The Messenger

December 2011

2011-12-02T12:16:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

I once met a man who stopped going to church, in part, because he felt as if the ministers and Sunday School teachers who taught him the faith had lied to him about Christmas. “Pastors will look you straight in the eye,” he complained, “and tell you that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, but its not. They’re lying. No one knows when Jesus was born.”

Of all the reasons to be dissatisfied with religion, this one seems somewhat trivial, but just in case you, gentle reader, share the feeling that no one should be misled about Jesus real birthday, let me be quick to say that the chances that Jesus was born in December are exactly one in twelve, and the probability that December 25 is not Jesus’ birthday is precisely 365.25 to one.

At some point the Christians started celebrating Jesus birthday in December as a way of displacing a midwinter pagan holiday and because of the symbolism inherent in midwinter religious holidays: the days have gotten dark enough. It’s time to lighten up.

We celebrate Christmas in December because this is the time of year both when the nights are at their longest and when and when the daylight starts to retake the territory of the night. It is the time when hope meets despair.

So as you celebrate Christmas this year, my prayer is that you will use the season to help you understand the day. Watch as the nights reach their longest and then start to shorten up a bit. Notice the daylight’s reclamation of the morning and afternoon hours, and know that God is moving in your life, to bring light into even the dimmest corners of your soul.

Merry Christmas.
Ben

Marian Grandi wishes to express her appreciation for the support that she received after the loss of her son, Joseph Grandi. She thanks her Foothill family for their heartfelt sympathies and for the beautiful flowers.

Umbrellas and Rain Ponchos
Darlene Ristrim

Foothill donated 11 rain ponchos, 7 umbrellas and $135 toward the Presbytery’s effort to provide our homeless with protective rain gear.

The Presbytery has sent in order for 2,000 rain ponchos and with our donation that number will be increased by 100. Thank you for caring and sharing.

Informational Survey - Update Your Information
The Outreach/Membership Committee

It has been a long time since we have gathered member and regular visitor information and surveyed individual interests. Address, telephone numbers and email information is used only by the church office and for updating the directory. This information is never shared outside of the church. The interest survey is useful to committee moderators seeking help for certain projects, events and committees.

Please take this opportunity to consider ways in which you might like to serve the church and let us know about your skills and interests.

To complete the survey, please use the link below or the sheet in your paper messenger and return to the church office as soon as possible but no later than 12/31/11. Thank you for your prompt response.

Survey

The Women of Foothill Presbyterian Church
Invite You To Join Us For Our Holiday Brunch

Please bring your favorite/oldest Holiday ornament to share your story with us.

Saturday, December 17, 2011
9:30 – 11:00 am

Foothill Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall

Please let us know if you will be joining us by registering on the sign-up sheet in the Foyer!

Coming in January -
A New Pictorial Directory!
The Outreach/Membership Committee

We’ve received several requests to produce a new pictorial directory. We now have software in the church office to produce a pictorial directory; therefore, we will not be contracting with a professional photo-directory publishing company.

For three Sundays in January (tentatively 1/15, 1/22/, 1/29) David Taylor, will be available to take a picture of each individual or family unit before or after church. There is no need to have appointments or come to the church at any time other than for regular church service just spend an extra five minutes with the photographer. Please plan to have your picture taken on one of these Sundays—remember a successful pictorial directory depends on everyone participating.

Watch for more information on the pictorial directory in January.

San Jose’s Ban on Plastic Bags
The ban on carry out plastic bags is for all retail stores, including hardware stores and clothing stores.

Be ready with eco-friendly shopping bags
that celebrate our Green Church.

To help the Foothill Community make the switch to reusable eco friendly bags, we’ve ordered 13x13
natural fiber bags celebrating Foothill being the first green church in Santa Clara County.

Bags will be sold for 3/$10. Please make checks
payable to FPC and write bags in the memo.

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

UPCOMING MUSIC SERIES CONCERTS
Ragtime Pianists Chris and Jack Bradshaw – Sun, Feb 12th, 3 PM
South Bay Philharmonic – Fri, Mar 2nd, 7:30 PM
Monteverdi Brass Quintet – Sat, Mar 3rd, 7:30 PM
Camerata Moresca – Sat, Mar 10th, 3 PM
Flauti Dolci & Amici I – Sat, Mar 17th, 3 PM
Flauti Dolci & Amici II – Sat, Mar 24th, 3 PM

DECEMBER TIDBIT
What is the third partial in the harmonic series? Explain.

Hint: If you cut a piece of string in half (and another and so on), what specifically happens to the sound?

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!

FROM THE CRITICS CORNER:

I must confess that I have never attended a gamelan concert before and hardly even knew what gamelan instruments were and how they were played so the concert on Sunday, November 6 was a real eye opener for me.

It was obvious to me that the performers were very talented and versatile (each played several instruments). However, the music left me trying to figure how it was structured, if it was at all. The wooden flute seemed to play whatever he wished at any given time as an accompaniment to whatever was happening with the rest of the ensemble. There was so much repetition in the phrases that I found myself getting very bored even before intermission. The female singer had a very sweet voice that was extremely difficult to hear above the ensemble and repeated the phrases over and over as if it were a chant.

The facial expressions on the performers did nothing to encourage my interest - they appeared to be as bored as I was. The best piece was the Rengga Renggi primarily due to some very well done changes of dynamic levels. This made the piece more interesting. All in all it was an afternoon of enlightenment and education. I will have to go to more of these programs so as to begin to understand what I heard and appreciate this style of music.

For those of you who enjoyed this program I give you a great deal of credit. However, if everyone liked the same style of music it would be a very boring musical world.
May God bless you all until my next letter from the Critics Corner.
From the Critic's Corner, this is One Man's Opinion!

Meet FPC’s Elders
Darlene Ristrim and Carol Tillman

This is the first in a series of columns that will be introducing Foothill Presbyterian Church members to the rest of the congregation. This month, we are introducing two active members of Session: Joyce Banks, Nancy Rubio, and Andrew Yarborough.

Joyce Banks
Elder Joyce Banks serves on the Worship and Nominating Committees.

Joyce was born and raised in Virginia. Her husband Robert was in the Air Force and their first home was in Red Bluff, California in 1956. From Red Bluff, the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, then to Arizona for nine months and, finally, to the Bay Area in 1963 when Robert was stationed at the Air Force base on Mt. Umunhum. By that time, Joyce had all five children; the eldest was only eight years old. When Robert retired from the Air Force in 1964, they stayed in California and raised their family. Joyce was widowed in 2004. In addition to her five children, Joyce has 18 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. Three of her grandchildren and five great grandchildren live in Texas, but most of her family lives in the San Jose area.

Joyce majored in Music in college, with a concentration on performing voice. She enjoyed singing, but opted to raise a family rather than pursue a career in performing. For many years, she was a homemaker but, when her children grew older, she learned the art of cake decorating and taught the subject for 15 years. While this career was fun, she states emphatically that she is now retired: although she still enjoys baking as a hobby, she leaves the elaborate cake decorations to other people. Joyce also enjoys crocheting.

Car racing is another hobby Joyce has enjoyed in the past. She raced cars a few times when she was younger, which she found fun and exciting, but decided that it might be too dangerous a sport for a mother of young children to pursue. Joyce also has an interest in bullfights and has seen a few live fights, although she confessed that she has always rooted for the bull.

In addition, Joyce is interested in politics. Some years ago, the city of San Jose was trying to improve certain areas and they divided the city into four model cities, each with a board of community members that partnered with the City Council. Joyce was on that board for four or five years. After the board was functioning, however, she felt that it was time to step back and allow others to lead. She had also considered running for office, but ultimately decided against it.

Joyce was raised as a Presbyterian, but was a Baptist for a few years because Robert was Baptist; however, she admitted that she didn’t understand the Baptist religion, and therefore returned to being a Presbyterian. Regarding her history with FPC, Joyce said “I first went to Foothill in 1968. My husband was very sick at the time and I was going out of my mind with worry.” Feeling the need to find a religious community, Joyce arranged for her neighbour to watch her children and says, “I just drove down the street into the church parking lot. People were very friendly and welcoming, and I felt a warmth there.” After discovering FPC, Joyce would attend church from time to time, but she didn’t become a member until 1990. “I was getting older, and felt the need to have a church community. When I decided to join a church, I knew this was the church.”

When asked why she became an Elder, Joyce says simply, “I was asked.” Joyce also admits that she was interested in knowing what elders did, and in finding out just how the church worked. Joyce says she volunteers because she likes to be helpful. In addition, she likes people and enjoys being around people.

She believes the church is one of the most important parts of the community, and provides an opportunity for fellowship. Joyce considers any religious organization important to the community because “We all need to be faith-driven and have somewhere to share our faith and our knowledge of the faith.”

Nancy Rubio
Nancy’s Session assignment for the past three years has been with Preschool and Christian Education. Nancy has been a perfect match because of her profession in elementary education. She has taught third grade, basic skills (GED) and ESL to adults. She has a passion for linguistics and is tutoring Kate Mawi (former foster child of Anne and Ben). Her Basic Skills and ESL classes kept her on the run. Lunch was eaten as she drove between the two different locations. In 2001 she retired from teaching Basic Skills and continued with ESL classes until 2005. She is now happily retired and loves to travel with her significant other, Bill Martin.

Foothill Church was recommended to Nancy by her close friend, Jane Wallace. She joined in March 1970 and has participated in various church activities including Head Usher. Session is her first elected position. As newer members began accepting elected officer positions she began to feel guilty and when asked to serve as an Elder she accepted the nomination.
Nancy feels Foothill is a warm and welcoming church. She says “An important part of my life takes place here at Foothill”.

Hobbies include: visiting her two children and four granddaughters (20, 18, 9 and 6), reading, and volunteering at the PEO Chapter’s Nearly New Shop. Every Monday night since 1999 you will find her clogging.

When asked why she volunteers and accepted election to the office of Elder Nancy replied…”In gratitude for the people who came before in Englewood Methodist Church. I owe them a great debt, as role models and caring friends… they changed my life”.
Andrew YarboroughElder Andrew Yarborough serves on the Stewardship committee, and represents FPC at the Presbytery meetings.

Andrew was born and raised in Palo Alto where both of his parents had graduated from Stanford University. He was raised as a Roman Catholic but stopped attending church regularly at age 13, choosing to limit his church attendance to religious holidays.

After earning a degree in Applied Math from U.C. Berkeley, Andrew's first job out of college was in software quality engineering at Apple, Inc. He is currently employed in the same field at Adobe Systems, where he appreciates their graphic software. In fact, one of Andrew’s hobbies is computer graphics. However, he says that while he likes drawing things, he would rather not share his creations. In addition to personal computers and graphic software, Andrew enjoys baseball.

Andrew and his wife Jody met in 2004. When they were searching for a church to attend, their friend Kimberly Faraday had suggested FPC. They visited FPC, liked it and stayed. Jody and Andrew joined FPC in the spring of 2006, and were married at FPC on October 27, 2007.

