December 2012

A Note from Pastor Ben
Dear Friends,

I decided to give up Facebook during the Advent and Christmas seasons. There are two reasons for this: the first is that, like many people around the world, I find it hard to resist the siren call of social media, and Facebook, for me, has become a time-sucking distraction—something I don’t need during a clergyman’s busiest season.

But a bigger reason for my holiday from Facebook has to do with my college friend, Maggie Henry, who suffered an aneurysm and died while vacationing on Cape Cod in August of this year. I learned of Maggie’s passing the old way—a brief obituary was included in the class notes section in the November issue of our college’s alumni magazine—and my first reaction, upon reading the sad news was incredulity. “Maggie cannot be dead, I told myself, she’s my friend on Facebook.” Immediately, I logged onto Facebook and I saw her Icon in the rouges gallery of my electronic friends. I went over to her page and found it to be very much alive. There were a few tributes on her timeline, but some messages were left by friends who were, apparently, entirely unaware that Maggie had died, leaving behind a husband and three teenaged children.

I felt let down by Facebook. I had grown dependent on social media to bring me the important news of friends old and new, close by and far flung, but it turns out that some kinds of information are best transmitted in the old-fashioned medium of ink on paper, delivered by a postal worker who knows your name.

Facebook and other social media sites offer us a bogus sense of community. We log on, we chat, we exchange ideas and stories and information, and it can be a wonderful experience, but it is not community. Real community happens when we  meet face to face. Real community happens in venues we cannot power off—in our homes and in our neighborhoods, in our families and in our churches—and during this season that remembers the birth of Jesus, the Child of Mary, who is God with us, I want more of what is real in my life, and I want community that is as incarnate and as present as the Christ Child, whose real presence inspired a king’s hatred, the adoration of the Magi, the shepherds’ devotion, and the praise of angels.

So if you are my friend on Facebook, I’ll be back on after Epiphany. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping it real.

A Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas to You,
Ben

Sunday Morning Hymn Sing
Sunday, December 9, 16, & 30 at 10:15AM
Arrive early on Sunday December 9, 16, and 30 for a Hymn Sing right before church at 10:15 AM. 
Dawn Imada’s ukulele group will lead the singing of Christmas hymns and carols from the hymnal.

Sunday School Christmas Party
Sunday, December 16 during regular Sunday School time
The Sunday School Christmas Party is on Sunday, December 16 during regular Sunday school time.  All Sunday school aged children and grandchildren are invited.  Please RSVP to Bertha Nelson

Women's Ministry Invites You to a Cookie Exchange
Saturday, December 15, 2012 1:30 - 3:30, Room 9
If you aren’t a baker you are still invited to come for the fellowship.

Please bring four dozen cookies, wrapped in packages of a half dozen (eight packages) plus a half dozen for sampling during the party. Also, bring copies of your recipe to pass around. If there are family stories and/or traditions for a cookie please tell us about it. Please bring a container to take your cookie assortment home.

Questions? Please contact Marilyn Kromrey, Nancy Leonard or Dana Marino.

The Lord’s Pantry Helping 650 Families in Need
The Lord’s Pantry is helping 650 families to have a merrier Christmas this year by providing Christmas
dinner, gifts for children, and diapers for babies.

This year instead of focusing on collecting food, we will partner with the Lord’s Pantry by collecting items that are greatly needed and not often donated.

baby wipes and diapers of all sizes.

Diapers are expensive and have a great impact on the budget of families that are already food insecure. Please help by donating baby wipes and diapers of all sizes. You can also help by collecting coupons for diapers.
young adult fiction

Instead of collecting toys this year, we are going to collect books for young adults up to 16 years old. Books need not be new, but should be in good condition. The following is a list of the top ten teen books
according to Barnes and Nobel:
The Twilight Saga, by Stephenie Meyer
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel
Pretty Little Liars Series #12, by Sara Shepard
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Matched Trilogy, by Ally Condie
Divergent Series #1, by Veronica Roth
Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling

We will need volunteers to wrap the books. Please contact Peg in the church office to volunteer or donate wrapping paper.

Socks and Hygiene Items Needed
Foothill is working with Greg Plant and First Presbyterian Church to feed the homeless and provide them with items such as new socks and toiletries. The homeless spend most of the day on their feet, and having new good quality socks is a great comfort for them.

Please bring new socks and the following hygiene items to be distributed through the Bag Lunch for the Homeless program at First Presbyterian Church. toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, razors,
deodorant, laundry soap, feminine products, and lotion

For more information or to volunteer , contact Greg Plant at First Presbyterian 49 North 4th Street,
San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 297-7212.

Preschool is Having Fun in December with 39 Kids

December’s spiritual message is “Peace and Giving”.  Saturday, December 15 is Christmas Family Fun Day.  Activities on the 15th include gingerbread house making, gift exchange, and pictures with Santa.

Preschool will be closed from Monday, December 24 to Tuesday, January 1 and will reopen Wednesday, January 2, 2013.


You Know the Preacher, Meet the Teacher
Julie Cline
If you attend the regular Sunday morning service at FPC, you are most likely aware of Ben Daniel’s gift for preaching, but what I would like to affirm to you is his gift for teaching. I’ve attended several of the “extras” that Ben offers in the evenings at FPC—the book discussions, the Bible studies and the latest, a comparison of the Christmas story in the four Gospels. He approaches teaching as soundly as he does preaching, referring to excellent scholarly works, reflecting on what’s happening in the world right now and sharing what he carries in his heart. Unlike Sunday morning, we students get to ask questions and enter into a more active process of engaging the word of the Lord. When Ben combines a class with his cooking or playing his guitar, well, that’s an added bonus. I also enjoy getting in a couple of extra prayers during the middle of the week. I find that pausing to ponder and to pray, with an assist from a good teacher, is manna in my weekly wilderness. I invite you to take advantage of the opportunities that Ben is providing our congregation. Come meet Teacher Ben. He’s every bit as likeable as the Pastor and the Preacher!

After School Art Activities
Wednesday Afternoons in the Fellowship Hall

Beginning in January, Christine Harkins and Julie Cline will be providing art lessons for children and youths aged 6 to 12 years. Together, Christine and Julie have experience with a variety of media: oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastes, collage and sculpting. Both also have had many years of experience working with children. As the classes progress and the instructors become familiar with their students, , Christine and Julie hope to fashion lessons that reflect their students' particular talents and interests. Classes will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 5:00 PM. The cost will be $ 65 for a 6 weeks session. The deadline for registration is December 19th. For more information or to sign up, please contact Julie Cline (juliacline@sbcglobal.net or 408-258-4984).

Easy Fundraising at Orchard
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator
Help Foothill collect Club Orchard Points.  Every time you shop at Orchard you can help offset the churches maintenance and repair costs by entering the churches phone number into the card reader before paying for your items. 

We get one point for every dollar spent using the church’s Club Orchard account.  We get $5 for every 250 points.  If we all remember to enter the church’s phone number the points are sure to add up quickly.  So remember enter 408-258-8133 before you pay at Orchard.

Halloween Festival a Successful and Appreciated Community Event!!!
(Thanks to the volunteers and to those who made donations)
Nancy and Bill Leonard and Peg Nickl
A special thank you to all who helped make the 2012 Halloween Festival happen:

Decorating on Friday and Saturday morning – Connie Carpio, Liz Barragan, Gary and Ryan Robertson and Scouts from Troup 13, Herb and Jan Miller, Jerry Siegfried, Bill and Nancy Leonard, Julie Cline and Christine Harkins and Peg Nickl;

Setting up and running games – Kevin Rockwood, Ronn and Anna Ealy, Sue LeValley, Jan Miller; Peg Nickl and Michelle Cassillas;

Fortune teller – Joanne Sanchez;

Manning the Trick or Treat doors – Jahn Wallace and Angie Carillo, Don Village,
Harvey LeValley and Virginia Siegfried;

Thanks to the Siegfrieds – Jerry, Jeff, Brian, Yvonne and Darlene – for the wagon ride;

For the Enchanted House organized by Julie Cline and manned by Julie and Dana Marino and helped by the Nickl brothers;

And of course, the kitchen crew – Darlene Ristrim, Ruby Milam, Bill and Sue Waldrop,
Joyce Banks and Rene’ Banks;

Greeters – Gay Southwell and Jane Wallace;

Popcorn lady – Tine Ude;

Thanks to everyone for help with the take down and clean-up – especially Heather Paunet who stayed late to vacuum so the narthex would be ready for Sunday morning.

