March 2010

From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

Usually, when I write for the Messenger, I do so looking forward to the next month, but this time I want to reflect on the month that has just slipped away, February, which, to my mind must be the bravest month, at least in California.

February is a winter month. It’s still cold, it still gets dark early, and, this year it rained an awful lot. Non the less, the blossoms on my back-yard peach tree have already come out. I’m starting to see faint traces of green on some of the deciduous trees in my neighborhood. The first wildflowers are popping up on the hills. The tarragon, oregano, thyme and parsley in my patio herb garden are all really healthy, so is the arugula and the chard. Not only that, but Major League pitchers and catchers have reported for Spring training.

Spring is still more than three weeks away. The winter Olympics are still happening in British Columbia. New England is about to get hit by another major blizzard, but in California February, though still wintry and cold (by our standards) is infused with the promise of Spring.

February in California is a good metaphor for the season of Lent. During lent we remember our shortcomings and our mortality. It is a penitential season, a time of fasting and discipline, but for all of its penitence and discipline, all of it’s acknowledgment of sin and its remembrance of mortality, Lent is infused with the promise of Easter.

It seems to me that we all could use a little bit of California February in our lives, because all of us, from time to time go though winter-like seasons, times of emotional darkness and frigidity. In such time God’s spirit comes to us as February in California. Winter may not be over yet, but somehow, the peach blossoms still bloom, and the wildflowers peek up on hills. It is s promise. The winter won’t last forever. Soon springtime arrive in full force and, on its heels, summer will enter our lives with warmth and joy.

God’s Peace,
Ben

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ON THIS DAY
Glenda Parmentier

On this day when women gathered for food and fellowship,
We talked of worthy goals and how to help others out there…
Challenge projects, beyond our borders and maybe in a distant land.
But one, quietly in our midst, without fanfare or discussion,
Filled a plate with brunch- type special morsels, pulled up a chair,
And with fork from plate to mouth gently fed the one who could
No longer lift her hands….one woman’s journey changed by disease.
Yet she brought out the best in one of us without even leaving the room.

A little update on Mission giving

What a generous and caring group Foothill Presbyterian Church is. We have struggled with a very tight budget this year and yet, we have also been successful finding ways to stretch and support worthy causes. What a blessed group of givers we have. I wanted to share some of the mission activities I have noticed since the beginning of our fiscal year:
Local mission giving

Through a couple of dedicated members and our Deacons, we have raised $16,037 to help support specific needs of several families known to our members.

We have assisted the Lord’s Pantry, a local food bank, with both monetary support and with donations of food, clothing and gifts.

Our Foothill Fineries group has helped support the Linus Project with hand-made blankets for distribution to children in hospitals as well as assisting a local school with warm handmade items for their children. In addition, the group committed their Holiday Boutique fundraiser to beef up the General Mission giving of the church.

Our Men’s Breakfast group raises funds for supporting the local San Jose Shelter.
Farther reaching mission giving

Through congregational giving, the assistance provided for other programs include:

Haitian Disaster relief fund $ 2,720

Haitian personal hygiene kits 539

General mission (budgeted) 1,842

General mission (unbudgeted) 2,025 (Thank you committees for finding expenses you could squeeze this year to help us support General mission giving!)

General mission 1,000 (Thank you Foothill Fineries!)

Please consider writing an article for the next newsletter describing additional mission activities that you want the congregation to know about. There is so much good going on at Foothill Presbyterian Church that it’s easy to miss activities and accomplishments. We celebrate the generosity during these troubled times and thank God we have the abundance to share. Keep up the good works! It is a pleasure to be a part of this loving and giving community.

Sue Williams

Treasurer

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The following is taken from the PCUSA website http://www.pcusa.org/oghs/

One Great Hour of Sharing: sharing resources, changing lives

Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities.

Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future.

We will be dedicating our One Great Hour of Sharing offerings on Palm Sunday.

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Buildings & Grounds

Buildings and Grounds have scheduled March 20th as a Spring All Church Service day. We will have sign ups and a list of needed projects around the church campus. The Community Gardeners will also participate.

March 14th begins day light savings.
Set your clocks ahead 1 hour.








Thanks to all who donated funds for the Redwood Trees. They were planted on a rainy Tuesday, Feb 23rd. Pastor Ben will dedicate the trees on Sunday, March 7th, following worship service.

(left to right: Fred Kromrey, Jerry Siegfried, Herb Miller, and Ray Mignogna.
Photo Credit: Nancy Leonard)









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SOUPER SOUP LUNCH!
-Nancy Leonard

More than 60 Foothill family and friends gathered to enjoy a soup lunch in Fellowship Hall after church on February 28. A variety of soups were enjoyed to the bottom of the pots along with ever enjoyable fellowship.

A special thank you goes to the volunteers who brought the delicious variety of soups and breads, and to the Geezers for the set up and take down and to Darleen Ristrim for her help.

As an event sponsored by Membership/Outreach, we would like to have a repeat of this after church meal every couple of months. Another soup lunch is scheduled for April 25. However, we need one or two people to volunteer as the coordinators(s). This is a super easy job and, if you are a newer member, a great way to get to know people. I'm glad to assist any volunteers. If you are interested, please let me know.

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CONGREGATION MEMBERS NEEDED
TO PARTICIPATE IN CHURCH COMMITTEES

Do you have an interest in Mission giving, Sunday School procedures, Membership activities, keeping the church beautiful and in good repair, or in the financial matters of the church? If so, please consider joining one of the church committees. Being good Presbyterians, the Church is run by committee in many areas and the best committees include a good representation of the congregation, and there is always a need for more participation.

