September 2009

A Message from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

For me, this summer was a season of many journeys to beautiful places. In May, Anne and I went to Switzerland and Italy, and crossed the Alps, which may be the most beautiful chain of mountains on the planet. In July, I visited the mountains and deserts of the American Southwest and was deeply touched by the expanse of the sky and the colors of the desert. In August, I went to Cape Cod in Massachusetts where I officiated at a joyous wedding and enjoyed the small, quaint New England villages I visited. But here’s the thing: in Massachusetts, I stayed at what very well may be the dingiest motel on the Eastern Seaboard. What it lacked in charm it made up for in dilapidation. It smelled of mildew and depravity. I, who once traveled, unfazed through Communist rebel-held territory in Guatemala, was afraid to do yoga on the carpet. Man, it was bad.

The hotel taught me something about myself that I think can be generalized to a lesson about life. The squalor of the place I stayed depressed me. It put me in a bad mood and made life seem a bit more gloomy than it really is. It wasn’t healthy, but when I got out of the motel, and went somewhere wonderful—the gristmill pond in Sandwich, MA, for example—my spirits came alive. I need beauty in my life to be a balanced, spiritually healthy person; and I’m guessing what’s true for me is what’s true for all of us. Without beauty our lives are uninspired and far more dreary than they need to be.

I believe God has created beauty and has given us beauty as a gift. God has made the world beautiful, and God has made people in God’s image, meaning that each of us is capable of creating and enjoying beauty. We are made to be surrounded by beauty. It’s part of God’s design for our lives.

So let’s all try to include more beauty in our lives. Let’s enjoy God’s creation. Let’s read poetry, listen to good music, plant irises, cook wonderful meals; whatever it takes to make life more lovely for ourselves and for others. Let’s do it and consider it a moral obligation.

May your life be full of God’s wonder,

Ben

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The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14)

We have learned how to present our verbatims on Thursdays differently. We use a template called theological reflection. As a group we brainstorm about key theological issues of the verbatim, we come up with what the concept of God is for the Chaplain on the visit and try to determine what it is by the patient. We also brainstorm about specific theological doctrines, biblical parables, sin-salvation, grace-works, and community-isolation. The one that is sometimes difficult is our seeking to develop better constructs. As an example, if the construct is sin, what would forgiveness look like in the visit? We also determine what the Gospel is in the context and what Good news would look like to the patient. After all of this, the presenter reviews it to determine growing edges which could mean developing one’s pastoral authority, position on evil and suffering, and the ability to deal with non or anti-religious persons. I really like presenting on Thursdays and each person has to present two verbatims (Tues, Thurs) but I will present three. No one else wanted to present more than two.

Because of the above, my visits have been much more meaningful because I am thinking more theologically now. My conversations are more enjoyable with this new knowledge that I am learning. I especially like visiting on the ER/medicine side because patients have been there short times, long times, and in-between times. Most of the patients that I visit don’t know that Chaplains are available in the hospital and are glad to have someone visit them. Some of my conversations have been quite meaningful. As an example, there was a lady who is a frequent flier (several times in the hospital) of the hospitals in the downtown location and on this particular day she wanted to talk more about her condition. She was burned (60%) a year ago by a gang of men for initiation but she has suffered more lately because her scars on her body itch more.

When I was visiting her, she informed me that she trusts God more now; she wanted me to read James Chapter 1 to her and pray with her. After all of this, she said that she is in more pain now than she has been in the past year. She asked me to tell the RN that she needed her back scratched and I said I would. When I did inform the RN, it took her a while. I was a little irritated at this because the RN was not busy. I was getting ready to say something to her but the patient walked out of her room and when the RN saw her, she quickly got up from her chair. This patient’s face was horrible to look at due to the burns and she would scare anyone who looked at her. The RN put on gloves and walked with her to her room and scratched her back. When she came out, I said to her, “thank you for taking care of her.” I am not sure if she understood or not but I then said to her, “a lot of the time our patients need tender loving care.” She smiled and said, “I know.” I thought about this particular visit later in a theological way and better understand both sides; RN’s and patient’s. You see, the RN was young (~20) and did not understand the urgency of taking care of this patient. I was glad to be there for the patient when she needed someone the most.