Halloween means candy and lots of it, so thanks to all of the church family and friends, including the
Jazzersize ladies who brought candy.

Extra candy and hotdogs were donated to the Lord’s Pantry before Halloween.

November 2012

A Note from Pastor Ben
Dear Friends,

For every “Thou Shalt Not” found in the Ten Commandments, there is a positive directive. For example, when the ten commandments say “Thou shalt not steal,” the positive directive is “you shall be generous.” Under this understanding of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not make and worship a graven image,” becomes “you shall have a true understanding of who God is.” “Thou Shalt not commit adultery” becomes “you shall—if you are married—be a good and faithful spouse.” “Thou shalt not murder” becomes “you shall have a reverence for life.” “Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor” becomes “you shall say what is good and true about your neighbor.” “Thou shalt not take the Lord’ name in vain” becomes “you shall speak God’s name in ways that glorify God.”

As we live into November, it seems worth looking at the tenth commandment and at it’s positive directive. The tenth commandment demands, “Thou shalt not covet [envy or lust after] anything that belongs to your neighbor.” The positive directive derived from the command not to covet is this: “be thankful for what is yours.”

It can be hard to live lives that do not violate this tenth commandment. Most of us want what is unavailable to us—either because we cannot afford it or because it simply belongs to someone else—and gratitude can be elusive, especially when we live in a world surrounded by stuff that is unattainable.

However difficult it is to give thanks, however, gratitude is good and the work of giving thanks is important. When we give thanks we are freed from the need to pursue what we do not need. When we are grateful we are better able to focus our energies on what is important. When we are not seeking after the elusive pleasures of consumerism, we are better able to serve God.

This is why I am so happy to live in a country that sets aside a day each year to give thanks. The celebration of Thanksgiving is a great service to the American people. It makes us better by making us happier and healthier.

So give thanks every day, but especially on Thanksgiving, remember all that you have that is good and beautiful and true and be grateful.

Gratefully,
Ben

Financial Update
Sue Williams, Treasurer

In addition, congregational members have been quietly giving to the roof loan pay-down effort.  Since the beginning of the year, we have received almost $900 which has been directed toward paying down the roof loan.  Thank you for sharing your bounty with the church.

While the roof loan payments are progressing nicely, we need to keep our pledged giving in mind.  As you can see by the charts, we are already behind.  During the budgeting process, we tried to predict the typical seasonal flow of giving, and based on prior year trends, we are already behind.  If you are able, please catch up your pledged giving.  If you would like information about your status, please contact either Nancy or Peg and they can provide you with the status of your giving account.

Halloween Festival a Successful and
Appreciated Community Event!!!(Thanks to the volunteers and to those who made donations)

A special thank you to all who helped make the 2012 Halloween Festival happen:

• Decorating on Friday and Saturday morning – Connie Carpio, Liz Barragan, Gary and Ryan Robertson and Scouts from Troup 13, Herb and Jan Miller, Jerry Siegfried, Bill and Nancy Leonard, Julie Cline and Christine Harkins and Peg Nickl;

• Setting up and running games – Kevin Rockwood, Ronn and Anna Ealy, Sue LeValley, Jan Miller; Peg Nickl and Michelle Cassillas;

• Fortune teller – Joanne Sanchez;

• Manning the Trick or Treat doors – Jahn Wallace and Angie Carillo, Don Village, Harvey LeValley and Virginia Siegfried;

• Thanks to the Siegfrieds – Jerry, Jeff, Brian, Yvonne and Darlene – for the wagon ride;

• For the Enchanted House organized by Julie Cline and manned by Julie and Dana Marino and helped by the Nickl brothers;

• And of course, the kitchen crew – Darlene Ristrim, Ruby Milam, Bill and Sue Waldrop, Joyce Banks and Rene’ Banks;

• Greeters – Gay Southwell and Jane Wallace;

• Popcorn lady – Tine Ude;

Thanks to everyone for help with the take down and clean-up – especially Heather Paunet who stayed late to vacuum so the narthex would be ready for Sunday morning.

Halloween means candy and lots of it, so thanks to all of the church family and friends, including the Jazzersize ladies who brought candy.

Extra candy and hotdogs were donated to the Lord’s Pantry before Halloween.

Nancy and Bill Leonard and Peg Nickl


*Special Days*
Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch
Tuesday, November 20th

*Spiritual Message is Giving*

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you
Luke 6:38

Preschool is Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS!
Schola Cantorum
To Dawn Imada, Dana and Benjamin Marino, Carol Tillman, Patty Potter for all the help at the Schola Cantorum concert.

South Bay Philharmonic
To Carolyn Clark and Shana Zajdel for preparing and setting up the food; Julie Cline for taking pictures; Herb Miller for averting a mess; Carol Tillman for being a great Associate who takes care of everything when I’m running around; Don Village for staying till the end to help clean up.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO!

TOM’S THOUGHTS…
Schola Contorum San Francisco presented a program of vocal works from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The motets, villancicos, and chansons were nicely arranged for the group and were well performed. The brief introductions by the choirmaster to some of the works were well thought out, informative, and entertaining.

The evening was organized into 4 parts by country, or at least language since some of the writers were not natives of the country in question. Music from France, England, Italy, and Spain was performed. Most works were presented by the entire group, but the one of the Italian pieces was done by a quartet. A second Italian piece was handled as a soloist with chorus, with the soloist performing in a more operatic style. Since the piece was by Monteverdi, a leader in Italian opera at this time, this seemed wholly appropriate. Several of the pieces had the addition of harpsichord, which was supportive but not intrusive.

Despite the variety mentioned above, it should be noted that almost all of the pieces were highly consonant with mainly the pieces by Dowland and Monteverdi showing a little creative dissonance to add interest. The arrangements used many different structures, but were also mostly very similar in style. Someone perhaps more familiar with music from this period might have been able to make the distinction, but this reviewer had a hard time detecting any national character to the pieces, despite the organizing principle of the concert.

In summary, an enjoyable late afternoon of early music from across Europe.

-contributed by *Tom Frey

-* Tom Frey is Julie Cline’s cool and smart husband.

FOOTHILL MESSIAH SING-A-LONG
Sunday, December 2nd, 4 PM

Ever find yourself humming or singing the Hallelujah Chorus? Well, now's your chance to sing it alongside music lovers in the community. The best part is you'll be accompanied by a professional orchestra! Wow!

Don’t miss the Foothill Messiah Sing-a-Long on December 2nd at 4 PM. Rehearsal with the orchestra will be on Saturday, Dec 1st at 11 AM. Attendance is highly encouraged.

Suggested Donation $10

Proceeds will benefit the Foothill Community Concert Series. The Foothill Community Concert Series is a member of the Silicon Valley Art Coalition. Thank you for your support.

Hope to see you there!

HANDEL’S MESSIAH DURING WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, December 9th, 10:30 AM

With the help of generous donations into the Psalm 150 fund, we are so blessed to be able to present Handel’s Messiah (Part 1) again! Joining our chancel choir and singers from other churches, professional and semi-professional musicians will offer Part 1 of Handel’s Messiah at the December 9th worship service.

Rehearsals are ongoing - Thursdays from 8-9 PM during chancel choir rehearsals. We encourage you to attend.

12TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
Friday, December 14th, 7 PM

Foothill Presbyterian Church musical ensembles and guests come together to usher in the Season of Advent through music. This year features the Foothill Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, Glory Ringers bell choir, the Peralta Consort early music group, Sine Nomine, our talented soloists, and our special friends Voices of the Valley.

Suggested Donation: Non-perishable food items, or a new pair of socks to benefit the Lord's Pantry and First Presbyterian San Jose's Bag Lunch program.

Incidentally, I will be at KKUP 91.5 on Friday, December 14th at 1:30 PM promoting this and other upcoming concerts. Don’t forget to tune in!

SNEAK PEAK OF UPCOMING CONCERTS
Albany Consort – Saturday, Feb 9th, 3 PM
Lawrence (Ronn) Ealy – Feb 10th

HYMN SINGING THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Our Ukelele players Julie Cline, Carol Goedde, Dawn Imada (and me on keys) will be leading us in singing our favorite Christmas carols throughout December. Hymn singing will be held 15 minutes before next month’s worship services. Come join us!