Choose your interest and let the Moderator listed below know you are interested. You will be welcomed!

Buildings/Ground: Kathy Havis-Faler (falerjk@comcast.net)
Christian Ed/Preschool: Nancy Rubio (nancyjrubio@yahoo.com)
Finance: Harvey LeValley (hlacura1@aol.com)
Membership/Outreach: Nancy Leonard (neleonard@aol.com)
Mission: Greg Gatzke (greg@zagtech.com)
Personnel: Gene Hewitt (hewrow@comcast.net)
Stewardship: Greg Gatzke (greg@zagtech.com)
Worship: Joyce Banks (oaksi@yahoo.com)
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Bible Lesson
Wednesday, March 3
Chapel Day with Pastor Ben

Spiritual Message: Honesty

While your honesty level is a reflection of your character, it is also a way to show your faith. In the Bible, God made honesty one of his commandments. Since God cannot lie, He sets the example for all of His people. It is God's desire that we follow that example in all that we do.

The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.
Psalm 119:160

~Special Thank You~
To Clarissa Moore for teaching the kids about the African Culture. The kids had a great time making African bracelets.



*Academics*
The kids are learning about Letters “M” & “N” Numbers:13 & 14

*Themes & Activities*
*Family*
3/1-35
·3/1 Art: Mini Family
Poem: My Family
·2/2 Learning the letter M
·3/3 Learning the number 13
·3/4 Bring a family picture for our family board.
·3/5 Share Day & Movie Day


*Time- Clocks & Watches*
3/8-3/12
Bring valentine cards for your friends
·3/8 Art: Clock
Poem: Hickory Dickory Dock
·3/9 Learning the letter M
·3/10 Learning the number 13
·3/11 Question & Answer: What time is your bedtime?
·3/12 Share Day & Movie Day



*St. Patrick' Days*
3/15-3/19
·3/15 Art: Shamrocks
Poem: St Patrick’s Day is Here
·3/16 Learning the letter L
·3/17 Learning number 14
·3/18 Wear green day
·3/19 Share Day & Movie Day





*Multicultural*
3/22-3/26
·3/22 Art: Hawaiian puppet
Song: We are just like crayons
·3/23 Learning the letter N
·3/24 Learning the number 14
·3/25 Food from around the word
·3/26 It’s Hawaiian Leis day






*Easter*
·3/29-4/2
·3/29 Art: Easter Basket
Song: Doesn’t Have a Tail at All
·3/30 letters review day- M & N/ Egg Dye Day
·3/31 numbers review day 13 & 14
·4/1 Easter Egg Hunt
·4/2 Good Friday- Preschool Closed


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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries



Many thanks…

to John Belz, Melissa and Greg Hill, Ray Mignogna, Peg Nickl, Patty Potter, Jerry Siegfried, and Kraig Williams for all the help at the Flauti Dolci & Amici, South Bay Philharmonic, and Judith Linsenberg/Katherine Heater Music Series concerts.

Disaster Relief Concert

Tuesday, March 10th, 7 PM

Want to hear some great music for a great cause? Check out this concert.
Our line-up of musicians includes:

* Sopranos Anne Marie Daniel and Libby Moore
* Amaranth – an a cappella jazz sextet under the San Jose Choral Productions. Members are sopranos Jay Jordana and Claire Paul, alto Barbara Kaplan, tenor Rob Sequiera, baritone Wil Mathews, and bass John Rae-Grant.
* Jazz Trio (working title) – Comprised of Jay on vocals, Jon Roblin on keys, and Randy Barber on bass. Jon Roblin is a composer, drummer, and keyboard player, whose musical history includes playing keys on cruise ships and writing jingles. He also teaches music in the Alum Rock School District. Randy Barber is an accomplished bass player who played bass in Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show band. He also teaches in the Alum Rock School District.

Suggested Donation: materials for the Baby, Hygiene, and School Kits (see addendum). It’ll be a great after-dinner treat!

Oops! We’re moving…
the date of the ABC soup recital of sopranos Anne Marie Daniel and Jay Jordana to Sunday, May 2nd at 3 PM. Ms. Daniel and Ms. Jordana’s musical offerings will run the gamete - Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras – a little something for everyone. Featured are works by Bellini, Brahms, Debussy, Handel, Mozart, Paulus, Puccini, Purcell, Schumann, Strauss, and Wolf.

UPCOMING CONCERTS:

CanVonier The Garden Enclosed: Medieval Music of Celebration and Revelry
Saturday, March 13th, 7:30 PM

Anne Bauer and Tim Rayborn present a program of virtuosic medieval works from the 13th and 14th centuries of Italy, France, Spain, and England. www.canconier.com

American Recorder Orchestra of the West (AROW)
Garden of Delights: A Musical Experience Beyond Eden
Sunday, March 28th, 3 PM

Featuring works by Brahms, Debussy, Hovhaness, Mozart, Offenbach, Poulenc, Satie, Schubert, and Shostakovich. www.arowmusic.org

Suggested Donation: $10 per person per concert
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A Note of Thanks from Carol Goedde

I got a call from Nicole, my granddaughter, last night after she had received all the generous donations that the Foothill Family made to the Goedde Family Fund. The fund was created after Nicole became paralyzed from the neck down due to injuries suffered in a car accident last August.