When he was approached to become an Elder, Andrew admits that he hadn’t known what the responsibility entailed. However, he had wanted to become involved at FPC, and so he accepted the call. Regarding his work representing FPC at the Presbytery, Andrew explains that, after he and Jody had joined FPC, the general assembly was held in San Jose, and they needed arrangements to help people with disabilities attend. Jody and Andrew had volunteered to help, and were introduced to the Presbytery through their work on this assignment. Shortly afterwards, there was a vacancy for a person to attend the Presbytery regularly, and Andrew accepted the post.

Andrew identifies himself as being very community-based. He describes his philosophy on volunteering this way: “I want to give back, I want to make a difference. I want to help facilitate change if possible. Each situation is unique. I try to support the community and keep the church moving forward, and keep the idea of change alive.”

When asked why he considers FPC to be important to the community, Andrew replies, “Because I believe in its mission – I believe it has a good balance in the way it thinks about Christianity and its role in a larger community of people of faith. It just works for me; I don’t know how to say it any other way.”

*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, December 7

Spiritual Message is Giving

Give, and it will be given to you... for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.
Luke 6.38

Special Days in December
Every Thursday- Music day with Jay

11/29-12/5 Scholastic Book faire

12/1 Tree Decorating

12/10 The Christmas Store

12/15 Wear color red day

12/16 Christmas Program

12/22 Wear color green day

The Life of a Chaplain & Seminary Student
Maxine Millender

They witness best who witness with their lives - Fitzhugh
During the month of October, I worked a total of 9 nights. Statistically, this is the time of year when there are more traumas, more car accidents, and more people suffering from strokes. When our Ethics person goes on vacation, we have to carry the pager and during this month, I carried it 7 nights. For trauma related calls, I had motorcycle collisions (3), motor vehicle collisions/accidents (13), code blue/death (5), gunshot wounds (4), overdoses (3), short of breath (2), autoped (2), heart attacks (2), strokes (10) and one bull stomping.

I had one crisis call from a woman (28) who had twins (boy, girl) and the boy was not doing well, she wanted prayer, and someone to listen to her. Her son is on life support because of a brain bleed and will not make it-she has been informed to think about her options, his quality of life, and possibly withdrawing him from life support. She asked how she could make this decision like this about a little child when she has 2 girls, wanted a boy and was going to put her daughter up for adoption. She talked and I listened. We spoke about her children, her faith in God, the difficulty of this decision, her discernment, and I explained to her why I could not make this decision for her. I told her that I would support her, comfort her, and be there for her in addition to the availability of the other Chaplains during the day. She held my hand, thanked me for the visit, said she knew but really wanted someone to listen to her. We prayed together and she seemed calmer when I left her.

Early Sunday morning (10/23), there were people outside a house when a young male walked up with a rifle and started shooting. There were 7 people wounded and one killed. The young lady killed was his ex-girlfriend. Three (2 women, 1 male) were brought to the hospital and one of the ladies had to be rushed to surgery. They were barely able to give me a phone number of their parents before they were put on life support. Making a phone call at 5 o'clock in the morning is pretty scary for the person on the receiving end, especially if I cannot share medical information. Fortunately I asked the patients if I could share that they had been shot with their parents and both said yes. This is still a VERY difficult call to make because no parent wants to hear someone say their child has been shot “or” is in the hospital. I always ask them to ask for me when they arrive and I NEVER tell anyone on the phone I am a Chaplain.

We had several policemen in ER and I am thankful we all work well together to share information. I think the saddest thing about the shootings is when the Mother of the young lady called to see if her daughter was there-she had been told she was killed but she wanted to know for sure. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to comfort her. When someone dies on the scene, they are pronounced and then taken to the medical examiner’s office. When the family members arrived, most of them knew each other and when I took them to our trauma waiting room, there was standing room only. As a Chaplain I can go into the surgery control room and most times someone is available and on this particular morning, the charge RN was there and she was willing to go speak to the young lady’s Mom. When the RN left, the patient’s Mom sobbed and I was glad to be there for her. This event made headlines! Because many people have cell phones, can text and take photos, most of the information was already shared so I did not have to call the male patient’s Mom but did rush to get his RN to give her a medical update.

A young lady was walking on a street that had no sidewalks and was hit by a car. Because the police had her purse, I called them and asked them to please call family to let them know she was in the hospital. Her family lived 3.5 hours away and did not speak English. We don’t have interpreters and my Spanish is limited but I was able to get our operator to connect three ways so that I could speak to the family member who could translate for me. When they arrived and asked for me, they thanked me for pulling an RN aside to give them medical information.

A young man (42) who lives with his Mom, took her car, drank some beer and crashed into a guard rail. When I called his Mom, she was shocked that he had left the house. When the policeman arrived, he spoke to the patient, informed me and his RN that he needed a blood sample from him. The patient insisted he did not remember what happened, we don’t always get the details, and we could not provide any additional information for the policeman.

Seminary status
When my Professor emailed my first exam to inform me I had some errors and he was giving me the opportunity to re-write it, I felt happy but sad. I sent him an email to thank him for the opportunity to rewrite it. After completing it I received a B and he wrote good essay. Many people had to rewrite it and all I can say is there is grace! I have written 10 pages on my research paper have 10 more before the due date. My second exam has been completed and sent to the Professor. I hope it was a well written essay this time.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.     ~ to be continued~
Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-Adrian Rogers

November 2011

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

A Note From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving just may be my favorite holiday of the year. For one thing, it involves a meal—not just eating (which would be good enough) but an event. People gather with family and friends and sometimes with strangers to break bread in a way that is meaningful.

The other reason I love Thanksgiving is that it asks us to do something spiritually beneficial. Thanksgiving asks us to give thanks. To remember the goodness of life, and blessings of God and to be grateful.

The spiritual benefits of giving thanks are not just to be found in the warm feeling we have when we think happy thoughts. Gratitude is the opposite of greed, and greed, in all of its forms, makes us miserable. When we are greedy we never are satisfied. Greed keeps us from contentment by mocking us for what we don’t have. Greed causes us to look inward so that we don’t see the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.

But gratitude is the antidote to greed. When we are grateful we remember that have enough—and usually more than enough—to be happy. When we give thanks we are able to see beyond ourselves to discover the needs of those who are less fortunate. When we give thanks we are more prepared to be generous with the bounty God gives to us.

So take advantage of the gift that is Thanksgiving. Be thankful, and with gratitude in you hears be generous. While you’re at it, enjoy a happy thanksgiving meal.

Peace Be With You,
Ben

Big Changes to our Website!
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

The Foothill Presbyterian Church website foothillpc.org has a great new look. Thanks to the Music Series for purchasing web publishing software, and to Carol Tillman for getting the project started. We still have additional information we plan to add, so check back often to see how we're progressing.

Each week we will publish a video of Sunday's sermon and a PDF file of the Sunday bulletin under Information/Worship and Sermons. Upcoming events and activities can be found under Information/Events. The Music Series has it's own page complete with concert announcements and calendar. We've also updated the Preschool page to include more detailed enrollment information, a daily schedule, and a link to the Preschool Newsletter. The church calendar can be found under Home/Event Calendar and Information/Calendar.

Please feel free to give me your feedback. It's important that the site be a useful tool for the members of the Foothill Community as well as an invitation for people seeking a church. We're interested in all feed back, so let us know what you think can be improved, if anything doesn't work for you, and of course what you like about the new site. Send me an email, give me a call, or stop by the office. I'm happy to give personal tours of the site.

Halloween Festival a Success!
Nancy and Bill Leonard, Event Chairmen

THANK YOU!!! Thank you!! To all the volunteers who made the 2011 Halloween Festival for the children of the church and the children of the neighborhood a success. The Festival took place on the Saturday before Halloween from 6 to 8 pm and was attended by at least 175 young children and their parents.

Hours of planning, set up and take down honors go to Peg Nickl, Rene’ Banks, Harvey LeValley, Herb and Jan Miller, Greg Hill, Jerry Siegfried and Nancy and Bill Leonard.

Gay Southwell and Kathy Havis-Faler greeted our guests.

Darlene Ristrim, Joyce Banks, Pat Heisey, Nancy Rubio and Jane Wallace kept the hot dogs, chips and drinks rolling.

Trick or Treat Doors were manned by Virginia Siegfried, Don Village and Nikki Guzzetta and friend.

Pastor Ben does magic tricks for a group of trick-or-treaters

Tine Ude made and gave out popcorn.

Games were led by Eileen Parks, Jan Miller, Rene’ Banks, Ronn Ealy and Dana and Ben Marino.

Airbrush tattoo artist was Herb Miller and Face Painter was Donna Guzzetta.

Anna Ealy manned the crafts in the Enchanted House and Peg Nickl created balloon concoctions to delight little trick or treaters.

Anne Daniel was the candy queen making sure adequate supplies of sweets were everywhere while Ben Daniel transformed from pastor to illusionist.

Jerry Siegfried and Darlene Siegfried provided wagon rides around the back field.

And, of course, thanks to Jazzercise participants and all the church family who dropped off candy.

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

KODÁLY SUMMER INSTITUTE vs. SUMMER FUN AND FROLICK.
(Who won?)
They did warn us. They did say that it was going to be very intense. They even recommended not planning on scheduling other events within those three weeks. It was going to be complete immersion – no less than that. I thought to myself: “Yeah, yeah, I’ve been busy before. It’ll be cake.” Well, what Holy Names University couldn’t quite capture or adequately describe was how truly grueling, mind-numbingly stressful, and supremely humbling the whole experience would be. In hindsight, I can say that I’m so glad that I made the decision to take three weeks off from Foothill.
Read More

Every day at the Kodály Summer Institute, from 8:30 am – 4:00 PM, five days a week, was like boot camp: My schedule started with choral conducting (my favorite!) where students chose pieces from a wide selection of significant choral literature to conduct in front of the class. This was followed by music theory where we did music dictation, sight reading/singing, singing and playing (on the piano) in canon with one’s self. We were asked to do things that… well, let’s just say that it’s amazing what the human mind can do and learn in a very short period of time. I think I used brain cells that I didn’t even think I had! This class was then followed by choir where we got to sing great literature. Then there was a forty-five minute lunch break (our only one!). Classes then resumed with pedagogy where we learned Kodály teaching methods and techniques. Finally, the day ended with practicum where we demonstrated what we learned in the previous day’s practicum class. Through all of this, and regardless of the challenge, I was in great company. Surrounded by fellow professional musicians and educators who were highly skilled and talented, I took comfort in the fact that we were supporting each other through the learning process, and I guess in the grand scheme of things, we were working together to maintain the integrity and respectability of the teaching profession. Then even more significant was the fact that we were all taught and nurtured by an amazing faculty who were masters in their own right from different parts of the world. Central to this was an amazing musician, conductor, and educator László Matos who teaches in the best music university in Europe, the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary. I was especially grateful and lucky that he chose me to conduct in the final concert. It was great working with him. I learned so much. We were all very fortunate indeed!

After those three weeks, I thought: “Yes, I get my life back!” However, I look back and think: Yes, it was stressful. Yes, it was exhausting, but it was also supremely rewarding because I walked away from those three weeks learning so much about the Kodály system, about other people and myself.