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
*Vivace Youth Chorus Preparatory and Intermediate Choirs will be performing at The Atrium San Jose Retirement on December 12th at 4:45 PM.

MONTLY TIDBIT
Schola Cantorum is a:
a) music school
b) place where people chant
d) gastrointestinal disorder
e) singing group
f) Buddhist monastery

Hint: Latin

Please email me your complete 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!

After School Art Activities on Wednesday Afternoons 
in the Fellowship Hall at FPC:
Beginning in January, Christine Harkins and Julie Cline will be providing art lessons for children and youths aged 6 to 12 years. Together, Christine and Julie have experience with a variety of media: oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastes, collage and sculpting. Both also have had many years of experience working with children. As the classes progress and the instructors become familiar with their students, , Christine and Julie hope to fashion lessons that reflect their students' particular talents and interests. Classes will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 5:00 PM. The cost will be $ 65 for a 6 weeks session. The deadline for registration is December 19th. For more information or to sign up, please contact Julie Cline (juliacline@sbcglobal.net or 408-258-4984).

October 2012

A Note from Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

October is a month that ends with an important holiday--and I'm not talking about Halloween. Rather, October 31st marks the 495th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. On the last day of October in 1517, a German monk and scholar named Martin Luther suggest 95 points of debate with the Catholic Church. The trouble is that people weren't allowed to debate the church in those days, and so Luther was kicked out of the church.

Luther was hardly the fist person to be excommunicated by Rome for suggesting the possibility of change in the church, but unlike those who went before him, Luther enjoyed the protection of the local prince, who was tired of taking orders from the Pope. Thanks to this allegiance of religion and politics, the reformation was born.

17 years after Luther started the reformation, John Calvin took up residence in Geneva and the Calvinist, or "Reformed," branch of Protestantism came into existence. For the followers of Calvin, it became important to understand that the work of reformation--work started by Luther--was never really finished. In our tradition, we believe we are called to be "reformed and always reforming according the word of God."

That means that questions need to be a integral part of our life as a faith community. Change must be a constant. When we stop questioning and evolving, we cease to be faithful.

So as we live into the Fall, as the warmth of summer gives way to the wintery weather, I hope you will join me in seeking to practice a faith made alive by questions and by an openness to change. It is how we honor the legacy of Martin Luther and our own Calvinist heritage within the Reformed Tradition.

Yours in Faithful Inquiry,
Ben

Bible Study
Wednesday, October 17 & 24
7:30PM
Join Pastor Ben for a two part study of Corinthians.  
Everyone is welcome. 

Take A Minute – (excerpts from recent meetings)
Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

• Congregational Meeting – September 15, 2012Elected Navin Veerapal to serve as auditor, class of 2014

Church Operations

• Community Garden fees increase approved. Plot deposit increased from $20 to $50. Water fee from $40 to $60

• Web site refresh project proceeding slower than expected

Church Life

• First meeting scheduled for Saturday, October 6 at 10AM

Session

• Bible Study scheduled for October 17 and 24. First Corinthians

• Dates of Rev. Daniel’s sabbatical discussed

Fall All Church Service Day
Saturday, October 20, 9:30AM-1:00PM

It's time again to roll up your sleeves, grab your rake, shovel, clippers, or whatever your favorite tool is, and join your friends at Foothill for the Fall All Church Service Day.  There is plenty to get done.  look for a sign up sheet in the narthex.  Contact Marilyn Kromrey for more information.

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries



MANY THANKS…
to Dawn Imada, Dana and Benjamin Marino, and Patty Potter for the successful production of the Jon Roblin Quartet concert. Thanks so much for all your help!

SCHOLA CANTORUM SAN FRANCISCO IS COMING TO FOOTHILL!
Sunday, October 28th, 4 PM

Under the direction of Paul Flight, Schola Cantorum will present ‘Tes beaux yeux’ – Your Beautiful Eyes

A woman’s eyes – and their furtive glances – were the inspiration for many poets and musicians of the Renaissance.  This poetic notion, along with other themes of love and loss, will play out in a varied program of Italian and English madrigals by Monteverdi, Rossi, and Weelkes, French chansons by Passereau and Jannequin and Spanish villancicos by Juan Vasquez.

Schola Cantorum San Francisco has caught the attention of audiences and critics in and beyond the Bay Area for its stunning artistry, fine blend of voices, and beautiful choral sound.  Under the direction of Paul Flight, the group, especially known for its interpretations of Renaissance polyphony, is at home in a broad range of musical styles, from Gregorian chant to contemporary works. The choir’s first two CDs, Pilgrimage and This Christmas Night, have been critically acclaimed, garnering praise for a sound “equal to the best of the mixed voice choirs in Great Britain.”  As guest artists, they have appeared with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and the New Century Chamber Orchestra performing music by Dietrich Buxtehude and Clarice Assad, and with Alasdair Neale and the Marin Symphony Orchestra.  They have been featured artists on the concert series of the San Francisco Early Music Society in performances of Victoria’s Missa O magnum mysterium and Spanish and New World Villancicos, and also at the 2010 Santa Cruz Baroque Festival.  Recently, the group gave a concert at Mission Santa Clara as guest artists of the Santa Clara Chorale, performing Domenico Scarlatti’s ten-part Stabat Mater and Antonio Caldara’s sixteen-part Crucifixus. They were a featured choir in the performances of Alessandro Striggio’s Missa Ecco sì beato giorno given at the 2008 Berkeley Early Music Festival and on the 2012 Cal Performances series.   

You won’t wanna miss this!


ONE TWICE?!
Foothill Presbyterian Church will be presenting Part 1 (Advent) of Handel's Messiah twice this coming December!

Sunday, December 2nd,  4 PM - The Foothill Music Series will be presenting its first Annual Foothill Messiah Sing-a-Long. YOU (yes, you!) and your friends get to sing along with a professional orchestra! Rehearsal with the orchestra for the sing-a-long will be on Saturday, Dec 1st at 11 am. We encourage you to attend.

Suggested Donation $10

Sunday, December 9th, 10:30 AM – With the help of generous donations into the Psalm 150 fund, professional and semi-professional musicians will once again present Handel’s Messiah (Part 1) at the worship service.


Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 8-9 PM during chancel choir rehearsals.  We encourage you to attend.

2012-2013 MUSIC SERIES CONCERT SEASON*

Schola Cantorum – Oct 28th , 4 PM

South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, Nov 2nd, 7:30 PM

Kathy Sherman and the Good Folk Collective – Nov 11th

Foothill Messiah Sing-a-Long – Dec 2nd, 4 PM

12th Annual Festival of Carols – Friday, Dec 14th, 7 PM

Albany Consort – Saturday, Feb 9th, 3 PM

Lawrence (Ronn) Ealy – Feb 10th

South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, Mar 1st, 7:30 PM

Flauti Dolci & Amici I – Saturday, Mar 9th, 3 PM

The Bradshaws with the Ragnolia Ragtette – Mar 10th

Flauti Dolci & Amici II – Mar 23rd, 3 PM

Monteverdi Brass Quartet – Saturday, Apr 13th, 7 PM

National Association of Composers USA (San Francisco) – Apr 28th

South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, May 10th, 7:30 PM

Musica Della Doria – Saturday, May 11th, 3 PM

Jewish Music & Poetry Project – May 19th

Travis Band, June 9th

*May be subject to change, all concerts are on Sundays at 3 PM unless specified otherwise.


WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
*Jay (yes, that’s me) completed Level II of Kodály training at the Kodály Summer Institute held last July at Holy Names University. For those who, like me, were unaware of this fact, Holy Name University is known as one of the schools that provides exemplary Kodály training in the world; the foremost being Hungarian schools where Kodály system of education is built into all school curriculum from preschool onward. That’s not a surprise considering Zoltan Kodály who invented the system was Hungarian. For this reason, it was also not a surprise that some of our professors at the Institute were Hungarian.