It feels so good when we (interdisciplinary team) do something special for our patients. A patient on our trauma ICO floors is Chinese (21), attends Texas Christian University and her parents are here from China. They had not traveled outside of China, and they are here to take care of their only child. When I visited them this past Saturday, I walked in, bowed out of respect (their culture) and put my hands together in prayer and pointed towards their daughter. The father called his interpreter and gave me the phone. After explaining to him what I came to do, he interpreted and the father hung up the phone quickly and held out his hands to me and his wife did also. I prayed in English and they prayed in Chinese. When I said AMEN, they said AMEN. They both came and hugged me. I received such a wonderful blessing from this visit and thanked God for calling me there. Later in the day after they were allowed to have someone come in and perform acupuncture on their daughter, I went to the room later to check on them and they hugged me and were both smiling. There were no words needed and we all understood each other.

My visits are meaningful to me and I try to walk into a room in a loving way without any of my baggage so that the visit is all about the patient. Sometimes this is difficult but most times it is a JOY (Jesus, Other, You) when I enter. I am blessed when I leave a room from a visit because no matter what happens, I have been obedient to God and hopefully been an agent of God for the patient.

I still face lots of death but glad to be there for the families. Sometimes the deaths are so difficult and emotional but thanks to God, I get through it. When I start as a Chaplain in September most of my visits will be with staff members. I will work two nights for 10 hours each night and Tuesday to Thursday from 8 am to 12 noon. I am looking forward to being a Chaplain in a different setting and this means no CPE/education. I will still have to write reflection papers and a few verbatims but will not have to present any of them. The best thing about working is that I get to use all of my work hours towards board certification.

When I presented my Theology of Pastoral Care paper, it was well received and I did not get many questions from my peers. I will most likely make some changes to it as I continue working, caring for patients, and will see how much influence Divinity school will have on me.

A good Pastor/Chaplain shines with peace and love, because they are always in communion with the Word-William C. Martin

~to be continued~

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*Academics*
The kids are learning about Letters:






and the Numbers:







Lesson for the month:
Words the Rhyme


*Themes & Activities*

*Friends*
8/31-9/4
* 8/31 Art: Friendship Mural
Poem: If you’re friendly
* 9/1 Learning the letter A
* 9/2 Learning the number 1
* 9/3 Lesson: Words that rhyme with GO




*Grandparents*
9/8-9/11
*9/8 Art: Grandparents Card
Song: Let’s go see our grandparents
*9/9 Learning the letter A
*9/10 Learning the number 1
* 9/11 Bring a picture of your grandparents
Lesson: Words that rhyme with CAT



*Back to School*
9/14-9/18
* 9/14 Art: Name tags
Poem: First day of school
* 9/15 learning the letter B
* 9/16 Learning the number 2
* 9/17 Lesson: Words that rhyme with ME


*Space*
9/21-9/25
*9/21 Art: Rockets
Song: Mr. Moon
*9/22 Learning the letter B
*9/23 Learning the number 2
*9/24 Lesson: Words that rhyme with FAN

*Hospital*
9/28-10/2
*9/28 Art: Band-aid picture
Song: Doctor make us well
*9/29 Learning the letter B
*9/30 Learning the number 2
*10/1 Lesson: Words that rhyme with DAY

*Special Events*

Grandparents Lunch
Friday, September 11

Back to School Social Dinner
Friday, September 18


Field Trip to Prucsh Farm
Wednesday, September 23



*School Closed* Monday, September 7- Labor Day *Re-Occurring Activities*

First Wednesday Of The Month
Chapel With Pastor Ben




Every Friday
Movie & Share day





*Spiritual Poetry*
From Someone in Heaven

When you feel a gentle breeze
Caress you when you sigh
It's a hug sent from Heaven
From a loved one way up high
If a soft and tender raindrop
Lands upon your nose
They've added a small kiss
As fragile as a rose
If you awaken in the morning
To a bluebird's chirping song
It's music sent from Heaven
To cheer you all day long

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Visioning Committee -Bertha Nelson

As many of you may know, Foothill Presbyterian Church has established a “Visioning Committee.” This committee is charged with the task of strategic planning. This is a disciplined effort to produce decisions and actions that shape what our church is and why it does what it does. Our goal is to attain clarity and cohesion regarding the congregation’s purpose. The end goal is to produce a plan that will promote spiritual growth and vitality of the people involved who will pursue their call to participate in God’s work in the world.

