for use in other countries (431). In the United States, for example, the repertoire of songs and exercises are based on Hungarian and American folk traditions.

*Randel, Don Michael, ed. The New Harvard Dictionary of Music, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1986.


SUMMER MUSIC
The following folks have generously volunteered to provide special music while the choirs are on summer hiatus:

July
7/3 – Friends of Taiwan International (Brass ensemble)
7/10 – Ronn Ealy
7/17 – South Bay Traditional Jazz Society
7/24 – Libby Moore
7/31 –Anne Marie Daniel

August
8/7 –Peralta Consort; Joanne Reinecker
8/14 – Bob Barker
8/21 – Jon Roblin
8/28 – Dawn Imada; Kraig Williams

JULY TIDBIT
What is the third partial in the harmonic series? Explain.
Hint: A vibrating body (i.e. strings, vocal cords, etc…) does this.
Please email me your response. If yours is correct, you get to choose the closing hymn of the final worship service this month. First one to let me know the correct answer gets the prize! Hurry!

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*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, July 6

*Spiritual Message*
Goodness

The kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 14:15

*Special Days in June*

Icecream
Mondays & Wednesdays

Kid’s Jazzercise
Tuesdays & Thursdays

Water Play
Fridays

*Field Trip*
Emma Prush Farm
Thursday, July 14th
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Community Supported Agriculture
Foothill CSA
Local Produce Direct from the Farm to You


Sign up now for August CSA. Cost for August is $150.

Give it a try and sign up for August. See what eating seasonally, locally, and sustainably is all about.

Read More About Foothill CSA

How much does this cost? $30 per week in the summer. Cost will drop to $25 per week after the summer season.

How do I pay? Produce shares are on a pre-payment, monthly subscription basis. Total prepayment is due the last Tuesday of each month. We accept cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Foothill Presbyterian Church with CSA in the memo, or set up direct payment from your bank.

How much do I get? You will get between 17 and 20 different fruits and vegetables. Each week you will fill approximately 2 large grocery bags.

Can I buy half a share? We only purchase full shares from the farm. If you would like to split a share and do not have someone who you can partner with, please let us know and we will try to find a partner for you. Half share people are required to coordinate payment and splitting of the share with their partner. You must pick up a full share and then divide with your partner.

I’m here to pick up my share. What should I do?
Please bring your own bags or boxes including small bags for items such as salad greens. Check off your name on the sign in sheet.
The produce is set out in boxes in the narthex. The amount you should take and the name of the item with be marked clearly on the box. Look for great recipes ideas to take with you.

What if I don’t want an item? Look for the “Barter Box”. You can trade the item you don’t want for something in the Barter Box.

What happens to the leftovers? Unclaimed produce is taken to the Lord’s Pantry, a local food bank located on White Road.

What if I can’t pick up my share? You can have a friend or neighbor pick up your share for you, or you can donate your share to the food pantry.

When do I pick up? Every Tuesday from 10:30AM to 9PM.

How do I register? Email or call Peg: foothillpc@gmail.com or 408-258-8133.

What can you tell me about the grower?
Name of farm: Field of Greens
Owner: Peter Trembois
Business license: M15770

Farm land and history: 86 acres in San Benito County and 25 acres in Madera County; approximately 100 miles from San Francisco. Pete’s family has been farming as far back as he can research.

Farm specialty: Over 200 different varieties of vegetables, specializing in root crops and leafy greens.

Philosophy and growing practices: Although not certified organic, Field or Greens practices sustainable agriculture to provide the highest quality, freshest and most nutritious produce possible. They use mulch, compost and cover crops to produce fertile soil. The soil on this San Benito County farm is Class 1, the most fertile soil in the area. The crops are hand weeded. Soap is used to discourage insects. Beneficial insects are introduced. A 300-foot well supplies 86 acres, and river water is used as a backup source.

Farm Staff: Field of Greens is primarily a family-run business. There are 11 family members working for the farm, as well as nine other full time workers and 15 seasonal helpers.
Contact information: Farmer Pete: Psemcd@aol.com, 650-948-0621
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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

To be found, you must admit you are lost-Sper

The month of June has been very exhausting for me and kind of unusual. During this month I had deaths (14), strokes (11), code blues (2), crisis calls (7), motor vehicle accidents (9), stabbing (3), heart attacks (1), miscarriages (2), assaults (2), falls (4), gun shots (1), baby deaths (2), snake bites (1), drowning (3), and falls (2).