The three-week Kodály Summer Institute at HNU was very intense and required a lot of hard work. Every day, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (with only a 45-minute break throughout the day), we were required to attend conducting, music theory, Kodály pedagogy and practicum classes and a choral class where we sang a variety of classical choral repertoire - not easy music, mind you.  On the other hand, the fun part for me was that just like last year, I was chosen to conduct at the final concert, and this time around, I was also chosen to sing in 2 small chamber ensembles during the concert. I was also fortunate to be chosen as one of the 2 scholarship recipients to attend the Institute. Thank God for blessings because schooling was not cheap! Overall, I survived it and was grateful that I did. Maybe this will be my last time. Whew!
* Jay will be a guest on KKUP 91.5 on Friday, October 26 at the Gaylord Fischer show sometime between 1 and 3 PM. I will be talking about the Foothill Music Series and the upcoming Schola Cantorum concert on October 28th. Tune in to KKUP, 91.5 on Friday, October 26th between 1 and 3 PM.


? LAST MONTH’S TIDBIT

True or False: Dixieland is a kind of chocolate-covered Twinkie.
And the reason for this is...

Answer: False. Sometimes referred to as Hot jazz or Early Jazz, Dixieland is a style of jazz that developed in New Orleans. A standard Dixieland band will usually consist of the “front line” of trumpet or cornet, trombone, clarinet, guitar or banjo, upright bass or tuba, piano and drums. Unlike the bebop style, Dixieland employs group improvisation whereby all the other instruments improvise simultaneously over the chord changes of a recognizable melody that the trumpet plays.

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixieland

Congratulations to John Belz for getting the correct answer.

OCTOBER TIDBIT
Schola Cantorum is a:
a) music school
b) place where people chant
d) gastrointestinal disorder
e) singing group
f) Buddhist monastery

Please email me your complete 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!

Lunch Bag Program, Socks for the Homeless, and Other Things
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

Foothill is working with Greg Plant and First Presbyterian Church to feed the homeless and provide them with items such as new socks and toiletries.  Volunteers are needed to assist Greg with making and distributing about 100 lunches during weekdays, except Thursday, from 9:00AM – 11:30AM.  This is an ongoing program that Greg manages on his own when no one volunteers to help.  If you are available during the week between 9AM and 11:30AM we ask that you prayerfully consider volunteering one or two days a month. 

The program also provides hygiene and clothing items when possible.  Foothill has collected and distributed over 80 pairs of new socks since we began collecting in mid-September.  The homeless spend most of the day on their feet, and having new good quality socks is a great comfort for them.  We will continue to collect and distribute socks.  Other items that are needed are toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant, laundry soap, feminine products, and lotion.  Rain ponchos will be needed soon.

For more information, contact Greg Plant at First Presbyterian 49 North 4th Street, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 297-7212.
 
St. Jude Children's Hospital Fundraiser

Marlene Rossman, a neighbor of the church, is raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital by selling
handmade Christmas decorations. Marlene works year round making these items. She has many to choose from, and no two are alike. Last year Marlene raised $2,328 for St. Jude.

Christmas decorations will be sold on Sunday, October 7 during coffee hour. Marlene will return once more on a Sunday before Christmas.  The exact date will be announced in the Sunday bulletin.

Halloween Family Festival
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

It's time to get planning for the Halloween Family Festival. We need a lot of helpers. Please let us know how you will be able to help. Look for the sign up sheet in the narthex.  We also need donations of hot dogs, buns, small bags of chips, ketchup, mustard, relish, and of course lots and lots of candy.

Do you have an idea for a fun activity that we can add to our annual line up? Let us know. For more information contact Nancy or Peg in the church office.

Help Save a LifeThe Chris Mahoney Invitational Golf Tournament

Please join us to help raise money for a life-saving liver transplant!  Golf tournament proceeds will benefit Chris Mahoney by expanding his reach to numerous transplant facilities. With all of the proceeds going to directly to Chris’ life-saving effort, our goal is to get as many foursomes as possible on the course.

Please consider buying a foursome for your family, friends or co-workers. If you do not have a foursome, but would still like to play, we will happily match you up with other players and make sure you have a great time.  This tournament will be a lot of fun and we will have some great prizes.

When: Monday, October 22nd, at 9:00 am.
Where: Half Moon Bay Ocean Course , 2 Miramontes Point Rd Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Cost:    $250 per play or $1,000 per foursome

Time is short so please do not delay in returning the attached player form today If you or your business would be willing to donate prizes for closest to the pin, long drive or overall team scores, please let us know right away. Sign-up forms can be found at www.SanCarlosBlog.com.  Donations can be made at www.ChrisNeedsaLiver.com

Thank you for your support!

Chris Mahoney’s Story
Chris Mahoney is a father, a husband, a teacher and Director of the Charter Learning Center in San Carlos. He has devoted his life in the service of helping others. His efforts over the years have made a positive impact on children from Massachusetts to California.

Chris has many more years to give. He wants, more than anything, not only to spend time with his family, but also to use his time to continue to help others. He needs your help now, more than ever. In 2003, Chris was diagnosed with a rare liver disease. In March 2012, Chris’ blood suddenly stopped clotting and he was rushed to the Emergency Room at UCSF Hospital. After two weeks and multiple tests, the specialists at UCSF Hospital informed Chris that his liver was failing. Chris’ only option now is a liver transplant. Without a liver transplant in the next six months, Chris will most likely die.

All proceeds from the golf tournament benefit Chris by expanding his reach to numerous transplant facilities


Art Night
Friday, November 9
5PM in Room 9 

Julie Cline will lead us in making window clings and wrapping paper. Dinner will be served. We will collect a free will donation to cover the cost of food and supplies. Everyone is welcome, so tell your friends.  Please RSVP to the church office so we will know how much food we will need.

Part-time Employment Opportunity

If you know someone who is looking for work, please pass this information on.

"Clerical Help Needed! Local, small but busy, travel business needs a part-time person for 10-12 flexible hours per week for general clerical work. Needs good computer skills, organized, good phone manners. Contact Ann Thomas at vacations@aol.com "

Spetember 2012

A Note from Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

A bicycle should fly. There should be a certain amount of magic to the way it glides. To ride a bike should be a joyful thing. Of course, it helps if the bike itself is a object of beauty - as many bikes, especially older ones can be - but the first step in becoming an avid cyclist is finding a bike that makes you want to ride it.

About a year ago someone stole my bike. It was my commuter bike, and while it wasn’t much to look at, it was a pleasure to ride and it had been in my family since my older brother bought it in 1983. I knew it would be hard to replace, but I made my best effort when I convinced Jay Jordana, our music director, to sell me a 1973 Schwinn Suburban that once belonged to Herb Miller.

It was a beautiful bike, with a design that took European elegance and tweeked it, just slightly, so that it reflected the straight lines of Cold War American industrial design. The paint was in excellent condition and the chrome sparkled.

But there was very little magic in the bike’s ride. I loved the bike’s retro look, and I wanted the bike to be as fun to ride as it was to look at, so I decide to do whatever it took to give the bike wings, to make it fly.

I started by putting new oil and grease in places that hadn’t seen lubrication since the days when hostages still resided in the American Embassy in Tehran. That helped a lot, but I was only halfway to where I wanted to get, so I started obsessing about weight.

The beautiful bike was made of gleaming steel which was beautiful, but it kept me from riding at speeds that made me happy. So I got new aluminum-alloy wheels. The result was a loss of some shine, but I also lost a lot of weight. I was now feeling about 75% of the joy I wanted to feel when I got on the bike. Careful to preserve the retro-look, I switched out steel handle bars for aluminum ones, and I did the same with the old goose neck. But still I was only at about 80% of my goal for a sweet ride.

All along I kept the bikes old parts, in case I ever wanted to restore the bike to its original form, and as I continued to use the ever-evolving bike I decided to purchase new pedals. This had nothing to do with weight—in fact the new pedals were larger and heavier than the old ones—I just wanted to save the original pedals before they fell apart under my feet.

But then something strange happened. Once I rode the bike with new pedals (and after I added a few drops of oil to the thirsty chain), I found the magic. The bike finally flew. The missing piece was the pedals. For all my years of riding bikes, I’ve never paid much attention to the importance of pedals.

Now the bike rides as it should. It calls out to me in the morning when I’m getting ready to ride to work, and, more often than not, I ride the long way, so that I can enjoy a few more miles of magical flight. The paint is getting scratched and the bike needs a serious cleaning. Before long I will need to give it new grease. It’s old and it needs a lot of adjusting, but the way it glides over the road that separates my home and my office makes me very happy.


