The Messenger

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 2011

A Note From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

Peace Be With You,
Ben

Big Changes to our Website!
Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gay Southwell and Kathy Havis-Faler greeted our guests.

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

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

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

Tine Ude made and gave out popcorn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 11th Annual Festival of Carols

Friday, December 9th, 7 PM

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

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

VIVALDI’S GLORIA

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

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

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?

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

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

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

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

Please email me your complete response. If yours is correct, you get to choose the closing hymn of the final worship service this month. First one to let me know the correct answer gets the prize! Hurry!

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

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

*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, November 2

*Spiritual Message is Helping*

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

James2:15-16

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

Luke 6:38

*Special Days in November*

Every Thursday- Music day with Jay Jordana

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

11/18 School Portrait Day

11/22 Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch

11/29-12/5 Scholastic Book Fair

Team in Training

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

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

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

Sunday, November 6

Rain Ponchos and Umbrellas for the Homeless

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

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

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

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

The Lord’s Pantry HolidayFood Drive

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

We will begin collecting frozen turkeys November 13th

Meat
Whole Chicken

Ham
Turkeys

Produce
Potatoes
Carrots
Apples
Oranges

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

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

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

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

60 Toys for 4 year old girls and boys.

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

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

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

Worship Opportunities

Please sign up to be a greeter, to serve coffee hour, or to bring flowers. These jobs are very important to the Sunday fellowship of our church.

We especially need people for coffee hour. It’s not hard, just bring in some treats and brew some coffee. If you need help, just ask.

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

Family Camp Kids Program
Peg Nickl

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

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

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

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

The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

Maxine Millender

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, November 30th
11:30AM @ Denny's
Capitol Ave & Berryessa Road

Fiber Arts Group
meets every 1st & 2nd Saturday
in Room 9 at 10AM.
All are welcome.

Men's Breakfast
First Saturday of the Month
8:30AM

Monday, October 3, 2011

October 2011

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace,
Ben

A Note From Pastor Ben

*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben

Thursday, October 6

*Spiritual Message is Self Control*

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

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

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

*Special Days in October*

10/6 Sending flowers to The Lucile Packard Children Hospital

10/13 Song games with Jay Jordana

10/14 Musical instrument parade

10/21 Fieldtrip- Disney on Ice

10/31 Costume parade & party

Family Camp
Eileen Parks and Susan Andersen

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

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

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

Halloween Festival
Saturday, Oct. 29 5PM

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

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

Rain Ponchos for the Homeless

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

Rain Ponchos

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

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

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

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

Warm Coats

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

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

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

With much love and many prayers,

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

Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, October 26th
11:30AM @ Denny's
Capitol Ave & Berryessa Road

Fiber Arts Group
meets every 1st & 2nd Saturday
in Room 9 at 10AM.
All are welcome.

Men's Breakfast
First Saturday of the Month
8:30AM

The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
Maxine Millender

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, September 1, 2011

September 2011

A Note From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be With You,

Ben
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A Letter from
Ray, Virginia &
Jason Mignogna

August 18, 2011

Dear Foothill Family,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

Virginia, Ray and Jason

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

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

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

Thanks, but no thanks, V & R

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*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, September 7

*Spiritual Message is Joy*

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

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

*Special Days in September*

~Honoring Grandparents~

Grandparent & Grandchild Lunch
Thursday, September 8th

Grandparents Day
is on Sunday, September 11th

Back to School BBQ
Friday, September 9
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http://download.churchart.com/ArtLineLibrary/t/te/teachers_7017a.gif

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

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

All ages are welcome.

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

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

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

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

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Register now for Family Camp
All ages are welcome

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

Questions? Contact Eileen Parks
or Susan Andersen .
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Choir Rehearsals

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

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

Contact Jay Jordana for more details.

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

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

Ashwin Krishna
Solo Guitar
Saturday, September 24, 7PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Halloween Festival
Saturday, Oct. 29

The annual Halloween Festival is less than two months away!

Volunteers Needed!!

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

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

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

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

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

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

Monday, June 20, 2011

July 2011

A Note From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

As I write this my hands smell like basil, which isn’t that uncommon this time of year; when basil is in season I like to make pesto. The difference is that today the basil came out of my plot in the community garden.

This is the first year I’ve ever been successful growing anything in the ground. I’ve always grown plants in pots in my patio, and I’ve tried unsuccessfully to grow vegetables in an unused bit of ground beyond my back fence—its part of my home owners’ association common area—but I’ve never been a very good gardener.

This year is different. I’ve got more basil than I know what to do with, my corn is already springing ears, my strawberries are sweet, my tomatoes are outgrowing their cages, and my cucumbers are in bloom with the promise of a bumper crop. Suddenly I’m some kind of farmer.

My experience in the garden this summer is changing how I think of myself. I’m no longer just a person of words and ideas. Now I’m a man of the soil. My mind is full of garden metaphors. Ideas germinate. Thoughts blossom. When I finish a project it is harvested.

Only a few months ago, I had no idea I could plant a garden and watch it grow with the promise of nourishment and the joy of delicious vegetables, but now all of that has changed. And it’s a mater of grace. I didn’t do anything to become the kind of person who can grow food. All I did was plant in the right place. The soil, sun, and rain, together with miracle of the life-giving earth did the rest.

