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.

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.

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.




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.

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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

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.

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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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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.

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

We were informed that he had mentioned to his friend he was homesick and wanted to see his family. When his Mom received the call from his friend, she was devastated and family members took the first flight to Texas. Upon arrival, she cried uncontrollably for a long time. She decided that he would want to be a donor and gave consent. When this happens, the Chaplain goes to OR with the family. At 1:00 am in the morning, we went to OR, watched them sterilize his body, and then all of us went into the room when they withdrew him from life-support. His Mom held his hand for the 40 minutes he still had life and when the Doctor pronounced him, his Mom sobbed. We were quickly ushered out of OR so the team could harvest his liver, tissue, and eyes. Throughout these 4 hours, we prayed together several times, held hands, and hugged. His Mom informed me how much she appreciated the presence of a Chaplain.

We have what’s called auto-ped accidents, which is what happens when a person driving a car hits a pedestrian. On July 23rd, a young lady (24 yo), along with her Mom and Dad were going to get her car. They had to stop because of a flat tire and all of them got out of the car. When a car drove by, it hit and killed her Dad, seriously injured her Mom and she was taken to a local hospital. The young lady was injured so badly that she had to be flown to the hospital. What was so sad is she was 24 on the 23rd! It was her birthday! She was talking when she arrived, gave us a phone number and passed out. I contacted local officials where she was flown from and they were able to help me locate her Mom. Yes, the driver has been caught and is in jail. It’s a small town in the country where everyone knows each other and from what the officer informed is that he knows the family.

When the call came for me to visit the young lady (29) whose baby had just died, I was concerned because the RN’s voice sounded somber. When I arrived, I was informed the baby was 29 weeks and had been in the neonatal unit for 3 days. She had been doing fine that morning and then at 1052 pm, she died. The Doctor was baffled, felt bad, and kept saying he could not believe this had happened. He explained that that baby had sepsis (Sepsis is a toxic response to infection) and died. When I walked into the room, the baby’s Dad was holding her and sobbing. The baby’s Mom was also crying. At moments like these, I introduce myself and let them know I am there for them. They nodded in the affirmative and I let them know I would be outside, when they were ready for me to come back. I requested a shell and some sterilized water from the RN so that I could bless the baby. After 30 minutes, I went back in, offered prayer and a blessing for them and the baby. They both said yes, please. After prayer I blessed the baby and gave them the shell. After hugging them, I left but not before letting them know I was available all night, if they needed anything pastoral. They thanked me for the visit.

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

Seminary status
I have been reading, although not a lot because I am making prayer beads. I am also walking in the morning for two hours. Because it has been in the triple digit (temp), I am careful to go walking early in the morning before it gets too hot.

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

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!

Read More Semibreve

DIXIELAND HYMN SING AT FOOTHILL!
Members of the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society will be coming to Foothill on July 17th to provide special worship service music followed by a hymn sing after the service, and a potluck to follow. Sing along, snap your fingers, and tap your toes as the band plays traditional hymns that we all love. Mark your calendars for July 17th You won’t want to miss this!

2011 VBS
JOYFULLLY MAKING MUSIC
Parents, and guardians are invited to bring a child (or more) to a VBS- inspired summer music camp here at Foothill. Anne Marie Daniel, Ben Daniel, Ronn Ealy. and I will offer classes that involve Music Theory, Kodaly, Singing, Instruments, Song games and many more! The VBS music camp will begin on August 8th at 9:30 AM. Stay tuned for more detailed information.

11TH ANNUAL JAZZ ON THE GRASS
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family and friends. Hang and chill in the Foothill courtyard where you’ll hear Steve Turner’s jazz ensemble play standards. Mark your calendars for August 21st at 1 PM. See you there!

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
Thanks to the Personnel Committee’s financial support, I will be attending what is called the Summer Institute at Holy Names College from July 11th to the 29th. During this intensive, three-week course, I will be learning Kodály. Developed by the Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967), Kodály is a system of music education for children. Specifically, it teaches children to sing solfeggio using movable do (do, re, mi, et al…), and a repertoire of songs and exercises based on the Hungarian folk tradition. Since 1954, it has been a staple in the Hungarian school system. Moreover, it also has been modified for use in other countries (431). In the United States, for example, the repertoire of songs and exercises are based on Hungarian and American folk traditions.