I think there is a correlation between bicycle mechanics and the Christian life. We know that a living faith should feel a little bit like magic. It should give us joy for living when life is good and strength when life is hard, but it doesn’t always work that way.

Our lives are full and complicated and our faith gets affected by our cares and it gets neglected when we are distracted. It doesn’t always fly like we want it too.

But the good news is that we can always work on our faith. We can change it where it needs changing; we can give it grease where it is stuck. And some times, like the pedals on my bike, the most important changes are things we didn’t even know we needed to change.

We can adjust our spiritual lives with added prayer, a little more time spend reading the Bible, and more frequent attendance in worship. We can decide to set aside behaviors and attitudes that weigh us down. We can commit ourselves to noticing the beauty of the world around us and we can take time to listen for the Spirit’s still, small voice.

With time, if we keep our hearts and minds to the task, our faith will ride with joy, and covey us with happiness from where we toil in life to the place where our hearts are at home.

Peace,
Ben

Lock the Doors - Keep Foothill Safe
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

Finding doors unlocked in the morning is something that happens here at Foothill more frequently than you might think.  Most recently the library door was found unlocked.  Doors that are most frequently left unlocked (and sometimes standing open) are the women’s restroom and the doors to room 8&9. 

It is very important to the safety of those who arrive first in the morning that all doors are locked at night.  There is nothing more unnerving, and potentially dangerous, than having to enter a building that has been left unlocked all night.  If you are here in the evening for a meeting, please check all doors before you leave.  Even if you are not a key holder, if everyone is aware of the importance of locking the doors, there will be less chance that any door will be left open. 

In addition to safety, we must all be aware of the increase in burglaries in this area.  Many burglaries are opportunistic, meaning that the burglars look for easy targets such as open windows and unlocked doors.  We need everyone’s help to make sure that Foothill isn’t an easy target for thieves.
 
Feeding the Homeless
John Belz, Deacon Moderator

Volunteer, Shirley and Director Greg Plant

We have recently discovered a wonderful opportunity to minister to the homeless and hungry in our community. For the last month, a number of us have gone downtown to First Pres to participate in their Lunch Bag program. We would love to have you join us.

The opportunity is weekdays except Thursday from 9:00 – 11:30. You make about 100 bag lunches with food they provide and then at 9:30 you hand them out. We stand inside the door and it is very safe. You simply ask their first name and then hand them a bag. They are all very nice. Besides food, we can give out socks (courtesy of our deacon fund) and some other toiletries. I brought some old t-shirts. They went quickly. Darlene is getting toothbrushes.

So far Darlene does every Tuesday for now. Ben, Jane Wallace, Ronn Ealy, my ESL student Shirley (in the picture) and I have also done it. Without help, Greg Plant (also in the picture) does it every day. Ideally, we are looking for sign-ups for 1-2 days a month (e.g., Second Wednesday) but we will take anyone who wants to try it even once. The program operates on donations so if you wish to help from afar, please put a check in the plate to the church marked Lunch Bag Program.

Interested? For more information, contact me or talk to Greg directly at 408-702-7183. You will leave feeling very fortunate. As Ben said at session, over the last 60 years people have moved to the suburbs leaving our downtown churches to minister to many of our needy people. This is a rewarding ministry that needs our help. 

Take a Minute (Excerpts from recent meetings)
Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

• Congregational meeting

• Estie Joubert elected to serve as congregational member on nominating committee
• Ratified a budget of $306,006

• August Session Meeting

• Received Clive Veerapal into membership
• Foothill membership is 193
• Received reports from Church Operations Committee and Preschool
• Navin Veerapal to coordinate Treasurer Seeking Task Force

• Church Operations

• MEAC Phase One Roof replacement loan period was been extended for 48 months, Monthly payment is to be $758.
• Jan Miller to represent Preschool on Church Operations Committee
• Preschool upgrades in planning stages: replace hot water heater, upgrade electrical system rooms 1-7,upgrade metal fencing, install 3 benches in front of classrooms 1-7

• Preschool

• Summer enrollment is 36
• Director authorized to purchase computer not to exceed $600

Big Changes to Garbage and Recycling
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

Effective July 2012, the city of San Jose has granted a 15-year exclusive franchise to Republic Services to collect most standard garbage, recycling, and organics from businesses.  This is for all businesses in San Jose.  For more information visit http://www.republicservicesscco.com

Going forward we will separate all of our trash into wet and dry recycling.  Wet recycling will go into the bins that are marked green.  Dry recycling will go into the bins marked blue.  Refer to the illustration below for lists of what recycling goes in what bin.  If you have any questions. please contact me in the office.  I will be happy to place a call to Republic for clarification.  Items that are not on included on the list for the wet bin are yard waste and dog waste.  Items that are not included on the list for the dry bin are diapers and sanitary products.  Items that are not to be put in the bins include batteries, florescent light bulbs, paint, and any item considered hazardous waste.

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

SEPTEMBER 2012 MESSENGER

MANY THANKS…
to the Steve Turner Jazz Combo, Julie Cline and the East Valley Artists, Anne Daniel and the Stanford Blood Drive, Food Master Clarissa Moore and her crew, Gourmet Sue LeValley and her crew, Go-getter Dana Marino and her crew, and all the other folks who helped in making the 12th Annual Jazz On the Grass a huge success. I’d like to give a special thanks to Pastor Philip and the Thai congregation. Not only did they bring food and help in the Fellowship Hall, but they also were very accommodating and flexible in moving their social time, usually done in the Fellowship Hall, to another location. Thank you so much for your flexibility and understanding.

Thank you to Pastor Ben Daniel and the Session and to the Foothill church family and the community for your continued support.

We’ll see you at next year’s 13th!
 
IN RETROSPECT…

Music Appropriate for the Circumstances
Reviewed by Tom Frey

Playing a set where the audience gets in free can be challenging enough, playing to a crowd that is there for the barbecue instead of the music can be even trickier.  The Steve Turner Jazz Combo at Jazz on the Grass handled this problem by presenting a show of older, popular music (e.g., “Autumn Leaves”) and jazz standards.  The plan appeared to be to create a pleasant musical environment for those in attendance, while not interfering with conversations or the meal experience.  The band did a very good job of this, but the trade-off was music without, for the most part, much change in tempo or dynamics.  The relative lack of these expressive elements led to the creation of ambiance rather than a strong concert set.

The folk group performing inside the fellowship hall on Saturday, Kathy Sherman and the Good Folk Collective, faced a similar situation.  Their audience was there to view art rather than to listen to music.  Sherman’s group made fewer concessions in their performance than the jazz band did.   They presented songs from a fairly wide variety of sources, including traditional songs, songs from the folk revival of the 60s, and songs from folk/rock performers like Richard Thompson and Van Morrison.  The group was not entirely familiar with some of the songs they performed, and the use of sheet music or written lyrics was sometimes necessary.  In these cases it was not always possible for the performers to give a relaxed and expressive rendition of the song.  All in all, the music on Saturday and Sunday was fairly well suited to the environment, but It would have been nice to have had a taste of what these bands could do if they were performing for truly attentive audiences.
 
JON ROBLIN JAZZ QUARTET
Sunday, September 30th, 3PM (DATE CHANGE)

With Mike Galisatus on trumpet, Terry Rodriguez on keys, Randy Barber on bass, and Jon Roblin on drums, the Jon Roblin Jazz Quartet will feature classic jazz standards by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk as well as original compositions by the group founder Jon Roblin himself.

A master of all trades, drummer/percussionist, pianist, composer/arranger, singer/songwriter and teacher Jon Roblin has been a professional musician for many years. Working show band production groups aboard major cruise liners, playing percussion with Bay Area orchestras, writing and producing the gospel jazz group Loyalty Band, and performing with the Toronto Optimist Drum and Bugle Corps, Roblin also teaches music in the Alum Rock School District.

You’ll certainly enjoy a unique blend of rhythmic and harmonious colors. So mark your calendars! We’ll see you at the concert!

ONE TWICE?!
Foothill Presbyterian Church will be presenting Part 1 (Advent) of Handel's Messiah twice this coming December!

Sunday, December 2nd,  4 PM (TIME CHANGE)- The Foothill Music Series will be presenting its first Annual Foothill Messiah Sing-a-Long. YOU (yes, you!) and your friends get to sing along with a professional orchestra! Rehearsal with the orchestra for the sing-a-long will be on Saturday, Dec 1st at 11 am. We encourage you to attend.