I’d like to thank the Session and Ben Daniel for their continued support of my professional growth and development. The Summer Institute was truly an invaluable experience for which I will always be grateful.

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS
Pusaka Sunda – CD Release Concert!
Sunday, November 6th, 3 PM

Pusaka Sunda, a 10-instrument gamelan degung group, under the direction of master suling bamboo flute player, Burhan Sukarma, will present a concert of traditional and contemporary music of West Java, Indonesia. Since 1988, Pusaka Sunda has performed frequently throughout the Bay Area and beyond. www.pusakasunda.org

South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, November 11th, 7:30 PM

This concert will feature Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 3, Movt. IV, the U.S. premiere of Ludolf Nielsen's Symphony No. 3, Movt. I, Edvard Grieg's, Symphonic Dances, Movt. I, II, and IV. www.southbayphilharmonic.org

Suggested Donation $10 per person/concert
Read More
DECEMBER SNEAK PEAK

The 11th Annual Festival of Carols

Friday, December 9th, 7 PM

This year will feature some of Foothill’s ensembles and resident musicians as well as special guests Voices of the Valley, Prime Time and others. Bring your family and friends. We promise it won’t be three hours long 

Suggested Donation: Non-perishable food items will benefit the Lord’s Pantry to help those in need. Thank you.

VIVALDI’S GLORIA

What a glorious experience it was! Thank you so much to the choir, the soloists, and all the other musicians who made this event possible. More importantly, we would like to thank the donors to the Psalm 150 fund who made this experience possible. We are so blessed to have had a generous resource to allow us to hire an orchestra, singers, and soloists to join our choir to enhance our worship experience in this way.

Update: Because of this event’s success, the donors donated an additional $7,000 to the Psalm 150 fund. Our gratitude is beyond expression. Thank you.

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?

As of last week, I began using the Kodály system to teach music literacy to the students of Foothill Christian Pre-school. What this means is that every Thursday morning, the children and I engage in song games to make and learn about music. This is possible because the Kodály system of education uses folk songs to impart music theory to the children. It is a fun way to teach music literacy. For more information about the Kodály system, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kod%C3%A1ly_Method

I’m grateful to Trisha Trahan for this musical collaboration. It’s been fun!

NOVEMBER TIDBIT
What is the third partial in the harmonic series? Explain.

Hint: If you cut a piece of string in half (and another and so on), what specifically happens to the sound?

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!

Congratulations to Kenny Behlen
Kenny Behlen (Shirley Riley's grandson and Maureen Riley-Behlen's son) achieved the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 13 on October 23.

Kenny built a new bench in the courtyard in memory of his grandfather, Mel Riley. He also sanded and re-stained the three benches in and near the courtyard, moved a sprinkler and landscaping, and laid flagstone in the front of the new bench.

*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, November 2

*Spiritual Message is Helping*

Help others that are in need; don't just wish them well.

James2:15-16

Give, and it will be given to you.
Good measure, pressed down, shaken together,
running over, will be put into your lap.
For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

Luke 6:38

*Special Days in November*

Every Thursday- Music day with Jay Jordana

(Kodaly Method, The Child-development approach to music)

11/18 School Portrait Day

11/22 Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch

11/29-12/5 Scholastic Book Fair

Team in Training

Join Gina del Rosario-Fontela in the Mission to wipe out blood cancer.

To make a donation, go to
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/BigSurHM11/gdelroaryh

Gina del Rosario is raising funds on behalf of Roxie Banks.
For more information contact René Banks.

Sunday, November 6

Rain Ponchos and Umbrellas for the Homeless

It's bad enough that there are so many people living on our streets without income or homes. It's much worse, unbelievably awful, when it rains and these brothers and sisters of ours get wet.

For nearly ten years the Presbytery, through its churches, has purchased over 50,000 rain ponchos for homeless people. The Presbytery needs your help to distribute rain ponchos and umbrellas to these people they call "outdoor citizens".

A donation bin is located inside the narthex door next to the Lord's pantry bin. Deadline for this collection is Wednesday, November 16th.

If you prefer to make a financial donation, please make your check payable to FPC and write "ponchos" in the memo.

The Lord’s Pantry HolidayFood Drive

The Lord’s Pantry will be feeding 500 families for Thanksgiving, in addition to the 30-65 families they help feed everyday. The following is a list of items needed for the Holiday Meal Packages.

We will begin collecting frozen turkeys November 13th

Meat
Whole Chicken

Ham
Turkeys

Produce
Potatoes
Carrots
Apples
Oranges

What is Needed Most
Cranberry Sauce
Canned Pumpkin
Packaged Gravy Mix
Stuffing Mix
Stove Top Stuffing
Canned Sweet Potatoes
Canned or Packaged Broth
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Large Paper Grocery Bags

They also need volunteers to help pack and distribute the food.

Sunday, November 20, beginning at Noon
    Move food to Luther Hall and bag
Monday, November 21
    9AM-11AM Set up & 11AM to 3PM Distribute
Tuesday, November 22
    9AM-11AM Set up & 11AM to 3PM Distribute
Wednesday, November 23
    9AM-11AM Set up & 11AM to 3PM Distribute
    beginning at 3PM Clean up

Contact Martha Perez to volunteer, 408-258-7563.

60 Toys for 4 year old girls and boys.

This year we are helping 30 little girls and 30 little boys to have a Merry Christmas.

Please make a donation of a toy or gift item between now and Sunday December 18th. The Lord’s pantry will give these gifts to the children of their client families.

Keep on eye on sale and clearance items each time you go to the store. We need toys, books, puzzles, art supplies, dress up items and games. Even the smallest gift will make a huge difference to a child that may otherwise receive no presents this year.

Worship Opportunities

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.

Flowers and Coffee Hour are also a wonderful way to share your
special days, like birthdays and anniversaries, with your church family. Dedications can be included in the Sunday bulletin. Sign up sheets are posted just inside the narthex door.

Family Camp Kids Program
Peg Nickl

Over Family Camp weekend our kids learned about charity and the importance of giving. They learned about Heifer® International and as a group decided to collect enough money to buy bees, chicks, and a sheep.

They chose bees to provide honey and wax to sell, chicks for eggs to eat and sell, and a sheep to provide milk and warm wool.

The kids decorated shipping tubes to use as collection banks. They also decorated a really big tube to let everyone at Foothill know what they are trying to accomplish.

Please look for the Heifer® display in the narthex and help the kids meet their goal of $170.00.

The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

Maxine Millender

When facing a crisis, trust God and move forward-D. De Haan

During the month of September, I worked a total of 13 nights. This month was filled with many different kinds of crises that have been extremely emotional for staff and me. I had a baby death (1), 2 code blues and both ended in death, crisis calls (6), trauma calls (4), motor vehicle accidents (4), stabbing (2), assaults (1), 1 gun- shot that ended in death, strokes (3), sexual assault (1), full arrest (1), drinking (1), falls (4), domestic abuse(1), burns (1), football injuries (3), and a resuscitated arrest (1) that ended in death. Ages of patients varied from 14 yrs to 65. When the young patients come in without their parents, I spent a lot more time with them because they are scared and anxious.

Early Saturday morning (Sept 3rd), three young men (22-24 yrs) were air lifted to the hospital because they fell from a 3rd floor balcony. They had gone to a house party, went outside for some fresh air, the bolts which normally hold it, let go. When they first arrived, they were talking but then shock set in. The Doctors had our x-ray people taking many x-rays in order to determine the extent of damage to their bodies. One of then had to be intubated to help him breath, one was in a very high level of pain because he landed feet first, and another one was scared he was going to die. At times like this when parents have not arrived, it is important to reassure them their parents have been notified, are en-route, and also let them know I will not leave them.

Their parents had been notified by police and this gave me the opportunity to spend time with each of them. When the parents arrived and were informed by me they could not go in, they were not happy. After 40 minutes they were allowed to go in. They asked so many questions of their sons that I had to escort them to the family waiting room. I asked the Doctor to visit with them to give medical updates. Sometimes family members don’t understand that when too many questions are asked or they remain too long with the patient, it can cause the patient to be more anxious. After the Doctor left I spent time with the immediate family to explain why it is sometimes best to let the RNs and Doctors complete their assessment and then receive an update. After being on our trauma floor for several days and many operations, they were sent to a regular floor and have been discharged to recover at their homes.

Before midnight on Wednesday (9/28), a young man (20 yrs) was brought in because he had been shot. Someone brought him to a medical center and left him and he was airlifted to the hospital. The police arrived, had already spoken to his Mom but did not have a suspect in custody. His aunt arrived, called her sister and we spoke, and gave me verbal consent that her sister could receive medical information (policemen had given me her name). He was rushed to OR, his Dad arrived and in the midst of meeting him, OR called me to inform me the patient had died. He was shot in the chest and neck and according to the Doctor, the gun shots were meant to kill him. When I brought immediate family to the OR waiting room, the Doctor came out to inform them he tried everything but could not medically save him, he was so sorry, and the medical examiner would be called. The patient’s Mom was on the East coast for business but was able to get an emergency flight that morning. I had to inform the family they would be able to see him but not touch him. His immediate family included his three young sisters and one brother. When I brought his girlfriend and friends to see him, they all sobbed and some passed out. The Father pleaded with me to keep his body at the hospital until his spouse arrived but I had to explain that we had to call the medical examiner and jurisdiction would belong to them and all conversations would be channeled through them. This was extremely emotional and I spent about 4 hours with the family, friends, police, crime unit, and medical examiner.

All of the football players brought in for head injuries were released after being in our ER for several hours of observation. The young lady who had gone to a party and drank too much was released after 6 hours. A young man (14 yrs) came in with burns on his chest and was in a lot of pain; his parents came with him but only wanted me to pray with them. They did not want to discuss anything. The young lady who came to the hospital for sexual assault had gone home, showered, put on fresh clothes, and left the evidence at home. We had our policemen talk to her and take a statement. She did not want to speak to the Chaplain.

I continue to thank God for the wonderful call of being a Chaplain. It is a blessing to be present for a patient and their family and be there at their lowest point. I am a servant to them!

Seminary status
The first exam (6 pages) has been completed, research books have been received, and I have yet to start reading them. I am fortunate that one of the writers is a Professor in a Christian college and has agreed to let me interview him by phone. It is due the 2nd week in November and this will come quickly. My church has voted to support my ordination service, which is tentatively scheduled for late April.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.
~ to be continued~
Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-Adrian Rogers

Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, November 30th
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
8:30AM

October 2011

2011-10-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Something remarkable happened on World Communion Sunday at Foothill Presbyterian Church: under the direction of Jay Jordana and funded by the incredible generosity of church members, our choir, with the accompaniment and support of professional musicians, put on an amazing performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria during worship.

I don’t spend time in other churches on Sunday mornings, but I would have a hard time believing any other church could do as well as we did with the Gloria—and by “any other church” I mean even the tall-steeple, East-coast churches with music endowments. We were that good.

It is a testament to what can be accomplished by churches our size—slightly-larger-than-average-sized-but-still-fairly-small congregations with a slightly-younger-than-average-but-still-graying membership whose giving is generous-but-not-large-enough-to-keep-financial-worries-at-bay.

