Dear Friends,
This was a good summer at Foothill Presbyterian Church. We had some wonderful events: we hosted a delegation from the General Assembly, we had some good meals and discussions in the community garden, we had several wonderful Foothill Kids nights, we celebrated Joy’s twenty years of service at the Church, we had Jazz on the Grass.
But more importantly, we had really great worship attendance. You may remember that during Lent I was worried about our worship numbers. There were a few Sundays that had me scared back in February and March, but we talked about our dwindling attendance. I asked you to consider your Sunday attendance as part of your contribution to the Church, and you stepped up.
Ordinarily, Summer is a time of low attendance at Foothill (and at every church), but this summer our weekly attendance has actually risen. This is very important, because when our pews are full our church feels alive. This is a great gift. When a person is hurting and needs the comfort of fellowship, they need to attend a church with a vital congregation. When someone has good news to share, that person needs a strong community with whom to celebrate. You have provided that living congregation, that vital community this summer. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Now, let’s keep up the good work. Fall is an exciting time in churches: Sunday school starts up again, the music program begins its year of dedicated service. The warmth of summer gives one last blast before we start to cool off. Please continue your faithful attendance at worship. There is no better way and no more important means of supporting this wonderful congregation we are privileged to call our spiritual home.
I’ll See You Sunday!
Ben
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This was a good summer at Foothill Presbyterian Church. We had some wonderful events: we hosted a delegation from the General Assembly, we had some good meals and discussions in the community garden, we had several wonderful Foothill Kids nights, we celebrated Joy’s twenty years of service at the Church, we had Jazz on the Grass.
But more importantly, we had really great worship attendance. You may remember that during Lent I was worried about our worship numbers. There were a few Sundays that had me scared back in February and March, but we talked about our dwindling attendance. I asked you to consider your Sunday attendance as part of your contribution to the Church, and you stepped up.
Ordinarily, Summer is a time of low attendance at Foothill (and at every church), but this summer our weekly attendance has actually risen. This is very important, because when our pews are full our church feels alive. This is a great gift. When a person is hurting and needs the comfort of fellowship, they need to attend a church with a vital congregation. When someone has good news to share, that person needs a strong community with whom to celebrate. You have provided that living congregation, that vital community this summer. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Now, let’s keep up the good work. Fall is an exciting time in churches: Sunday school starts up again, the music program begins its year of dedicated service. The warmth of summer gives one last blast before we start to cool off. Please continue your faithful attendance at worship. There is no better way and no more important means of supporting this wonderful congregation we are privileged to call our spiritual home.
I’ll See You Sunday!
Ben
My Ghana Experience During July-Maxine Millender
During the month of July, I have experienced a lot more than I could ever have imagined! My last week spent in Aburi, Ghana was leading devotion, spending time with a lady farmer who allowed me to walk on her entire farm, ask questions, and I tried to distinguish between weed and pepper, and then visiting some people who could not attend church. Yes, I was a farmer for a half day and it was awesome. This lady owns a lot of land which has lots of maize (corn), cassava, co-co yams, beans, okra, groundnuts (peanuts), and more which have names that I can’t pronounce or spell. She explained how and when seeds are planted, when to harvest, and how often she goes to weed. So, I have now seen the very beginning of the food cycle.
Towards the end on 29-Jun, I was presented with a wonderful typical Ghanaian dress of skirt, top, and wrap for left shoulder or head by the session members of the church where I lots of time leading devotion, bible study, attending women’s fellowship, and preaching. The imitation material which is similar kente cloth is yellow with brown, has a top which zips in the back, a skirt, and wrap or shawl. The color is just perfect because yellow is my favorite color and I can’t imagine how she managed to get my measurements correct without measuring me. The lady’s name is Victoria and she made it just by looking at me when I was teaching the Bible study and devotions. I am so thankful to God for this gift and thankful to the people for being so thoughtful to me. The catechist gave me some handkerchiefs which are useful when I get hot flashes/power surges. I think she has seen me having hot flashes/purges and using a fan to cool off.
I attended a Ghanaian funeral for a man (72 years) name Mr. Luttrot who was Anglican and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church in Ahwearse. They had been living in London and he retired from this company and made enough money to build a brand new BIG house not far from their fast food restaurant. They also have a house on the site where the restaurant is and it is fairly large but their retirement home is much bigger. Before going to view the body, we had to shake hands with all of the family members who were sitting outside. This is a cultural norm and everyone does it and it has to be followed. There were several people there and we had quite a few hands to shake. The funeral was officiated at the retirement home and his body was laid out for us to view in the front parlor of the house. We shook the widower’s hand and she was in so much grief at that moment that no words were said. When it was time for the service, several men brought the body to the patio where the service was held.