It makes me wonder what else is possible when we try new things. So often in life our ideas for doing new things are met with doubts. Sometimes we doubt ourselves and sometimes we listen to the doubts of others, and those doubts keep us from changing and growing and learning new ways to think about ourselves. But, of course, nothing new can be done if we don’t ignore those doubts.

We need to listen to the promise of grace instead of paying attention to the nagging of doubts. We need to plant gardens. We need to try out new ideas and follow fresh innovations. We need to do this personally and as a church.

As we think about the future, let’s say “yes” more than we say “no.” Instead of doubts, let us be mindful of grace. Let’s be gardeners together.

I Bid You Peace,

Ben
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The Prayer Chain
Joan Destro

The Prayer Chain at Foothill would like to add more members to their network.

The strength of others praying together unites with the power of the Lord and makes all the difference in the world to those who are ill or in need of spiritual support.

An example of receiving a Prayer Request:
All this is needed is a paper and pen to record the request or thanksgiving as it is given. upon receiving the telephone request, the Prayer Chain participant prays for the request, then telephones the next available prayer chain person on the list and forwards the prayer request to them. The person in turn, telephones the next person, and so on tot he last person on the list.

For those interested in joining the Prayer Chain contact Joan Destro.
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Special Worship Music, Dixieland Hymn Sing,
& Salad Contest
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

The South Bay Traditional Jazz Society is be coming to Foothill on Sunday, July 17th to play Dixieland Jazz. They will be playing special music during the worship service to be followed by a hymn sing where we have the chance to tap our feet, snap our fingers, and sing our favorite hymns a la Dixieland. Following that will be a potluck.

Here is where it gets interesting...

We mentioned before that it would be great if everyone would bring food to share. However, we've decided it would be exciting if we have a salad contest instead!

Here's how it goes...
For those who want to participate in the contest (which we hope will be everyone). We would love it if:
1) folks brought their most awesome salad to enter in the contest
2) folks (that's the rest of us) sample the salad
3) folks vote on which salad they prefer by written ballot

We will then count the number of votes, and the salad that gets the most votes wins!

Then what?

Here is the best part...

Whoever owns the salad that gets the most votes wins a free week of CSA fruits & veggies! You heard it right! One week of free CSA produce!*

Interested? If you are, please sign your name to indicate that you are intending to bring your salad to enter into the contest. The sign-up sheet will be outside my office door. I hope to see your name on there!

Remember, July 17th... Hope to see you (and your salad) there!

* Free CSA share will be for August 2, 2011. If you are already a CSA member your cost for August will be reduced from $150 to $120.
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Join us Tuesday evenings this summer in the courtyard (or room 9 depending on the heat) to enjoy the long summer evenings. You can bring games, the kids can play on the playground, we can share a snack and enjoy the good company.
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Dabbler’s Delight Schedule of Classes
Fellowship Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3PM

Offered by the East Valley Artists

You may sign up for the entire series ($80) or for individual sessions ($10 each). Walk in are welcome at a cost of $15 per class. Materials will be provided by the instructors, additional material fees may apply.

To sign up contact Julie Cline (juliacline@sbcglobal.net or 408-258-4984) or register in the Church Office with Peg Nickl. Please make checks payable to East Valley Artists.

July 12
Robert Johnson
Charcoal

July 19
Carolina Mueller
Silk Painting

July 26
Jeanne Wardrip
Oil

August 2
Clyde Stout
Watercolor

August 9th
Linda Sieker
Watercolor

August 16
Candy Yu
Watercolor

August 23
Julie Cline
Collage

August 30
Julie Cline
Pastel
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Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

Thanks to the people who "liked" us on Facebook. Now we can easily be found at www.facebook.com/FoothillPresbyterianChurch.

Each week we will post a video link to Pastor Ben's latest sermon. We will also post things like concert and special service announcements, worship and mission opportunities, parish concerns and things we are celebrating.

Stop by and "like" us so you can see our posts on your Facebook News Feed page.
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY THANKS

I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this year another wonderfully musical year! -To the members of the Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir (their parents and guardians), the Glory Ringers; to all who have in any way helped to produce/staff the Music Series concerts; to Kraig Williams and his crew for assistance with concert production of early music and for bringing great talent to the church through the Peralta Consort; to all who have provided special music and musical assistance in any way; to the congregation and your community of family and friends for promoting and attending the concerts, and for Ben Daniel and the Session for continued support. Your every show of support and appreciation is an expression of gratitude for God’s gift of music to humankind.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The music program wouldn’t be where it is if it weren’t for your continued support. THANK YOU!

GREAT JOB!

Congratulations to Kraig Williams and the Peralta Consort for a successful debut concert! All your hard work, patience, and practice paid off. You guys sounded great. Well done!

The Messenger

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 2011

Read More

Monday, October 3, 2011

October 2011

Read More

Thursday, September 1, 2011

September 2011

Read More

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

Monday, June 20, 2011

July 2011

Read More Semibreve

Read More About Foothill CSA

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

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