She is very grateful for all the support given and the use of the Fellowship Hall for her Fund Raiser. She and her husband were hoping to buy a van so she could get out and not be trapped in her house, but the money is being used for caregivers and medical supplies.

Her condition will be ongoing and the expenses will never stop. She did say that she is starting to feel some muscles in her arms and is starting to get an appetite. She and her family are trying very hard to deal with this terrible situation on a daily basis to the best of their ability.

Again thank you so very much for your prayers, donations, and support at this time.

Sincerely,
Goedde Family and the Weisbarth Family

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ONE COAT TO SHARE
-Darlene Ristrim

Foothill's "One Coat to Share" project has come to a close. Over 200 jackets were donated to Inn Vision since November 2009. The exact number of jackets was revealed at the Soup Luncheon on February 28. Once again Foothill folks have responded with enthusaism to a local mission project. On behalf of Inn Vision I want to thank everyone for their support.

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Recipe Corner

Do you have a favorite recipe that you'd like to share? Send it to foothillpc@gmail.com or drop it off at the church office.

Irish Soda Bread
Submitted by Peg Nickl.

3 cups unbleached flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 TBS baking powder
1 TSP baking soda
1 TSP salt
1-1/2 cups raisins
2 eggs beaten
1-1/3 to 2 cups buttermilk
2 TBS melted butter

Sift together dry ingredients. Stir in raisins. Combine wet ingredients and add to dry ingredients. Mix well until all raisins are wet. Prepare a 5x9 loaf pan with non stick baking spray (or grease and flour). Bake at 350 degrees about an hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve bread warm from the oven with generous amounts of butter.


The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

The risen Christ will come from heaven to take HIS own to heaven-Unknown author

It was an interesting night when the New Year was sounded for us at work. On this night I had several level one traumas, a fire victim who succumbed to death, and some GSW’s (gun shot wounds).

As I made rounds in ER/trauma, my pager went off to inform me that a level one was rolling in. The person brought in was a male of 16 yrs and Hispanic. He had been in a gang fight, was stabbed several times, and his cousin and some friends brought him in but they did not want to talk. For all gang related traumas, we call the gang police and after the call, they arrived in full force. {Most gang members have tattoos with names or numbers as their identification} When I was finally able to connect with his Mother, she had been given directions to the wrong hospital but upon arrival smiled when I said I would take her to see him.

The second level one was a stab victim in his late 20’s and also Hispanic. He had served some time in prison for gang related activity and when I walked into his room, he cried and told me he was tired of living this way. I had already called the gang police and when they arrived, they recognized him but gave me time to spend with him.

A man, his wife, and sister were brought in because of an altercation at a New Year’s party. They had gone to this party to celebrate with family and some friends when the man’s sister was jumped by a family member. She was stabbed and cut. The brother jumped this person to beat him, was cut himself and his wife started fighting. All three were cut badly but nothing life threatening.

The saddest trauma for me on this night was a full arrest that came in. He was sleep walking in his house and apparently put something in the microwave which caught fire. He went back to bed and his daughter yelled out fire. The man was pulled out by the fire department, rushed to the hospital, but was given CPR the entire time in the ambulance. When he arrived in the hospital’s ER/trauma bay, a paramedic was on top of him pumping his chest trying to save his life. His stomach was burned badly and when they suctioned him, he had soot still coming from his lungs. This young man turned 30 on New Year’s Day, was engaged to be married in April, and had been living with his fiancée for almost one year. They rushed him to Trauma-ICU and family members arrived to spend time with him. When his fiancée arrived, she was devastated, smelled like smoke, and had been detained by the fire department to answer questions. Their daughter (8 yrs) had inhaled some smoke and was treated in the medicine area. I was glad the family got to spend time with him before he died. {The house was totally burned}

Just this week I had a terrible death. A young man had come home from Iraq, was not able to find a job, he and his wife were fighting a lot, and he had already decided he was going back to Iraq (per his wife). The details why he really shot himself were unclear but he shot himself in the right side of his head and it exited the other side. It was lethal, self-inflicted, and he was basically dead when he arrived in our ER. Although efforts to save this young man were being done in the helicopter, he was basically dead but breathing because of life support. When his wife, her sister and Mother arrived, I went into the family room to meet them, her cell phone rang and it was his Mother. She said, “He is dead” and hung up the phone. She immediately fell to the floor sobbing. After a while I excused myself to find the Doctor to inform him what had happened. He had informed the Mother of the patient but asked her not to say anything because he wanted to be the one to tell the wife-well it didn’t happen this way and sometimes this happens, unfortunately!

I had another baby die due to the Mother’s substance abuse. She was 23.5 weeks pregnant, took cocaine three days prior and was rushed to the hospital. {She informed the Doctor she had been taking for some time} The Doctors could not find a heartbeat and delivered the baby, which was a little girl. The Doctor baptized her because he did not know how long the little girl would live. When I arrived he shared what happened but did not judge her. This is my second death of a baby to die from substance abuse and other causes and they are my most difficult to handle. I thank God for the strength and courage to walk into the room and be an agent of God to the Mother. The Mothers usually do not share about drug abuse in their lives.

I am one of the Chaplains who spend a lot of time on our Palliative care unit. We have anywhere from nine to 15 patients at a given time and many deaths. One morning I wanted to visit our oldest patient who was 102. His daughter left the room and I mentioned that I wanted to go in and recite the Lord’s Prayer with him. She hesitated and then said ok, you can go. I was reciting the Lord’s Prayer to him when he died. I called the RN and then ran to get his daughter. God is truly amazing and brings us where we need to be, all the time.