*Randel, Don Michael, ed. The New Harvard Dictionary of Music, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1986.


SUMMER MUSIC
The following folks have generously volunteered to provide special music while the choirs are on summer hiatus:

July
7/3 – Friends of Taiwan International (Brass ensemble)
7/10 – Ronn Ealy
7/17 – South Bay Traditional Jazz Society
7/24 – Libby Moore
7/31 –Anne Marie Daniel

August
8/7 –Peralta Consort; Joanne Reinecker
8/14 – Bob Barker
8/21 – Jon Roblin
8/28 – Dawn Imada; Kraig Williams

JULY TIDBIT
What is the third partial in the harmonic series? Explain.
Hint: A vibrating body (i.e. strings, vocal cords, etc…) does this.
Please email me your 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!

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*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, July 6

*Spiritual Message*
Goodness

The kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 14:15

*Special Days in June*

Icecream
Mondays & Wednesdays

Kid’s Jazzercise
Tuesdays & Thursdays

Water Play
Fridays

*Field Trip*
Emma Prush Farm
Thursday, July 14th
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Community Supported Agriculture
Foothill CSA
Local Produce Direct from the Farm to You

Sign up now for August CSA. Cost for August is $150.

Give it a try and sign up for August. See what eating seasonally, locally, and sustainably is all about.

Read More About Foothill CSA

How much does this cost? $30 per week in the summer. Cost will drop to $25 per week after the summer season.

How do I pay? Produce shares are on a pre-payment, monthly subscription basis. Total prepayment is due the last Tuesday of each month. We accept cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Foothill Presbyterian Church with CSA in the memo, or set up direct payment from your bank.

How much do I get? You will get between 17 and 20 different fruits and vegetables. Each week you will fill approximately 2 large grocery bags.

Can I buy half a share? We only purchase full shares from the farm. If you would like to split a share and do not have someone who you can partner with, please let us know and we will try to find a partner for you. Half share people are required to coordinate payment and splitting of the share with their partner. You must pick up a full share and then divide with your partner.

I’m here to pick up my share. What should I do? Please bring your own bags or boxes including small bags for items such as salad greens. Check off your name on the sign in sheet.
The produce is set out in boxes in the narthex. The amount you should take and the name of the item with be marked clearly on the box. Look for great recipes ideas to take with you.

What if I don’t want an item? Look for the “Barter Box”. You can trade the item you don’t want for something in the Barter Box.

What happens to the leftovers? Unclaimed produce is taken to the Lord’s Pantry, a local food bank located on White Road.

What if I can’t pick up my share? You can have a friend or neighbor pick up your share for you, or you can donate your share to the food pantry.

When do I pick up? Every Tuesday from 10:30AM to 9PM.

How do I register? Email or call Peg: foothillpc@gmail.com or 408-258-8133.

What can you tell me about the grower?
Name of farm: Field of Greens
Owner: Peter Trembois
Business license: M15770

Farm land and history: 86 acres in San Benito County and 25 acres in Madera County; approximately 100 miles from San Francisco. Pete’s family has been farming as far back as he can research.

Farm specialty: Over 200 different varieties of vegetables, specializing in root crops and leafy greens.

Philosophy and growing practices: Although not certified organic, Field or Greens practices sustainable agriculture to provide the highest quality, freshest and most nutritious produce possible. They use mulch, compost and cover crops to produce fertile soil. The soil on this San Benito County farm is Class 1, the most fertile soil in the area. The crops are hand weeded. Soap is used to discourage insects. Beneficial insects are introduced. A 300-foot well supplies 86 acres, and river water is used as a backup source.

