the clarion - First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael

The Clarion
September 2014
First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael is an inclusive
community that provides opportunities for people of all ages
to develop an intelligible faith, share gifts through service to
others, and support one another on our sacred journeys.
A Message from Rev. Jan Reynolds
Welcome home to FPCSR!
On Sunday, September 7, we celebrate
coming back together again after our summer
travels and our more relaxed way of being.
Whether we are new to this community or just
beginning to “show up” here, this is the place
you can call your spiritual home.
Sam Alexander, the Pastor and head of staff
at this church, will be on Sabbatical through
December. We wish him every blessing as
he renews his ministry through this well-deserved
time off. He will rejoin us on January 4.
I am honored that I have the opportunity to lead this
congregation during the fall months, Advent and
Christmas. With my partners in leadership in Session and
Deacons, and with the many members at this church
who live out their love of God here and in the world,
we have planned many wonderful opportunities for faith
development this fall. Please take a look at all the offerings
detailed in this issue of the Clarion.
At the request of Sam and the Session,
I’ll be doing most of the preaching. We’ll
also enjoy the sermons of Rev. Kay Collette
and Rev. Bob Hirni (our Parish Associates),
Rev. Doug Huneke (my friend and retired
pastor of Westminster in Tiburon), Lorna
Wuertz (Spiritual Director and Pastoral Care
Associate), and Rev. Gary Collins (Leslie and
Ralph Purdy’s former pastor).
I’ll continue to plan worship and music
with the help of the Worship Committee
chaired by Jane Martin and our gifted music staff, and
I’ll moderate Session. Kay Collette, Bob Hirni and Lorna
Wuertz will continue to assist with pastoral care. We are
hiring an SFTS seminary student to help with our children’s
programming. I think we’ve arranged schedules and
responsibilities so that we won’t skip a beat!
This fall, settle in together, enjoy one another, and open to
God’s Spirit!
This is your spiritual family.
You are home!
2014 Homecoming Service & BBQ Brunch: “Come to the Feast! This is Home”
Sunday, September 7, 2014, 10:00 am, One Service Only (no 8:30 service)
Featuring the Sounds of Joy gospel group, a five-voice gospel ensemble
including Deborah Tisdale; the Chancel Choir and Alan Choy!
BBQ served after the service – hosted by Barbara Royall and family
(helpers needed for set up/clean up. Please let Barbara know if you can help!)
Come one, Come All!
2
Fall Sermon Series: Who
Fall Preview
do
You Say
that
I Am?
This fall, our preachers will try to make some sense out of Jesus’
mysterious “I am” sayings in the gospel of John. The fourth
gospel deals with many of the basic questions in the universal
religious quest of humans, particularly: how do we relate our
faith to our own life experience? What was Jesus saying about
his identity and capabilities as a spiritual human being? What
does it mean that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life? And
therefore, as followers of Jesus, how might we be the way, the
truth and the life?
...The Way
...The Truth
...The Light
Here is our full preaching schedule for fall:
September 7 Come to the Feast! This is Home! (Homecoming Sunday and BBQ)
September 14 John 14:6 – I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Whatever I do, You Will do Also)
Rev. Jan Reynolds
Rev. Jan Reynolds
September 21 John 8:12, 9:5 – I am the Light of the World
September 28 John 6: 35, 48 – I am the Bread of Life
October 5
John 15:1 – I am the Vine; You are the Branches; Hispanic Heritage Month and
World Communion Sunday
October 12
John 8: 58 – Before Abraham was, I am
October 19
Stewardship
October 26
John 10:9 – I am the Door
November 2 John 10:11 – I am the Good Shepherd
November 9 John 11:25 – I am the Resurrection and the Life
November 16 To be announced
November 23 Many Names – Our Gratitude that we Can Know God in Many Ways
Rev. Kay Collette
Rev. Jan Reynolds
Rev. Jan Reynolds &
Rev. Pepé Ramos
Rev. Jan Reynolds
Rev. Doug Huneke
Rev. Jan Reynolds
Lorna Wuertz, D.A.S.D.
Rev. Jan Reynolds
Rev. Gary Collins
Rev. Jan Reynolds
8:30 Service – Please come to enjoy this intimate and
quiet service in a contemplative frame. Featuring beautiful
music leadership by John Steiner on piano and Sarah Wolf
as cantor, we enjoy a message, silence, chant and song in
the Chapel.
10:00 Service – As always, a thoughtful message featuring
a variety of inspiring music – folk, gospel, jazz and classical!