Seminary status
I have two classes this semester which are Early Christian Ethics and History of Christianity, Part 2. It is much better and I am handling the vast amount of reading and working on the papers without many problems. They are usually 6-8 page pagers and double spaced. I really enjoy these classes and glad to get a better understanding about our early Christian writers.

~ to be continued
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Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, March 31st
11:30AM @ Denny's
Capitol Ave & Berryessa Road

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





Saturday, March 6th
8:30AM in Fellowship Hall

February 2010

A Letter from Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

This year the space between the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Lent is a short one and, because of its brevity, it seems a perfect time both to reflect on Christmas and to anticipate the coming season of Lent. As I look back on the Advent and Christmas seasons at Foothill Presbyterian Church I am struck by the incredible generosity of our congregation. It is a mere fact and no exaggeration that we sent pickup truckloads of food to local hunger programs including the Lord’s Pantry and the Sacred Heart Community Center. We gathered barrels of lightly-used coats and jackets to provide warmth for the homeless in San Jose (as I write this in the middle of a rainstorm I am confident that dozens and dozens of people are happier and more comfortable because of our generosity). A good number of us went in person to help in local hunger programs. The Foothill Fineries Christmas Boutique raised money for mission. We collected several Christmas-tree’s worth of toys for needy children.

The generosity hasn’t abated. We are collecting money and supplies for Presbyterian Disaster Relief’s ongoing effort in Haiti and all this leads me to believe that our congregation is responding faithfully to God’s call as we are led to address issues of poverty in our community and around the world. It makes me very happy and proud to be your pastor.

As we prepare for Easter, the spiritual journey helps us to remember that what was born at Christmas is resurrected at Easter and the Easter resurrection is a rebirth into life that is eternal—much bigger and stronger than that which is born at Christmas. I hope that the generosity born in us at Christmas will be reborn stronger and bigger and more powerful at Easter. I’m excited to see what God will do with us and how the generosity and faithfulness of our congregation will grow and be given new life as Easter approaches.

Here’s the coming seasons of Lent and Easter.

I Bid You Peace,
Ben
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*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “K” “L” Numbers:11 & 12

*Themes & Activities*

*Feelings* 2/1-2/5
· 2/1 Art: Face expressions
Poem: Feelings Spider
· 2/2 Learning the letter K
· 2/3 Learning the number 11
· 2/4 Bring something that makes you smile
· 2/5 Share Day & Movie Day
Art: Valentine bag


*Valentines* 2/8-2/12
· 2/8 Art: Valentine Crown
Song: A hug from you
· 2/9 Learning the letter K
· 2/10 Learning the number 11
· 2/11 Bring Valentine cards for your friends
· 2/12 Share Day & Movie Day







*Presidents* 2/15-2/19
· 2/15 preschool closed
· 2/16 Art: Paper plate penny
Poem: Honest Abe
Learning the letter L
· 2/17 Learning the number 12
· 2/18 Bring picture of a president (past or present)
· 2/19 Share Day & Movie Day






*Disney* 2/22-2/26 · 2/22 Art: Aladdin
Song: Poo Bear, Poo Bear
· 2/23 Learning the letter L
· 2/24 Learning the number 12
· 2/25 Bring a Disney character
· 2/26 Field trip- Disney on Ice





*Bible Lesson*

Spiritual Message: Love

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, January 3



*Preschool Closed*
Presidents Day
Monday, February 15





*Special Event*
Disney on Ice
Friday, February 26




A Valentine for Jesus
By Ms. Tricia

What will you say to Jesus
On this special Valentine’s Day?
You can tell Him that you love Him,
And will follow Him everyday.
How can you show that you need Him,
If it’s not visible on your face?
You can read the Bible,
And thank Him for his sacrifice,
Love and grace.
The best Valentines you can give Him,
Is the promise of never being apart.
You can give Him what He wants the most,
He’ll gladly except your heart.
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Upcoming Music Series Concerts

Flauti Dolci and Amici I
Saturday, February 6, 3 PM
Some of the Bay Area’s most skilled and talented recorder consorts and mixed ensembles: Baroque Etc… Ministriles, SDQ, Ensemble Sonoma, and others come together to perform early music as well as recent compositions.

South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, February 26, 7:30 PM
Featuring excerpts from Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1
de Falla: Three Cornered Hat

Judith Linsenberg & Katherine Heater
Sunday, February 28, 3 PM
Recorder virtuoso Judith Linsenberg and harpsichordist Katherine Heater will feature recorder and continuo music from the 16th through the 20th centuries including works by Bach, Sammartini, Bassano, Pete Rose, and others. www. Linsenberg.com

Suggested Donation: $10 per person per concert
Foothill Presbyterian Church 5301 McKee Road, San Jose, CA 95127 Contact: Jay Jordana, (408) 258-8133x105 www.foothillpc.org












Saturday February 6, 2010 - 3:00 PM
Flauti Dolci & Amici I

Some of the Bay Area's most skilled and talented recorder consorts and mixed ensembles. Baroque Etc., Ministriles, SDQ, Ensemble Sonoma and others come together to perform early music as well as recent compositions.

Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 3:00 PM
Judith Linsenberg & Katherine Heater

Recorder virtuoso Judith Linsenberg (www.Linsenberg.com) and harpsichordist Katherine Heather; featuring recorder and continuo music from the 16th -20th centuries, including works by Bach, Sammartini, Bassano, Pete Rose, and others.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 7:30 PM
Canconier

The Garden Enclosed: Medieval Music of Celebration and Revelry; Annette Bauer and Tim Payborn present a program of virtuosic medieval works for the 13th & 14th centuries from Italy, France, Spain, and England. www.conconier.com

Sunday, March 28th, 2010 - 3:00 PM
AROW

Garden of Delights; a musical experience beyond Eden; The American Recorder Orchestra of the West, featuring works by Brahms, Debussy, Hovhaness, Mozart, ffenbach, Poulenc, Satie, Schubert, and Shostakovich. www.arowmusic.org

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 7:30 PM
Monteverdi Brass Quintet

Richard Roper & Robert Wilkins (trumpets), Don Benham, Frank Bunger, Mike Cushing (trombones) share their passion for chamber music and glorious works for the Renaissance. Program includes music by Palestrina, Shein, Isaac, and Victoria.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 3:00 PM
Flauti Dolci & Amici II

Some of the Bay Area's most skilled and talented recorder consorts and mixed ensembles. The Belmont Consort, The Cupertino Crones, Recorder Journey, and others come together to perform early music as well as recent compositions.

Saturday, June 5, 2010 - 3:00 PM
MPRO

Directed by Fred Palmer, the Mid-Peninsula Recorder Orchestra preforms imaginative arrangements of orchestral music. www. sfems.org/mpro/
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Recycle Sunday

We are looking for volunteers to help with CRV recycling. We need people to sort and take the CRV in to the redemption center. If you are able to help, please contact the church office at 480-258-8133 or foothillpc@gmail.com

Help make our volunteers job easier, don't forget to pre-sort your CRV.
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S.H.A.R.E.S Cards
Supporting Foothill by Grocery Shopping

To all who have been using your SaveMart SHARES cards, Thank You! Foothill received a check for $734 for the last quarter of 2009. We’ve earned $2,605 since we started the program in December 2008.

Please use your SHARES card every time you shop at SaveMart. If you need a card please pick one up in the Narthex or stop by the church office.
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FOOTHILL FELLOWSHIP … SOUP LUNCHEON
FEBRUARY 28 12 NOON FELLOWSHIP HAL

Please mark your calendars for our first fellowship gathering of 2010. Sign-up sheets will be available on February 14. More information to follow.

Sponsored by the Membership Committee

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps-Proverbs 16:9

I continue to enjoy being a Chaplain and working two nights a week. What makes my nights different is many patients are asleep, staff is available, and our ER and trauma floors are always in need of a Chaplin. For the patients who are awake at night, I get to spend more time with them unless I am called away for an emergency.

I have mentioned several times how difficult it is when I have to visit our Labor & Delivery (L&D) or Neo-natal floors, but I trust in God to guide and lead me. Last week a young lady (34 yrs) was brought to L&D because her 25 week old baby had stopped moving; the baby was dead. When she shared with the RN what had really happened, I was appalled when the RN shared it with me.

She was separated from her husband who lives in GA, met a man in Ft Worth, and got pregnant. He did not believe the baby was his so she took a drug to try and abort the baby and then took cocaine two days before she called 911. The Doctor highly suggested a vaginal delivery and when I was called to spend time with the mother, I was given this assessment before I entered the room. When I entered I saw a young Mother tenderly holding her baby, tears in her eyes, and then she asked me to bless her baby. I silently prayed to God to help me with this visit. I ended up praying, reading scripture, and then asking God to take care and watch over her baby. When I had to explain to her that she had to select a funeral home to bury her baby, she was in a state of shock. She said to me” You mean I have to bury this child?” I said yes and in order for me to leave said I would give her some privacy. So many negative thoughts came to mind and I had to give it to God and ask for forgiveness for the negative thoughts I had. She said that she did not want to keep her two yr old daughter because she was once again dependent on chemical drugs. All I could think of was the many women who come in, deliver, and lose their babies because they can’t carry them to full term or their bodies reject them. I also thought about the many women who decide to use in-vitro as a way to try and have a baby and sometimes it doesn’t work. I was grateful that one of the staff Chaplains followed-up with this patient for me.

We have a young man (30 yrs) who is a frequent flyer to the hospital. He overdoses on Tylenol and alcohol but this time he only used Tylenol. The Chaplains did not want to go visit with him but I did. He remembered me and I listened as he shared what happened to cause him to overdose this time. He told me he had been going to AA meetings but could not deal with the use of the word Higher Power so he quit. He said he wants to quit but does not know what to do. I asked questions that would help him to think about what he should do and he said he would contact some agencies to get help. I asked him to pray and he did. He is intelligent and we have had some very good conversations each time he is admitted.

A sad one for me is a patient (52 yrs) who has been in the hospital for a little over a month and his wife has been here each day with him. They have been married for many years and she cannot let him go. He has lung cancer which has spread too many areas of his body; he weighs about 70#, and looks so bad. She believes God will perform a miracle and cure him even though the Doctors have informed her that his health is declining. I spent some time with her to talk about her well being but she told me she has plenty of support from her church and many people are praying for him. She wants the Doctors to do everything for him. He is a full code which means if his heart stops, they will do CPR on him. I asked if she would consider palliative care but she told me no because she believes he will get better.

During my nights I also visit with staff (RNs, PCTs, and Doctors) and have general conversations about their well being. Sometimes I find RNs who are asleep, sometimes they are playing games on the computers, and sometimes they are sitting around talking. They tell me when their work is completed for a specific time, they relax.