Farm Staff: Field of Greens is primarily a family-run business. There are 11 family members working for the farm, as well as nine other full time workers and 15 seasonal helpers.
Contact information: Farmer Pete: Psemcd@aol.com, 650-948-0621
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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

To be found, you must admit you are lost-Sper

The month of June has been very exhausting for me and kind of unusual. During this month I had deaths (14), strokes (11), code blues (2), crisis calls (7), motor vehicle accidents (9), stabbing (3), heart attacks (1), miscarriages (2), assaults (2), falls (4), gun shots (1), baby deaths (2), snake bites (1), drowning (3), and falls (2).

What is so unusual is the number of deaths. On June 24/25, I had a total of 8 deaths and a level 1 stabbing. This is the first time this has happened to a Chaplain and by the time I left work, I was emotionally and physically tired. Because the deaths were spaced I did not have to call a Chaplain for back-up and whenever family comes we have to be available for them. When the 7th death happened, I was informed family would not come to the hospital and this gave me to complete most of the paperwork and hand off to another Chaplain.

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

One of the deaths was a 22 year old male. He had been married for one year and his wife was teaching him to swim at their apartment’s pool. However when family arrived, they said he was a great swimmer and a lifeguard. The ER Doctors and RNs worked on him but had to send him to our ICU department for trauma care. He was stable for 15 minutes, coded, they did cpr for 40 minutes and they were not able to save him. One of his sisters threatened to kill the wife and because there was tension between his spouse and family we had to call security. His grandmother started to do cpr because she could not believe he had died and his Mom was in shock. He had to go to the medical examiner and it was very sad for all of his family members.

A man who was 59 years old could not swim but could float on his back. He was at a Lake with family, in the shallow area but was pulled by a wave into a deep section. He went down, family could not reach him right away and when they did, cpr was started right away until EMS arrived. His organs were full of water, there was liver damage and he was admitted to our Neuro-ICU floor. His ex-wife was there and his new wife of three years was also there. There were 30 people in his room. His pastor was there but thanked me for taking charge and helping them through it. The RN cried as they withdrew him from life support and it was so sad. His granddaughter cried for a long time and said she would have a difficult time without him.

When a 69 year old male died of leukemia, I had to call the medical examiner because he had fallen prior to coming to the hospital. His wife was in shock but the patient was a medical examiner’s case because of the trauma from the fall. He also had a huge bruise on the right side of his face and the medical examiner has to rule out foul play.

The very last death was also very sad. A man of 45 years had shortness of breath, the family gave him cpr until EMS arrived and took over. When he arrived at the hospital, the mechanical cpr machine was keeping him alive but they could not save him. When his family was informed, his wife was stunned. When I escorted them to the viewing room, they sobbed and shook uncontrollably for some time. I stayed with them for two hours but then had to make calls, especially the medical examiner’s office. Because of the suspicious nature of his death, there were two sheriff’s available to stay close to the body.

When there is so much death, you have the physical strength but can become emotionally drained and exhausted. I was fortunate I was ok but when I arrived to the house, I was tired but got on my knees to thank God for carrying me through this and being available for family. The Chaplains could not believe it and I ensured them I was not trying to be superwoman.

The man (55) bitten by a copper snake was visiting from Ohio. He was sitting in a lounge chair, reached down to get his drink and was bitten. Fortunately it was not a full grown snake but he did have a lot of swelling and his heart was racing. His sons killed the snake and brought it to ER. I do not like snakes and did not want to see it. Before they gave him the serum, they had to make sure his vitals were ok. He was discharged, after spending three hours in ER.

When a 52 year old male came (June 3rd) in suffering from a stroke, I tried locating his family but had no success. He was treated in ER and then admitted to our trauma ICU floor where he remained until he died, without family that we could find. We had security checking all possible places but we were not successful and this saddens me and this is why I try very hard to find family.

Because the summer time causes more deaths, traumas, and accidents, I am very careful to watch for signs of compassion fatigue which can be common to Chaplains and RNs. I am glad for the daily exercise such as walking!