All too often we have ideas for ministry in the life of the church or out in the world, but we don’t pursue those ideas because we assume our church is too small, too tired, too lacking in resources. But we can do great things if we put our minds to it.

We’re going to keep doing great music. Already we’re starting to talk about our next major musical offering, and if you want to be part of making that happen through financial contributions or through your musical talent, please let me or Jay know; and as we continue with our fantastic musical ministry, keep dreaming about other ways we might do great things.

How might we make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth? How might we be better in our outreach to seniors? What new things can be done with our church property? How can we do more to feed the poor?

The dreams we have are a gift from God, and if we use those dreams, combined with the strength of creativity, God will use us to do amazing things.

Peace,
Ben

A Note From Pastor Ben

*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben

Thursday, October 6

*Spiritual Message is Self Control*

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1:6-8

*Special Days in October*

10/6 Sending flowers to The Lucile Packard Children Hospital

10/13 Song games with Jay Jordana

10/14 Musical instrument parade

10/21 Fieldtrip- Disney on Ice

10/31 Costume parade & party

Family Camp
Eileen Parks and Susan Andersen

THANKS TO ALL who came to our Foothill Church Family Camp Weekend this year. We were 42 people strong: 28 adults and 14 children of various ages. The weather was mild, the food was delicious, the speaker interesting, the childcare supportive, and the fellowship outstanding. (As one new participant said, "Now I understand why people come to family camp. I really feel a part of this church family after this weekend.")

Thank you to all the wonderful people who helped make this weekend such a success, especially Greg Hill for so many "little" things (like table setup, children's games, and "nurse" duties; Jim Withrow for leading our hike: Kraig Williams, Bill Andersen, Ben Daniel, Izak Joubert, and Jay Jordana for music; Peg Nickl for “rescuing” our children’s program at the last minute, Glenda Parmentier for name tags & door signs; Lee Purkey for a thoughtful program, and Happy Valley for clean rooms, good food, and a restful setting.

HEADS UP, EVERYONE! Next year, we have been able to book the weekend after Labor Day for our camp. This was the weekend we had for years and years in our old camp site, and now there is a vacancy here. SO - please mark your calendars right now for September 7-9, 2012. We will be updating you as the year goes on.

All Church Service Day
Saturday, October 15th
8AM to 2PM

Grab your favorite tools and roll up your sleeves, it’s time for some end of summer cleaning up. There’s plenty to be done so we’ll need plenty of hands to help out.

Halloween Festival
Saturday, Oct. 29 5PM

Volunteers Needed!! Contact Nancy Leonard in the church office to volunteer to help with this year's Halloween Festival. Bring your candy donations to the narthex.

Rain Ponchos for the Homeless
Pat Plant, Hunger Action Advocate for Presbytery of San Jose

Rain Ponchos for the Homeless

" If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing,and you say to him, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat hearty," and then don't give him clothes or food, what good does that do? ~ James 2:16

Rain Ponchos

It's bad enough that there are so many people living on our streets without income or homes. It's much worse, unbelievably awful, when it rains and these brothers and sisters of ours get wet.

For nearly ten years the Presbytery, through its churches, has purchased over 50,000 rain ponchos for homeless people. Once again we are hoping to offer this rain gear to people we call “outdoor citizens,” and we need your help!

As Hunger Action Advocate for our Presbytery, I'm coordinating this year’s drive. I'm hoping your Mission Budget can include a donation (of any amount you can spare) to the Presbytery's "Rain Poncho Fund" for a joint purchase of several thousand rain ponchos. You can either distribute these to your favorite agencies who serve the homeless (but coordinate with me as I am already connected to these agencies and they are waiting for our shipment and delivery,) or I will totally handle distribution with the aid of InnVision's Georgia Travis Center in San Jose who will house the delivery until all the boxes are distributed to helping agencies.

Each rain poncho, depending on the total order, can be as inexpensive as a few dollars. We hope to distribute several thousand of these so we are hoping to collect $5,000 to $6,000. Since the rain has already begun to fall, we need to act on this NOW! Please send your checks made out to the Presbytery of San Jose, attention: Pat Plant, 888 N. First St., Se. 320, San Jose 95112.

Warm Coats

"If you have two coats," he replied, "give one to the poor. If you have extra food, give it away to those who are hungry." ~ Luke 3:11

This winter I'm also encouraging all our churches to collect warm coats, sweaters and umbrellas (which members may have in quantity in closets at home,) on a Sunday in October or November. If you do this and give them out on your own, please report to me the number of things you collect so we can get an idea of how helpful we are as a Presbytery keeping people warm. If you are willing to do a collection but can't deliver them to an agency that will lovingly give them to people in need of a coat or sweater, contact me and I will arrange to pick up your collection and make sure they get distributed to people in need of a warm coat.

I praise God for your generosity to the poor who live among us. I know you give funding to local agencies and collect food. Many of you even work to alleviate hunger and poverty through advocacy and social action. Every one of these efforts is a blessing of great worth. Together we are working to make the world a better place. Amen.

With much love and many prayers,

Pat Plant
Hunger Action Advocate for Presbytery of San Jose
(408) 279-0220; pat@sanjosepby.org

Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, October 26th
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
8:30AM

The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
Maxine Millender

When God says do it, He’s already planned the resources we need to accomplish the task- Sper.
During the month of August, I worked a total of 12 nights. This month has been filled with many different kinds of crises that have been emotional, yet rewarding. I had several deaths (4), code blues (3), crisis calls/trauma (9), motor vehicle accidents (8), stabbing (1), miscarriage (1), assaults (3), gun shots (1), strokes (5), shortness of breathes (3) and one disturbance by a patient. When I share with you, I choose calls to show you what kinds of crisis come to the hospital and what happens to the patient and their family. For a patient, it is a crisis when they are in the hospital. Due to cutbacks I will be working 2 nights each week (Fri and Sat), starting the week of September 12th. I had been working three nights each week.

On early Saturday morning (August 6), a young man (27) was air lifted to our hospital because he was stomped in the stomach by a bull. He loved riding bulls and had been riding since he was in his teens. The type of bull riding he was doing is called Mexican bull riding. It is more dangerous because those riding have their legs tied to the bull and ride with hands in the air. There is a lot of money to be made but on this particular night, this man fought for his life. What he didn’t know was his liver was damaged! He was taken to nearby hospital, given blood products and air-lifted to our hospital. Throughout the night he received 20 pints of blood plus blood products. His RN explained that he lost blood in his entire body (3X) and they had to keep giving him blood but could not stop the bleeding. He had gone to surgery and the team tried everything they could to save him.

When his wife and her brother arrived, they were in utter shock. His brother arrived and was scared to go into his room. When I finally convinced him that I would be with him, he walked into his room, went to the bed, cried and in Spanish said, Why. The RNs in the room were in tears and some had to leave the room. The Doctor had most of the trauma RNs working to save his life. His wife wanted everything done and she was informed by the Doctor that everything was being done to save his life. We had a tech and RN who spoke Spanish and they translated for us. When he went into cardiac arrest, they tried cpr but it was futile. When the Doctor pronounced, his wife passed out and we had to get a bed and have a wheel-chair available. When she woke up, she said in Spanish, I want to die also because my husband said he would never leave me and our three children. I spent the entire night with the family, hugging, saying prayers, and comforting them. It was a very emotional and sad night for all of us. (The hospital supply of blood was drained on this night.)

At 2:00 am on August 13th, a young lady (25) was rushed to the hospital. She had been drinking and was the driver. The car spun out of control on the oil slicked road. It rained on this night, the roads were slick and many people forget that the first rains can be dangerous. The car rolled over and when EMS found her, she was trapped between the car and door. I called her parents to let them know she was in the trauma area of our ER department. They rushed to the hospital, received a medical update from an RN and neuro-surgeon. Her mom informed me she had worked at the hospital as an RN and said her husband had been a Chaplain but was now a Pastor in a church. When I escorted them to her room, they were in shock but wanted the medical facts. They wanted to donate (tissue, eyes) but we were not able to use her organs because she coded and they did not want any aggressive measures taken. Because it was so sad, many of the young RNs had to leave the room. After speaking to the Medical Examiner, I had to inform the parents she was going to their office for an autopsy; they cried. I comforted them for a long time. Her boyfriend was the passenger, he was hurt but discharged. The RN informed him she had died, he sobbed for a long time, and I comforted him also.

Sometimes I wonder why people can be so mean! On this same night (August 13th), a young man (27) was brought in because he walking in a garage to get his car and was hit by a driver going about 40 mph, (per the police) and he was left on the ground! Someone spotted him and called 911. His parents live in Houston; I called them but was informed the police had already spoken to them. They had found his cell phone. I called them throughout the night while they were driving and met them the following night. I was able to keep them informed with medical information that I received from the RN.

I continue to thank God for the wonderful call of being a Chaplain. It is a blessing to be present for a patient and their family and be there at their lowest point. I am a servant to them! Whenever they have personal belongings, I lock them in our security safe until they are able to ask for them.

Seminary status School started on 8/24. I have one class for this semester and it will be a lot of reading, a research paper (20 pages) and three written exams. I have already selected my research topic and waiting for the Professor to approve it. It is due the 2nd week in November and this will come quickly.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.
~ to be continued~
Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-Adrian Rogers

September 2011

2011-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

A Note From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

It’s not uncommon for me to feel distracted while writing—in fact, distraction is the biggest obstacle I face as a writer—but as I write this note for the Messenger I am doing so with an entirely new distraction vying for my attention: the noise of roofing.

Above my head a shirtless man with tiger stripes tattooed on his chest (I’m not making this up) is nailing tar paper to the roof in preparation for the shingles he will lay down eventually. Meanwhile, a guy named Al is using a conveyor belt to move shingles from his flatbed truck up onto the roof. It’s noisy and kind of interesting to watch.

While all this was happening up on top of the office wing, on the other side of the sanctuary building, a carpenter is replacing the rotted parts of the roof. I spoke with him and watched him at his craft; while we chatted he took a quick break from his work to move a spider from harms way, displaying more dexterity and tenderness in the movements of a gloved hand than I would have thought possible.

I realize that as I sit here listening to the noise of repair I have a choice. I can be annoyed by the distraction or I can try to find beauty in the work and in the labor that will make our church watertight.

Some of my favorite poets—Walt Whitman, Carl Sandburg and Wendell Berry—wrote poems about the beauty and satisfaction of work that is honest and well-done, and I’d like to be the kind of person who heeds the wisdom of great poets, so I’ll be looking for beauty as the work on the roof continues. It should be good practice. If I can find beauty in the shingling of a sanctuary, I will be better able to find beauty—and by extension the handiwork of God—everywhere I go.

Peace be With You,

Ben
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A Letter from
Ray, Virginia &
Jason Mignogna

August 18, 2011

Dear Foothill Family,

Truly, we have not fallen off the face of the earth, but that’s what it feels like in terms of missing you.

We arrived on the Eastern Shores, (Chesapeake, Virginia) April 18th, four months ago. We’ve been alternately busy, bored, happy, depressed and all of afore mentioned descriptives, sometimes within a 24 hour period. We continue to evolve.