I really love being a Chaplain and continue to be thankful for this job while I am in school. As the New Year approaches, I will work on Thursday and Saturday nights and work three days a week (4 hrs each) to keep my 32 hrs/week. My visits are always interesting and I don’t ever know what my visit will entail but I continue to trust in God to lead and guide me.
My school status:
I have completed my first semester at Brite Divinity with three classes behind me. I received a B+ in History of Christianity, Part 1, B in Evangelism, and a B in Congregational Leadership. Next semester I will take History of Christianity, Part 2 and History of Ethics. I decided that with so much reading, I will have more time to devote and focus on reading and writing the exams which will be take home for both classes. Lord, may I continue to have a servant’s heart in all that I say and do.
~to be continued~

Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, February 7
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13); Psalm 138;
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11

Sunday, February 14
Transfiguration of the Lord
Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

Wednesday, February 17
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12;
Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Sunday, February 21
1st Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16;
Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13

Sunday, February 28
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27;
Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35

January 2010

Festival of Carols 2009


Christian Unity Prayer Service, Panel Discussion
at St Elias Church 28 January

Several Catholic and Protestant churches in the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose will sponsor a service of prayer for Christian Unity, followed by a panel discussion on the quest for Christian Unity, on Thursday 28 January at 7:00 pm in St Elias the Prophet Melkite-Greek Catholic Church, 4411 Hyland Avenue in San Jose. People attending are invited to stay for refreshments and conversation with the speakers.

The prayer service will follow the order of Vespers in the Byzantine Christian tradition, with Scripture readings suggested for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by the Graymoor Ecumenical Institute and the World Council of Churches. Clergy and lay people from Alum Rock United Methodist Church, Foothill Presbyterian Church, Interfaith Space, St Elias Melkite-Greek Catholic Church, St John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, and St Philip Episcopal Church will participate in the service.

Following the prayer service, the Rev. Ben Daniel, the Rev. Andrew Kille, and the Rt Rev Alexei Smith will present a panel discussion on the topic “That All May Be One: Perspectives on Christian Unity.” The panelists will especially focus on the ways in which Christians from different traditions define and pursue unity.

The Rev. Ben Daniel has served as pastor of Foothill Presbyterian Church since 1997. In addition to his pastoral work, Rev. Daniel writes faith-based social and political commentary and has been active in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue locally, nationally, and internationally, including a conference that focused on the work of the ecumenical community in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Rev D. Andrew Kille, Ph.D. is an ordained American Baptist minister, the former pastor of First Baptist Church in San Jose. He is currently director of Interfaith Space, an on-line resource for interfaith information and collaboration. He has more than 30 years of extensive experience in inter-religious dialogue and cooperation in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Archimandrite Alexei Smith is pastor of St Andrew Russian-Greek Catholic Church and St Paul Melkite-Greek Catholic Mission in El Segundo, California. He serves as Protopresbyter of the Western Region of the Melkite-Greek Eparchy of Newton and as Ecumenical Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He has participated in many local, national, and international ecumenical services, conferences, and dialogues.

This panel discussion will be the fourth in this year’s series of monthly presentations sponsored by St Elias Church. This series aims at expanding people’s knowledge and understanding of the whole Christian Church, especially the Eastern Churches.

For more information, please call Father James Graham, Pastor of St Elias the Prophet Melkite-Greek Catholic parish, 408-259-0259. For directions to St Elias Church, visit www.steliastheprophet.org .

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A Note From Pastor Maury

Dear Church Members,

Thank You for the Christmas Greetings. I hope you will forgive me but my ambition is insufficient to send each a person thanks.

I have read and reread each one and how I wish I could greet each of you personally.

I presume that you know why I moved to here. In case you don’t: The result of a fall at home was a broken left hip. This, of course, brought surgery. When I came home progress was very slow.

My four Sons, none could be greater, decided that I needed to give up living alone, and move here. At first I was shocked at thinking I would not be seeing you.( I am not over that shock).

They could not have moved me to a better place. I am in an assisted living facility that couldn’t be better. When I need help a person is right here. I am living in a 2 room very special place. My breakfast (big) is brought to my room. They keep my quarters spic and span. My other two meals are in a very nice D.R.

Would you send me a Northern Cook?

I am teaching two Bible Classes a week. Right now, by request, we are studying Revelations. Why oh why did I agree to do it? There are lots of extra activities including music.

I attend a Methodist Church most of the time where Maurice,Jr and Beth are very active. About 600 members. I go to the Presbyterian Church now and then. It is about 800 members. When the choirs sing, Jay, they need you.

I have a wonderful place to live but oh how I miss Foothill

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*Academics*
The kids are learning about
Letters “I” “J”
Numbers: 9 & 10






*Themes & Activities*

*New Year*
1/4-1/8
1/4 Art: 2010
Poem: Happy New year
1/5 Learning the letter I
1/6 Learning the number 9
1/7 Bring something with 2010 on it
1/8 Share Day & Movie Day

*Winter*
1/11-1/15
1/11 Art: 3D Snowflakes
Song: Snowflakes
1/12 Learning the letter I
1/13 Learning the number 9
1/14 Wear your gloves today
1/15 Share Day & Movie Day


*Winter Bear*
1/19-1/22
1/19 Art:Hibernating Bear
Poem:Bears are sleeping
Learning the letter J
1/20 Learning the number 10
1/21 Wear your hat & scarf today
1/22 Share Day & Movie Day

*Shapes*
1/25-1/29
1/25 Art:Triangle Tree
Song: All Shapes Come Together
1/26 Learning the letter J
1/27 Learning the number 10
1/28 Bring a rectangle shaped item
1/29 Share Day & Movie Day

*Bible Lesson*

Spiritual Message: Peace

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, January 6

*Preschool Closed*

Monday, January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day


*A Special Thank You*
To:
Pastor Ben
The Preschool Board
Fred & Marilyn Kromrey
David & Isabelle Taylor
For helping us make our
Christmas Season a memorable event.