Seminary status
I am very happy that school is over for the summer. This is a time of reflection, meditating, and writing and I am enjoying it because it’s not academic. I am still walking in the mornings, reading some in the afternoons and also making prayer beads. Because I do not like snakes, I carry a cane with me, just in case!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.
~ to be continued~

Worry is pulling tomorrow’s CLOUDS over today’s SUNSHINE-Adrian Rogers

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Presbyterian
Disaster
Assistance

Disaster relief donations can be made to Foothill and we will forward your money to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Disaster Relief--USA Disasters & Emergencies DR000015

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami DR000117

These designated accounts supplement the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering to enable a significant response for relief and disasters in affected areas. Your faithful giving is deeply appreciated. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) shall honor the requests of donors concerning the use of their gifts for PDA programs; however, if the need for the funds for that specific project no longer exists, then those funds may be applied to a similar project or need at the discretion of PDA.

For more information regarding the PDA their efforts go to http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/

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Foothill Fellowship Lunch
Wednesday, July 27th
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
8:30A

June 2011

A Note From Pastor Ben

Dear Friends,

I’ve been complaining about the weather quite a lot lately, and not without cause. For weeks it’s been wet and chilly during what should be one of the nicest times of the year. The worst day was Saturday, June 4. On that dreary day I attended a presbytery meeting in Santa Cruz, where it was raining sideways. It was an honest to goodness winter storm in June. They should pass a law against that kind of thing.

Don’t get me wrong. I like the winter when it is wintertime, but in June I want to wear a Hawaiian shirt and Bermuda shorts. I want to buy a watermelon, put it in the refrigerator, and eat it in the mid-afternoon heat while having a seed-spitting contest with my children. After the kids are in bed on a particularly warm night, I want to sit with Anne out on the back patio listening to a Giants game on the radio and drinking a glass of wine. Summer is lovely; or at least it should be.

But here’s what I know: it is easy to dream of hot days and balmy nights in the fog and drizzle of a late-spring-that-feels-like-winter; it’s much more difficult to avoid complaining when the mercury actually starts rising past 90 during the day and the nights are oppressive sweat and unmoving air. If I’m not careful, I could complain all of the time.

I don’t want to complain, however, and so this summer I will commit to being thankful for the weather, whatever may come. I will remember the rain in Santa Cruz when August seems unbearable, and if 2012’s June is as chilly and damp as the one 2011 has offered up, I will recollect my discomfort when August got hot and I will be glad.

At Pentecost we celebrate the day when the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus’ disciples to speak the languages necessary to communicate the gospel to people who didn’t happen to speak Aramaic, Hebrew, or Greek, which were the three languages in which the disciples may have been fluent. This summer my prayer is that the same Holy Spirit will enable me to speak a language with which I am not entirely fluent: the language of gratitude for every kind of weather. Furthermore, I pray that my fluency in the language of thanksgiving will increase in every part of my life, and I hope you will join me in this linguistic study.

I bid you peace.

Ben
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Peg Nickl, Office Administrator

We are now on Facebook. We need 25 people to "like" us so we can have our own custom Facebook user name. This makes finding Foothill on Facebook much easier for people. Just click the Foothill Presbyterian Church on Facebook link above to "like" us.

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, and things we are celebrating.

If you have any suggestions, or would like to add content to our Facebook page, please let us know.

Pastor Ben and William watching The Amgen Tour

From the Treasurer
Sue Williams, Treasurer

It's June and we're coming to the end of our fiscal year. We have one more month to go before we begin the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

This is where we are in a snapshot at May 23rd:

Year-to-date general fund receipts: $288,000

Year-to-date general fund expenditures: $281,000

So here’s where we are regarding pledges:

Total general fund pledges: $173,000
Year-to-date pledges received: $147,600

As you can see, pledged giving is behind. Please prayerfully consider catching up your giving for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. We have June to catch up
We have been very fortunate with rents and other activities helping us meet our financial obligations. By catching up with your pledge, you can make the difference as we prepare for the upcoming repair of our roofs. Stay tuned for more about the roof project in the months to come.

And finally, help us plan our next year’s programs. We need your pledge of fiscal support to plan the next year’s activities. You can turn in your Pledge Card with the Sunday offerings. Or send an email, make a call or drop your card by the office. Your pledge is important. Through your faithful giving we can continue to provide the programs and services of the church and make a difference in this world.

Thank you so much for your support.
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What is That Unusual Towering Plant?
Marilyn Kromrey

Have you been wondering what is the name of the unusually tall plant by the fence near Fellowship Hall?