Finding a home, three adults and one dog, presented the first challenge. Decision made but not without lingering doubts. We are in a retirement community of 180 homes. We live in an attached condo that is actually quite spacious, very traditional looking on the outside, brick, columns, paned windows, covered front porch and two-car garage. Inside, not so traditional, open floor plan, rooms blending into each other, few walls to separate dining from living from family room to kitchen. How do you place furniture in this setting? And where do you put a lot of wall art when there are no walls? Ray tried to advise me to leave most of the “Stuff”, but you know me, I don’t always listen to practical advice. That being said, we’re trying to “work-it-out.” The biggest “Stuff” that I could not part with is the “Books.” They are my security blanket, my friends in my home away from home (San Jose). We are waiting for a carpenter to build the shelves for the “Books” that live in the garage in boxes. So while the “Books” remain in boxes, I’ve bought more books to tide me over until the “Books” are out of the boxes and in their home to be in my hands again, offering solace and joy and everything in between. But then again, I wax poetically because the reality of a move after forty plus years in one place has too many edges.

I think we have found a church. We have spent a goodly amount of time trying to find Foothill in our worship. “Ain’t gonna happen!” But worship and faith levels the playing field. Great Bridge Presbyterian is traditional and open to all. The minister reminds us of Ben, in that he welcomes all who love the Lord. He is gracious and kind. It’s a large church, over 1,000 members, about 750 attending on a Sunday with three services, two contemporary and one traditional. You can see where we fit in. Jason attends a contemporary at 11:15, and we are at the traditional at 9:45. It’s not hard to get to earlier service because everyone wants to get the day started before the summer heat kicks in.

That’s all I’m gonna say about the weather. Your minds will have to do the math.

Being close to family is a blessing (most of the time). Family dynamics run the gamut, something we missed out on for so many years, except to visit “back East” being treated like royalty during our visits. We have been dethroned -- not in a bad way.

We’re making new friends, (and it seems slow), and trying to envision our future here. We pray for patience. Our role model is our dog Teca, who lives moment to moment, peeing and pooping and playing like dogs do with acceptance and gratitude for any kindness shown, or any food treat that comes her way. Talk about the “DOG DAYS of AUGUST” and I said I wouldn’t mention the weather again.

Last week we drove to Michigan to witness the ordination of Mary Bahr-Jones, on August 14th at Northville Presbyterian. She has been “under care” for 18 years and has received a call. What a joyous occasion. We split up the 13-hour trip with one overnight going and coming, and visited friends along the way. Thank you God for friends and family in this part of the world.

Well, dear Foothill Friends, that tells the saga of our last four months. We are well physically, our heads and hearts are learning a new way of living, but the “memory luggage” is heavy with longing that we would still be with you, who have enriched our lives beyond words. Life changes, sometimes big, sometimes small. You and I will fulfill God’s plan for our lives wherever we are planted in this world.

Continue to grow and be well. We expect to see you again whether here on one of your sojourns to Virginia or ours to San Jose. We’ll keep ya posted, (goes both ways).

Love,

Virginia, Ray and Jason

p.s. It’s hot and humid – but I didn’t say that!

p.s.s. Stardate 8-25-11: Regarding the 5.8 Earthquake 8/23 ---- (I Virginia was in Mechanicsville, 20 miles from the epicenter, baby sitting my 8 year old grand niece.) At first I thought it was the train whose tracks are about ¼ mile from the house and runs regularly throughout the day and night. I knew it sounded louder and vibrated much more violently than normal. I stood in disbelief thinking this couldn’t possibly be an earthquake in Virginia, surely we had left that scary dark cloud in California. “It must be a terrorist attack or possibly the end of the world.” Then the house started to sway for a long, long time (15 seconds). At that split second I knew it was an earthquake and I started shouting instructions to two children, a nurse and my sister to seek cover. By this time the earthquake was over and I was the only thing still shaking. Ray and Teca our dog were 100 miles further east in Chesapeake and experienced only mild rocking of our home. And the dog yawned.

We have been accused of bringing the earthquake to Virginia, even in the midst of hurricane preparations for the coming weekend. I’m telling people the earthquake was a “love pat” from our California family to remind us of your all.

Thanks, but no thanks, V & R

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*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, September 7

*Spiritual Message is Joy*

I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
--John 16:22

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
--John 15:11

*Special Days in September*

~Honoring Grandparents~

Grandparent & Grandchild Lunch
Thursday, September 8th

Grandparents Day
is on Sunday, September 11th

Back to School BBQ
Friday, September 9
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Thank you to all our Summer Sunday School teachers- Barbara Ardrey, Anne Daniel, Carol Goedde, Dana Marino, Libby Moore, Carol McManus, Nancy Rubio, and Gay Southwell.

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Friday, September 16th
5:30PM in Room 9

All ages are welcome.

Join Julie Cline from East Valley Artists for an evening of creativity and artistic endeavor.

Children will have the opportunity to create an artwork to display at the East Valley Artist's annual show on October 1st.

We will have a finger food potluck for dinner. For more information, contact Peg in the church office.
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East Valley Artists’ Annual Members Show
Saturday, Oct 1st from 10 AM to 4 PM
Fellowship Hall

Children of the church community will display their art, including 3D art and photographs. There will be fun activities for children at the show! Come out and vote for a People’s Choice and a Children’s Choice Award. Your child can enter the show too! Children’s entry forms are available in the church office.

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Register now for Family Camp
All ages are welcome

Join us for a wonderful weekend in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz.
Come out for some fun with your church family. The cabins are heated and have private bathrooms. The food is delicious and there is plenty of it. There will be a campfire each night.

Questions? Contact Eileen Parks
or Susan Andersen .
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Choir Rehearsals

Chancel Choir   Thursdays at 7:30PM
Glory Ringers   Tuesdays at 7:30PM
Children’s vocal and handbell choirs
           Sundays at 11:30AM

We would love to have more people in our choirs. All music enthusiasts are encouraged to join. Being in a church choir is an uplifting way of worshiping God and a wonderful opportunity to foster fellowship.

Contact Jay Jordana for more details.

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Upcoming Concerts
Suggested Donation for all concerts is $10 per person.

The Loyalty Band
Sunday, September 18 at 3PM
The music of Loyalty Band is a fusion of original
Christian/Jazz compositions that swings with a
combination of spiritual lyrics and uplifting jazz melodies. Their album "Prince of Life" is sharing their struggles,
interpretations and blessings of their journey with Christ. Pianist/Drummer/Vocalist/Composer/Arranger Jon Roblin has teamed up with Teresa Anthony, a vocalist/songwriter, to form the Loyalty Band of smooth jazz music with a spiritual message of renewal and optimism. Teresa's from a jazz family and has been singing and writing original compositions for years. Jon is an accomplished musician, live performer, and music teacher and his choice of chords, instrumentation and dynamics throughout their repertoire, brings to the listener a new and lively jazz sound.

Ashwin Krishna
Solo Guitar
Saturday, September 24, 7PM

This a celebration concert, an opportunity for the South Bay community to
acknowledge Ashwin's accomplishment in winning the Junior Division 2nd Prize, 2011 (June) Guitar Foundation of America International solo Competition held in Georgia. This occasion is also an opportunity for Ashwin to share his competition experience by performing works which so impressed his judges.

Ashwin Krishna, age 13, is currently studying guitar with Scott Cmiel at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Preparatory Division. He has won
several competitions during the last few years, most recently being the first
guitarist to win the Pacific Musical Society competition in the instrumental category in its 100 year history.

He also placed first in the 2011 Menhuin–Dowling guitar competition in his age group, and second in the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America Junior
Division in both 2010 and 2011.

Ashwin has performed in numerous master classes with world-renowned
guitarists, such as Sergio Assad, William Kanengiser, David Tanenbaum,
Marc Teicholz, and Xufei Yang.
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All Church Service Day
Saturday, October 15th
8AM to 2PM

Grab your favorite tools and roll up your sleeves,
it’s time for some end of summer cleaning up.

There’s plenty to be done so we’ll need plenty of hands to help out. Look for a sign up sheet in the narthex in early October.
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Foothill Music Series is
Jazzing up the Fall Flea Market with live music!

We’ll need the usual kind of help. Pricing and organizing on Friday afternoon and people to work on Saturday.

We’ll begin collecting donations Monday, October 17th.
Contact Jay for more details.

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Halloween Festival
Saturday, Oct. 29

The annual Halloween Festival is less than two months away!

Volunteers Needed!!

If you would like to take on the challenge of leading the Halloween committee, please contact Darlene Ristrim.

We will begin to collect candy starting Sunday, October 2nd

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

If we depend wholly on God, we will find Him wholly dependable-DJD

During the month of July, I took six work days of vacation and worked eight days. This month has been filled with many crises but it has also been very rewarding. I have had deaths (6), code blues (2), crisis calls/trauma (8), motor vehicle accidents (4), stabbing (2), miscarriage (1), assaults (3), gun shots (5), baby deaths (1), and over doses (2).

During the week of July 22nd, a young man (21 yo) was brought in because of a motor cycle collision. He and his friend (both had helmets) were riding around in the driveway, his friend looked behind him and the young man had popped a wheelie, landed on his head, and was not moving. EMS was called immediately and he was rushed to the hospital. Even though he was wearing a helmet, his head was crushed. He had lived in Fort Worth two years and his family was still living in Oregon.

July 2011

2011-06-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

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 Contest
-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!

So here’s where we are regarding pledges:

Total general fund pledges: $173,000
Year-to-date pledges received: $147,600

As you can see, pledged giving is behind. Please prayerfully consider catching up your giving for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. We have June to catch up
We have been very fortunate with rents and other activities helping us meet our financial obligations. By catching up with your pledge, you can make the difference as we prepare for the upcoming repair of our roofs. Stay tuned for more about the roof project in the months to come.

And finally, help us plan our next year’s programs. We need your pledge of fiscal support to plan the next year’s activities. You can turn in your Pledge Card with the Sunday offerings. Or send an email, make a call or drop your card by the office. Your pledge is important. Through your faithful giving we can continue to provide the programs and services of the church and make a difference in this world.

Thank you so much for your support.
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What is That Unusual Towering Plant?
Marilyn Kromrey

Have you been wondering what is the name of the unusually tall plant by the fence near Fellowship Hall?

According to Udell Eby it is Echium wildpretii - or Tower of Jewels. The Sunset Western Garden book describes it as a "biennial, Zones 15-17 and 21-14. Striking oddity from the Canary Islands spends its first year as an attractive, roundish mass of long, narrow leaves covered with silvery gray hairs. In its second year, it starts to grow. By mid or late spring, it forms a column of countless little rose to rose red flowers 6 to 10 feet high and a foot or more in diameter. When all the flowers have faded, the plant dies, leaving behind a vast amount of seed. The resulting seedlings may grow and bloom the next year if they are not hoed out. " Sunset Page 323.

Requires full sun and little to moderate water.