– will be the focus of this somewhat traditional but lively
worship format. Alan Choy is our featured pianist and
Martha Vujovich joins us on pipe organ once monthly.
occasion for recovery and renewal of vital energies.
Rev. Sam Alexander on Sabbatical
by Jan Reynolds
After eight years, our pastor, Sam Alexander is taking a
well-deserved leave of absence. What is a sabbatical?
It is typical for pastors to take a sabbatical every seven
years, and FPCSR has a policy in effect that allows for
this. The term “Sabbatical” has its roots in Scripture. It is
an extension of the Biblical concept of a Sabbath day for
renewal. It is both an act of faith that God will sustain us
through a period of reflection and changed activity, and an
This “extended time” is qualitatively different from
“vacation” or “days off.” It is an opportunity for a pastor
to strategically disengage from regular and normal tasks
so that ministry and mission may be viewed from a new
perspective because of a planned time of focus. During
a Sabbatical leave, the pastor is encouraged to rest –
the life of the Spirit demands the rhythm of rest. There
is time for reflection; solitude, silence and Sabbath are
crucial so that the pastor can be attentive to his or her
own spiritual health. And this time is also for renewal: the
pace of a minister’s daily work is such that the present is
always pressing on the future. Ministers, while living in the
present, must be able to “get on the balcony,” in order to
see the arc of events and discern God’s leading. Renewal
continued next page
News From the Church Staff
3
continued from page 2
means a chance to study the Bible with fresh eyes, to read books of
interest, to discuss ideas and issues with others.
In 2008, the Lilly Endowment commissioned a research survey
to find out the practical benefits of a Sabbatical for pastors and
congregations:
• 87 percent of pastors reported the experience of a sabbatical
significantly renewed their commitment to ministry.
• 94 percent of church members claimed their ministers returned
refreshed and re-energized for their work.
• 75 percent of congregations reported the sabbatical tangibly
benefitted the life of the
church and not just the life
of the minister.
Rest, refection, renewal.
We wish Sam the very
best as he begins this
sabbatical leave. We
pledge our prayers and
love, and we trust that
God will guide and
keep Sam while he
is away.
Right: Rev. Jan Reynolds and Session Clerk Susan Isler said a
blessing for Rev. Sam Alexander on his last Sunday.
Left: The Congregation celebrated Sam’s farewell, birthday
and anniversary with a cake and sharing their reflections
on their time with Sam over the past several years. Together
we sent him off with best wishes for a restful and rewarding
Sabbatical.
And now there are two. So what do they do?
This June our office staff grew by one. If you’ve been to church this summer, you’ve probably met our new office assistant
and Sunday coordinator, Bayne Merritt, a very helpful and pleasant addition to our staff. We are very glad to have him
here! But now requests from congregants are often prefaced with “I’m not sure if you are the one who does this, but…”
So we thought it might be helpful to provide a little clarification on our roles here at FPCSR.
Laura Langston, church administrator for the past three years, continues most aspects of her
previous role: she creates the slides, bulletins, weekly enews, prayer chain emails, ads and flyers,
and the Clarion newsletter; manages our web site and Facebook page; enters income, tracks
payments and generates checks; coordinates rentals; addresses building issues and interfaces with
tenants; and manages the office. Her new responsibilities include: acting as volunteer coordinator
and staff liaison for fundraising events; additional marketing and advertising responsibilities; and
increased rental promotion and management. Laura’s desk is now located in the small room
at the back of the office near the hallway door. She generally works all day Monday through
Thursday, with a half day on Fridays, though she does some work from home.
Bayne Merritt is now the Sunday services coordinator and is responsible
for all set up and clean up, running the slides during the 10 am
service, and providing whatever assistance is required on Sundays. In the office he answers the
phone, greets and assists visitors, opens and distributes the mail, scans documents, mails out
bills, prepares correspondence, keeps the office tidy, updates the building calendar and handles
basic rental inquiries, assists with building issues and interfaces with tenants, and provides project
support as needed. Bayne sits at the desk by the front office door. His hours are Sundays from
7:30 am – 12:30 pm, and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.
As you can see, both Laura and Bayne have full workloads and there is some overlap of duties,
but hopefully these descriptions will help clarify “who does what” around the church office!
4
Fun with Fundraising
Rummage Sale Reflections
On Friday morning, August 22, a line of upwards of 50
people anxiously awaited the opening of our rummage
sale. The first person arrived just after 8:00 am, peeking
through the windows for the first look at what we had to
offer. Others soon joined, and by 9:00 am there was quite
a crowd. They decided amongst themselves to form a
single file line and when the doors finally opened at 10:00
am, they excitedly rushed in to seek out their treasures.