There were several people in attendance in formal dress. I purchased red and black cloth and Madam Nabor sewed the ends to make a wrap and there was enough left for a head wrap. I had on a black dress and black sandals. The attire of the funeral was in black, black and red, black for the family, tents were black and red, and some people who were from a different church had on different attire. After the service, collection of blessings, Rev Martin gave the thanksgiving for the offering, the holy water was sprinkled on the shroud of the casket and incense was sprinkled all around the casket also.
When it was time for the burial, Rev Martin was asked to attend also to watch the body being lowered. Because I was with Rev Martin, I was also able to attend. The burial was a few feet from the patio area in the yard. The widower did not go because she was too filled with grief. We had to go back inside to see her and when I shook her hand I knelt to ask if I could hug her and was this against the culture. She said she would love a hug. People starred at me but I felt good to be able to do this and with her permission. This is not typically done but I felt compassion in my heart to hug her.
There were several people in attendance in formal dress. I purchased red and black cloth and Madam Nabor sewed the ends to make a wrap and there was enough left for a head wrap. I had on a black dress and black sandals. The attire of the funeral was in black, black and red, black for the family, tents were black and red, and some people who were from a different church had on different attire. After the service, collection of blessings, Rev Martin gave the thanksgiving for the offering, the holy water was sprinkled on the shroud of the casket and incense was sprinkled all around the casket also.
When it was time for the burial, Rev Martin was asked to attend also to watch the body being lowered. Because I was with Rev Martin, I was also able to attend. The burial was a few feet from the patio area in the yard. The widower did not go because she was too filled with grief. We had to go back inside to see her and when I shook her hand I knelt to ask if I could hug her and was this against the culture. She said she would love a hug. People starred at me but I felt good to be able to do this and with her permission. This is not typically done but I felt compassion in my heart to hug her.
The funeral of Rev Professor Kwame Bediako was July 5th. This man was very important and I was not able to attend his funeral because of car problems. Rev Nabor didn’t want to take any chances of the car stopping and not have transportation back to Aburi. There were many of Prof Bediako’s colleagues there and I sure wish that I could have attended it. It was in Accra but the burial was in Akropong so some of the members went to the funeral but not the burial. I went to Accra later in the day to give respect to the family members. The next day which was Sunday there was a Thanksgiving service was the Christ Church (Presbyterian) next door to the Institute. The dress was black or black and white which was not a problem for me, thank goodness. His two sons were there and I was able to meet them and the older son’s wife. I was also able to greet Mrs. Bediako for a while and talk to her.
My work in Akropong (5-Jul to 15-Jul) has been so good and different. Rev Solomon is a Chaplain, Pastor, Head of the NOP (Northern Outreach Program), and Director of Students at the Institute. Each morning at 8:15, there is devotion for 30 min but once a week someone gives a short exhortation for about 30 min. The Bible is read in two languages and the conversations are translated also. We have a prayer list of people to pray for each day and anyone can be asked to pray. At the end of the morning devotion we all shake hands and say good morning to each other. There is also devotion from 4:30 to 5:00 each day and we sing, pray, and commit the evening to the Lord. What a wonderful way to start and end the day.
My work in Akropong (5-Jul to 15-Jul) has been so good and different. Rev Solomon is a Chaplain, Pastor, Head of the NOP (Northern Outreach Program), and Director of Students at the Institute. Each morning at 8:15, there is devotion for 30 min but once a week someone gives a short exhortation for about 30 min. The Bible is read in two languages and the conversations are translated also. We have a prayer list of people to pray for each day and anyone can be asked to pray. At the end of the morning devotion we all shake hands and say good morning to each other. There is also devotion from 4:30 to 5:00 each day and we sing, pray, and commit the evening to the Lord. What a wonderful way to start and end the day.
I have visited many NOP people who are poor, destitute, but have Christ like behavior and attitudes. Some of the people have touched my heart in so many ways that I have been overwhelmed. I am so thankful to God for the support (financial and prayer) that people have given to me. What has happened is that people give their absolute best and when they cook, I am given the best and they provide things in a loving way for me. I have also preached in Korforidua to 70+ people and it was an awesome blessing to preach to people. The message was translated using the mother tongue language people from the North use.
Now I am in Accra with a different Pastor (15-Jul to 28-Jul) to minister to street people, attend a Pastor’s retreat in Abokobi, attend the session meeting at her church, and go to Kumasi for the Young Adult Fellowship conference which is their 2nd anniversary. I have been walking the streets in Accra in the early morning with Rev Rose and then I walk to meet and greet people. I am able to speak a few words in TWI but the local language is GA but some of the people understand it. I use sign language to get my message to people when we do not understand each other and it works.