According to Udell Eby it is Echium wildpretii - or Tower of Jewels. The Sunset Western Garden book describes it as a "biennial, Zones 15-17 and 21-14. Striking oddity from the Canary Islands spends its first year as an attractive, roundish mass of long, narrow leaves covered with silvery gray hairs. In its second year, it starts to grow. By mid or late spring, it forms a column of countless little rose to rose red flowers 6 to 10 feet high and a foot or more in diameter. When all the flowers have faded, the plant dies, leaving behind a vast amount of seed. The resulting seedlings may grow and bloom the next year if they are not hoed out. " Sunset Page 323.

Requires full sun and little to moderate water.

We first noticed the pale silvery grey plant when pruning the roses. I decided to let it grow to see what it was. It wasn't a weed I was familiar with seeing in the gardens. We did not water it - we just watched the plant as it grew larger. It seemed to thrive in a small crack in the asphalt. In March we noticed the plant getting very tall and it kept getting taller until the first part of April when we started seeing flower buds in between the leaves. It has been fun watching it grow taller and taller. Udell has had several plants in her garden and has tried to start from seed with not much luck. The plant seems to thrive on neglect.
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The Semibreve
Jay Jordana, Director of Music Ministries



MANY THANKS
To Carol Tillman, Patty Potter, Jerry Siegfried, Kraig Williams for help with concert production. I would especially like to thank Darlene Ristrim, Carol Tillman, Jane Wallace, and Don Village for their above-and-beyond help at the South Bay Philharmonic concert. It does take a village! Thanks again.

FINAL CONCERT OF 2010-11 SEASON
The Peralta Consort
Saturday, June 11th, 3 PM

From Bach to Quantz, the Peralta Consort’s break-out concert presents a program of mostly Baroque with a savory surprise in the center! Join recorderists Kraig Williams and Stevie White, recorderist and flutist Michael Megas, recorderist and percussionist Greta Haug-Hryciw, keyboardist William Andersen, cellist Carl Myers, harpist Carol Tillman, and guitarist Bruce Perkins for an afternoon of “Kings, Canons, and Fugues!”

Suggested Donation $10

Proceeds benefit the Foothill Music Series to provide future concerts to the community. Thank you for your support.

MUSIC RECOGNITION SUNDAY
We are blessed with so many talented folks who share so generously of themselves and their time to glorify God and to create a meaningful worship experience. Join us at the June 12th worship service to honor our FPC musicians.

Read More Semibreve

DIXIELAND HYMN SING AT FOOTHILL!
Members of the South Bay Jazz Society will be coming to Foothill on July 17th to provide special worship service music to be followed by a hymn sing after the service. They will be playing traditional hymns that we all love. Stay tuned for more info. In the meantime, mark your calendars for July 17th. You won’t wanna miss this!

WHAT’S UP IN THE HOOD?
It was only four months ago when the Vivace Youth Chorus started an East side contingent here at Foothill. On May 21st, Vivace Youth Chorus East successfully produced a concert with stellar performances from the Prep and Intermediate groups. Founder and Head Director of Vivace conducted the Prep group, which included our own Nellie Daniel who sang beautifully! The Peralta Consort played with them on one of their pieces. I directed the Intermediate group who sang very well. I’m so proud of those kids (sniff, sniff) :D

Vivace Youth Chorus will have their final concert of the season on June 5th , 4 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Performances will include Nellie Daniel singing with the Prep group, and the Peralta Consort playing with them on one of their pieces.


SUMMER MUSIC
The following folks have generously volunteered to provide special music while the choirs are on summer hiatus:
June
6/19 –Joanne Reinecker
6/26 – Grace Takeda

July
7/3 – Friends of Taiwan International (Brass ensemble)
7/10 – Ronn Ealy
7/17 (Dixieland!) – Jim Harget and members of the South Bay Jazz Society
7/24 – Libby Moore
7/31 –Anne Marie Daniel

Stay tuned for August.


MAY TIDBIT
Congratulations to John Belz for getting the correct response to the question:

Who was the first female musician named in the Bible?