This was the exciting start of the rummage sale, but
the preceding weeks saw a flurry of activity. Nearly 60
congregants and friends volunteered. This is an incredible
turnout as the largest number directly involved in any
fundraising effort in recent years. Together, volunteers picked
up, unpacked and sorted donations, set up tables, hung
up clothes, priced and displayed merchandise, made and
hung signs, helped customers, bagged purchases, collected
payments, and cleaned and packed up afterward. Whew!
Of course none of this would have been possible without
the enormously generous donations received. We began
asking you to save up your unwanted stuff several months
ago and you listened! Due to this overwhelming response,
the sale generated more than $6,400. After the expenses
of advertising, signs and supplies, the sale brought in more
than $5,800 to bolster the church’s budget.
A very dedicated planning committee included Dori
Crawford, Diane Current, Ralph and Leslie Purdy, Joan
Lussier, Al Sarhad, Norma Burdick, and Laura Langston as
staff liaison. This group spent countless hours planning the
sale, coordinating and leading the amazing volunteers,
and working nearly nonstop during the two days of the
sale. The efforts of this group continue as they reflect
on the sale, determine what went well and areas for
improvement, and whether to do it again.
Many members and friends are asking the question “Was
it worth it?” and the committee can definitely answer a
resounding “YES!” Aside from the income generated, the
sale brought together congregants and friends, giving
them the opportunity to have fun and get to know one
another other while working toward a common goal.
The sale was also a service to the community as it spared
our landfills while reusing and recycling, gave many the
opportunity to purchase items at affordable prices, and
brought friends and neighbors through our doors, many of
whom asked for information on our church and services.
A somewhat more challenging question would be whether
we should do it again. The honest answer to that right
now is we don’t know. Aside from the work – which our
dedicated volunteers and staff proved they can handle –
the real question is would we be able to collect enough
donations again? Let us know what you think! Email Laura
Langston at llangston@fpcsr.org with any feedback on the
sale and thoughts on whether to do it again. Also email
Laura if you need a letter of donation acknowledgment.
And now we will attempt to recognize the volunteers who
so generously gave of their time and energy in this project.
Although we had a sign-up sheet, many people came
unannounced and pitched in, so please forgive if we miss
you! There were a few family members of volunteers who
came and helped but unfortunately, we didn’t get their
names. So in no particular order, a HUGE thank you to:
Glen Dickey, Binny Fischer, Lisa Olson, Ralph and Leslie
Purdy, Laurel Stevenson, Sandra Fisk, Dori and Dan
Crawford, Jan White, Doreen Burgin, Diane and Jerry
Current, Lois Davison, Kris Castle, Dave Langston and
Katherine Fehl, Janice Kuhl, Marcia DeZwarte, Lorna
Wuertz, Al and Mary Sarhad, Linda Adams, Nancy Shehi,
David Morales, Jane Martin, Norma Burdick, Kay Collette,
Sue Rostoni, Ruth Gould, Lynn MacDermott, Jeannine
Curley, Erin and Dave Berta, Dinah McClure, Bill and
Ginny Schultz, Alan and Ginny Pabst, Christopher and
Bryn Clary, Amy and Kate Benjamin, Joan Lussier, Bob
Hirni, Lee Eckles, Vicki Bandel, Barbara Tjernell, Glenda
Griffin, Mary Lou Graham, Rosa Chuc, Justine; staff
members Laura Langston, Bayne Merritt, Hector De Leon
and Pedro Cabrera; and probably others as well.
Bravo! Thank you for answering our call and showing up
with a smile and willingness to help. You are all amazing.
Adult Education & Book Groups
Film Night
at
FPCSR: Queen
of the
Wednesday, September 10, 7:00
5
Sun
pm in the
Sanctuary
If you missed the showing in August, here’s your chance to see this award-winning film and
join in the discussion that follows.
Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us is a profound, alternative look at the
global bee crisis from award-winning filmmaker Taggart Siegel, director of Real Dirt on
Farmer John. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and
the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves
an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and
philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana
Shiva. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in
balance with nature. Visit http://www.queenofthesun.com for more information on the film.
Brought to you by the Adult Education and Mission Committees.
Embracing An Alternative Orthodoxy: Richard Rohr Videos
for
Fall Adult Ed
The Fall focus for Adult Ed will be an exploration of new ways of thinking and being
Christian which have emerged from many contemporary pastors, teachers, theologians
and (!) scientists. This four-week course offers new and satisfying ways to participate in
the grace-filled reality of our world as a committed Christian. Sparked by a TV series of
short presentations by Franciscan brother, Richard Rohr, we will consider statements like:
• The Christ existed from all eternity. The Christ was the first idea in the mind of God.