*Poetry*
A New Year
By Ms. Tricia

The last day of the year,
Is called New Years Eve.
Looking back on all the memories,
2009 is going to leave.
May hope love and warmth,
Be in your heart’s possession.
And may the New Year bring
You and Yours,
God’s many blessings.
I wish for your happiness,
As we enter into a new year.
From me to you,
I’m wishing you,
A very Happy New Year!
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ONE COAT TO SHARE

Thank you Foothill Folks and friends for your generous response for warm jackets. Between November 8 and December 22 three trips were made to InnVision. A total of 145 jackets were delivered. The demand for warm jackets is great and volunteers were very appreciative of our donations. Did you receive a new jacket for Christmas? Will you be cleaning out your closet during January?Collection of jackets will continue through the month of January.

DONATIONS NEEDED

InnVision will gladly accept your donations of: blankets, towels, sheets, clothing all sizes. Donations are accepted Monday - Friday 12:30 to 3:30 PM. InnVision is located on the northwest corner of Commerical and 7th Street. Take Mabury Rd or Berryessa RD to 7th Street and turn right, cross over Commerical and turn left into their drive through drop-off area. Volunteers will unload your car, you can fill out a donation form and be on your way.

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The Semibreve
-Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries

MANY, MANY THANKS… Looking back on 2009, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to anyone who has contributed their time, talent, anything of themselves for the life of the music ministry: all the musicians - the bell, chancel, and children’s choirs, the Peralta Consort, other small ensembles, soloists, and guests; all the behind-the-scenes folks- the parents of those in the children’s choir, families (and yes, pets), and friends who support the time commitment that the musicians give; Music Series staff – those who give up their Sunday afternoons and odd times of the week, and those who share their resources to keep our concert series alive and growing, Ben Daniel and the Session, and TO ANYONE, AND EVERYONE who has in anyway supported the ministry. YOU GUYS ARE TRULY AMAZING! You are the music of the church, and words cannot express the gratitude and humility I feel working together. THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY CONCERTS

Flauti Dolci and Amici I
Saturday, February 6, 3 PM

Some of the Bay Area’s most skilled and talented recorder consorts and mixed ensembles: Baroque Etc…, Ministriles, SDQ, Ensemble Sonoma, and others come together to perform early music as well as recent compositions.

South Bay Philharmonic
Friday, February 26, 7:30 PM
Featuring excerpts from Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1
de Falla: Three Cornered Hat

Judith Linsenberg & Katherine Heater
Sunday, February 28, 3 PM

Recorder virtuoso Judith Linsenberg and harpsichordist Katherine Heater will feature recorder and continuo music from the 16th through the 20th centuries including works by Bach, Sammartini, Bassano, Pete Rose, and others. www. Linsenberg.com Suggested Donation: $10 per person per concert

NEXT MONTH

Saturday, March 13, 7:30 PM - CanVonier featuring works from Italy, France, Spain, and England in the 13th and 14th centuries. www.canconier.com

Sunday, March 14, 3 PM – Sopranos Anne Marie Daniel and Jay Jordana in their Napoleon Dynamite concert: renaissance, classical, romantic, and contemporary. Anything goes!

Sunday, March 28, 3 PM – American Recorder Orchestra of the West (AROW) featuring works by Brahms, Debussy, Hovhaness, Mozart, Offenbach, Poulenc, Satie, Schubert, and Shostakovich. www.arowmusic.org

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NEW OFFICERS FOR CLASS OF 2012

Elders: Tony DeRose
Kathy Havis-Faler
Gene Hewitt
Mike Takeda

Deacons: John Belz
Rene Banks
Carol Goedde

The Nominating Committee is still seeking a fourth person to serve on the Board of Deacons.

Memorial Endowment Committee
Marilyn Kromery

Audit Committee
Al Schuler

WORKING TOGETHER
- Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is comprised of seven members. Two Elders, one Decon and four members of the congregation. Members of the congregation are elected at a Congregational Meeting. Now is the time to be thinking about who would you like to nominate for this position. Be sure and ask the person if they would be willing to serve on this committee prior to placing their name in nomination.

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Welcome to Caitlin Grace Leonard, born January 31, 2009. Congratulations to proud Great Grandparents, Charlie and Helen Klotz; Grandparents, Bill & Nancy Leonard; and Parents, Tim & Julie Leonard.

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

We are at our best when we serve God by serving others.
-Unknown author

This month of November has been interesting and I am grateful to God for the strength that I muster. I still have many deaths; gunshot wounds, domestic abuse, stillborns, and our regular traumas. When I visited an elderly woman (88), she said, “I am ready.” I had an idea what she meant but wanted her to talk about it. She said, “I am ready to meet the Lord because I have been a good servant.” She had been trying to satisfy her children but decided to make a decision that made her comfortable. Her children wanted her to have three dialysis treatments a week but she was not willing to do this. She had one treatment which took four hours and said she could not live this way for the rest of her life.