The correct response is “Miriam.”

Exodus 15:20
(After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea):
“Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and with all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.”

-The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version

More on Miriam…
A descendant of Levi, she watched as her mother laid her brother Moses in a basket in the reeds. She persuaded Pharaoh’s daughter, who found Moses, to let his own biological mother nurse him. Considered a prophet along with Aaron and Moses, she became a leper later in life but was healed by God after seven days at Moses’ request. She died and was buried in the Zin desert at Kadesh, which is in modern day Syria.

-del Mastro, M.L. All the Women of the Bible. New York: Castle Books, 2004.


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

Please email me your 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!


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Critic’s Corner
Lawrence R. Ealy

The Doris Williams Ensemble

I don’t know what I was expecting at an Early Music concert having never previously attended one or spent much time listening to or studying music from this era so I went into it with an open mind and willingness to learn.

The instruments were various lutes and recorders which accompanied Ms. Williams as she sang. She has a very interesting sound and color to her voice. Very little vibrato was used and, at times she sounded almost boy soprano. She has good command of her program. I would have preferred, however, that she had not used music and preformed the pieces from memory. This seemed to take away from her connection with her audience.

Her program was quite diversified and represented the four basic musical language groups (French, German, Italian, and English). She seemed most at home with the Italian literature. Maybe because it was a bit more up temp and ore story telling in nature. Of the multi languages I had most difficulty understanding her German.

Ms. Williams has a very pleasing light soprano voice, not suited for the operatic stage but worked perfectly in interpretation of this early period’s style. If she needs to concentrate on anything I would suggest that she pay attention t her pitch on the upper notes and her breath control at the end of soft phases.

The two gentlemen (Howard Kadis and Jonathan Harris) gave tremendous support to Ms. Williams throughout the program. Most thrilling were the recorder solos. I can just imagine a young man in the early 16th century sitting under a chestnut tree while watching his flock of sheep playing songs to pass the time of day. Also, the lutes were very subtle in nature and gave a solid support to the soloist.

All in all it was a very tastefully diverse and complete concert. I appreciated the narration between songs which gave us a sense of the story about to be sung. It was a great learning experience for me and an afternoon well spent. I only wish there had been more attendants.

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*Bible Lesson*

Chapel Day with Pastor Ben
Wednesday, June 8

*Spiritual Message*
Patience

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming near
James 5:8

*Special Days in June*

Tuesdays & Thursdays
Kid’s Jazzercise

6/3
Pre-K Grad Night

6/9
Happy Hollow Fieldtrip

6/16
Father’s Day Lunch

6/24
Ice Cream Sunday
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Opportunity to Help Organize a 5K Cancer Walk/Run

Jason Fromoltz is a teacher at Rocketship Sí Se Puede Academy in East San José. He is looking for help in organizing a charity 5K walk/run to raise money to benefit lung cancer research. Jason lost his father two years ago to lung cancer. The following is a letter that Jason sent to Anne Daniel requesting help from the Foothill Community. If you are interested in getting involved and helping with this event, please contact the church office and we will put you in touch with Jason.





I’m writing you (seemingly out of the blue) because I have a favor to ask of you and Ben. My father passed away two years ago due to lung cancer. In order to honor his life and help in the fight against lung cancer, I’ve decided to organize a 5k Walk/Run to benefit lung cancer research through the organization LUNGevity (www.lungevity.org). The walk is tentatively scheduled for October 23rd in Downtown San Jose.

Right now I am in the very early planning stages and am looking to put together a planning committee to help organize the walk logistics, recruit sponsors, fundraise, and find/manage volunteers.

Because I’m still relatively new to San Jose (been here 2 and a half years), the network of people I know is very small (consisting primarily of Rocketship teachers and parents). I am wondering if either of you know any people who might be interested in getting involved with the planning of the event. These might be people you know who have been affected by lung cancer in some way or just people who really want to be involved with something like this.

If you do know anyone, could you please spread the word and give them my contact information or put me in touch with them via e-mail/phone? I would really appreciate your help with this. I’ve attached* a timeline for what the planning will entail over the next six months and a description of responsibilities that individuals on the planning committee might have based on their subcommittee assignment.