We first noticed the pale silvery grey plant when pruning the roses. I decided to let it grow to see what it was. It wasn't a weed I was familiar with seeing in the gardens. We did not water it - we just watched the plant as it grew larger. It seemed to thrive in a small crack in the asphalt. In March we noticed the plant getting very tall and it kept getting taller until the first part of April when we started seeing flower buds in between the leaves. It has been fun watching it grow taller and taller. Udell has had several plants in her garden and has tried to start from seed with not much luck. The plant seems to thrive on neglect.
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS
To Carol Tillman, Patty Potter, Jerry Siegfried, Kraig Williams for help with concert production. I would especially like to thank Darlene Ristrim, Carol Tillman, Jane Wallace, and Don Village for their above-and-beyond help at the South Bay Philharmonic concert. It does take a village! Thanks again.

FINAL CONCERT OF 2010-11 SEASON
The Peralta Consort
Saturday, June 11th, 3 PM

From Bach to Quantz, the Peralta Consort’s break-out concert presents a program of mostly Baroque with a savory surprise in the center! Join recorderists Kraig Williams and Stevie White, recorderist and flutist Michael Megas, recorderist and percussionist Greta Haug-Hryciw, keyboardist William Andersen, cellist Carl Myers, harpist Carol Tillman, and guitarist Bruce Perkins for an afternoon of “Kings, Canons, and Fugues!”

Suggested Donation $10

Proceeds benefit the Foothill Music Series to provide future concerts to the community. Thank you for your support.

MUSIC RECOGNITION SUNDAY
We are blessed with so many talented folks who share so generously of themselves and their time to glorify God and to create a meaningful worship experience. Join us at the June 12th worship service to honor our FPC musicians.

Spring Flowers at Foothill- photo credit Kromrey

A Note From Pastor Ben

Friends,

Here’s something I mentioned in a sermon a few weeks back but I want to mention it again because I think it’s important: I want you to celebrate on May 21.

You may have seen the billboards: “Cry Mightily Unto God! Judgment Day is Coming on May 21! The Bible Guarantees It!” Such announcements have popped up all over the Bay Area. Apparently someone read the Bible, made a few assumptions, took an illogical leap of faith, did the math, and came up with a calculation: Jesus is coming back in a matter of weeks.

This, of course, is nuts. People have been using the Bible to predict the end of the world for as long as there has been a Bible and they’re never right. The history of the Christian church is filled with stories of great disappointments that occur when communities get hoodwinked into believing the rapture is at hand; true scholars of the Bible know that biblical passages about he End of Days are poetry, not meant to be taken as actual predictions. Not everyone listens to the smart people, however, and so come May 22 a goodly number of folks around the world will be confused and disappointed.

Nonetheless, we should celebrate on May 21 because I once heard a wise man say that if the world comes to and end, the only thing you really need is a bottle of Champaign and a couple of glasses, and so I say let’s make May 21st a holy festival, not because the world will come to and end but because it won’t. Celebrate life and the ongoing beauty of the world we are blessed to call home and the human family in which we are privileged to claim membership.

And maybe you don’t like Champaign or you cannot drink the stuff. That’s OK. Celebrate in some other way: make cupcakes and eat them off fine china, drink lemonade from heirloom crystal. Put on a tuxedo and dance, wear a ballroom gown and cowgirl boots and go fly a kite at the beach. Do whatever works; just have fun because life will go on.

And if for some whacky weird reason Judgment Day does come to pass on the 21st of May, you will be in a state of grace, entirely prepared to stand before your God.

Peace,
Ben
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A Note about Natalie Gatzke

As you all know, we have recently gone through one of the most difficult ordeals with Natalie’s recent surgery. On April 7th, she had her brain revascularized to protect her brain from strokes caused by an extremely rare condition known as MoyaMoya.

Three years earlier she had the right side operated on. This time, it was her left side. We entered the situation fairly confident. After all, it’s only brain surgery and we had gone through it before. We knew what was going to happen this time and it would be a much better experience than the previous operation, which was a nightmare.

Unfortunately, Natalie had drastically worse side effects from this operation. There was a time when we didn’t know whether she would be able to speak properly or not. They weren’t sure if it was due to parts of the brain not getting sufficient oxygen or if it was caused by swelling of the brain. Fortunately, it was caused by the swelling and when the swelling went down, she returned to normal.

I have to say that Natalie is extremely strong. After her previous operation when she came home from the hospital, she still had a large bandage on her head with the words “No Pressure “ written on her right side. It was placed there by the surgeon to ensure that no one put pressure where the surgery had occurred. Never before had a sign had the reverse effect. As she walked in our house for the first time after being in bed for a week, we were very nervous she would fall over and hurt her head. As Greg walked behind her ready to catch her, she suddenly started skipping. She is unstoppable.

While Natalie is stronger than anything, I don’t know if we could have made it through this ordeal without the support we have received from our Foothill Family. Your thoughts and prayers truly made a difference. I don’t know if I could have gone through the experience without your support.

Pastor Ben was with us every step of the way. His support was unbelievable. Thank you for your calming influence and confidence.

Also, a special thanks to Dana. You brought me a loving friendship and comforted Natalie. She and I both loved your visits.

Thank you to everyone. We are so pleased to have you all as part of our family. Your support will never be forgotten and your cards will remain as a memory of your caring and loving prayers for Natalie.

In Christ,
Toni Ann Gatzke
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We are saddened by the passing of Charlie Klotz on April 22, 2011.
Our sympathies to Helen and their family.

A memorial service for will be held in the sanctuary on
Monday, May 9th at 11AM. A lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
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Spring Flea Market
May 21st from 8AM to 2PM

Mark your calendars! Saturday May 22nd we’re having a HUGE flea market! We’ve only got a few weeks to go and a whole lot of work ahead of us. We’d be SO grateful for any help making this event an awesome one, which we hope it will be!

We need stuff. Lots of stuff. While you’re getting your Spring cleaning on, don't forget about us...please consider donating to the sale. We’ll take whatever you’d like to bless us with. So what exactly should you donate? This can be a tricky question. You may have a ton of things to get rid of. But ask yourself, is this something that can still be useful for someone else? Anything that you have used but is still in fairly good condition gets the chance to be in our flea market! The way we see it, if we had a thousand things to sell and sold each for a dollar, we would have $1,000! (Of course we are better at pricing than that!)

Some good examples of items we need are:

* Books, Children's, cookbooks, how to
* Sofa's and large pieces of furniture
* Clothing, especially jeans and kid's clothing
* Electronics
* Video games
* Old Jewelry
* Kid's toys
* Leftover building and repair supplies: Paints, tiles, stones, brick
* Sporting goods including swim items
* Bicycles
* Small household items
* Wedding Items
* Flower pots
* Old power tools
* Paintings
* Gardening Tools
* Music CDs
* Lawn care
* Clocks
* Dishes and glassware

You can email us at foothillpc@gmail.com if you need help getting your donations to the church.

Spread the word! We are renting out spaces for just $10. If you, a family member or a neighbor want to be a part of something amazing and at the same time get rid of your stuff – give us a call!

We need volunteers to help at this event. Please contact Kathy Havis-Faler at falerjk@comcast.net to choose a time slot. Blessings to you all!
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Sealcoating the parking lot.

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*Bible Lesson*
Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, May 4

*Spiritual Message*
Faith
Romans 3:28 – For we maintain that man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

*Special Days in May*

5/5 - Mother’s Day Lunch

5/20 - Crazy Hair Day

5/27 - Picnic on the grass

5/7 - Cooking day- We’re making S’mores

See’s Candies Fundraiser
Hip, Hip Hooray ! We made a profit of over $1,000.
Thanks to everyone who participated in our fundraiser. We hope you enjoyed the candy.

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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

CHRIST IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!

With much love and appreciation to all the Foothill musicians and guests who participated in the Easter service.

Thank you for your time, and continued dedication and commitment to creating transformative worship experiences here at Foothill. You are appreciated by many.

MANY THANKS…
To Benjamin and Dana Marino, Patty Potter, Carol Tillman, Kraig Williams, for the successful production of the Flauti Dolci and Amici II, NACUSA sf concerts. Congratulations to Kraig and Joanne for on their performances.

WE’RE ON YELP!
What is Yelp? *“Yelp is an online urban city guide that helps people find cool places to eat, shop, drink, relax and play, based on the informed opinions of a vibrant and active community of locals in the know. Yelp is the fun and easy way to find, review and talk about what's great — and not so great — in your world.”

Well, guess what? We’re on it!! Check out this link.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/foothill-presbyterian-church-san-jose

Thanks to all who have supported and who continue to support the Music Series.

* http://www.yelp.com/faq#what_is_yelp

MAY PERFORMANCES

Doris Williams
Sunday, May 1st, 3 PM

Performing Love Songs of the Renaissance, vocalist and lutist Doris Williams will feature works by Dowland, Morley, Hofhaimer, Johnson, Guedron, and Attaignant. www.doriswilliams.com

South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, May 13th, 7:30 PM

This All-American Concert will feature Ron Miller’s Overture to a Summer Afternoon, John Knowles Paine’s Overture to Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Aaron Copland’s Prairie Journal, George Gershwin’s An American In Paris, and a medley from Les Misérables.

Monteverdi Brass Quintet
Friday, May 27th, 8 PM

Trumpet players Richard Roper and Robert Wilkins, trombonists Don Benham, Frank Bunger, and Mike Cushing share their passion for chamber and Renaissance music featuring works by Palestrina, Schein, Isaac, and Victoria.

Suggested Donation: $10/person per concert

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?

As you know Vivace Youth Chorus (East) meets here at Foothill on Tuesdays from 4 – 6:45 PM. My class (Intermediate) will have a concert here at Foothill on May 21st at 4 PM. The Peralta Consort has been invited to play in several of the pieces.

For more information, go to www.vivaceyouthchorus.org. Let’s support music in the community! Go East side!

APRIL TIDBIT

Congratulations to Woody Moore for getting the correct response to the question:

Who was the first musician that was mentioned in the Bible?

The correct response is Jubal.
Genesis 4:21
“His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe.”

More on Jubal…
(Genesis 4: 17-22)
Okay so here goes:

Adam + Eve
‡
Cain + wife (unknown) , Abel (deceased)
‡
Enoch + wife (unknown)
‡
Irad + wife (unknown)
‡
Mehujael + wife (unknown)
‡
Methusael + wife (unknown)
‡
Lamech + Adah (first wife) + Zillah (second wife)
‡ ‡
Jabal, Jubal Tubal-Cain, Naamah

Whew! Did you get that?

-Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version

MAY TIDBIT

Who was the first female musician named in the Bible?

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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Call of the Wild
-Darlene Ristrim

Staff at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley wish to thank the following who recently answered a call for help in labeling 6,000 envelopes: Joyce Banks, Fred Kromrey, Rosemarie Nelson, Glenda Parmentier, Patty Potter, Darlene Ristrim, Jeanette Roberts, Lila Slanovec, Jane Wallace and Tine Ude.

The Wildlife Center located on Penetencia Rd is a rehab and release facility. You are encouraged to take any injured or orphaned wildlife to them. For more information go to www.wcsv.org. (FYI - Spaulding Norris, a long time Foothill member, was instrumental in the establishment of the Wildlife Center.)
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Celebration of Women
Sunday, May 22nd during the worship service.

