June 2009

Pastor Ben’s Prize Winning Sermon




The following sermon “Freedom and the Beauty of Diversity” has won Pastor Ben first prize in an international sermon-writing contest held in conjunction with the celebration of the 500th birthday of Protestant reformer John Calvin. The prize-winning sermon earned him a three-day stay in Geneva, including travel and accommodations, in conjunction with this year’s Calvin Jubilee celebrations.

As I think about what it means for the Spirit of Pentecost to be alive in the Church, the image that comes to mind is that of Cathedral St. Pierre in Geneva, from whose pulpit Calvin preached in the days when the people of Geneva gave birth to the Reformed Tradition.

It is a building I love for its historical importance, but I also love the cathedral for its eclectic architecture. Over the years, the church has evolved with additions and renovations without conformity to one architectural style. Rather, the building reflects the values and aesthetics of architects and laborers working in various historical contexts.

The cathedral has a gothic nave and a neoclassical façade; its two bell towers and its spire all come from different eras. Inside, there is both a stained-glass image of Mary Magdalene holding the Holy Grail and a carving of an erotically suggestive mermaid. Just to keep us doctrinally-correct Calvinists confused, an excavated pagan shrine lies almost directly beneath Calvin’s pulpit. The cathedral in Geneva is glorious because of its eclectic design. It’s a lot like the Church, the Body of Christ - both are made beautiful by diversity.

Now, I have met people who lament the diversity that marks the Church Triumphant, especially in the Reformed Tradition. To them diversity is evidence of imperfection, as if the Church must manifest doctrinal, liturgical and ecclesiastical conformity to be beautiful.

I think they are wrong. It is God who breathes life into the Body of Christ, and since the very first Christian Pentecost God has chosen to create a church made up of people from every tribe and tongue by giving humanity the freedom to worship and to serve God in the language of our hearts and our dreams.

Here’s what John Calvin had to say about the Holy Spirit’s liberation of language at Pentecost: The diversity of tongues did hinder the gospel from being spread abroad any farther; so that, if the preachers of the gospel had spoken one language only, all [people] would have thought that Christ had been shut up… But God invented a way whereby [the gospel] might break out, when he divided and clove the tongues of the apostles, that they might spread that abroad amongst all people which was delivered to them. Wherein appeareth the manifold goodness of God, because a plague and punishment of man’s pride was turned into matter of blessing. [Commentary on Acts vol. 1, 2:2]

This is typical of how Calvin understood the role of human freedom in the Church. In the Institutes, Calvin speaks of God freeing Christians from the law—not so that we can live libertine lives but so that we my use our freedom to follow God’s leading as God’s children, “cheerfully and with great eagerness.” [Institutes, III, 19, 5]. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit breaks down human linguistic barriers, not so that we can all be the same, but so that we can be faithfully different by being faithfully ourselves. The miracle of Pentecost does not cause us to look back to the human condition before the fall of Babel; Pentecost sets our sights on the Kingdom of God, when, in the fullness of time, Christ will gather people of every nation to join with saints and angels in eternal praise, each of us singing in the language we know best.

God calls the fullness of humanity freely to serve and praise God as God created us: speaking the language that is natural to us, employing the gifts with which we have been endowed, worshiping in ways that reflect the cultures that have nurtured us. The problem is that too many of us miss the miracle that is a Church made beautiful by the diversity of God’s children.

In the story of the first Pentecost we’re told that while many people heard the Gospel in their mother tongues and rejoiced, others were unable to hear the message in any language. To those who remained closed to the Holy Ghost, the beautiful tapestry of languages woven into the Christian Church at Pentecost was dismissed as drunken cacophony, and there remain many who consider it crazy to embrace diversity as, in its better moments, the Reformed Tradition always has sought to do.

Our congregation has learned to appreciate the beauty of linguistic and cultural diversity. We’re a church of two hundred members who grew up speaking more than twenty different languages, but not every congregation is so richly blessed. Even among Presbyterians here in San Jose, which is among the most linguistically and culturally diverse cities on the planet, there are those who believe that everyone should worship in English, who fear that we cannot be one church if we speak many languages.

Nonetheless, our Presbytery has communities that worship in Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Taiwanese, and Indonesian. Are we crazy? Have we been drinking the new wine of cultural relativism?

No. We have caught a vision of the Kingdom of God. We have been touched by the Holy Spirit. We have seen visions. We have dreamed dreams. We know that God is building a church in which every facet of human diversity is essential. God has chosen us each to leave a mark upon the Church of God’s own design.

At Pentecost, we are freed from the constraints of language, just as we are freed from sin by God’s grace. We are freed to serve God gladly as children and not as servants; we are freed from the bondage of linguistic confusion to the beauty of human diversity made manifest in the Church.

Let us then make use of the freedom that is a divine gift. Let us rejoice in the beautiful diversity of God’s children in the Church. Let us value each member of the church equally, understanding that each voice—including those who normally are marginalized—speaking every language is cherished by God. This has been the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church since Pentecost; it will be the work of the Church until God’s work is complete, when each of us takes a seat in the great multilingual choir and together we abandon ourselves in eternal praise.
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The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender

Even the ordinary and the outcast can make the cut to follow Jesus -Spear

This month it seems like my visits were focused on medical power of attorney, overdoses, and death. The medical power of attorney is an interesting visit with a patient. We always speak direct to the patient but sometimes the families will try to respond for them. When this happens, we inform them that we cannot complete the document because it is up to the patient to appoint or designate an agent or more. I have had one revoked because I listened to the wife instead of the husband who was the patient but I quickly learned my lesson. When we have hearing impaired folks, we have them point to the person they want to designate and it works fine. We always obtain the two-witnesses, make a copy of the document for the hospital chart, and give the original to the primary agent who was designated.

There have been many overdoses this month. It is not always drugs that folks overdose on, we also have those who overdose on alcohol and are so drunk they have tremors as if they are in withdrawal. A lady of 55 came to the ER due to an overdose on her depression meds. She and her husband had a fight because he decided he no longer wanted to be married to her. She was devasted, took all these pills in the bottle, and he was trying to pump on her stomach until EMS arrived and took over. (because we are notified by pager for all crisis calls, I was already waiting for her) I introduced myself to her, asked her name, and asked if she was ok with her family coming into her room. She told me she only wanted to see her Mother and Aunt. Her husband was on his way but she did not want to see him. I spoke with our security folks and only those she approved of were allowed to go in her room. When the husband arrived, he tried everything he could think of to convince security but they would not allow him in the room. We have very good security in the hospital and I use them due to a lot of family dynamics that don’t often turn our good.

One young man (27) came in drunk and had been run over by a car; turns out it was his friend who was also drunk (both drank 12 cans of beer) and didn’t see him. He was terrible to the staff and we let him sleep it off. When he was sober enough, he wanted pain medicine because he usually gets it from another hospital but the Doctors told him no and he was not happy. He was nasty to the RNs, Doctors, and care techs. I shared his overall perception with him so that he could see how he had been and why no one wanted to help him. When he was admitted, he had the nerve to smoke in his room and the room had oxygen in it.

Death happens in many ways at the hospital. We have elderly that come from nursing homes, young adults, middle age adults, and babies. I have dealt with many deaths in our labor and delivery area and when this happens, they are very emotional. One young lady is 34, had tried for years to get pregnant, and they decided to do in vitro. She was expecting twins but at 22 weeks, she started to cramp. The Doctors discovered that one of the twin babies had a prolapsed cord and they had to cut it, leave the baby inside her, and hope the other twin lived. She developed sepsis (blood poison) in her body and as soon as the babies were delivered, they intubated her and she was rushed to ICU. She is much better but both babies are dead. The one baby who was breathing was alive for 22 minutes. Since the baby was alive, I made a decision to baptize and bless the baby and I am so thankful that I did this for the couple. The RN was so compassionate with both babies and it was heartbreaking for me, the RN, and the Father. The baby was a boy but the Father told us it was a girl, based on the sonogram. I helped him pick a funeral home and he decided to have the baby cremated. I was so touched by it that I wrote a verbatim on it which caused many emotions to surface for the entire group.

I finally had some time off and decided to drive to Granbury, TX. The drive was about one hour from Ft Worth and I stayed in a Christian bed & breakfast. I saw a musical which featured songs from the 40’s to the 80’s. I really enjoyed myself and it was good to get away. Before leaving Granbury, I drove to a place called Glen Rose where I was able to drive the 9.5 mile scenic safari and see many animals. In this wilderness there were all kinds of animals that came to your window and you could feed them. The zebras were biting on this day so I was careful but had a wonderful time and came back to work refreshed. I also purchased a GPS because I am constantly lost here but now I can find my way.

Today during our IPR, we were informed by our CPE supervisor that May 25th is his last day; he handed in his resignation on Monday (Apr 25th). We were shocked and had no words that would come from our mouths. He explained his reasons to us but it still hurts, especially since he is so good and well liked. He will remain through this unit and write our final evaluations for us. With four more months to go, he encouraged us to stay flexible, be as calm as we can but keep our eyes fixed on completing our last unit.

There are so many things which happen in a month and I can’t share them all because I would be writing many pages. I am learning more and more about me, have established my Pastoral Identity and Authority, and still enjoying my patient visits. I really enjoy the cold visits, walking in ER’s medicine side, and participating in patient rounds with the social worker and case managers on the floors. I have 75 to 89 patients and it fluctuates because of the number of patients I may have in ER’s medicine area. Of course, I can’t see them all but I have a pretty good system of seeing a lot of patients.

Due to the swine flu, the hospital has issued a pandemic plan which is 88 pages. Many family members are coming to the hospital with masks. We have been told to wash instead of using the foams and gels to clean our hands.

I continue to let the word of God dwell in me richly in all my wisdom and teaching ~Col 3:16
~to be continued~
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-Martha Belz

I hope you have marked your calendars and are planning to attend Foothill’s Fall Retreat the weekend of September 25th.

I am very grateful to session for approving the allocation of money to offset the expense of the retreat. This will allow me to lower the fees and make the retreat more affordable. I will set the fees and have that information soon. Thanks, session!

Sam Barry is providing our program this year. He is a musician, writer, and columnist Dave Barry’s brother. Sam will bring music and humor to the weekend. Ben is meeting with Sam soon to begin developing the program. I’m sure it will be a special weekend.

The location of the Fall Retreat is 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 the center will be filled with members of the Foothill Family! More information will follow.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thanks!
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*Academics*
The kids are learning about the letters “S” &“T”
& numbers 19 & 20.

*Themes & Activities*


*Summer*
6/1-6/4

6/1 Art: Paper plate flower / Song: Summer is here
6/2 Learning the letter “S”
6/3 Learning the number 19
6/4 Wear your sunglasses






*Community Helpers*
6/8-6/11

6/8 Poem: I’m a happy doctor
Art: Fireman
6/9 Learning the letter *S*
6/10 Learning the number 19
6/11 Bring magazine cut out of a community help




*Father*
6/15-6/18

6/15 Art: Father’s tie card/Bring a picture of dad
Song: Daddy
6/16 Learning letter “T”
6/17 Learning number 20
6/18 Dads drop your child off at preschool day

*Zoo Animal*
6/22-6/25

6/22 Art: Elephant Song: 5 little Monkeys
6/24 Learning letter “T”
6/24 Learning number 20
6/25 Bring a toy zoo animal




*Red, White & Blue The 4th of July*

6/29 Art: Fireworks
6/30 Letter review day *S & *T*

*Special Events*

Jazzercise Monday & Wednesday


Every Friday








~Community Helpers~

San Jose Police officer visits the preschool - Thursday, June 11


FieldtripChildren’s Discovery Museum - Friday, June 12


Father’s day potluck lunch - Tuesday, June 16

Sunday, June 21

MY HERO
By Debbie Young

As I ponder the love that I saw in his eyes,

A Godly love, given without compromise....

I recall many times that he stood by my side,

And prodded me on with great vigor and pride.

His voice ever confident, firm and yet fair,

Always speaking with patience and care.

The power and might of his hands was so sure,

I knew there was nothing we couldn't endure.

It's true, a few others provided insight,

Yet, he laid the foundation that kept me upright.

He's the grandest of men to have lived on earth,

Although he's not royal by stature or birth.

He's a man of great dignity, honor and strength.

His merits are noble, and of admirable length.

He's far greater than all other men that I know,

He's my Dad, he's my mentor, my friend and hero.

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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS…
To folks for the successful production of the following concerts:

• Flauti Dolci & Amici – Kraig and Sue Williams, and Susan Andersen, Peg Nickl

• South Bay Philharmonic (formerly HP Orchestra): Dana and Ben Marino, Peg Nickl, Patty Potter, Darlene Ristrim, Jerry Siegfried, Ellen Chelino.

• Ragtime Americana – Dana and Ben Marino, Darlene Ristrim, Bud Schmidt

• 4th Annual Alum Rock Music Festival – Peg Nickl, Jerry Siegfried

I hope I’m not forgetting anyone. If I am, I’m sorry. I’ll get you in next time. Thanks everyone!

MID-PENINSULA RECORDER ORCHESTRA (MPRO) IN CONCERT
Sunday, June 7, 2009


Formed in 1962 and directed by Frederic Palmer, this American Recorder Society Consort will feature William Boyce’s Symphony No. 5 (Allegro ma non troppo), Guillaume de Machaut’s Ballade Quant Theseus/Ne quier veoir, Harry Kandel’s Der Shtiler Bulgar, Andrea Gabrieli’s Quando’io ero giovinetto, Heinrich Isaac’s Isbruck, ich muss dich lassen, Johannes Brahms’s O Welt, ich muss dich lassen, and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Gigue from the Orchestral Suite No. 3. MPRO appearances include those at KQED, KCSM, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, and those with the Palo Alto Madrigal Singers, the Congregational Oratorio Society, the Young Performers String Orchestra, the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, and the California State University, East Bay Singers. www.sfems.org/mpro/

Suggested Donation: $10 per person


~~What the Neighbors are Saying~~

Hello ARNNE Friends and Neighbors,

My wife and I are in awe of this upcoming performance! But unfortunately we will miss it because of traveling to So. Cal. to our son's home.

I am posting this on ARNNE in the hopes of encouraging many of you into going in our stead. This is a wonderful way to soak up a refreshing sound of music. The acoustics in the small chapel are very intimate and the proximity of the performers right in front of us, we can even talk to them during the intermission, is not like going to the California Theatre down town. And this is not a substitute for rap or hard rock music lovers. This is "long hair" stuff.

Thank you Jay Jordana and your music skills for bringing this great venue to our neighborhood,
Frank Crane
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Outreach Social Time
-Nancy Leonard, Membership/Outreach

Membership/Outreach would like to initiate some activities for Foothill folks with the thought of simply enjoying each other's company.

The first get together will be at noon on June 17 in Alum Rock Park. Bring a simple dish (such as fruit, salad etc.) to share and your own drink. We will supply the plates and utensils.
We will gather at the tables by the children's playground. Meet at the church parking lot at 11:54 if you would like to carpool. Let the church office know if you need a ride.

If you are available at lunch time, please join us!
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Keeping You Posted...
-Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

Selected information from the minutes of Session, Deacons and Committees

Mission Committee
Foothill CROP walkers raised approximately $ 1,250 to help combat hunger locally and globally.

Buildings and Grounds
Under the tutelage of Jim Withrow the Geezers (Tuesday Men’s Maintenance Crew) have begun repair on the weather damaged windows in Fellowship Hall.

Worship
Reviewed Holy Week activities and began preparation for Pentecost. Discussed preparation and serving of Communion.

Finance
Discussed the 2009-10 Stewardship timelines. The “bare bones budget” will be presented to the congregation on June 7. Finance and Stewardship Committees will meet to prepare the budget for Session on June 21.

Christian Education
Melissa Hill met with the committee to discuss coordination of a VBS program for Foothill. Open House for Sunday school will be on June 7.

Preschool
43 students (29 full time and 16 part time) are currently enrolled. It is estimated that 150 people will be attending the Teacher Appreciation event to be held on May 1.

Deacons
Shared family ministry reports. Reviewed preparation of communion elements. Assignments were made for flower delivery.

Session
Our membership is 207 as of April 30. The annual Presbytery review of Session minutes was held on May 2. We reviewed the proposed 09-10 budget. It was m/s/c to offer Foothill Church for a Disaster Shelter.

Information secured from the May 6 Session packet.
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Gifts of Women at FPC
-Isabelle Taylor and Marilyn Kromrey

On April 19th we celebrated the Gifts of Women of Foothill Presbyterian Church.

An Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women was conferred upon Jan Miller in recognition of her faithful service in our Church's work.

Jan and her husband Herb have been members of Foothill since February 1984 and Jan has served an Elder and presently as a Deacon . Jan Miller has become a great asset for the preschool and was one of the original members of the Preschool board of directors.

Jan has been there for the preschool staff not only as an advisor, she also enjoys being in the classroom with the children. She gives moral support and encouragement to Trish, the director. Jan has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers and is currently working on creating whimsical baskets for the Spring Extravaganza and silent auction.

Jan not only helps in the classroom, she and Eileen Parks are also great at preparing food for the Teacher Appreciation luncheon and other events for the preschool. She and Eileen recently oversaw the renovation of Room 7 for a teacher break room and meeting room.

To show their love for Jan the preschool children (and teachers) made special Thank You Cards to show their appreciation and to send their love to Jan.

Jan is also interested in gardening and helps prune the FPC roses in the Spring. When planning begins for the Halloween Family Festival, Jan is so helpful to look for prizes for the various games and helps organize the event. Jan is the cashier during the Building and Grounds Flea Markets and is great at categorizing the donated items.

We applaud Jan for her efforts and thank her for the time and talent she has contributed to the Foothill Preschool and to the life of the church. We were pleased to present Jan Miller with an Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women.
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Fun and Faith

Vacation Bible School
August 10-14 from 9 am-12 pm

Come and spend a week with Foothill this Summer.
Learn all about the words Faith Joy Peace Love.

We'll have craft activities, music, and a snack every day!

Call or email to the church to Register
$15 per registrant
(community scholarships available)

Kindergarten to 6th grade.
(Younger siblings accepted on
a case by case basis)
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Parish Concerns

Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Bobbie Stites, Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, Glenda Parmentier, Charlie Klotz, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda, Marilyn Kromrey, and Nancy Azzarello.



Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, June 7
Trinity Sunday
Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29;
Romans 8:12-17; John 3:-17

Sunday, June 14
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 15: 34—16:13; Psalm 20
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17;
Mark 4:26-34

Sunday, June 21
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20;
or 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10– 16 and Psalm 133;
2 Corinthians 6: 1-13; Mark 4;35-41

Sunday, June 28
28th Sunday in Ordinary time
2 Samuel 1:1-1, 17-27; Psalm 130;
2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43

Worship Opportunities

We are looking for Sunday worship volunteers.
Please consider signing up for one of the following worship opportunities:

• Liturgist (contact Peg in the church office)
• Coffee Hour
• Flowers
• Greeter
  

Sign up sheets are located on the bulletin board next to the sanctuary doors. Everyone is welcome to volunteer.

May 2009

A Letter from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

At the end of this month, I will be traveling to Geneva to celebrate John Calvin’s 500th birthday, and I suppose the occasion of my pilgrimage to that city on a hill above the place where the Rhone begins its journey from the Alps to Provence is as good a time as any to say what I like so much about John Calvin, a man remembered primarily for his stern demeanor and his commitment to the doctrine of predestination.

Calvin’s popular reputation is not without factual merit. Calvin is, after all, the man who used the weight of his spiritual authority to convince the Geneva city fathers to pass a law requiring bar patrons to say grace before having a drink; Calvin’s writing can be acerbic and obtuse, and many of his ideas have not withstood the test of time.

There is, however, another side to John Calvin, a side that often is forgotten in the public imagination and ignored by Calvin’s detractors. Calvin truly wanted the world to be a better, more just place. He believed that Christians had a responsibility to care for the poor and hem believed that governments should exist for the wellbeing of the people and not the other way around. This is obvious to us today because Calvinist ethics have permeated our society, but it was a novel idea five hundred years ago.

I also like John Calvin because he was a populist. Calvin’s then-radical notion was that everyone was equal before God, and that all faithful and honest work is equal before God, so that the craftsmanship of a bricklayer is just as important to God as the state craft of a president. These are ideas that are hard for a progressive like me to dislike!

But I am a fan of John Calvin for another reason, too: I love the fact that despite Calvin’s frequently crotchety demeanor, in his writings, Calvin has moments of profound beauty, particularly when, in the first chapters of the Institutes he celebrates the wonder and magnificence of the natural world. When a man so thoroughly grouchy as John Calvin is able to write with profound grace, then I have hope for most of us—people of generally amiable dispositions, who may like to work a little bit more beauty into our lives. If Calvin was capable of loveliness, than so are we, and from I sit, that’s reason to celebrate.

May God Bless You!

Ben

View Pastor Ben's sermons online.
...........................................................................................................................................................................~The The Life of a Seminary Student {on internship}
-Maxine Millender

When we forget about ourselves, we do things other will remember

-RBC Ministries

Last month I shared about the 13 year old who had shot himself. I had the opportunity to visit with him when he was in trauma ICU. He had had surgery, there was no brain damage, and he was on breathing treatments. His grandparents were in his room and they remembered me. They hugged me and I pulled a chair to sit close to the young man. I asked him if I could pray for him and read some scripture to him and he held up his thumb to signify ok. Because the policy is not to bring up an attempt, I read about forgiveness to them so that they now God loves them. I talked to him about how much everyone cares about him, how the Doctors worked very hard to make sure he would be ok, and that I loved him also. He help up his thumb and nodded his head yes. I told him to be good and continue to honor his grandparents. They legally adopted him. He was sent to a children’s hospital so that he would have good help from a psychiatric RN.

Sometimes it is so lonely walking the halls but I continue to do it. When we work the extended shift, we have to carry the primary pager. All calls after 4pm come through this page. We have to respond to all of them within a specific amount of time. All trauma related calls are within 5 minutes, no matter where you are in the hospital. Sometimes this is almost impossible so I have learned to prioritize my calls and let the RNs know I am working on a family crisis or will be there in so many minutes. This has worked so far.

Lately there has been an influx of suicide attempts, full arrests (heart stops), brain bleeds, and motorcycle accidents. Two weeks ago, a 17 year old girl was brought in because she had gone to a party with friends. They convinced her to take the drug ecstasy and she started to convulse. Now she has tremors throughout her entire body and shakes constantly. Believe it or not, when I went to visit with her, her friends were in her room. I was not able to have a good pastoral visit with her and left disappointed.

We had a young man (30’s) come to the ER by helicopter. He had gone outside to smoke or so he told his wife but when he took too long to come inside, she went out and found him hanging from a tree. She was able to cut him down, paramedics of the care flight crew fought to save his life and when he arrived in ER, he was barely alive. The doctors worked hard to save his life but he died. The cut and burn marks around his neck were horrible to look at. His wife informed us that this was not his first attempt at suicide! How scary is this? When we have deaths in ER, they are horrible for us Chaplains.

I am open to all situations and have no time to wish things were different. I constantly try to see the Light and be able to love those who are hurting and I try very hard to show hospitality and compassion but sometimes this is difficult. The other night a 37 year old woman came in by ambulance. When she arrived, one paramedic was on the gurney giving her CPR. The Doctors took over but her heart never started. Imagine the family arrived to the hospital (20 total) and I was the first one they saw. I invited them to the family room and they immediately took this to mean DEATH because I said I was the Chaplain. When I finally got them in the room, I explained that I could not share medical information but brought them in this room so that the Doctor and/or RN could come in and give them information as a family in privacy. When I came back with the Doctor, he informed them of the poor prognosis and her heart not starting but they were still trying. When I went back after 10 min, the Doctor pulled me aside to say she was practically dead and he wanted me to bring some of the family members in to discuss. They agreed with him and then it all started. There was crying, sobbing, dry heaving, and some passing out. They were very nasty to me at times but I kept being compassionate. In the midst of their grief, I have to get critical information and in this case, all information. Some of this information is the emergency contact, phone numbers, address, funeral home if they had one, and a primary Doctorr. In all ER deaths, we have to ask for primary Doctors and all deaths go to our Medical examiner. We have a group called Life Gift who we call to give death information and they let us know if the patient is a candidate for organ donation and they are the ones who call the families. A lot of times families will donate and sometimes they cringe at the thought of considering this for their loved one.

The most amazing thing for all of us is we are not alone in any of our crisis. We tend to our flock, we write reflectively about it, and we share it with each other to get feedback. This is an incredible tool for me; I am able to express my hurt, fears, and anger with my peers, get feedback and not get judged.

Many of us have been discerning about what it will look like at the end of August. One resident will remain for another year as a Chaplain but go to our mental illness hospital. She is Presbyterian, has not been able to pass one test, and cannot seek a call. She graduated from seminary two years ago. Our male resident (Catholic) will be ordained as a Deacon in September, our resident from Kenya will return in September and one intern interviewed for another year at Harris but was told no and she was devastated. I received my letter from the University of Texas at Austin and it was decided not to recommend me for admission to the social work school. It is interesting that I felt ok and at peace with this decision. Now I am in prayer about moving to Austin to attend seminary or remain in Ft Worth and attend Brite Divinity School. I have a few weeks before the deadline so I request prayers from you about where God will lead me. If I stay in Ft Worth, I can join organizations which support children who are abused and if I move to Austin, I can join organizations and also volunteer to work at the children’s hospital as a Chaplain.

I continue to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus-Philippians 3:14

{I keep my eyes fixed on the prize}

~to be continued~

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The Preschool is having Fun
in May with 43 kids




*Academics*
· The kids are learning about the
letters “Q” “R” & numbers 17 & 18.

*Themes & Activities*

*Mothers*
5/4-5/7

· 5/4 Art: Mothers day Flower & card
Song: I Love Mommy
· 5/5 Learning the letter “Q”
· 5/6 Learning the number 17
· 5/7 Bring a picture of your mother



· 5/11 Art: Paper plate flower
Poem: Planting Time
· 5/12 Learning the letter *Q*
· 5/13 Learning the number 17
· 5/14 Bring flowers to plant

*Zoo Animals*
5/18-5/21

· 5/18Art: Tent
Song: A Camping We Will Go
· 5/19 Learning letter “R”
· 5/20 Learning number 18
· 5/21 Bring a camping thing




*Graduation/Picnic*
5/26-5/28
· 5/26 Art: Graduation Owl
Song: Graduation
· 5/26 Art: Ants at the picnic mural
Song: Picnic Packing
· 5/26 Learning letter “R”
· 5/27 Learning number 18
· 5/28 Graduation dress rehearsal



*Re-occurring Activities*







*Special Events*

Friday, May 1
St. Jude’s Hospital
Bike-A-Thon
&
Teacher Appreciation/
Silent Auction Evening







Thursday, May 7
Mother’s potluck lunch




Friday, May 15
Fieldtrip
Bounce-A-Rama


Friday, May 29
Preschool Graduation Program




*Preschool Closed*
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day (observed)

*HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY*
Sunday, May 10

My mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it's start.

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem...

And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough-
But not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.

====================================================================

The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS…

To Kraig Williams and Stevie White for the successful production of the American Recorder Orchestra of the West concert.

“THE GROUP FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE HP SYMPHONY”
Friday, May 15, 7:30 PM

Yes, they are in the process of changing their name. To what? Dunno yet, but we do know that they are coming to Foothill soon. Their program will feature small chamber works (to be announced), and the popular Dvorak Symphony No. 9 (New World).

RAGTIME AMERICANA!
Sunday, May 17, 3PM

All are cordially invited to attend a program of Ragtime Piano Music from the Past 100 Years, presented by Ragtime piano duo Jack and Chris Bradshaw. With a sparkle reminiscent of old-time piano rolls, Jack and Chris Bradshaw produce a crisp, colorful, varied sound, encompassing the magic of the entire keyboard. Program will feature Scott Joplin’s Cleopha, Joseph Lamb’s Bohemia Rag, Charles N. Daniels’ Margery, Charles L. Johnson’s Dill Pickles, Charlotte Blake’s Gravel Rag, Galen Wilkes’s Cakewalking through Kansas, and Harry P. Guy’s Pearl of the Harem. Travel back to a gentler time and enjoy works by ragtime’s most notable composers.

AUDIOVISUAL (AV) LIBRARY

People are actually checking stuff out! It’s good to know that some folks are using our AV library to check out CD, DVD, and VCR recordings. Let’s make our AV library more attractive. Interested in donating CD, DVD, VCR, and cassette recordings of films, music, and so on? Please drop them off in the box marked “Donations.” In the meantime, check out our AV library. Go ahead and sign stuff out. We’ve got some neat stuff!
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Have you run out of storage space? Are you tired of fumbling around all those extra items you just haven't gotten around to getting rid of? Chances are you have household items that are still in great shape that you just don't have use for anymore.

It's time to empty the closets, reorganize the cabinets, and clean out under the bed. Don't dust that unused item again! Donate it to the Spring Flea Market. Unclutter those cabinets and support your Buildings and Grounds Committee. Donated items will be accepted during office hours, Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. Call ahead if you need help unloading. (no clothing please)

But wait! What if you don't have any items to donate but still want to support Buildings and Grounds? Just volunteer to set up or tear down. Or plan to come out and work a table.

Want to rent a space to sell your things? You can do that too! Just a $10 donation gets you your very own flea market space for the entire day. Call the church office to request your space.

Donate, Participate, or just come out to shop! Don't miss the Spring Flea Market, Saturday, May 23 from 8AM to 2PM in the front parking lot.

Set up at 7:30AM.

*************************************************************************************

I hope you have marked your calendars and are planning to attend Foothill’s Fall Retreat the weekend of September 25^th.

Sam Barry is providing our program this year. He is a musician, writer, and columnist Dave Barry’s brother. Sam will bring music and humor to the weekend. Ben is meeting with Sam soon to begin developing the program. I’m sure it will be a special weekend.

The location of the Fall Retreat is 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 the center will be filled with members of the Foothill Family! More information will follow.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks!

Martha Belz

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A Thank You Note from Marilyn Bahr

I wish to express my appreciation to Foothill Prayer Chain, and to all who offered their prayers and support during Larry's operation and time in the hospital. The operation was a success and eliminated the pain he had suffered for a long time. We know your prayers helped and made things easier for the doctors, as they did not have to face what they expected. God be praised!

Thank you

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Parish Concerns

Special Prayers

Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Helen Klotz, Bobbie Stites, Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, Glenda Parmentier, Joanne Reinecker, Charlie Klotz, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda, and Maury Mitchell.

Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, May 3
4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23;
John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

Sunday, May 10
5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31
John 4:7-21; John 15:9-17

Sunday, May 17 6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98
John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17

Sunday, May 24
7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

Sunday, May 31
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21, or Ezekiel 31:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34,35b
Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
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NOTES FROM THE MINUTES OF SESSION AND VARIOUS COMMITTEES
-Darlene Ristrim, Clerk of Session

Session

• Session approved John Moore’s request to move into Inquirer status as he continues to define his call. He recently met with the Presbytery Committee on the Preparation for Ministry and has been granted Inquirer status.

• Sarah Glass has passed all ordination exams and once her other graduation requirements have been met she is ready to accept a call.

Buildings and Grounds

• Ray Mignogna, Herb Miller, Jerry Siegfried and Jim Withrow volunteered over 240 hours working on the recent Sewer Repair Project.
  

Finance

• The cost of various projects at Foothill, including the parking lot, sewer repair and tree removal grew to $55,750. We are grateful to Verizon for their generous contribution in assisting with costs.

Foothill Christian Preschool

• As of March 17 a total of 45 children are enrolled, 29 full time and 16 part time.

• The downturn in the economy is being felt, some parents have lost their jobs.
  

Worship

• The members of the Worship Committee were very busy with preparations for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Tasks included: order and arrange Easter lilies, Details relating to Maundy Thursday Simple Supper and Service, securing palms and hanging banners for Palm Sunday and serving coffee hour on Easter Sunday

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday School
-John Belz

Ever wonder what our children do after they leave church each week following the children’s sermon? If they are in grades three through five, they attend a Sunday School class taught by Amanda Belz, Sharon Rowser or John Belz.

These three teachers rotate duties bi-weekly and teach using the Witness Curriculum from the Augsburg Fortress press. This is a rich program that offers Bible reading and discussions, weekly leaflets with puzzles and quizzes and an array of crafts and activities.

The activities include games and plays from this week’s Bible lesson (or sometimes a high energy game of Fruit Basket Upset! – ask one of the children what that is). The crafts tend to be making educational projects using paper, glue, twine and stickers. Rather than send the leaflets and crafts home each week we save them all for an open house the second weekend in June. We hope to see you there. Each week also includes a snack of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. Did you know that there are six different flavors?

This picture is from Palm Sunday and includes some of the palm fronds that were carried up the aisle during the service. Clockwise from left are Grace , Samara , Katelyn , Nathania and Luke.

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Christian Ed needs volunteers for vacation bible school. VBS will be held August 10-14.

Contact Melissa Hill if you are able to volunteer for teaching, recreation, snacks, crafts, or music.

All Foothill kids, grandkids, and friends are welcome to attend. CE will need a commitment of both families attending and volunteers by May 17th. Help CE make this happen and sign up for VBS today!

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'A whole new way of doing mission'

Life-style changes at home benefit mission partners elsewhere, pastor finds

by Emily Enders Odom
Associate for Mission Communications
Reprinted from One in the Spirit

TENNENT, NJ - Although her two trips to Bolivia under the auspices of the Presbyterian Hunger Program were unquestionably life-changing, it was a visit here from a former mission worker to Bolivia that unexpectedly changed how the Rev. Phyllis Zoon lived.

In her unique, joint role as Hunger Action and Stewardship of Creation Enabler for Monmouth Presbytery, Zoon came to the conclusion that hunger and poverty cannot be effectively addressed without also engaging environmental issues.

To raise the presbytery's awareness of the dynamics and consequences of this intimate interrelationship, Zoon had invited former mission co-worker, Bob Dunsmore - who, with his wife Julie, served nine years in Bolivia until August 2008 - to speak during Mission Challenge '07, the highly successful initiative which sent 48 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) missionaries to visit 144 presbyteries in September 2007.

When Dunsmore began to explain that the glaciers in Bolivia that provide water for millions of people would be gone within ten years because of global warming, Zoon experienced a moment of remarkable insight and clarity.

"Bob told us that what we can do to help our brothers and sisters in Bolivia the most is not writing a check or even sending clothing or medicine," she said. "Their biggest request is that we drive less. Our partners in Bolivia say that what they most want is for us to change the way we live so that we can at least mitigate the effects of climate change. It's a whole new way of doing mission because it asks us not to give so they can live like us but to change, to transform our lives so they can live."

Zoon's perspective enriched and her spirit profoundly moved by the Bolivian partners' specific request, Zoon immediately set out to change her behavior. "Their appeal that we change ourselves changed me," she said. "I have started putting fewer pollutants into the air, I buy less stuff, and I've gotten more involved in local initiatives and in the environment than ever before. I'm preaching the message broadly throughout the presbytery that the small changes we can each make in our own lives can have a big impact."

One of the programs of the PC(USA)'s General Assembly Council on which Zoon has greatly relied for resources in both making and advocating lifestyle changes toward building more sustainable communities is Enough for Everyone.

She specifically cited Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table, a curriculum designed for high schoolers and adults that aims to bring into dialogue daily eating habits, the Christian faith and the "needs of the broader world," and The Presbyterian Coffee Project, which helps to ensure that more of Americans' "coffee dollar" goes to the farmers who do the work.

"This is something that people can do," Zoon said. "These are changes that we can make in our lives. We can give up the cup of coffee that we buy and make a gourmet cup of fair trade coffee at home. We can really do these things so that our lives will be changed, all while we learn the stories of the people behind the different projects."

Because hearing the stories that connect Presbyterians in mission is critical to Zoon's ministry as well as her own spiritual growth, she is currently working on again securing a mission worker to speak at Monmouth Presbytery during the 2009 World Mission Challenge, scheduled for Sept. 25-Oct. 18 this year.

She has also been a guiding force in planning and programming an upcoming May 30th symposium entitled "Out of Africa," jointly sponsored by the Hunger Action and Advocacy Programs of Monmouth and New Brunswick Presbyteries.

Its purpose is to lift up the exciting ministries that are currently taking place in Africa as well as the many connections that are shared with the congregations of both presbyteries.

"The symposium will also get people acquainted with important church-based advocacy efforts such as Publish What You Pay (PWYP), which calls for oil, gas, and mining companies to disclose what they pay governments for the extraction of natural resources, thereby holding them accountable," Zoon said, adding that billions of dollars are lost each year through government corruption.

The PC(USA) endorsed the campaign and joined the PWYP coalition by action of the 218th General Assembly (2008).

Zoon sees programs like Publish What You Pay and Joining Hands, another initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, as being a critical part of creating long-term solutions toward healing the world.

"So often we give our money so people can be like us when they don't really want that," she said. "We think we can do things in the short term without changing our own long term behavior. But Jesus came into the world to change lives, starting with our own."

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09342

April 2009

A Letter from the Pastor

Friends,

Holy week provides us with an important opportunity to deepen our faith as we celebrate the Lordship of Jesus on Palm Sunday, as we share the intimacy of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, as we follow Jesus through his suffering and death, and as we take joy in the mystery of the empty tomb.

I hope you will join me in finding ways to make the most of Holy Week. One way to do this is to participate in the Holy Week worship services at Foothill—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday’s simple supper and communion service, Good Friday’s ecumenical way of the cross in Alum Rock Park and its simple liturgy in the sanctuary chancel, the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, and our worship service for Easter Morning. The services are designed to work together to give us a full experience of Holy Week.

Another way to observe Holy Week is to read the four stories of Jesus’ passion, crucifixion and resurrection that are found in the Gospels. Each of the stories is different, each written for a different audience and to communicate a different message, and each is vital to our understanding of Jesus ministry. The Gospel stories of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection are found in Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-20.

I hope you’ll attend the services for Holy Week and I hope you will take time to read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ final days. And I hope you will be in prayer for yourself and for our church family as we remember Jesus passion and death and as we celebrate Easter.

Here’s to Life!
Ben



The Life of a Seminary student
-Maxine Millender

When we know that God’s hand is in everything, we can leave everything in God’s hand.
-RBC ministries

I am still walking down these corridors with my eyes and heart which are open to see and give. My patients are many and when I work the extended shifts, I walk all over the hospital to minister to those in need. My walks have taken me to visit patients who have sickle cell anemia, women who have lost their babies at 19 weeks or less, suicide attempts, brain bleeds, pancreatic cancer, and more.

I normally write and send my article around the 25th but this month has been very busy for us. This past week (Tues) all of us Chaplains had to attend the Faith Community Leadership Summit where Pastors around the area come together. Of course, all of us first years had to put the 300+ packages together. The event was awesome and I had the opportunity to help a Pastor sell her books. She was one of the keynote speakers from San Diego and she spoke on Mental Illness. She gave me an autographed copy of her book. We had many speakers and it was an opportunity to meet others and network.

On Fri of last week, four of us first year residents drove to Dallas to meet with other CPE supervisors. We had to send a verbatim, our final evaluation, write a 2-page autobiography, and one page explaining what we wanted to get out of the session with them. We each had two women and two men. The session (50 min) was helpful to get a different perspective on our growth for our first six months in CPE.

When we returned to work, everyone else could leave at 4:30 but it was my extended shift which meant working to 12M. It didn’t happen this way and I ended up working until 4:30 am. It was a very long night for me due to a death in the ER. A man (45) who was driving his car (his Mom was in the car with him), had a heart attack, hit a curb and it ran over it to hit a chain link fence. When EMS arrived, they started giving him CPR all the way to the hospital which continued when he arrived in the room. The Doctors were not successful in saving him. On him was his license, a large sum ($2k) of money in his wallet, and his clothes. We are responsible for securing valuable and taking them to security for lock-up.

I was about to call one of the numbers when the guard called me to say family had arrived. His three brothers were in the room, the older one took my hand and said please tell me he is not dead, please tell me he made it. I told him that I had to get the Doctor to come and explain the medical information because as a Chaplain, I don’t have the medical knowledge to explain. He thanked me and said ok. I left and came back with the Doctor who explained that the brother did not make it and shared what happened to his heart. When the Doctor left, the older brother asked me how to tell him Mom of 82 years that her son died. My heart ached and I was glad that another Chaplain was in the room with me. She spoke up and asked about the Mom’s condition and we all agreed that we would bring her in to tell her. She cried and the older son wiped her tears away tenderly. I brought them back to the annex to see his brother and help them through the process.

It was very emotional for me because of a crisis before he arrived. A young man who is 13 years old shot himself through the mouth and the bullet exited through his head but he did not die. He was able to call 911 and was flown by helicopter to ER. It took the grandparents 50 min to get there and the grandfather sobbed and almost passed out. I prayed with them. When their Pastor arrived, he thanked me for not judging the young man. I told him that I do not judge anyone; all patients are given care and comfort, and prayer if they want it. I also told him that I don’t look at what happened I look at compassion for my patient. He thanked me again.

This particular night in ER brought all kinds of trauma while I was there. When a policeman’s truck rolled over, he was rushed to ER and most of the force was there before he arrived. I had to keep them out of the way and not give special treatment or care due to his status. They were very guarded and protective but I offered them the same thing I give to all my patients, God’s love. There were strokes, brain bleeds, and many sicknesses this night and it was a long and difficult night for me.

When I had to work the death of a 19 week baby girl, this was painful and emotional. The Father held her when she was breathing but as soon as she died, he did not want to go near her. His wife was heavily sedated so I spent time with him, shared the story of David’s son, and we spoke about his wife and her closure. Because I was the Chaplin to work with this family, I had to bring the baby to the morgue. She was 10oz, 10 inches, and had a lot of hair. We dressed her in a baby doll’s dress and wrapped a blanket around her. A day later the Mother wanted to see her so I had to go to the morgue to get her and I was able to spend time with the Mother before I left her with her daughter. I created a sacred space for her by reading scripture, praying to God and asking for God presence with the young lady. As I quietly left, I could hear her sobs.

I have had some time to spend with my niece and this has helped me. I am still going to a movie as often as I can and reading novels. Although there are so many things happening, I am happy to share this incredible journey with you and also how I am handling things here. Being in the trauma hospital is the most rewarding place to be because I get to provide care to someone whom I may never see again and they leave knowing someone cared for them while they were here.


~to be continued~
____________________________________________________________________

*Academics*

· The kids are learning about the letters "O" & "P" and the numbers 15 & 16.

*Themes & Activities*

*Multicultural*
Theme continues 4/1-4/3

· 4/1 Number review day (13 & 14)
· 4/2 Bring something from your culture
· 4/3 Share & movie day

*Easter*
4/6-4/9

· 4/6 Art: I’m on television
Poem: “Egghert the Easter Egg”
· 4/7 Letter *O* day
· 4/8 Number 15 day
· 4/9 Bring rabbit



*Praise of God*
4/13-4/17

· 4/13 Art: God’s paper plate tambourine
Music & Movement: Prayer hug
· 4/14 Letter *O* day
· 4/15 Number 15 day
· 4/16 Bring your favorite Bible story
· 4/17 Movie & share day


*Earth Day*
4/20-4/24

· 4/20 Art: Blarney stones
Music & Movement: “The more we recycle”
· 4/21 Letter *P* day/wear green
· 4/22 Number 16 day
· 4/23 Bring a recyclable item
· 4/24 Movie & share day

*Helping Others*
4/27-4/30
· 4/27 St. Jude’s Bike-A-Thon
· 4/28 Letter *P* day
· 4/29 Number 16 day
· 4/30 Bring 1 can food for the Lord’s Pantry

*Special Activities*
Wednesday, April 8
Egg Dye day

Thursday, April 9
Easter Egg Hunt







Friday, April 24
Gardening Day
We’re planting flowers





Friday, May 1
St. Jude’s Hospital Bike-A-Thon





*Preschool Closed*
Friday, April 10
Good Friday

____________________________________________________________________

I know it is not even summer yet, but fall will be here before we know it. Fall brings the Fall Retreat. This year it will once again be held the last weekend of September.

The location of the Fall Retreat is 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 the center will be filled with members of the Foothill Family! More information will follow.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the retreat the weekend of September 25th.

Thanks!
Martha Belz
_____________________________________________________________

The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS… To Dana and Ben Marino, Peg Nickl, Kraig Williams, and Stevie White for the production of the Monteverdi Brass Quintet concert.

To Joyce Banks, Dana and Ben Marino, Peg Nickl, Darlene Ristrim, Bud and Shirley Schmidt for the production of the Nothingset Ensemble and Flauti Dolci and Amici I concerts.

DO YOU LIKE ITALIAN?

American Recorder Orchestra of the West (AROW) performs “Viva Italia!”
The programwill feature music from the Renaissance such as madrigals by Caccini, Donato, Gesualdo, Vecchi, Monteverdi, and Tu es Petrus by Palestrina; music from the early baroque such as canzonas by Gabrieli and Frescobaldi, and Vivaldi’s Double Trumpet Concerto in C Major as well as music from the 19th century such operatic arias by Donizetti and Verdi. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18th at 3 PM. Suggested Donation $10 per person

NACUSAsf

Written by living composers, the musical offerings will feature Carolyn Hawley’s Nocturnes No. 3, No. 1 for piano, Simon Bokman’s The Puppet Show (Prologue) for mezzo-soprano and piano, L. Peter Deutsch’s Sunset at Montlimar for flute, cello, and piano, Monica Lynn’s Ye Xiang Gu for Gu-zheng and percussion, Nancy Bloomer Deussen’s Two Pieces for Piano, John G. Bilotta’s Madison Sketchbook, Set 1 for piano, Karl Schmidt’s Three Spirituals for clarinet quartet, and Liam Wade’s Silver Apples for soprano and piano. http://nacusasf.org

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 26th at 3 PM. Suggested Donation $10 per person
____________________________________________________________________

Joanne Reinecker

Joanne Reinecker appears on YouTube courtesy of videographer Emilio Ratti, mutual friend of Joanne and artist Roberto Tinoco Duran. Emilio recorded Joanne in her home last July.

In the first video Joanne plays You Belong to my Heart. Written in 1944 this song was preformed by Dora Luz in the film The Three Caballeros.

In the second video Joanne plays her own arrangement of Estrellina (My Little Star). This Mexican art song was written in 1912 by Daniel Marie Ponce.

_____________________________________________
2009 Family Deacon List
Family Deacon
A
Ackel- Jerry Siegfried
Adjei- Brian Siegfried
Andersen- Jerry Siegfried
Ardrey- Jerry Siegfried
Azzarello- Jan Miller
B
Bahr- Celia Escamilla
Baker- Brian Siegfried
Banks, J- Jane Wallace
Banks, R- Jody Yarborough
Bargas- Al Schuler
Barker/Meacham- Brian Siegfried
Behlen- Jody Yarborough
Belz- Woody Moore
Bosteels- Udell Eby
Britten- Jan Miller
Brown- Toni Ann Gatzke
C
Carlson- Celia Escamilla
Carpio- Celia Escamilla
Chacon- Jane Wallace
Chaignon- Celia Escamilla
Cota Brian- Siegfried
Cummings/ Dedic- Jody Yarborough
D
Daniel, B- Jerry Siegfried
Daniel, D- Woody Moore
Destro- Jan Miller
Doust- Udell Eby
Drew, Jack- Toni Ann Gatzke
Drew, John- Toni Ann Gatzke
Dunbrack- Udell Eby
E
Eby- Gay Southwell
Ealy- Udell Eby
Erle- Brian Siegfried
Escamilla, C- Gay Southwell
Escamilla, T- Celia Escamilla
F
Faraday, B- Jan Miller
Faraday, D- Al Schuler
Faraday, J- Jerry Siegfried
Faraday, K- Jan Miller
Felix- Rosemarie Nelson
Funnell- Jan Miller
G
Garetson- Woody Moore
Garrett- Jane Wallace
Gatzke- Gay Southwell
Glass- Al Schuler
Goedde- Jody Yarborough
Goetz- Al Schuler
Gourdberg- Celia Escamilla
Grandi- Woody Moore
H
Habenicht- Jody Yarborough
Harro- Woody Moore
Havis- Faler Al Schuler
Heisey- Udell Eby
Hewitt- Toni Ann Gatzke
Hively- Brian Siegfried
Horch- Jerry Siegfried
Husk- Jody Yarborough
I
Isberg- Brian Siegfried
J
Jordana- Celia Escamilla
Joubert- Toni Ann Gatzke
K
Ketsophon- Jerry Siegfried
Kim-Rankin- Jane Wallace
Kinsman- Rosemarie Nelson
Kiruja- Jane Wallace
Klotz- Brian Siegfried
Knight- Jane Wallace
Kromery- Al Schuler
Kunkee- Woody Moore
L
Lam- Rosemarie Nelson
Lashbrook- Jerry Siegfried
Lehman- Udell Eby
Leonard- Toni Ann Gatzke
LeValley- Jane Wallace
LeValley- Udell Eby
Llamas- Brian Siegfried
Lollar- Brian Siegfried
M
Magazu- Jane Wallace
Mahmood- Toni Ann Gatzke
Marino- Toni Ann Gatzke
Martinez- Jerry Siegfried
Mignogna- Jody Yarborough
Miller- Gay Southwell
Mints- Jan Miller
Mitchell- Rosemarie Nelson
Montgomery- Woody Moore
Moore, J- Rosemarie Nelson
Moore, W- Gay Southwell
Mullen- Brian Siegfried
Munoz- Rosemarie Nelson
N
Nelson, B- Jerry Siegfried
Nelson, C- Jerry Siegfried
Nelson, R- Gay Southwell
Nickl- Brian Siegfried
P
Pakdaman- Al Schuler
Parks- Woody Moore
Parmentier- Udell Eby
Peng- Rosemarie Nelson
Potter- Woody Moore
R
Rech- Toni Ann Gatzke
Reinecke- Jan Miller
Reis- Jan Miller
Reyes- Jan Miller
Riley, M- Jody Yarborough
Riley, P- Al Schuler
Ristrim- Celia Escamilla
Roberts- Woody Moore
Rockwood- Rosemarie Nelson
Rubio- Woody Moore
Rugebregt- Woody Moore
S
Sabo- Jane Wallace
Sahadoe- Jane Wallace
Sanchez- Udell Eby
Schmidt- Jan Miller
Schuler- Gay Southwell
Selden- Rosemarie Nelson
Siegfried, B- Gay Southwell
Siegfried, Y- Toni Ann Gatzke
Siegfried, J- Gay Southwell
Skidmore- Al Schuler
Southwell- Rosemarie Nelson
Spencer, S- Jan Miller
Spencer, T- Udell Eby
Stillwell- Jan Miller
Stites- Gay Southwell
Stutz/Sanchez- Woody Moore
T
Takeda- Jane Wallace
Taylor- Udell Eby
Thomas, B- Toni Ann Gatzke
Thomas, M- Al Schuler
Tillman- Rosemarie Nelson
Tiopan- Rosemarie Nelson
Tirri- Jody Yarborough
Turner- Celia Escamilla
U
Ude- Al Schuler
Urbanek- Jane Wallace
V
Veerapal- Jane Wallace
Village- Udell Eby
W
Wallace- Gay Southwell
Williams- Udell Eby
Withrow- Jody Yarborough
Y
Yarborough- Gay Southwell
____________________________________________________________________

Wanted: Prayer Chain Volunteers

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 that 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. That person in turn, telephones the next person, and so on to the last person on the list.

For those interested in joining the Prayer Chain, call Joan Destro.
____________________________________________________________________

Live at the Met (in San Jose?)
-Virginia Mignogna

Two weeks ago, Saturday morning 10 AM, Madame Butterfly in the entire Metropolitan Opera splendor, Live in HD on the Big Screen! Would you believe, all this at AMC Eastridge Theaters?

The next performance is Rossini’s La Cenerentola, on Saturday, May 9th at 9:30 am at AMC Eastridge. It is three hours, with one 15 to 20 minute intermission. Just show up on time and purchase a ticket ($6) at the window. There is no big crowd and you don’t have to dress to the 9’s, but let’s go!!

“Hot on the heels of her triumphant Met debut as Rosina in last season’s Barber of Seville, Elina Garanca portrays another Rossini charmer in this bel canto Cinderella story. Lawrence Brownlee is her Prince Charming, Don Ramiro.”

I went by myself to Madame Butterfly and I have to admit I think it’s more fun to cry with friends who share the love and passion of such a sentimental opera. Let’s meet at AMC Eastridge Saturday May 9th at 9:15 AM for this 9:30 AM Rossini opera. I would encourage us to bring some favorite snack or pastry and a thermos of coffee in a big purse or tote bag.

Just another one of life’s unexpected pleasures. For more information, go to your computer and type in “Live at the Met” then scroll down to Metropolitan Opera – Live in HD Series 2008.

http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/broadcast/hd_events_next.aspx

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MONARCH MESSENGER TO COME VIA EMAIL

The Presbytery of San Jose is trying to go greener and yet still do a good job of communicating important information to our 11,000 members. We are sending fewer copies of The Monarch Messenger to our churches and will continue to send fewer until everyone is reading our news via email.

We particularly want the elders, deacons and staff at each church and those members who are interested in Presbytery events and business to keep reading our newsletter, so we need to know if a hard copy is really required (and if so we will keep printing and mailing them to you.) But if not, and email is the way to go, we need the email addresses of interested members we may not already have. If you would like to get our Monarch Messenger emailed to you, please email Pat Plant at our office (pat@sanjosepby.org) with your email address.

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Parish Concerns

A note of Thanks

The family of John Roberts would like to thank the members of Foothill Church for all their support, cards, flowers, calls, visits, food, and prayers provided during his illness and funeral service.

Special Prayers for:
Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Helen Klotz, Bobbie Stites, Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Karen Withrow, Jack Stutz, Kitty Rugebregt, Glenda Parmentier, Joanne Reinecker, Charlie Klotz, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda, and Maury Mitchell.



Lectionary Readings Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar
Sunday, April 5
Passion /Palm Sunday
Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16;
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16;
Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1—15:47
or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47)

Monday, April 6
Monday of Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11;
Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11

Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday of Holy Week
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14;
1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36

Wednesday, April 8
Wednesday of Holy Week
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

Thursday, April 9
Maundy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14:
Psalm 116:1-2,12-19;
1 Corinthians 11:23-26;
John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Friday, April 10
Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53; Psalm 22;
Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9;
John 18:1-19:42

Saturday, April 11
Great Vigil of Easter
Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 136:1-9,23-26;
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13;
Psalm 46; Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 16;
Exodus 14:10-31, 15:20-21; Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18;
Isaiah 55:1-11; Isaiah 12:2-6;
Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21: 9:4b-6;
Psalm 19; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Psalm42 and 43;
Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 143: Zephaniah 3:14-20;
Psalm 98; Romans 6:3-11; Psalm 114; Mark 16:1-8

Sunday, April 12
Easter/Resurrection of the Lord
Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118:1-2; 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43;
John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8

Sunday, April 19
2nd Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133;
1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

Sunday, April 26
3rd Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4;
1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48