Sunday, December 9th, 10:30 AM – With the help of generous donations into the Psalm 150 fund, professional and semi-professional musicians will once again present Handel’s Messiah at the worship service.

Stay tuned for more details.

2012-2013 MUSIC SERIES CONCERT SEASON*
12th Annual Jazz On the Grass – Aug 12th, 12:30 PM
Jon Roblin Jazz Quartet – Sept. 30th (Date change)
Schola Cantorum – Oct 28th , 4 PM
South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, Nov 2nd, 7:30 PM
Kathy Sherman and the Good Folk Collective – Nov 11th
Foothill Messiah Sing-a-Long – Dec 2nd, 4 PM
12th Annual Festival of Carols – Friday, Dec 14th, 7 PM
Albany Consort – Saturday, Feb 9th, 3 PM
Lawrence (Ronn) Ealy – Feb 10th
South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, Mar 1st, 7:30 PM
Flauti Dolci & Amici I – Saturday, Mar 9th, 3 PM
The Bradshaws with the Ragnolia Ragtette – Mar 10th
Flauti Dolci & Amici II – Mar 23rd, 3 PM
Monteverdi Brass Quartet – Saturday, Apr 13th, 7 PM
National Association of Composers USA (San Francisco) – Apr 28th
South Bay Philharmonic – Friday, May 10th, 7:30 PM
Musica Della Doria – Saturday, May 11th, 3 PM
Jewish Music & Poetry Project – May 19th
Travis Band, June 9th

*May be subject to change, all concerts are on Sundays at 3 PM unless specified otherwise.

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
*Vivace Youth Chorus (East) classes and choirs have resumed on Sept 4th. Preparatory classes meet in the sanctuary on Tuesdays at 4:15 PM, Intermediate classes and Rising Notes begin at 5:30 PM and meet in the sanctuary and library, respectively. For more information, check out vivaceyouthchorus.org, or contact Jay and Anne.
* Jay has completed (more like survived) Level II of her Kodály training at the Kodály Summer Institute held last July at Holy Names University.  Stay tuned for more in the next edition…
* Dawn Imada’s ukelele group and Jay to bring back the good ole hymn sing days. Stay tuned…

SEPTEMBER TIDBIT

True or False: Dixieland is a kind of chocolate-covered Twinkie.
And the reason for this is...
Please email me your complete 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!

Flea Market and Clothing Drive
Saturday, September 15 from 8AM to 12PM
 
Flea Market Start cleaning the garage, attic and closets—the next all church Flea Market is happening soon!  We need your items to make this event a success and we could use your help too. 

Please bring your items to the narthex the week of September 10th, and if you can spare a few hours sorting and pricing on Friday, September 14 and or selling, setting up and packing up on the 15th  please let the office know of your availability.
 
Clothing Drive  All donated clothing, shoes and coats will be put out for sale during the flea market.  What’s left will be sorted with the new and like new items going to Inn Vision, the slightly worn to Hope Services, and the very worn to USAgain. 
 
New Socks  We are also collecting NEW SOCKS to be donated directly to the homeless through the Bag Lunch Program of First  Presbyterian Church.  New socks will not be put out for sale at the flea market.

Class of 2015 Nominations

The nominating committee needs your help finding people to fill the positions of Elder, Deacon, and Auditor for the class of 2015.

They also need nominations for 2013 church treasurer. Please contact Dana Marino with your suggestions.

We Need Your Help on Sunday Morning
Please sign up to be a greeter, to serve coffee hour, or to bring flowers.  These jobs are very important to the Sunday fellowship of our church.

We especially need people for coffee hour.  It’s not hard, just bring in some treats and brew some coffee.  If you need help, just ask.

July 2012

A Note from Pastor Ben
Dear Friends,

I celebrated Independence Day by heading home to Mendocino, a town that celebrates the Fourth of July like nowhere else I know. The centerpiece of Mendocino’s Fourth of July festivities is a parade that is singular in its wonderful kookiness.

Leading the parade were members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. When they walked by everyone cheered. Next came tucks from five different volunteer fire departments, with sirens blaring, which caused everyone to cheer. Then came several anti-war floats and a few anti-GMO floats. When they passed by, everyone cheered. Then we got the “Occupy Mendocino” float, which was followed by “Occupy Dick’s Place” float (Dick’s Place, being a favorite local bar). People kept on cheering. Then we got the cast of the local production of Rent, singing their hearts out on a flatbed. Some 4-H kids walked pass, leading goats, and a huge, inflated zebra arrived, with a sign around its neck proclaiming “fire safety for zebras!” As we were cheering, a woman next to me asked me “what’s the zebra supposed to mean?” I confessed to her I had no idea. Then I looked closer and noticed that my sister was pushing the inflated zebra, promoting fire safety. I still have no idea which zebras are in danger of incineration. I never got the chance to ask my sister. It doesn’t matter, of course. We cheered for everyone. All of us who lined the streets of my hometown that day clapped and hooted and laughed and showed our love for all of the folks who were willing to march in the parade.

We even cheered for a float that featured a young woman dancing in tank-top festooned with a Union Jack. I have no idea if she had no sense of history or a great sense of irony. Either way we cheered.

Some of the folks cheering were dressed from nose to toe in red white and blue. Some were dressed principally with the goal of attracting midsummer romance. Some were dressed in tourist threads. One man with lots of facial hair wore an oversized Uncle Sam hat, a lumberjack’s shirt and a long, flowing gypsy skirt. We all sat there, side by side, along the parade route, cheering for America and for the freedom to be strange.

I think that America’s churches could learn a lesson from the Mendocino Fourth of July parade. We need to open our doors and to cheer for anyone who comes in. We need to welcome the folks with whom we agree and those with whom we don’t. We need to celebrate everyone’s presence, for indeed the kingdom of God is made of every type of individual, and the celebration the Kingdom begins when we rejoice in those who have joined us under the shadow of God’s loving arm.

Happy Summer,
Ben

Crop Walk Results
Pat Plant, Hunger Action Advocate
Presbytery of San Jose

I just got the totals for this year's CROP WALK for Church World Service. I feel such gratitude for how much money our Presbytery of San Jose Churches raised for the great cause of alleviating hunger and poverty around the world and in the U.S. - $13,523 (!) which is 1/3 of the total earned by everyone on our walk - $42,000. I'm impressed and giddy with joy!

Thanks for all of your effort on this event.


Happy Birthday 21st Birthday to Kate Mawi

Changes to Garbage Pick Up at Foothill
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

Beginning this month we will no longer have garbage at Foothill. Thanks to the City of San José's Zero Waste Strategic Plan* and Republic Services we now have only recycling.
Here’s how it works. Republic Services separates all that used to be termed “garbage” into two categories, wet and dry recycling. Food, food soiled paper and yard trimmings go together in the wet bin, everything else goes in the dry bin.

Wet Recycling
Organics
Yard Trimmings
Fruits & Vegetables
Bread & Pasta
Dairy Products
Meat & Seafood
Coffee Grounds & Filters
Food Soiled Paper/ Cardboard
Napkins & Paper Towels
Paper Cups & Plates
Paper Take Out Containers

Dry Recycling
Everything Else
Glass Bottles & Jars
Packing Materials
Carpet & Padding
Reusable Items
Clean Paper & Cardboard
Scrap Metal
Plastics
Wood
Reusable Items
Styrofoam
Disposable Diapers
Sanitary Products
Fabric

* Zero waste is a perception change. It requires rethinking what we have traditionally regarded as garbage and treating all materials as valued resources instead of items to discard. Zero waste entails shifting consumption patterns, more carefully managing purchases, and maximizing the reuse of materials at the end of their useful life. Achieving zero waste entails encouraging San José, its residents, and its businesses to reevaluate what we view as waste. http://www.sjrecycles.org/zerowaste.asp

 *Special Days*
Tuesdays & Thursdays- Jazzercise
Fridays- Water Play Day
7/6 YSI Fieldtrip

*Spiritual*
Chapel
Wednesday, July 11th
Message
*Goodness*

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow (James 1:17).

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).
 
The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS…
to Carolyn Clark, Carol Tillman, Arlene Zimmerman for helping out at the Vivace Youth Chorus concert.