Come celebrate the Women of Foothill Church during this special worship service.

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Clothing to Inn Vision
-Darlene Ristrim

A trunk load of clothing was taken to Inn Vision the last week in April.
Suggestions for clothing donations:
• Please see that all donations are bagged
• Paper bags tend to tear in the transportation process
• If possible, please use plastic bags and “tie them off”
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Session Notes- April 2011
-Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

• Building/Grounds requests all committees to complie a “wish list”. This list will be published at a later date
• Reviewed and made recommendations regarding status of roofing
• Nominating Committee seeking two officers to fill vacant positions
• Katelyn Gatzke and Grace Takeda having completed the Confirmation Class will be received into membership on Easter Sunday
• Set May 15 for a Congregational Meeting
• Worship Committee preparing for Holy Week events
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Congratulations to Joanne Reinecker

Joanne has completed her music CD project. The following is Joanne's bio.

Joanne Katherine Reinecker (Trallis)
Professional Singer, Composer, Teacher, and Abstract Artist

Joanne was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Los Angeles, CA. She was raised in Santa Barbara, CA, by a single working mother during the Great Depression. From 1937-1950 she completed her basic education and her introduction to music. Joanne started taking piano lessons at the age of 6 and voice lessons at age 13. In 1947 she studied with the famous concert singer, Judith Litante, who introduced her to the amazing world of German Lieder. In 1952 she took private composition lessons with Donald Pond. Her music studies included University of California-Santa Barbara, University of Southern California an Idyllwild Music course and Light Opera Workshop in 1954.

After completing her BA degree with a music teaching credential in 1955 at San Jose State College, she went to study voice specifically opera in Europe. There she had the opportunity to perform professionally in numerous cathedrals and churches in Germany, in opera like “Rigoletto”, “The Magic Flute”, and ”Orpheus”. Joanne was a member of the renowned Bachchoir Freiburg and lead singer in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore”. She performed with Ingrid Sahlin in a Vocal Recital in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1960. As Soprano soloist, in Germany and the U.S., she sang Bach and Mozart Cantatas, Pergolesi’s Passion Music, and Lieder Concerts. She also performed in various local choirs and senior resident homes as a pianist, vocalist and choir member.

Her graduate work continued in Germany at The Freiburg State School of Music in 1955 and a master class in voice in Lucern, Switzerland in 1957. 1957-1962 she was a student at The Conservatory of Music/Opera School in Wiesbaden, Germany. She had four years of private voice lessons from the famous Professor Paul Martienssen-Lohmann. During this time she also attended a master class in opera in Salzburg, Austria at the famous Mozarteum.
Joanne got married in Wiesbaden, Germany, 1962 to Hans Wolfgang Reinecker who recorded many of her songs.

When she returned to San Jose, CA in 1963, she started teaching private piano at her studio. Since 2005 she has been taking private piano lessons from James F. Farber, culminating in a duo recital of piano and voice with original compositions at the Foothill Presbyterian Church in 2008.

At a religious summer conference, 1950 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, “Camps Farthest Out”, Joanne was exposed for the first time to painting and fell in love with pastels. Classical Music, dance motions and rhythm encouraged her to pursue he work in abstract art. The following artists inspired her: Vasilii Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and American geniuses, Jackson Pollock, Vance Kirkland and Lyonel Feininger. Joanne chooses to express herself in bright or (pastel) colors, and rhythms and emotions, like “Water Lilies” by the French Impressionist, Monet.

As a composer, Joanne has 17 original pieces: 14 for piano, 1 for organ, 1 for piano-voice, and 1 for choir. April, 2011, she performed her original piano tone- poem, “The Glory of the Dawn”. She is grateful to Anne Delaney for introducing her to NACUSA and its members enabling her to perform her own works.

“Passion, Expression, and beautiful tone.”
Peter Gaskell Clarke (Played with the Beatles in Liverpool.)
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Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose Spring Concert
May 21, 2001 at 4:00PM

Ticket prices are $15.00 Adults, $8.00 Youth, 3-17 years
Free admission to Foothill Kids. Contact the church office for details.

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

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

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

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Foothill CSA Enjoying the Bounty of Creation
Local Produce Direct from the Farm to You

$25 per week. Price will increase to $30 per week in the summer.
Payment: produce shares are on a pre-payment, monthly subscription basis.
Total prepayment is due the last Tuesday of each month

Pick up dates and times:
Foothill Presbyterian Church narthex
Tuesdays 10:30am to 9pm

To register
email or call peg:
foothillpc@gmail.com or 408-258-8133.
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Church eDirectory
This year the church directory is available in PDF format. Traditional paper directories are also available. Contact the church office to request a copy of the church directory.

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

He who holds the stars in space holds HIS people in HIS hands-SPER

The month of March was a busy month for me with deaths (8), strokes (3), stabbings (4), crisis calls (13), motor vehicle accidents (9), heart attacks (4), miscarriages (2), rape (1), code blues (4), and assaults (1) and this is in addition to the regular visits I make.

As I walk the halls to the room, or head to ER, or labor and delivery, I am thankful that I get to work doing what I have been called to do. When I make the phone call to a family in the middle of the night to say, “Your love one is in the hospital” it can be an anxious time for them. When I have to verify a birth date or something else to be sure I am talking to family, this scares people. Since I have learned to identify myself as an employee of the hospital, sometimes the person feels more at ease. When I put the RN or Doctor on the phone, they feel better about receiving a medical update but still pretty anxious.

April 2011

2011-04-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

A Note From Pastor Ben

Friends,

Living, as I do, in California I have long lamented the fact that the fruit from the olive trees that grow all over the place goes to waste. I love to eat olives and I use olive oil every day in my cooking, and so I’ve asked around about why we don’t eat our olives, and why people don’t press the olives to make oil. Mostly, as far as I can tell the olives just get ripe, fall of the trees, and make a mess on the ground.

“These olives are too bitter,” is the usual response, often followed by a vaguely scientific warning: “curing olives is a complicated process, involving lye and other dangerous and noxious chemicals.” It made curing olives seem as mysterious and dangerous as hunting for mushrooms.

This advice was discouraging to me but I believed it until I read a book called Olives: The Life and Lore of a Noble Fruit by Mort Rosenblum. Part travel writing, part natural history, part geopolitical commentary, and part cookbook, Olives gave me an appreciation for the rich history of that salty, savory fruit I like so much, and here’s something I learned: using chemicals is one way to cure olives, but for the most part, over the last five thousand years or so, people have used brine. This makes sense. Olives were first cured in the Mediterranean world, I don’t know if the ancient Greeks, for example, had lye, but I do know that they had a big ocean full of salt water, and that’s all it takes to cure olives.

So I’ve decided to cure olives. I picked a few pounds of ripe olives off a tree at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church (I was there for a meeting), and now they’re sitting on my kitchen counter in a glass jar of brine. They’re starting to taste good; by Easter they should be ready to eat.

Here’s the point of all of this: all too often we allow our world to be defined technologically. We expect our food to be grown on a factory farm and processed in a laboratory. We use our computers to form and maintain friendships. We text, we tweet, and there’s an app for much of what we need.

But the olives on my counter remind me that ancient rules and truths still apply. We don’t need technology any more than an olive needs a chemical bath to taste good. What we do need—our “brine” if you will—is the love of friends and the grace of God to sustain us. And if to that we can add a bit of beauty and a modicum of tenderness, we will happy in ways that cannot be delivered technologically.

Now, having said all that those olives had better turn out tasty. If they do, I might try to press some olives next year.

Best,

Ben
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Ray and Virginia Mignogna are moving East

Join us next week, Sunday, April 10th during coffee hour as we bid farewell to Ray and Virginia Mignogna, who we will miss dearly.

Ray and Virginia are leaving San Jose for the East Coast to be closer to Virginia’s family.

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Holy Week Worship Schedule

April 17, Palm Sunday
Worship service at 10:30AM

April 21, Maundy Thursday
There will be a Simple Supper at 6PM
in our Fellowship Hall, Worship service follows at 7:30

April 22, Good Friday
“Way of the Cross” worship service in Alum Rock Park at Noon
Worship service will be held in our sanctuary at 3PM

April 23, Great Vigil of Easter
Easter Vigil Service will be held at 8 pm in our sanctuary

April 24, Easter Sunday
Join us in the celebration of the Risen Lord
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Planning Ahead in the Garden
Jump Into Spring
-Marilyn Kromrey

The Community Gardens of Foothill Presbyterian Church will host a Saturday morning question & answer seminar featuring Bob Tanem on April 9th at 9:30am in Fellowship Hall.

Bob is a retired nurseryman and is referred to as "America's Happy Gardener". Bob hosts a Sunday morning radio show from 7am - 10am Sundays on Hot Talk KSFO 560 AM. He has a great sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge about gardening. He will be answering your questions about garden pests (ants, deer, varmints), fertilizer, sprays, organic gardening and composting to name a few.

His books "Annuals for Northern California", "Perennials for Northern California", "Trees & Shrubs for Northern California" and "Gardening Month by Month in Northern California" will be available for purchase.

So if you have garden questions now is the time to ask an expert. Pass the news along to your gardening friends and neighbors. Come join us for morning coffee and a chat with Bob Tanem. Call the church office if you have questions at 258-8133.
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Donations can be made to Foothill and we will forward your money to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. If you would like to make a donation directly to PDA, you can go online and reference DR000117.

This designated account supplements the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering to enable a significant response for relief and disasters in Japan. 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.

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Per Capita Progress
$1,908 Still Uncollected

Thank you to all who have paid per capita. We’ve still got a way to go. Here’s our progress:

Per capita bill $5,975
Collected to date $4,067
Variance $1,908

As you can see, we still could use your help. Per Capita amount is at least $30 per person again this year. We ask that you pay your per capita as soon as possible. If you are unable to pay your per captia, please contact the church office.

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Foothill CSA Enjoying the Bounty of Creation
Local Produce Direct from the Farm to You

Cost: $25 per week
($100 for months with 4 Tuesdays & $125 for months with 5 Tuesdays)

Payment: produce shares are on a pre-payment, monthly subscription basis.
Total prepayment is due the last Tuesday of each month

Pick up dates and times:
Foothill Presbyterian Church narthex
Tuesdays 10:30am to 9pm

To register
email or call peg:
foothillpc@gmail.com or 408-258-8133.

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Recipe Corner

BAKED APPLE AND CARROT CASSEROLE

5 tart apples such as Granny Smith, thinly sliced
2 cups cooked carrots sliced
6 T sugar mixed with 2T flour, dash salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg
3/4 cup of orange juice
2T triple sec (orange liqueur)

Place layer of apples in a 9 by 12 Pyrex. Cover with carrots, sprinkle with 1/2 of dry mix. Repeat layers.

Pour juice mixture over all.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Test apples for desired tenderness.