In an effort to start this process, the committee will be distributing a survey to all members of the congregation. It will be available in the church bulletin, through the mail, and on-line. The survey should be completed by each individual person attending Foothill Presbyterian Church age 10 years and older. It is not required that participants be members of the church.

The Visioning Committee consists of the following members: John Belz, Ben Daniel, Greg Gatzke, Bertha Nelson, Kevin Rockwood, Sharon Rowser, and Andrew Yarborough. Please see any one of us if you have questions regarding this process and/or survey.

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The Fall Retreat registration has begun. I hope you are planning to attend the weekend of September 25th.

The location of the Fall Retreat is Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. The center is located in the beautiful redwoods. Each room has its own heater and bathroom. The food is good and plentiful. And this is always a fun fellowship weekend with the FPC family.

Sam Barry, columnist Dave Barry’s brother, will be providing our program. The theme is "How to Play” focusing on keeping a sense of fun in the life of the spirit. We will explore ways to keep humor and levity in our spiritual lives despite trying times. I expect music and humor to be a large part of the weekend.

With additional donations I was able to obtain this year, the fees have been lowered.
THANKS FOR THE HELP!

The costs are as follows:
Adults $130
12-19 $95
03-11 $55
Less than 3 $15

This includes 2 nights and 6 meals. Partial attendance is available, also.
Please contact me for the costs.

Please register early as it helps with planning. Look for the sign up table after church or sign up at the church office.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks!
Martha Belz


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FEAST DAY OF ST. FRANCIS
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
11:00AM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2009

FOLLOWED BY A POT LUCK LUNCH
PLEASE HAVE YOUR ANIMAL LEASHED OR CRATED.

WE WILL ALSO BE COLLECTING BLANKETS & TOWELS TO DONATE TO THE CITY SAN JOSE ANIMAL CARE AND SERVICES

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East Valley Artists
Annual Member Juried Art Show
Saturday, October 3, 2009
9AM-6PM

The East Valley Artist (EVA) organization (who conducts their monthly meetings at Foothill) will again be holding its annual art show on Saturday, October 3, 2009 in the Fellowship Hall from 9AM to 6PM. The public will be invited to view local fine art offered for sale. EVA will be donating 10% of all sales to the church.

A free raffle will be conducted for those who come and vote for their favorite art with a piece of EVA original art being awarded to the winner (do not need to be present to win). Free refreshments will be available.

The EVA has also asked the Foothill Christian Preschool and church children to display their art for viewing. MARK YOUR CALENDARS and PLAN TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS on October 3rd. For more information, call Wendell Fiock, EVA, at 408-806-0919.