• The first incarnation was the Big Bang. The second was Jesus.
• Jesus did not come to change the mind of God about humanity, but to change the
mind of humanity about God.
• A shift in world view at the deepest level is going on in our time which means there is
no separation between sacred and secular.
• You don’t think yourself into a new way of living; you live yourself into a new way of thinking.
• Most people have experiences of God but there is no one around to help notice and name them.
The course, Embracing An Alternative Orthodoxy, begins September 14 and continues for three more weeks through
October 5 from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm. Each week several members of our congregation will be asked to respond to the
videos as a way of inviting group conversation. The facilitators are Kay Collette, Jan Reynolds and Lorna Wuertz.
Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher, author of numerous books including The Naked Now and
Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality. He founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico 23 years
ago and is currently Dean of the Living School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Men’s Book Group
This group meets at 8:30 am in the
Library on the second and fourth Thursday
of the month from September through July.
The schedule for the next few months is:
The Social Animal by David Brooks:
September 11, Introduction–Chapter 8;
September 25, Chapters 9–12; October
9, Chapters 13–16; October 23,
Chapters 17–19; November 13, Chapters 20–22.
All men are encouraged to join us for coffee, fellowship
and discussion.
Women’s Book Group
This group meets from 7-9:00 pm the last
Wednesday of each month in the Chapel.
For September, we are reading Still Alice
by Lisa Genova. At the September 24
meeting, Marcia DeZwarte will lead the
discussion and Sally Hanson will provide
snacks. In November we’ll read The Prize
Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Evelyn
Ryan. At the November 26 meeting, Dinah McClure will
lead the discussion and Marcia DeZwarte will bring snacks.
Questions? Contact Jan Reynolds at jreynolds@fpcsr.org.
6
Worship Updates
Iglesia Presbiteriana
On Sunday, August 24, Iglesia Presbiteriana held its second annual
Worship in the Park in the Redwood Grove at Gerstle Park in San Rafael
followed by a picnic. God’s spirit moved among us under the shade of
towering redwood trees as we worshiped. We enjoyed great fellowship
and delicious food with family and friends. Special thanks to all who
brought food to share.
Each year Americans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from
September 15 through October 15. This began in 1968 under
President Johnson and is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and
contributions of residents from Latin American countries. It overlaps with World Communion Sunday, an annual event
during which Christians around the world join with one another to celebrate holy Communion.
In recognition of the important contributions of our Spanish speaking ministry to our congregation, we will hold a special
joint worship service on Sunday, October 5, 2014, that will include music, prayers, and scriptures in Spanish and English.
Following the worship service, our Spanish speaking members will serve a special lunch in Canoles Hall.
Thank You to Worship Volunteers!
For several years Worship at FPCSR has benefited from
many volunteers.
First, Mike Stone and Sandra Fisk served as co-chairs of
worship. Mike organized schedules, kept track of worship
finances, and generally kept things running smoothly.
Sandra made worship visually interesting and appropriate
for the season; she kept track of banners and paraments
and flowers and slides and so many other things that I
can’t remember half of them.
At the same time a rotating team showed up early each
Sunday to open the church, prepare the Chapel and
the Narthex, and, by going down a long list, create a
welcoming environment for worship. Ralph Lunan, Dinah
McClure, Jim Redpath, John Robinson, and Alan and
The Joy of Flowers
Thank you to the generous
members of the congregation
who have contributed floral
arrangements on Sunday
for use in the Chapel and the
Sanctuary. They add a great deal
to the beauty of our services.
The Worship Committee would
appreciate it so much if more of you
would participate in this activity. You can sign up on the
bulletin board in the Chapel, located right next to the
doorway into the hall. If you would like to donate flowers
as a memorial for someone special to you, please indicate
that as well so it can be acknowledged in the bulletin.
Simple bouquets are all that is expected. Trader Joe’s and
Safeway are good sources if your garden is not.
Ginny Pabst have been showing up early, Sunday after
Sunday, a month at a time, to make it easy for our pastors
to lead worship.
Now Mike and Sandra have retired from being on
session, and Bayne Merritt has taken over many of the
responsibilities of the early team.
They’re still coming in early, but
their list is much shorter.
Please, when you see Dinah,
Ralph, Jim, John, Alan, Ginny
Pabst, Mike Stone, and Sandra,
tell them thank you for all
they’ve done.
Jane Martin
Chair of Worship
You can bring your flowers in to the church on Saturday
afternoon, either in one of your own containers, which you
can reclaim after the 10:00 am service, or arrange them in
one of the many vases under the sink in the main kitchen.