During church service on Sun 27-Jul, I was asked to do the summary prayer. After Rev Victor finished with the different prayers, I prayed to summarize and close the prayer service. My prayer was God inspired and it felt so good to be able to do this. When he had prayer, he used a specific prayer type (those un-employed, those on pension, staff, those in school, etc), and someone from the congregation summed up the individual prayers. It was an awesome service.
As I continue to spend time walking and talking to people that I meet, I will continue to share my stories with you. ~to be continued~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A Letter from Jody & Andrew Yarborough
I have to admit that there aren’t many Bible verses I can quote verbatim. Thankfully, I can now add Micah 6:8 to my list. This verse, “Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God” was the theme of the 218th General Assembly that adjourned it’s week long gathering in downtown San Jose this past Saturday.Pastor Ben asked Andrew and I if we would like to serve as leaders of the Special Assistance committee back in December. Humbled, yet somewhat quizzical, we said yes, but then asked questions. Funny how that happens sometimes.
Yet what Andrew and I knew we lacked in formal knowledge about the bureaucratic and institutional history of the Presbyterian Church USA and its General Assemblies, we knew we made up for with knowledge about being disabled, and all of its travel challenges therein.
So thus we began our six-month journey of preparation for our ministry of hospitality. And it truly became a mission. Yes, there were meetings and workgroups, action items and times of stress. But there was also the pleasured opportunity to meet new people within the San Jose Presbytery, fun and fellowship at informal “working” lunches, and times of renewed spiritual awakenings, particularly while participating at the conference itself.
Every day during the GA, Andrew and I would each cover a four-hour shift with another volunteer. Starting from the first day we were prepared to help attendees with Special Assistance renting wheelchairs or scooters, hand-out amplification devices and give information about disability-related accommodations within the Convention Center.
But being connected to the Information Desk we also helped answer questions about how to use the light rail, where was the nearest Frye’s Electronics, and oh yes, where is a good place to eat. By the middle of the week I came to realize that at some point we all need Special Assistance. And it was an honor to be able to provide any assistance that was requested. Every time I helped someone it made me remember when I have needed help myself. God of Spirit seems to work in miraculous ways in these exchanges.
Andrew and I would like to thank our family at Foothill for their support and fellowship as we experienced this once in a life-time opportunity. It is with a new depth of understanding that we look forward to worshiping with you in the years to come.
God Bless,
Jody and Andrew Yarborough
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Preschool is Having FUN in SEPTEMBER with 43 KIDS!!*Academics*
· The kids are learning about the letters “A” “B” and the numbers 1 & 2.
*Themes & Activities*
*Grandparents*9/2-9/5
· 9/2 Art: Grandparents Card Poem: Let’s go see our grandparents
· 9/3 Letter “A” day
· 9/4 Number 1 Day/ Bring a picture of your grandparents
· 9/5 Share day/
*Back to School*
9/8-9/12
· 9/8 Art: Stepping into preschool Poem: Bring your smile to preschool· 9/9 Letter “A” day· 9/10 Number 1 day
· 9/11 Bring 1 apple to school day
· 9/12 Share and movie day
*Friendship*
9/15-9/19
· 9/15 Art: Buddy painting
Song: Friend of mine· 9/16 Letter “B” day
· 9/17 Number 2 day
· 9/18 Bring book to share with a friend
· 9/19 Share and movie day
*Space*
9/22-9/26
· 9/22 Art: Painted Earth Poem: Four little stars
· 9/23 Letter “B” day
· 9/24 Number 2 day
· 9/25 Bring a space item
· 9/26 Share and movie day
*Hospital*9/29-10/3
· 9/29 Art: Band-Aid Man
Poem: To the hospital
· 9/30 Letter “B” day
· 10/1 Number 2 day
· 10/2 Make a get well card
· 10/3 Share & movie day
Special Theme Activities
Grandparents breakfast
Thursday, September 4
9:30-10:30AM
Back to school barbecue
Friday, September 12
5:30-7:00PM
Preschool Closed
Monday, September 1
Labor Day
*Christian Poetry*
I Said A Prayer For You Today
I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard.I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word.
I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind.
I asked Him to send treasurers of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day.
To grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all.
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Parish Concerns
A Loss in Our Church FamilyWe are greatly saddened by the loss of Joan Hunt, Saturday August 16, 2008.
Gladys M. Stillwell
September 25, 1915 - August 11, 2008
The Memory of Me
I’d like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done.
I’d like the tears
Of those who grieve
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.
Thank You to FoothillThe Rugebregt family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to everyone for your prayers and concerns regarding Kitty.
She is slowly recovering from her emergency ulcer surgery. She was discharged from the hospital and now is in a rehabilitation center where she receives physical and occupational therapy everyday. We are so grateful that she survived the surgery since it was touch and go, and we know we have everyone to thank for it.
The prayers, cards, calls and flowers from all her church family have been truly appreciated.
Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar
Sunday, September 7, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 14;
Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20
Sunday, September 14, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21;
Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
Sunday, September 21, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45;
Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
Sunday, September 28, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16;
Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries
Many thanks…
To the deacons for all their contributions in making this year’s Jazz On the Grass a successful event. The lunch was tasty, and the company was great. Many thanks also to the musicians especially Steve Turner, and to others who have helped in any way. Till next year…
Les Grâces In ConcertSonatas and Cantatas or Handel vs. Telemann? Soprano Jennifer Paulino, recorder player Annette Bauer, violist Rebekah Ahrendt, and keyboardist Jonathon Rhodes Lee will bring their youthful passion and knowledge of historical performance practices of the 17th and 18th centuries in their upcoming Foothill concert on Sunday, September 14 at 3PM. For more information about the group, visit their website at www.lesgraces.com. Suggested Donation $10.
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church?What is a Methodist Episcopalian? I wasn’t the only one asking this question when the FPC Chancel Choir was invited to sing at the St. James “AME” Annual Choir Day. “How did they know about us?” After all, our church is nestled quietly behind a huge parking lot. The common denominator was Ben. Apparently, in keeping with his ecumenical work, Ben worships there sometimes. It was one of those times when Ben happened to mention that he was a pastor of a Presbyterian church who had a chancel choir. They were just as curious about us as we were of them. “You’re from a what church?”
In short, *Methodism refers to theology – a religious theory, school of thought, or an orderly system or rules and regulations inspired by John and Charles Wesley that places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel. Episcopalianism, on the other hand, refers to a system of governance whereby the chief executive and administrative officers who govern the church are Bishops. In the case of the African Methodist Episcopal church, “African” means the church was organized by people of African descent who use Methodist theology and is governed by Bishops. However, on June 29th, 2008 at 4PM, despite our differences, we were united in praising God through worship. We were united in song.
Surrounded by visiting African American choirs and the AME congregation. We were aware of how different we were in heritage and demeanor. Accompanied by guitars, drums, bass, and keyboards, visiting choirs from all over California and parts of Nevada sang soulfully and animatedly on SM58 Shure microphones. Everyone was clapping, dancing, emphatically saying: “Amen.” More reserved in countenance, we, on the other hand, sang two songs: one with Bill Andersen on the piano, and the other unaccompanied in a foreign language. A predominantly white, Presbyterian choir in an African American church singing one Samoan song, how cool was that! In this musical gathering, we were reminded that we are brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of our differences. We were clapping, and singing right along with them, and they were clapping and singing right along with us. In this case, there really is no “you” and “me.” It’s “us” together in Christ, and we were grateful for the experience that I hope will be one of many in the future.
*www.ame-church.com
FALL RETREAT-Martha Belz
I hope you have marked you calendar and are planning to attend Foothill’s Fall Retreat. It will be held the weekend of September 26th. Stephen Dietrich is providing our program entitled Reaching Out. The location of the Fall Retreat is once again Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods and each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And members of the Foothill Family will be there. The costs have been set and is as follows: Adults: $170 12 to 19: $135 3 to 11: $90 Less than 3: $15 Partial weekend attendance is welcome. Prices are set based on amount of time present. Registration has begun. Please look for the registration table after church or contact the church office to sign up. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Planning Ahead for theHalloween Family Festival
-Marilyn Kromrey, coordinator
It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and the fall season will be upon us. One the most exciting Outreach events of the year is Foothill's Halloween Family Festival. The Festival has been a great success in the past and plans are to hold this event on Friday, Oct 31st, 5 to 7 pm in the courtyard, classrooms, Fellowship Hall & the field.
In the past, the congregation has volunteered to help with this Outreach project by helping with games, refreshments, trick or treat doors and donations of wrapped candy. Please put this event on your calendar and plan to participate in this fun filled Outreach project. Watch for more information in the October Messenger and bulletin inserts.
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In the past, the congregation has volunteered to help with this Outreach project by helping with games, refreshments, trick or treat doors and donations of wrapped candy. Please put this event on your calendar and plan to participate in this fun filled Outreach project. Watch for more information in the October Messenger and bulletin inserts.
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Garden Ministry
Our many gardens need routine weeding, fertilizing and tender loving care.- Pat Heisey and Udell Eby have been helping take care of the two rose gardens. Nancy Drew helps water shrubs and Fred & Marilyn Kromrey have been working in the other gardens and need help to keep the gardens looking good.
If you enjoy gardening and love to nurture plants why not help on a weekly basis. Helpers will be "In the Garden" on Wednesdays. Sometimes we are there between 9am and 9:30am until noon. Or if Saturday (or any other day of the week) is better for your schedule we can arrange for you to adopt one of the various gardens to care for. Please call and volunteer. Marilyn Kromrey
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