DIXIELAND JAZZ, July 29th, 10:30 AM
Remember last year when the Top of the Hill Dixieland jazz band came and played at the worship service, and then we had a sing-a-long after worship, and then we had a potluck after that? Well, we’re doing it again! Top of the Hill will be providing special music for the worship service on July 29th to be followed by a sing-a-long of ‘ole time hymn favorites right after. Then after that, we will be having a potluck in the Fellowship Hall where instead of a salad contest, we will be having a Refreshing (non-alcoholic) Summer Drink contest.

If are interested in participating in the Refreshing Summer Drink Contest, then please sign the sheet in front of my office with an indication of what kind of drink you’ll be bringing (TBA or to-be-announced, or I don’t know yet is okay too).

If you are planning to attend the potluck, then please the sign-up sheet in front of my office with an indication of what food you’re planning to bring.

Don’t miss this event! And in the meantime, start thinking about that summer drink! And start thinking of whom you’re going to invite!

AUGUST 11TH, 12TH TO BE A COMMUNITY-ORIENTED, ARTS-FILLED WEEKEND AT FOOTHILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (The following press release was written by Julie Cline.)
On Sunday, August 12th, the Foothill Presbyterian Church Music Series will present its 12th annual outdoor Jazz on the Grass concert. A combo of professional musicians, plus special guests, will perform at 12:30 PM in the courtyard at Foothill Presbyterian Church. New this year, East Valley Artists, an association of artists local to the eastern foothills of San Jose, will present its Annual Fine Art Show in conjunction with the outdoor concert. “We like to provide the community with lots of reasons to come join in the fun,” says Jay Jordana director of the Foothill Music Series.

East Valley Artists’ Fine Art Show will be located in Foothill Church’s Fellowship Hall, at the north end of the courtyard. The show will begin on Saturday, August 11th and continue on the 12th. On Saturday, the visual artists will be joined by “Kathy Sherman and the Good Folk Collective”, a diverse group of folk singers. The group recently released a CD, “Welcome to the Folksong Café,” available at both CDBaby.com and Amazon.com.

On Sunday, besides experiencing visual arts and music, community members may opt to donate blood to the Stanford Blood Drive. Afterward, donators may refuel by sampling free refreshments provided by East Valley Artists or enjoy the picnic lunch provided by the Foothill Music Series and the Foothill Deacons. “We ask for a small freewill donation-- around five dollars—to cover our expenses,” explains Jordana. For another small donation, concert attendees may indulge in a barbeque lunch with “all the fixin's.” “We did this last year,” says Jordana. “The barbeque was a big success.” Community members are also free to bring their own picnic lunches on Sunday.

After indulging, those who want to burn a few calories in their own flurry of artistic expression may feel free to dance. Others may watch Kathy Domen of Domen Strength Pilates burn calories as she demos core-conditioning principles and gives tips for maintaining a strong back and toned abs.

“And don’t forget to bring your children,” reminds Julia Cline, community liaison for East Valley Artists and a member of Foothill Church. “Experiencing art in a leisurely way is something that many kids miss these days. Plus, our artists will be manning a children’s table on both Saturday and Sunday, with some fun things to do---so much fun that I hope that we can keep our artists out of the kids supplies!”

Some music, a few masterpieces, a chance to help others, a good meal, a dose of healthful advice, dancing and fun stuff for the kids---get it all in and around the courtyard at Foothill Presbyterian Church, August 11th and 12th!

Where: Foothill Presbyterian Church, 5301 McKee Road, San Jose, CA 95132 (408-258-8133)

August 11th:
East Valley Artists Annual Fine Art Show 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Kathy Sherman and the Good Folk Collective 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

August 12th:
Stanford Blood Drive 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
East Valley Artists Annual Fine Art Show 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Jazz on the Grass 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Admission: Suggested donation $5
ONE TWICE?!
Foothill Presbyterian Church will be presenting Part 1 (Advent) of Handel's Messiah twice this coming December!

Sunday, December 2nd, 3 PM- The Foothill Music Series will be presenting its first Annual Foothill Messiah Sing-a-Long. YOU (yes, you!) and your friends get to sing along with a professional orchestra!

Sunday, December 9th, 10:30 AM – With the help of generous donations into the Psalm 150 fund, professional and semi-professional musicians will once again present Handel’s Messiah at the worship service.

Stay tuned for more details.

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
*Vivace Youth Chorus will be holding a Music and Arts camp for ages 6-10. Entitled “All the Animals In the Zoo (and then some),” the camp will meet at Stone Church from August 6-10, 9am – 1 PM. To be taught by Jay Jordana, Peggy Spool, and an art specialist, the camp will include music theory, arts and crafts, instrumental workshop, games, t-shirt, snacks, and performance on the last day of camp. For more information, you may email info@vivaceyouthchorus.org, or call (408) 885-1746.

Here’s to the continued growth of Vivace East!

*Jay Jordana will be receiving Level 2 Kodály training at Holy Names University for three weeks in July. Prayers and positive vibes are appreciated. The program is tough!

SUMMER MUSIC
Thank you to the following folks for providing special music during the summer while the choirs are on break:

AUGUST
August 5th – Peralta Consort
August 12th – Liam Peterson
August 19th – Sine Nomine
August 26th – Sine Nomine

FALL SCHEDULE
Tuesday, August 28th, 7:30 PM –Glory Ringers rehearsals resume
Thursday, August 30th, 7:30 PM – Chancel Choir rehearsals resume

We welcome enthusiastic music lovers!

LAST MONTH’S TIDBIT
The Yang quin is a type of ________, that has evolved into many different versions in many parts of the world.
Answer: Santur  Having existed in ancient times the (Iranian) Santur may be the likely predecessor of the Chinese yanqin via the Silk Route, which stretches almost 5,000 miles reaching from China to the Middle East.  - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangqin

Congratulations to Catherine Boe for having answered the question, correctly.

JULY TIDBIT
True or False: Dixieland is a kind of Twinkie.

Aside from Dixieland, there are also ___________________.

Please email me your complete 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!

June 2012

A Note from Pastor Ben

 Friends,

As I look forward to summer at Foothill Presbyterian Church my mind always turns to the books we will read together for our summer reading gatherings. Each summer I propose two or three books for discussion, and, at the appointed times, we gather for dinner in the community garden to discuss the books over a shared meal of local and seasonal food.

Each summer I try to come up with a theme that unifies our reading list, and this summer I want us to read two books that are secular but that have the potential to form our faith in important ways.

The first book is Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. Status Anxiety looks at the ways in which humans crave recognition, respect and, ultimately, love from our peers. It examines the emotional pain that accompanies the desire for elevated status, and it provides ideas for how we might escape from the sadness that attends a failure to achieve the status and recognition we desire.  (I’m reading Status Anxiety right now, and I find it moving. I also is a fairly easy read). We’ll discuss Status Anxiety over dinner on Tuesday, July 10 and six P. M.

The second book is one that I read six or seven years ago. It is called In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed by Carl Honoré. In Praise of Slowness is a celebration of the movements that encourage people to slow down and to live life in a way that is humanizing and joyful. Interestingly, I started cooking meals for adult educations classes at Foothill because I was influenced by Slow Food—one of the movements Honoré profiles in his book. We’ll discuss In Praise of Slowness on Wednesday, August 15 at six P. M.

Both books are countercultural in the fast-paced, winner-take-all environment that is Silicon Valley. Both books have helped to correct toxic thinking in my life, and both books, I believe, are capable of leading us toward spiritual health.

Both books are available through Amazon—they can be had new or used in hardcover, paperback or electronic formats. Both books can be ordered from your favorite independent bookseller as well.

I look forward to the conversation.
Ben


Recalibrate
Angie Carrillo

A year or so ago, my aunt gave me a message from her husband. She told me that Uncle Dan had asked her to deliver to me a one word message: recalibrate. She asked if I knew what he meant. Yes, I knew. Not just the meaning of the word, but what he was trying to tell me.

Recalibrate.

At the time we were busy doing chores around my house and although I heard what she said, I didn’t want to concentrate on the message. It was just another thing to put on my ever growing to do list.

Recalibrate.

Not an unusual word for a Silicon Valley computer guy like my uncle to use to so simply describe my life since my husband, John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In fact I felt I was in a constant state of forced recalibration and I didn’t like it. So I tucked the advice away.

But that pesky word would pop up when I least expected it and I was to discover, when I most needed it.