Thanks so much!
Jason
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2011 Vacation Bible School
August 8-12 time TBA

Volunteers Needed for games and lunch
Contact the church office for details
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Community Supported Agriculture
Foothill CSA
Local Produce Direct from the Farm to You

We are starting our 6th month of CSA and the produce is only getting better. The picture above is of a full share from June 7th. Included are the following from left to right: 1 bunch chard, 8 plums, 1 bunch celery, 3 zucchini, 1 basket snap peas, 3 onions (purple and yellow), 3 shallots, 1 garlic, 2 Armenian cucumbers, 8 apricots, 1 bunch green onions, 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, 6 large yellow and purple potatoes, 4 avocados, 6 carrots, 1 bunch oregano, 1 leek, fava beans, and salad mix. All this for only $25 a week (cost will increase to $30 per week in July and August)

Give it a try and sign up for July. See what eating seasonally, locally, and sustainably is all about.

Read More About Foothill CSA

How much does this cost? $30 per week in the summer. Cost will drop to $25 per week after the summer season.

How do I pay? Produce shares are on a pre-payment, monthly subscription basis. Total prepayment is due the last Tuesday of each month. We accept cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Foothill Presbyterian Church with CSA in the memo, or set up direct payment from your bank.

How much do I get? You will get between 17 and 20 different fruits and vegetables. Each week you will fill approximately 2 large grocery bags.

Can I buy half a share? We only purchase full shares from the farm. If you would like to split a share and do not have someone who you can partner with, please let us know and we will try to find a partner for you. Half share people are required to coordinate payment and splitting of the share with their partner. You must pick up a full share and then divide with your partner.

I’m here to pick up my share. What should I do?
Please bring your own bags or boxes including small bags for items such as salad greens.
Check off your name on the sign in sheet.
The produce is set out in boxes in the narthex. The amount you should take and the name of the item with be marked clearly on the box.
Look for great recipes ideas to take with you.

What if I don’t want an item? Look for the “Barter Box”. You can trade the item you don’t want for something in the Barter Box.

What happens to the leftovers? Unclaimed produce is taken to the Lord’s Pantry, a local food bank located on White Road.

What if I can’t pick up my share? You can have a friend or neighbor pick up your share for you, or you can donate your share to the food pantry.

When do I pick up? Every Tuesday from 10:30AM to 9PM.

How do I register? Email or call Peg: foothillpc@gmail.com or 408-258-8133.

What can you tell me about the grower?
Name of farm: Field of Greens
Owner: Peter Trembois
Business license: M15770

Farm land and history: 86 acres in San Benito County and 25 acres in Madera County; approximately 100 miles from San Francisco. Pete’s family has been farming as far back as he can research.
Farm specialty: Over 200 different varieties of vegetables, specializing in root crops and leafy greens.
Philosophy and growing practices: Although not certified organic, Field or Greens practices sustainable agriculture to provide the highest quality, freshest and most nutritious produce possible. They use mulch, compost and cover crops to produce fertile soil. The soil on this San Benito County farm is Class 1, the most fertile soil in the area. The crops are hand weeded. Soap is used to discourage insects. Beneficial insects are introduced. A 300-foot well supplies 86 acres, and river water is used as a backup source.
Farm Staff: Field of Greens is primarily a family-run business. There are 11 family members working for the farm, as well as nine other full time workers and 15 seasonal helpers.
Contact information: Farmer Pete: Psemcd@aol.com, 650-948-0621



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Presbyterian
Disaster
Assistance

Disaster relief donations can be made to Foothill and we will forward your money to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Disaster Relief--USA Disasters & Emergencies DR000015

Disaster Relief--Japan Earthquake and Tsunami DR000117

These designated accounts supplement the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering to enable a significant response for relief and disasters in affected areas. Your faithful giving is deeply appreciated. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) shall honor the requests of donors concerning the use of their gifts for PDA programs; however, if the need for the funds for that specific project no longer exists, then those funds may be applied to a similar project or need at the discretion of PDA.