What is so unusual is the number of deaths. On June 24/25, I had a total of 8 deaths and a level 1 stabbing. This is the first time this has happened to a Chaplain and by the time I left work, I was emotionally and physically tired. Because the deaths were spaced I did not have to call a Chaplain for back-up and whenever family comes we have to be available for them. When the 7th death happened, I was informed family would not come to the hospital and this gave me to complete most of the paperwork and hand off to another Chaplain.

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
One of the deaths was a 22 year old male. He had been married for one year and his wife was teaching him to swim at their apartment’s pool. However when family arrived, they said he was a great swimmer and a lifeguard. The ER Doctors and RNs worked on him but had to send him to our ICU department for trauma care. He was stable for 15 minutes, coded, they did cpr for 40 minutes and they were not able to save him. One of his sisters threatened to kill the wife and because there was tension between his spouse and family we had to call security. His grandmother started to do cpr because she could not believe he had died and his Mom was in shock. He had to go to the medical examiner and it was very sad for all of his family members.

A man who was 59 years old could not swim but could float on his back. He was at a Lake with family, in the shallow area but was pulled by a wave into a deep section. He went down, family could not reach him right away and when they did, cpr was started right away until EMS arrived. His organs were full of water, there was liver damage and he was admitted to our Neuro-ICU floor. His ex-wife was there and his new wife of three years was also there. There were 30 people in his room. His pastor was there but thanked me for taking charge and helping them through it. The RN cried as they withdrew him from life support and it was so sad. His granddaughter cried for a long time and said she would have a difficult time without him.

When a 69 year old male died of leukemia, I had to call the medical examiner because he had fallen prior to coming to the hospital. His wife was in shock but the patient was a medical examiner’s case because of the trauma from the fall. He also had a huge bruise on the right side of his face and the medical examiner has to rule out foul play.

The very last death was also very sad. A man of 45 years had shortness of breath, the family gave him cpr until EMS arrived and took over. When he arrived at the hospital, the mechanical cpr machine was keeping him alive but they could not save him. When his family was informed, his wife was stunned. When I escorted them to the viewing room, they sobbed and shook uncontrollably for some time. I stayed with them for two hours but then had to make calls, especially the medical examiner’s office. Because of the suspicious nature of his death, there were two sheriff’s available to stay close to the body.

When there is so much death, you have the physical strength but can become emotionally drained and exhausted. I was fortunate I was ok but when I arrived to the house, I was tired but got on my knees to thank God for carrying me through this and being available for family. The Chaplains could not believe it and I ensured them I was not trying to be superwoman.

The man (55) bitten by a copper snake was visiting from Ohio. He was sitting in a lounge chair, reached down to get his drink and was bitten. Fortunately it was not a full grown snake but he did have a lot of swelling and his heart was racing. His sons killed the snake and brought it to ER. I do not like snakes and did not want to see it. Before they gave him the serum, they had to make sure his vitals were ok. He was discharged, after spending three hours in ER.

When a 52 year old male came (June 3rd) in suffering from a stroke, I tried locating his family but had no success. He was treated in ER and then admitted to our trauma ICU floor where he remained until he died, without family that we could find. We had security checking all possible places but we were not successful and this saddens me and this is why I try very hard to find family.

Because the summer time causes more deaths, traumas, and accidents, I am very careful to watch for signs of compassion fatigue which can be common to Chaplains and RNs. I am glad for the daily exercise such as walking!

Seminary status
I am very happy that school is over for the summer. This is a time of reflection, meditating, and writing and I am enjoying it because it’s not academic. I am still walking in the mornings, reading some in the afternoons and also making prayer beads. Because I do not like snakes, I carry a cane with me, just in case!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.
~ to be continued~

Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-Adrian Rogers

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Presbyterian
Disaster
Assistance


Disaster relief donations can be made to Foothill and we will forward your money to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Disaster Relief--USA Disasters & Emergencies DR000015

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami DR000117

These designated accounts supplement the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering to enable a significant response for relief and disasters in affected areas. Your faithful giving is deeply appreciated. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) shall honor the requests of donors concerning the use of their gifts for PDA programs; however, if the need for the funds for that specific project no longer exists, then those funds may be applied to a similar project or need at the discretion of PDA.

For more information regarding the PDA their efforts go to http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/

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'For



Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, July 27th
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
First Saturday of the Month
8:30A