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Learn more Presbyterian News Service 'Hungry to make a difference' San Francisco church's 'Welcome Ministry' transforms lives, members by Anitra Kitts Special to Presbyterian News Service Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of stories about congregations engaged in significant outreach and evangelism ministries, reflecting the General Assembly's commitment to "Grow Christ's Church Deep and Wide." - Jerry L. Van Marter SAN FRANCISCO - It started with a sermon. One of those sermons that at the time probably seemed like just another day of preaching but turned out to be a sermon that changed people's lives. There was no altar call, no great cries of alleluia, no flames of spirit descending from above. The preacher probably went home to lunch and the life-giving preacher's nap, already releasing the words from his heart and mind. But those words were deep at work in the hearts of the congregation, and within a few years the homeless would have homes and some lost in addictions and illness would find new life restored to them. It was an Ash Wednesday service in the spring of 1996, the preacher was the Rev. Tim Hart-Andersen and the congregation was Old First Presbyterian Church, in a San Francisco neighborhood that struggled not just with poverty, mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse, but also homophobia. Long before The Castro, just a few miles south of Old First, became internationally known as a gay neighborhood, the area known as Lower Polk Street hosted businesses and bars welcoming to gay, lesbian and transgendered people when little else in the city was safe. As the more affluent moved into The Castro, the people who lived on the margins remained behind, trapped in poverty, sometimes mental illness, and often drug and alcohol abuse. The sermon's message was simple. "I pointed out that according to Matthew, the three disciplines Jesus taught that are at the core of Christian life were alms-giving, prayer and fasting," Hart-Andersen said. "I challenged the congregation that Lent to take on the discipline of alms-giving to our homeless neighbors - or at least giving of their time in conversation with them, if they did not want to give money. I urged them not to pass a single homeless person without stopping to give them a greeting or a quarter or some acknowledgement that they were not invisible." The congregation took up the challenge. Some made sandwiches, some gave away quarters and some built more time into their commute to work in order to engage in conversations along the way. Later that spring, the congregation put together a series of classes on the problems of homelessness led by social service providers, advocates and even the homeless themselves. By 1997, a simple ministry began to develop, led by volunteers and seminary intern Susan Young and in partnership with neighboring congregations and organizations. Based on extensive conversations with neighborhood businesses, city government service providers and policing representatives, Old First began to host a Welcome Center on Tuesday afternoons in the church basement. A simple lunch of soup and sandwiches was prepared and served to the guests and one-on-one conversations were initiated. "It became our M.O.," said Barry Clagett, an elder at Old First and an early volunteer. "We called them guests and over a period of time the visitors and the volunteers would become acquainted with each other and develop some mutual trust till there was enough trust that a homeless person would let a volunteer help. When they are ready for us to help them, then we do." More than 10 years, four directors, and one 501(c) (3) incorporation later, sharing food and conversation remain at the heart of The Welcome Center's ministry. Two years ago, those conversations revealed a key that has helped nearly 300 guests get off the street and into long-term, stable housing: access to a government-issued I.D. Everything from access to shelter, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, job training, jobs, food stamps or even the right to simply walk on the sidewalk depends on having and showing government-issued I.D. - a requirement that is driven by immigration and post 9/11 security legislation. Because of their vulnerability and the fundamentally transient nature of their lives, it is difficult for homeless people to hold on to any possessions, including their I.D. Some never had I.D. to begin with, due to running away from (or being thrown out of) home in their teens. In either case, without I.D., the leaders at the Welcome Ministry learned through conversations with their guests, there was little hope of getting off the street and into long-term solutions. Replacing one's I.D. is time consuming, requires follow-through and money for fees and frequently some form of a permanent address, all of which is in short supply when living on the streets. So, two years ago, the Welcome Ministry decided to concentrate on getting I.D.s for its guests. "We hired a second person, Jay Wilson, who is a pastor and a social worker and who I call a miracle worker because he loves to fill out paperwork," said the Rev. Megan Rohrer, executive director. "We hoped we could help 150 people get their I.D., and we helped 340 people. Of that group, 155 people got into housing just because we could help fill out the paper work. Listening helps us find the tiny little things that really make a difference." In May, The Welcome Ministry formally changed its focus from "Service to the Homeless" to "A communal response to poverty" because the guests were no longer homeless. "To tell you the truth, the church benefits," said the Rev. Maggi Henderson, Old First's pastor. "We've got some really great members who have joined who first came through the (Welcome Ministry) program. Members volunteer at the Welcome Ministry and our people are integrated with the board. "I'm proud to say that this is our church and this is what we do," Henderson said. "We're doing what the gospel very clearly tells us to do. "It is a bit risky. It is a bit uncomfortable, but this is where the joy comes from. I think people are hungry to make a difference." Anitra Kitts is a freelance writer in Santa Rosa, CA, and a candidate for the ministry certified as ready to receive a call by Cascades Presbytery. http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09730.htm