For more information regarding the PDA their efforts go to http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/

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The Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain
-Maxine Millender

God does not save us by grace so that we may live in disgrace. —Faber

The month of April was busy but not as bad as March. There were deaths (4), strokes (7), stabbings (2), crisis calls (13), motor vehicle accidents (9), heart attacks (4), miscarriages (3), code blues (2), assaults (3), falls (2), stabbings (2), gunshot wounds (1), and a multiple stabbing. During this month I have had many issues with family dynamics where the family members want to argue with the nurses and among themselves about who can sign consents, make medical decisions or not, and when I am called, I politely inform the family that the patient is most important. The cases I share are ones which have resonated with me for specific reasons such as what was on my heart when looking back, wanted to let you know the difficulties I faced during the month or wanted to share my deep concerns about something.

Read More Life of a Seminary Student & Chaplain

Early one Sunday morning, the charge nurse received a call on the radio that said there was a patient (24 yrs) who had been stabbed multiple times and they did not know if he would make it. When the patient arrived, he was bleeding and the doctors, nurses, respiratory people, and x-ray persons were busy trying to save his life. There were nurses putting bandages on his arms where he had been stabbed many times, trying to defend himself. He was stabbed in his eyes, back, stomach, literally all over his body. The doctor counted 17 stab wounds and had to stop counting because he was bleeding too much. We had his name but had to remove it and make it a doe name. The police officer who came with him had no clue about him or how to get in touch with his family. When I called the hospital where he transferred from, they did not know him either but did tell me he was married but did not know her name. When his grandparents arrived and verified his birthdate, I had the doctor give them a medical update and they were informed that someone meant to kill him. When I asked if he was married, they said no. He was rushed to OR and surpassed everything. On that Monday, some of the men who had tried to kill him tried to get onto the trauma floor to finish the job but security shut down that floor and no one could get in or out without a proxy card reader. Now for the rest of the story! The young man had been married for less than a week but the problem is, he is American, his wife is Middle Eastern, she was promised to someone else but did not want to marry this person. The young man recuperated enough to leave the hospital and the most amazing part is: his Mom works at the hospital and I know her. When I hugged her, she cried. She had no idea he had been married. She will not discuss his location due to the threat that is still on his life and we did find out his wife is missing.

Sometimes I have patient visits for reasons that are beyond my wildest imagination. A young lady (28 yrs) wanted help because she found out she was pregnant and when I met her, she shared her life’s review with me. She lives in a room, is a prostitute and the only way she can eat and pay for the room is to prostitute her body, she believes. She shared how she had not been on crack or other hard drugs for six months and wanted to change her life. She felt empty and wanted to get back in church and asked what to do. The first thing I wanted to do with her was to have silence and then I offered prayer. We held hands and prayed. When we finished, I asked some questions to help her come up with what was best for her. She decided she could not have an abortion (12 wks), wanted to go to a maternity home, have the baby, and give it up for adoption. I found some resources for her and the best place would come get her and she would be willing to go and live there. I could not get a cab voucher for her but found a way to get some money so she could have a safe ride back to her room. When I came to work on Saturday night (4/30), I was informed that the young lady I had helped had been beaten and raped and the only reason she was not killed is because she pleaded with the guy not to hurt her baby! I was in shock when they told me. She had come to our hospital but because we don’t have the capacity for rape victims, we send them to a local county hospital. The police officer and others remembered I had helped her and wanted me to know. This semester one of the classes I took was Religion and Violence to study what causes people to become violent and all I could think about is no one deserves to be violated this way.


Seminary status
I am still amazed that I have taken four classes this semester and not missed one assignment. I received another B on my Christian Education paper and have a B average. My final paper was submitted ahead of the due date. I received a B on the Religion and Violence paper and have a B average in this class. I received an A- on my Theology mid-term and have an A average in this class. My professor for the Conflict class has not graded the book report or case study so I am not sure what grade average I have but I did receive 14 of 15 points on the personal inventory reflection paper.

I had my intermediate interview for ordination and passed it, praise God. My final ordination interview is in January and the entire committee will be present for this one. 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, June 29th
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 in Fellowship Hall