A young man (24) answered his door and was shot four times in his chest. Someone called EMS; he walked down the steps and threw up a lot of blood. When he arrived in ER, he was trying to talk and all of a sudden a stream of blood came from his mouth and in an instant he was rushed to OR. The Doctors operated for hours trying to save his life. What they found was one of the bullets nicked his aorta which explained why he was throwing up so much blood. I was fortunate that I was not in his ER room when he first arrived but for a week I could smell blood on my hands. When the investigator came, no one in his family wanted to discuss anything about the shooting and I wondered if they wanted to take the law into their own hands. I visited this man today in ICU and he is still alive.

An elderly man (79) was sent home on a Friday afternoon because the family wanted hospice care at this time. On Sunday he was rushed to ER and given a poor prognosis. The family was in shock because they thought he had a lot more time to be with them. He coded and the family wanted everything done which included CPR and they watched as the staff tried to save him. When he died, it was very difficult for the family.

It does not fail! It seems as though each month I have a very difficult death. An 18 year old had gone hunting for a few days with some friends, they had a good time, and he was all smiles when he came home, according to his parents. When he went upstairs to his room, his Father heard a pop and then a thump. He ran upstairs to his son’s room, saw blood and realized his son had been shot. His Father yelled for his wife to call 911 while he was giving him CPR. They rushed him to ER; he was immediately taken to OR due to the massive amount of blood loss. I spent four hours with the family while he was in OR and spent time facilitating the conversation for them to talk about it. He knew how to handle guns and the family did not believe he had shot himself. After sitting patiently for a long time, they were given an update. I left the room while this was done and when the RN she saw me I was given information about his poor prognosis. The surgeons were able to stop the bleeding, remove his left lung, and then rush him to ICU. At 2:30 in the am, I received a code blue page for intensive care, another page for a full arrest (turned into a death), and a page for a still born. I had to wake up the Resident Chaplain (in sleep room) and ask her to go to the code. Yes, it was the young man. They had given the family a very poor prognosis and the family chose to withdraw life support which caused the code. He was stabilized and they made him a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). The resident Chaplain was with the family from 3:00am to 8:30am. There were about 100 school children who had come to see him, hold him, get on the bed and cry, and most of them went to the Chapel to pray for him. I had spent time with his family and went to his room after my crisis calls to say my goodbyes to his parents and grandfather. They had aged several years because of what they had to deal with. This was their only child. God is always on time and as sad as this was, one good thing did come from this, the ME (medical examiner) ruled it an accidental shooting.

The still born was emotional and sad visit for me. The baby, 28-30 weeks was a boy, and the Mom had not felt movement in several days. When the Doctors delivered him, he had mold on his head and the RNs believe it is because the Mom (28) could not afford pre-natal care. When I saw him, I felt so sad for the parents and because he was already dead, I offered prayed for her and her husband. She was very distraught and her husband cried for a long time.

I had not seen any domestic abuse patients in a long time but during this month, I had the opportunity to provide pastoral care and support to two ladies. One lady (45) was in what’s called kwik care and has been to the hospital six times with the same related concern. She did not want to discuss what happened but said she felt comforted by my presence. I gave her some literature on abuse and held her hands for a while.

The other lady (65) was brought to trauma. She has been dating this guy for nine years and he has been in jail a few times for hitting her. She moved 200 miles from Ft Worth and was home visiting her daughter, son, and brother. She said this guy called her daughter’s house, spoke to her, she agreed to see him and her daughter drove her to the nightclub. When the club was ready to close, he got agitated, and when she asked what was wrong, he hit her in the nose. She ended up with four stitches and I thank God it was nothing more serious. She called her brother to come get her and he said, no way because I am tired of this and when you really want to do something about it, I will help you. She cried for a long time and shared her up and down times about this behavior. She said he is not right for me but it is difficult to stop. I listened for a long time and asked her to think about the years in this relationship, how many times she has tried to stop, and asked her to think about getting help. She agreed to do it. We talked about God in her life and I gave her a lot of literature and held her hands for a while.

My school status:

I received a B+ on my mid-term paper for history of Christianity and a B on my paper regarding book, The Enchiridion. This is the last week of classes for this semester; we have study week, and then finals. I registered for two classes in the spring; History of Christian Ethics and part II of the history of Christianity. I will have 6 books for the Ethics class and one book to purchase for the other class. After the spring semester, I will need 27 credits to graduate from seminary, all thanks to God.

Lord, may I continue to have a servant’s heart in all that I say and do.
~to be continued~
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Special Prayers For
Roxie Banks, Linda Shadoe, Dee Daniel, Bobbie Stites,
Shirley Schmidt, Mary Mints, Kitty Rugebregt, Karen Withrow, Larry Bahr, Larry Martinez, Bob Nelson, Grace Takeda,
Marilyn Kromrey, Nancy Azzarello, Dick Rush, Beulah Thomas, Cruz Chacon, Virginia Harro, and Tirzah Spencer.


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Lectionary Readings
Available in the Presbyterian Planning Calendar

Sunday, January 3
2nd Sunday after Christmas
Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20;
Ephesians 1:1-14; John 1:(1-9) 10-18

Monday, January 6
Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,
Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Sunday, January 10
Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29;
Acts 8:14-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Sunday, January 17
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10;
Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

Sunday, January 24
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8, Psalm 19;
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21

Sunday, January 31
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6;
1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30