This all became clear to me one day in our kitchen. John has the habit of leaving his chair out when getting up from the dining table. It is not because of his disease, he has always done it. And after almost a quarter of a century of marriage, it has become my habit to push the chair in.

But lately this little thing has begun to bug me. Really bug me. Every time I walk into the kitchen his chair is out. I asked him to please push his chair in, how much effort would it take? He looked at me a blinked, chair? He glanced around the kitchen and shrugged. He was standing at the counter no where near a chair. What was I talking about? I marched out of the room fuming. He continued making his lunch.

Later that afternoon as I carried clean laundry to the bedroom I passed through the kitchen and saw the chair out. Sighing I stood by it. My uncle’s word floated through my brain.

Recalibrate.

Okay, how was I going to view this and direct my thoughts in a different way? Touching the chair I prayed for a way to change how I felt. Standing there with my hand resting on the back, I thought about how this chair became positioned away from the table.

The simple answer brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. I would forevermore look at the chair pulled from the table with joy. It was because of John. It honored his presence in the kitchen; being well enough to feed himself, to be able to sit at our table and have a meal with me. John is changing in ways that we battle but can’t stop. It is my job to tune into those changes and try to find a way to make our time together easier for both of us.

Recalibrate. One day I will walk into this kitchen and yearn to see the chair pulled from the table.


Special Thanks 
to all of Our Sunday School Volunteers
Jane Wallace

Bertha Nelson, Preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1 & 2 as needed
Yvonne and Darlene Siegfried, nursery and helper for preschool/kindergarten, grades 1 & 2 as needed
Malia Munoz, nursery and helper for preschool/kindergarten, grades 1 & 2 as needed
Barbara Ardrey, grades 1 and 2 when we have enough children
Jennifer Kim Rankin, grades 3 - 6
Sharon Rowser, grades 3 - 6
Nancy Rubio, substitute
Gay Southwell, substitute
Dana Marino, substitute
 
Special thanks to Bertha for holding this together, not to mention her 50 plus years of faithfully leading all of the young children!!!
 

Why Heritage Sunday Matters
Submitted by: Marilyn Kromrey

We encourage Presbyterian congregations to celebrate Heritage Sunday on May 20. Why is it important to celebrate your congregation’s heritage?

A congregation is a community of faith that transcends time, place, and space. It is more than a physical structure; it represents a gathering of individuals – past, present, and future – who have become a covenant Christian community. The local congregation is a product of its own history, shaped by the faithfulness, actions, and commitments of its members over time.

It is important to remember that a congregation is a living, dynamic entity that is continually shaped by the stewardship of those who have been part of the community, past and present. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate Heritage Sunday to remember all of the individuals whose unique gifts have and continue to shape the life of the congregation, providing models of Christian service to imitate in the present as well as to guide us into the future.


TAKE A MINUTE
…Excerpts from Session and Committee communication

• Foothill Fineries has donated $658 to the pay down the roof loan.
• Finance Committee will be making a $2500 payment to General Mission
• Community Garden – Session approved raising the garden deposit from $20 to $40.  The water fee from $40 per large plot to $60 per year.
• Session will change their regular meeting date from the first Wednesday of the month to the second Wednesday of the month effective with the July 11 meeting.
• Our annual congregation meeting to receive reports will be July 15.
• The FPC Music Series Fund (donations received from those attending concerts) has received Session approval to purchase an Automatic Extended Defibrillator.  Training is being arranged.
• Approximately 40% of the 2012-13 pledge cards have been submitted as of June 4.

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries



To all our Foothill musicians, music lovers, and supporters...
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your contributions of time and talent; for all the work that you’ve done for our music ministry during the past fiscal year. You came when you were happy, excited, pumped up. motivated, etc…but you also came when you were tired, having a bad day, were sick, not feeling well, had a lot on your mind, and on and on. Thank you for your dedication and generosity. The music ministry would not be where it is without you. THANK YOU!

Upcoming Concerts

Vivace Youth Concert
Tour Farewell Concert
Sunday, June 24, 3 PM

The Vivace Youth Chorus Tour Farewell Concert will feature singers from our Concert, Chamber and Teen Women's Ensemble. The singers will perform pieces from the tour repertoire along with pieces they have performed this year in concert. Singers will be participating in the 'Sing A Mile High' Festival in Denver, Colorado, from June 28th through July 2nd. Please join us for this musical send off!


Dixie Land Jazz
July 29, 10:30 AM

Remember last year when the Top of the Hill Dixieland jazz band came and played at the worship service, and then we had a sing-a-long after worship, and then we had a potluck after that? Well, we’re doing it again! Top of the Hill will be providing special music for the worship service on July 29th to be followed by a sing-a-long of ‘ole time hymn favorites. Then after that, we will be having a potluck in the Fellowship Hall where instead of a salad contest; we will be having a Refreshing (non-alcoholic) Summer Drink contest. Stay tuned for more info.

Don’t miss this event! And in the meantime, start thinking about that summer drink!

12th Annual Jazz on the Grass
Sunday, August 12th, 12:30 PM

Don’t miss it. There’ll be amazing bbq and fixin’s, the East Valley Artist art show, and the Stanford Blood Drive.  Stay tuned for more info. In the meantime, mark your calendars. You won’t wanna miss this!

What's Up in the Hood?
Rising Notes is up and running! What is that anyway?
Rising Notes is a music class offered by the Vivace Youth Chorus that uses the Kodály approach and is designed for children ages 4-5. Children are introduced to the joys of singing and musical concepts through folk music and musical games. Being the only non-performing group with Vivace, the class is 45 minutes long and meets in 6-week sessions. Rising Notes (East) is taught here at Foothill on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM by our very own Anne Daniel. For more information about Rising Notes, ask Anne. You may also visit www.vivaceyouthchorus.org.

Summer MusicThank you to the following folks for providing special music during the summer while the choirs are on break:

June
June 10th – Joanne Reinecker
June 17th – Ronn Ealy
June 24th – Clayton and Grayson Sanchez

July
July 1st – The Peralta Consort
July 8th – Jennifer Cermak
July 15th – Carolyn Clark
July 22nd – Ronn Ealy
July 29th – Top of the Hill Dixieland Jazz Band

August
Stay tuned…

June Tidbit
The Yang quin is a type of ________, that has evolved into many different versions in many parts of the world.

Another Hint: What was it called when it came to Iran?

Please email me your complete 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!

















The Spiritual Message for June is Patience
Psalm 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass

Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

A Special Thank You!
To Jay Jordana, Jerry Siegfried, Jan Miller and Tajea Allen from the San Jose Jazz  Band  for helping us make our graduation ceremony a success.

Special Days6/8 Inflatable Bounce House Day
6/14  Father’s Day Lunch
6/15 Popsicle Day
6/21 Wear Your Sunshades Day
6/22 Ice Cream Day

Kids Jazzercise in June.
Tuesdays & Thursdays

Free ‘Ukulele Lessons in June 

Are you interested in learning how to play the ‘ukulele?    Dawn is currently teaching free ‘ukulele classes at Foothill Presbyterian Church and at the First Presbyterian Church of San Jose.

‘Ukulele for Intermediate Beginners
(Soprano, Concert or Tenor ‘ukulele)
Tuesday June 12 @ 9:00 am
Tuesday June 19 @ 9:00 am
Tuesday June 26 @ 9:00 am
Location:  
Foothill Presbyterian Church (Library) 
5301 McKee Road 
San Jose, CA 95127-2292

Baritone ‘Ukulele for Beginners
The Baritone ‘Ukulele is tuned differently from the other types of ‘ukuleles) 
Wednesday June 6 @ 9:00 am
Wednesday June 13 @ 9:00 am
Wednesday June 27 @ 9:00 am
Location:  
Foothill Presbyterian Church (Room TBA) 
5301 McKee Road 
San Jose, CA 95127-2292

‘Ukulele for Beginners
(Soprano, Concert or Tenor ‘ukulele)
Sunday June 3         5:00 PM
Sunday June 24       5:00 PM
Location: 
First Presbyterian Church of San Jose (Social Hall)
49 N. 4th St.
San Jose, CA 95112

If you are interested in taking these free lessons at either location, please email Dawn at dawn_imada@yahoo.com   
She can also tell you where to purchase an ‘ukulele or a baritone ‘ukulele if you don’t already have one.