Nutrition Facts based on 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 129, Calories from Fat 1, Total Fat 0.2g, Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol, 0mg 0%, Sodium 335mg, Total Carbohydrates 30.4g,
Dietary Fiber 4.4g, Sugars 26.4g , Protein 0.7g
Vitamin A 135% • Vitamin C 34% •Calcium 3% • Iron 3%
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*Bible Lesson*
Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, April 6

*Spiritual Message*
Kindness
The generous person will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.
-Proverbs 11:25

*Special Days in April*

4/19
We are making Cascarones. A Mexican tradition. These are eggs that have been hollowed out and have a surprise filling.
4/20
Easter Egg Dyeing Day
4/21
Easter Egg Hunt
4/29
Fieldtrip to Bounce-A-Rama

Just in time for Easter
Foothill Christian Preschool’s See’s Candies Fundraiser

Foothill Christian Preschool is having a See’s Candies Fundraiser and we are inviting all the members and friends of THE FOOTHILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH to join in. Order forms with more information will be available in the Narthex.
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Refugee Foster Care Team

The Refugee Foster Care Team is urgently looking for a temporary foster placement for a 13 year old Sri Lankan youth.

He has family in Toronto, Canada and will likely reunify with them but there are several steps his attorneys must take first. We think that he will need placement for about 6 months or less while the legal process is completed. He has cerebral palsy which came about because of a head injury he suffered when his village was attacked by Tamil rebels when he was a young child. Shrapnel entered his brain and caused some physical disability: his arm is deformed and he walks with a limp. He is on medication for epilepsy and has not had a seizure in over a year. Aside from the physical disability, he's quite a charming young kid, bright, energetic, active, and a normal 13 year old. He's been in a shelter with 25 other youth for 6 months now, and should instead be in a family environment.

If you know of anyone who might be a match for this boy and is willing to get certified, please contact Pastor Ben.

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Church eDirectory
This year the church directory is available in PDF format. Traditional paper directories are also available. Contact the church office to request a copy of the church directory.

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No More Household Battery Collection

The County of Santa Clara Household Hazardous Waste Program has discontinued it's battery collection partner program. As of March 30, 2011 Foothill is no longer a battery recycling partner with the county.

The program is ending because it is too successful. The cost to pick up and process the batteries from non-retail battery recycling partners was too great and cut from the operating budget. By allowing drop off only at stores, the cost of the program is transferred to the retailer.

Household batteries can be dropped off at Orchard Supply on Alum Rock. For more drop off locations go to http://www.sccgov.org/SCC/docs/Environmental%20Health,%20Department%20of%20%28DEP%29/attachments/HHW%20Attachments/Battery%20Recyclers.pdf.
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS
to Greg Hill, Dawn Imada, Benjamin and Dana Marino, Patty Potter, Jerry Siegfried, Carol Tillman for help in concert production of the Gabrieli West. Many thanks to Kraig Williams for the work he does in promoting early music at Foothill, and in the South Bay.

APRIL OFFERINGS
Flauti Dolci & Amici II
Saturday, April 2nd, 3 PM

More recorder consorts and mixed ensembles from around the Bay Area: Camerata California, Quartetto Paradiso, Ensemble Sonoma, and SDQ come together to perform early music and recent works.

National Association of Composers USA (San Francisco Chapter)
Sunday, April 10th, 3 PM

Composers & Friends Concert II presents new American music for piano, guitar, violin, clarinet, and voice written by outstanding Bay Area composers: Michael Barnett, Mark Behm, Simon Bokman, Robert R. Conrad, L Peter Deutsch, Hubert Ho, Joanne Reinecker, and Davide Verotta. http://www.music-usa.org/nacusa/

Harmonie Felice
Saturday, April 16th, 3 PM

Featuring music of the late French Baroque, Kati Kyme, baroque violin; Yueh Chou, Baroque bassoon; Amy Brodo, cello and viola da gamba; and Katherine Heater, harpsichord will perform works by Marin Marais, Elisabeth Claude-Jacquet de la Guerre, Francois Couperin, and others.

Suggested Donation: $10/person per concert

SNEAK PEAK
Doris Williams - Sunday, May 1st, 3 PM
Featuring Love Songs of the Renaissance, vocalist and lutist Doris Williams performs the music of Dowland, Morley, Hofhaimer, Johnson, Guedron, and Attaignant. www.doriswilliams.com

Monteverdi Brass Quintet – Friday, May 2th, 8 PM

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
West Valley College Music Department boasts of two choirs: Chamber Singers, and West Valley College Masterwork Chorale. The latter is a chorus of 30 members whose ages range from 19 – 70 years. As members of West Valley College Masterwork Chorale, Libby and Woody Moore performed in a successful concert on Thursday, March 24th in the school’s Performing Arts Theatre. Conducted by Director of the Choral Department Lou Dela Rosa, the well-attended concert featured Faure’s Pavanne, local composer Henry Mollicone’s When the Stars Are Gone, Paul Halley’s Ubi Caritas, which featured Gregorian Chant over West African Yoruba. The exciting part is that our own Libby Moore was the featured soloist in a Norman Luboff arrangement of All My Trials.

For more information on their upcoming May concert, stay tuned!

Congratulations to Libby and Woody!

MONTHLY TIDBIT
Congratulations to Joanne Reinecker for getting the correct response to the question:

What is tactus?

More on tactus…
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the word beat was called tactus. Marked by the rising and falling of the hand, tactus was thought to equal the pulse of a man breathing. That would be 60-70 beats per minute.

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

APRIL TIDBIT
Who was the first musician that was mentioned in the Bible?

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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Presbyterian Women’s Spiritual Nurture Retreat
Saturday, April 30th, 9 am- 2:30 pm

Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church
5370 Snell Ave, San Jose.

The theme of this retreat is “Letting Scripture Read You: Experience God Through Guided Meditation”. Registration fee is $30 (before April 9th), $35 (after April 9th). The presenters are The Rev. Kim Engelmann and Nancy Aird. Anyone interested in attending should contact Claudia Hamm (408) 356-6665 or Jane Odell (408)279-0220 (Presbytery Office).
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Foothill Women’s Fellowship Group

Women’s Brunch was held on February 22, 2011. Thanks to everyone who attended and especially those who contributed food.

The women of Foothill decided to create a committee to carry out the goals that the Foothill Women’s Fellowship Group hope to achieve. Suggestions for goals are: focus on friendship and service; keep the projects local (i.e. Teen Challenge); create a phone tree for the group for communication purposes; encourage support for each other (i.e., visits with those who are ill); put together the cookbook; bible study group; and continue having the Women’s Brunches. A suggested alternative to brunches is a Coffee and Dessert gathering after church on Sunday.

The committee members are: Karen Withrow, Joyce Banks, Glenda Parmentier, Isabelle Taylor, Pat Heisey and Marilyn Kromery. We welcome and encourage all of the women of Foothill to become involved with the Foothill Women’s Fellowship Group.
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Just Coffee Group Order

If you are interested in trying this fair trade coffee, you can get in on the next group order by contacting Peg in the church office. By placing group orders we are able to reduce our cost by sharing the shipping expense.

To see what products are available and to learn more about Just Coffee, go to http://www.justcoffee.org. Contact Peg in the church office to place your order.
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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

Losing your temper is no way to get rid of it-anonymous

The month of February is a month to remember because we had a week off due to bad weather. During this month I have seen many deaths, gunshot wounds, multiple assaults, motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, withdrawals from life support, and a bull riding accident.

When I am called to a crisis and family is not available, I immediately put on plastic gloves and go through the patient’s personal belongings. If the person has a cell phone I am hoping it has ICE (in case of emergency) in the contact’s list and this way, I can make a call immediately. If not I call the police department, get on the internet, or call information. Sometimes it is difficult to get a family member to come without giving them medical information due to the HIPPA laws. I have learned never to say I am a Chaplain because this can cause anxiety in some people. When a family member comes to the hospital, this is my joy because I have connected the patient with someone familiar. Sometimes the patient does not want anyone called and I spend a lot more time with them.

When a young man (28 years) was brought in because he was involved in a bull riding accident, I could not imagine what type it was. The clouds were not right for care flight to bring him so they had to put him in an ambulance and drive for one hour but we were all ready for him. When I saw him, my mouth hung open and I thank God his brother in law rode with him. The bull’s head jerked up and the patient went forward and both met in mid-air. Most of the patient’s jaw was missing and I am not sure if he had many teeth left. When I spent time with his brother in law, I was informed that he is a professional bull rider and his Dad is also. The patient has been hospitalized before but this is the worst accident he has had. He was rushed to OR where they worked on him for 4 hours. His Dad drove from New Orleans and his Mom drove from Corpus Christi. His sister came from 1 hour away and his girlfriend drove with her. I spent a lot of time with this family and when the entire family was together, I advocated on their behalf to the RN and was able to get them to his room, especially his Mom and Dad. This is the joy I get when everyone can feel and breathe much better. He is in intensive care and will be for at least one week.

A lady (51 years) was brought in from church because she had a headache and then passed out. When they took what’s called a CATscan, they discovered a very large mass which was inoperative. This was a very large family who were in shock. The patient’s husband was so shocked, he could not speak. Imagine going to church, you have a headache, and never wake up from it. The family was informed their loved one would never have a quality of life and they were asked what they would like to do. The Father said his wife would never want to live this way. Her children (2 daughters and 4 sons) was crying hysterically and trying to understand how this happened and how they would live without their Mom who was their lifeline. I offered prayer but they did not want it because they informed me they were Mormon and explained to me their Pastor had been with them and prayed. After making a decision to make her a DNR (do not resuscitate), she was withdrawn from life support and immediately taken to our palliative care unit. She was in this unit for 15 minutes and quietly died with her children at her bedside. Her husband had left the hospital to find a funeral home. When we called the medical examiner, they worked with us and said if the Doctor would sign the death certificate, they would release to the funeral home. The RN called the emergency doctor and he said he would sign and we were happy about this. Before leaving the hospital, the family hugged me and thanked me for being there with them and explaining everything to them. I don’t look for praise or anything but when it comes, I am happy that I can be there to help a family in crisis.

I don’t particular care for guns now with so much violence and know if you are not careful it can go off when you least expect it. This was the case of a young man (25 years) who was partying with his wife. He got jealous, left the club, was driving down the freeway, reached into his glove compartment, took out his gun, and was trying to balance it on his lap while driving. The gun went off and he was shot in his right leg and private parts. He drove himself to the hospital and when I went into the room, he proceeded to tell me what happened and said, “I know it was stupid but I was mad.” When I called his wife she did not want to come to the hospital but I convinced her it was the right thing to do. When she arrived, I took her to his room and spent time with her. She thanked me for being there for him. He was released after being stitched.

Seminary status
I received a B on my 2nd Religion and Violence paper and a B- on the third one. I have one due this week and I have to complete the reading. I was able to complete my 15 page paper for Education and hope to get a good grade on it. I am enjoying teaching but it is a lot of work and I have 3 more classes to complete. We are all looking forward to our spring break during the week of March 14th.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

~ to be continued~

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

The Messenger

December 2011

November 2011

Read More

October 2011

Read More

September 2011

Read More

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

July 2011

Read More Semibreve

Read More About Foothill CSA

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

June 2011

Read More Semibreve

Read More About Foothill CSA

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

May 2011

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

April 2011

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami