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

_____________________________________________________________________

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~

____________________________________________________________________











*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

____________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________


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


____________________________________________________________________


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

____________________________________________________________________
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.


____________________________________________________________________

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

August 2009

Sarah Glass here.

Many of you at FPC have watched over me as I have grown up from a child into a young woman, and you have guided me and supported me as I pursue a call in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is my great honor and privilege, then, to extend to all of you an invitation to another milestone in my life.

On August 15th at 2pm, Ben will be presiding over my marriage to Alex Weisiger, a wonderful person whom I met while at seminary, and we would both be honored to share this celebration with all of you. We are continually blessed by your love and support, and we look forward to sharing this sacred moment with you.

What? Sarah Glass and Alex Weisiger's Wedding
When? August 15, 2009 at 2pm
Where? Foothill Presbyterian Church, sanctuary


The Life of a Seminary Student
-Maxine Millender

One of the wonders of grace is that it can move into the most broken of lives with a kindness that is as wise as it is good. -Mart de Haan

This is my final unit of the one year residency program and there are a lot of things to complete prior to our graduation. We have our summer resident students (two), we have a lot more reading this unit, we have to facilitate class and teach three chapters from a book, we have verbatims to write and present, reflection papers (two a week for me), a five page Theology of Pastoral Care paper, and our final unit eval in late August. We are still expected to complete our pastoral visits and write a stats reflection paper each month. In addition, we have had to watch two movies and write reflection papers on them. I have spent more time at work due to many residents on vacation or out sick but the nice thing is I am compensated with time off, when I can take it.

I have had the summer residents shadow/trail me and had to write a reflection paper when their training was completed. I had so much joy with them and was glad to be in this position to help them. Also, I learned that I have grown tremendously and it wasn’t until they were with me that I noticed it. In my papers, I described what it was like to have someone trail me, debrief with them, I taught them how to observe a patient and be clear what they see in someone’s room, and I taught them how to chart electronically. Because both are Catholic and studying to become Priests, I worked with them on how to be a Chaplain to anyone, regardless of their faith tradition. The influence and power I had over them was used to enable and empower them.

These past few weeks I have started to take care of myself to be sure I am healthy. I have had a physical, mammogram, nuclear stress test and an upper/lower GI test and they have come back negative. I am also going to a chiropractor three times a week for disk decompression due to pain in my lower back which is starting to go away. After working as a Chaplain and seeing so much sickness and poor prognosis, I decided it was time to do this.

We have seen many increases in full arrest (results in death), suicide attempts, self inflected gunshot wounds, and accidental drowning beside the usual natural cause deaths.

I had a very traumatic death on 6/20. A young man of 16 was brought in due to being in a pool for a long period of time. He was at his girlfriend’s house and she had not seen him and thought he was sitting outside until she checked. He was at the bottom of the pool. She dove in, pushed him up and immediately started CPR. Her parents called EMS, they rushed to the house, took over CPR and continued it until they reached the hospital. Because she was not family, I could not share any information with her.

I was able to get his Mom on the phone and handed it to the RN because Chaplains are not allowed to share medical information unless it is a dire emergency. She and her husband rushed to the hospital and while reroute, I was with the girlfriend, her Father and Mother who were all sobbing. At one point she was on the floor crying to God to let him breath but unfortunately he never woke up again but we couldn’t tell her due to HIPPA laws.

When his Mom and step-Dad arrived, we brought them to a room that had the Doctor, RN, and me. When the Doctor explained what he had tried to do, the Mom screamed and said, “I know this is a dream and I am going to wake up from it.” When she opened her eyes, she said, no Mother should have to bury her son, especially one so young. She cried and cried and I held her for a long time. When she finally said, “I want to see my son”, the officer came in to tell her that she couldn’t due to the suspicious nature of his drowning, I thought she would fall over and die.
As I stood outside the room, I asked if he had children, how many, and what ages. He did have a 16 year old and did understand. They were allowed to see him but not touch him and this was so difficult for her not to touch her son who was the youngest of four children and he was the only boy. When the biological Father came, he broke down and was sobbing for some time.

There were police officer, detectives, and our medical examiner that had to examine him to understand the nature of his drowning. We were informed by the Mom that he was an excellent swimmer but maybe he drank alcohol and fell into the pool. Anyway, I spent 6 hours with this family. When they finally allowed the girlfriend to come back to see him, she almost passed out and we had to hold her for a long period of time. The Mother was so sick that we had to admit her in what’s called kwik care to get her some valium. She could not understand how her son who was healthy could have drowned and she wanted to wake up from this nightmare. I have not been able to completely process this death nor write about it in a verbatim. I have had many deaths this month but not as traumatic.

Because I worked on a Saturday (6/20), I have 6/26 to 6/28 off to relax and travel someplace. It was highly recommended that I go to the Long Horn Caverns near Austin, TX and enjoy the weekend sightseeing.

I will begin school on 8/24 but only take three courses due to my work schedule. My director at work has committed that he will read my reflection papers and give me feedback and one of the Staff Chaplains has also committed to be a resource for me when I start my new Chaplain’s role.

How sweet are thy words unto my taste!
Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
~Psalm 119:103 ß King James Version

~to be continued~

*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “X” “Y” “Z” Colors: Orange & Green
Shapes:

*Themes & Activities*

*Transportation*

8/3-8/7

8/3 Art: Shape Train
Poem: Trains
8/4 Learning the letter X
8/5 Learning the color orange

*Veggie Tales*

Bible Week
8/10-8/14

8/10 Topic: Kindness
Story: Blind Bartimaeus
Art: Kindness Place Mat
8/11 Topic: Forgiveness
Story: Zacchaeus
Art: Trees Of Forgiveness
8/12 Topic: Gentleness
Story: Let The Children Come
Art: Children Come To Me
8/13 Topic: Love
Story: The Crucifixion
Art: Jesus’ Cross
8/14 Topic: Compassion
Cookbook Day: Pudding
Pleasers



*Dinosaurs*
8/17-8/21
8/17 Art: Dinosaur T-Shirt
Poem: The Dino Ditty
8/18 learning the letter Y
8/19 Learning the shape Circle






*Five Senses*
8/24-8/28·


8/24 Art: Scented Flower
Song: 5 Senses
· 8/25 Letter review day X Y Z
· 8/26 Learning the shape Square


*Special Events*
Summer Jazzercise
Monday & Wednesday



Let’s get wet Fridays
Veggie Tales
8/10-8/14


Dinosaurs T-Shirt
8/17

*Re-Occurring Activities*

Every First Wednesday Of The Month
With Pastor Ben

Every Friday
Movie & Share day





*Spread the word*

FCP is now excepting enrollments.


*Spiritual Poetry*
A Child’s Prayer

Dear angel ever at my side,
how lovely you must be,
To leave your home in heaven
to guard a child like me!

When I am far away from home,
or maybe hard at play,
I know you will protect me
from harm along the way.

Your beautiful and shining face
I see not, though you're near,
The sweetness of your lovely voice,
I cannot really hear.

But when I pray you're praying too,
your prayer is just for me.
And when I sleep, you never do
-you're watching over me!
__________________________________________________________

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the month of May the Lord’s Pantry helped to feed 832 families, 1420 adults, 1860 children, and 13 homeless individuals.

Foothill has partnered with the Lord’s Pantry and helps to support this mission by contributing food, blankets, and infant layette items. Thanks to all who help.

Especially in these times, we need to continue to help those who need it most. Please bring a non-perishable food item to church with you.
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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

We will also be collecting blankets & towels to donate to
the City San Jose Animal care and Services

Please have your animal leashed or crated.

July 2009

A Letter from the Pastor

Friends,

On June 30 a group of us met to discuss the book Portofino, by Frank Schaeffer over a shared meal in the community garden. It was a beautiful event, and to me it was a wonderful example of our church's strengths. We enjoyed each other's company in a beautiful space over food, much of it coming from the gardens of those who shared the meal, while talking about an entertaining and thought-provoking book.

It was almost magical. We'll be reading Frank Schaffer's second book, Saving Grandma and discussing it over a similar dinner on July 14.

I hope you will join us

Peace,
Ben
--------------------------------------------------
The Life of a Seminary student
-Maxine Millender

Access to God’s throne is always open-Hess

I know that it may sound like a broken record but this has been another incredible month for me but this is not to say it’s all easy. What makes it so incredible is that we completed another unit. After each unit we present our final to our peers, CPE supervisor and our clinical coordinator, receive feedback, questions are asked, and sometimes you have to defend or stand your position on something you have said or believe in. Sometimes it can be scary but often times, it is wonderful to know you have grown since the last one that was presented. I have grown a lot since the completion of my first final. I have a very good written evaluation from my CPE supervisor that says how much growth has been noticed in me.


I would like to share some great news. I was asked to remain at Harris Methodist Hospital as a Chaplain in a non-student role working 32 hours each week, with full benefits, and continuation of PTO (pair time off). I will work on Thursday and Saturday nights and the Director will work around my school schedule to be sure I am not impacted. What this means is that I can use all of the hours I work towards board certification as a Professional Chaplain and the Staff Chaplains are committed to helping me with the paperwork once I graduate and become ordained as a Pastor. All thanks to God.


My CPE supervisor has left the hospital but gave me a glowing evaluation. Some of the things he said are, “She is fearless and open to ministry to any kind of person she meets in ministry and believes she is following God to her floors and goes with enthusiasm, expecting God’s presence in each encounter and models acceptance and tolerance in her pastoral ministry. She stands her ground with the Physicians and advocate for the patients. She is one of the most organized and productive students they have had at Harris and hold the CPE program world record for verbatim reports and reflection papers. She has come to value the reflection process and finds it helpful to write things down and writes extra verbatim papers each unit, even during the breaks and her file is the thickest file in the drawer.”


This past unit I was able to document 397 visits. I spent a lot of time with patients in ER/Medicine and on my two parish floors, which are medical illnesses and medical surge which has mostly isolation patients. We split ER into three sections and I was given the medicine side which is where the patients are most stressed due to their long wait times. I have a total of 89 patients now; I don’t plan to see each one but those I do visit are extremely meaningful to me and them. Sometimes a patient or their family member will say they don’t need or want a Chaplain and this is ok because I still inform them of our Chaplain availability, if they desire one.

Because summer time is here, our patient load will increase due to many traumas and once released from trauma, they can go to any floor where their illness will be treated. There are many parties, much drinking, and gun shots happening and they come to the hospital by EMS (ground) or by air. We still have many suicide attempts, miscarriages, and fetal demises. One of the most difficult for me is the neo-natal area. Some of the babies are so tiny that they fit in my hand and weigh ounces. Whenever I get to visit this unit, it is special.

One of the things that we hope to accomplish in CPE is our Pastoral Authority and Identity. Mine was certainly established when I baptized and blessed a baby. I cannot quote the words of the prayer but God truly spoke through me that night and I was blessed to receive confirmation from the baby’s Father. I was finally able to meet the Mom after she was out of intensive care. She developed sepsis but God was with her. God will certainly lead us, provide us with the invitation, and all we have to do is accept it. I accepted it and was rewarded. When you get the chance, read Hebrews 4:16 to understand what it means to respond to God’s invitation with awe, humility, and thanksgiving.


I have not had as many deaths this month but there has been many. When I was with the families, my time as spent to show compassion to them, comfort them, give them space and privacy to allow them to start their grief. Sometimes I am with a family up to four hours which includes prayer, scripture reading, discussing a funeral home, and waiting on other family members who come to the hospital. During the private time I give them, I am making phone calls to the medical examiner (if necessary), life gift, nursing operations, and the funeral home, if one had been chosen. I don’t approach the family about donations but have to make the call to the organization and they are the ones who call the family but we assess the family to determine if they are ready for this. If my families are grieving appropriately, I inform the coordinators it is ok to call but if they are in distress, I advise them to wait. Sometimes the family will send a card of thanks and this goes into my file. We have a memorial service every three months to help the families and this is a very special time for us.

When we work on a Saturday, we get the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. I decided to take a trip (5/22-5/24) to the western part of the Texas and after 7.5 hours of driving, I arrived in Fort Davis and went to Mount McDonald at the Observatory which is one of the highest peaks in all of TX. I had an incredible time even with the rain and hail storms. It was my time to spend with God in thanks.


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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*Academics*·


The kids are learning about Letters “U” “V” “W”
Colors: red, white & blue
Shapes: star & rectangle




*Themes & Activities*

*Red, White & Blue*
7/1-7/3


·7/1 Bring a red item
· 7/2 Boys wear blue Girls wear red


*Beach*
7/6-7/10

· 7/6 Art: Under the sea scene
Finger play: 5 shells
· 7/7 Learning the letter *U*
· 7/8 Learning the color white
· 7/9 Wear your pajamas day


*Sea Animals*
7/13-7/17

· 7/13 Art: Starfish
Song: Starfish
· 7/14 Learning the letter “V”
· 7/15 Learning the color blue
· 7/16 Crazy hair day

*Insects*
7/20-7/24
· 7/20 Art: Spider web
Song: Little cricket
· 7/21 Learning letter “W”
· 7/22 Learning star shapes
· 7/23 Mixed matched shoe day



*Little Chefs”
7/27-7/31
· 7/27 Snack: Beach cups- pudding & gummy fish
· 7/28 Letter review day *U,V,W*
Snack: Sea animals- graham crackers & gold fish
· 7/29 Learning rectangle shapes
Snack: Bugs in the dirt- chocolate pudding & gummy worms
· 7/30 Drink: Strawberry Frost Milkshake- Strawberries, ice cream, milk, & pink lemonade
· 7/31 Snack: Ice cream cones- home made ice cream

*Special Events*
Summer Jazzercise Monday & Wednesday

Let’s get wet Fridays








Fieldtrip Friday, July 17Park day

Every Friday Movie & Share day

*A Special Thank You To*
Jay Jordana, Fred Kromery & Jerry Segfried

Graduation Helpers
I appreciate your kindness
More than words can say
Jay’s “Pomp & Circumstance”
Really made our day

Fred’s sound system
Was easy on the ear
Little singing voices
Came through nice and clear

Jerry’s helping hands
Seemed to be everywhere
The kids really adore him
We all know you care

So, from me to all of you
Your help was the best
Our graduation ceremony
Was a complete success
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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries


MANY THANKS…


To Dana and Ben Marino, Nancy Leonard, Patty Potter, Bud Schmidt, and Kraig Williams for the successful production of the MPRO concert. To Kraig Williams who made it possible for accomplished early music musicians to be a part of the Music Series. To everyone who has contributed to the successful production of all the concerts for Season 2008-09 of the Music Series, thank you, thank you, thank you. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

NINTH ANNUAL
JAZZ ON THE GRASS
Sunday, August 23, 2 PM
Sit back, relax and listen to cool cats play hip jazz. Stay tuned for more information.

SUMMER MUSIC

Thank you to the following who are providing special music during worship while the ensembles are on summer break:

June 14 – Joanne Reinecker

June 21 – Ronn Ealy

June 28 – Laurel Brobst Gilbert

July 5 – Peralta Consort

July 12 – Katie Drew

July 19 – Grace Takeda

July 26 – Lin Peng

August 2 – Peralta Consort

August 9 – Paula Chacon

August 16 – Jillian Shiba

August 26 – Sandra Rasmussen

August 30 – Anne Marie Daniel

You make worship a more meaningful experience.
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The Fall Retreat will be here before we know it. I hope you are planning to attend the weekend of September 25^th.

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 this is always a fun fellowship time with FPC members.

We are looking forward to a great weekend led by Sam Barry. The theme will be "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. Sam has written a comical book about playing the harmonica and I expect music and humor to be a large part of the weekend.

I am still determining what the fees will be. Registration will begin July 5^th.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks!
Martha Belz




Summer Sunday School



Sunday School Teachers Needed for July 19th, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Contact Jane Wallace to volunteer.

It’s time to register
for Vacation Bible School
August 10-14 from 9 am-12 pm

$15 per registrant (Make checks payable to FPC)
Registration Deadline Monday, August 3rd
(community scholarships available.
Scholarship registration deadline July 17th)

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

A snack will be provided each day.
Daily outdoor activity. Crafts & Music

Contact Melissa Hill for more information
408-879-9688 or
tazzzz777@earthlink.net

2nd Time Around Books
Summer Reading
The book cart could use some new selections.
Please donate books you are finished with and share the love of reading this summer.