After the flowers are arranged please take them into the
Chapel and put them on the service table or on the table in
the Narthex nearest the Chapel. On Sunday morning they
will be placed in the appropriate spot for both services.
Some people who do not have transportation to markets
or church on weekdays have asked if they might simply
contribute money for flowers. That would be appreciated
as well. Please call Jane Martin at 415-233-1996 at least
a week ahead of time.
Thank you so much in advance. We think you will find this
a joyful way to serve.
Jane Martin
Chair of Worship
News from the Mission Committee
Youth
on the
7
Move Offering Two Fall Programs
The two programs for youth operated by FPCSR have full Fall
activities planned. Starting its third year, the Youth on the Move
(YOTM) program begins Monday, September 8. This year, the
program has been shortened to operate two days a week,
Mondays and Wednesdays, and will serve up to 20 Davidson
Middle School youth after school. The primary goal is to provide
homework support, tutoring, and a small group setting for
building friendships and enrichment. The senior counselor, Kendra
Woodglass, a Dominican University graduate, will coordinate a
team of Dominican University Service Learning students responsible
for working with the kids. The program is highly regarded by
Davidson teachers and staff and helps youth make the transition
from elementary school to middle school and beyond. The YOTM
Advisory Committee welcomes contributions to help cover the cost
of scholarships, supplies and snacks; the program is now fee-based and while the fee is low, we know there are parents
who need assistance.
The Youth Service Team (YST) program held a July session and will have another four-week session beginning Saturday,
September 13. This very unique and special program offers service learning experiences for at-risk youth under the
supervision of a professional counselor, Jeannine Curley, and experienced and trained volunteers. The service learning
work for September includes preparing food for a Mill Street supper, working in the San Francisco Food Bank, helping
sort clothes and other work at the Ritter Center, and working in the gardens for Homeward Bound. The youth not only do
the work but also learn about the needs of the individuals being served by the organization. The program has been so
well received that the church now has a contract with the County to provide these YST opportunities. If you are interested
in this program, we can arrange for people to observe and get training to help. Contact any members of the Advisory
Committee or Jan Reynolds.
Both YST and YOTM activities are supported by Program Manager Ann Pope and the members of the Advisory
Committee: Lorna Wuertz, Nancy Boyce, Bill and Ginny Schultz, Ralph and Leslie Purdy, Carol Farrer, Jeannine Curley,
Sue Ragen, Ann Pope, and Jan Reynolds.
Mission
financial support of
other mission organizations
For many years, the Mission Committee of our church
has been given a budget to support other missions. Such
an assignment is characteristic of Presbyterian churches
everywhere, but the committee responsible for such
dispersal varies between churches; at my former church,
St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, the
Deacons dispersed other mission support.
The Mission Committee seeks to be guided by the
Presbyterian Book of Order in the projects it undertakes.
We are called to healing, reconciling and binding up
wounds; ministering to the needs of the poor, sick, lonely
and powerless; and engaging in the struggle to free
people from oppression, hunger and injustice. We use
these same callings to guide us in allocating funds from
the Mission budget to local organizations whose work
extends our commitment to these goals. Below is a list of
the organizations we support:
Marin Interfaith
Council, $1,000. We
all are familiar with the
work of MIC, which
represents more than 60
congregations in Marin
County.
Marin Interfaith Street
Chaplaincy, $1,000,
brings compassionate spiritual support and creates
community and fellowship among people who are
members of the street community, those who are
unsheltered or precariously housed in Marin County.
Funding is one way we support the Street Chaplaincy
directed by Rev. Paul Gaffney. Our own
Rev. Bob Hirni serves on the Street Chaplaincy board.
Marin Organizing Committee (MOC), $1,000. Our
church has been a member organization of MOC since
continued next page
8
Mission Giving
continued from page 7
2009. In turn, MOC has done important work in the
county on immigration, housing, homelessness and
healthcare. For example, MOC has been responsible for
working with the County Supervisors to get funding for the
Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (REST) Program that so
many of us have participated in.
Westminster Woods, $400,
is a Presbyterian Camp and
Conference Center that we
have long supported and in
whose programs we have
participated. They provide
excellent environmental
education opportunities in a
Christian context.
Gilead House in Novato,
$200. FPCSR was in on the
ground floor, contributing
funds to build a home
for homeless families,
mainly single moms. This
wonderful home provides
transitional housing in a
lovingly supervised structured
program and environment for homeless families for up to
12 months.
Bread for the World, $300,
is a Christian advocacy
organization on behalf of the
hungry and poor. Many of you
have participated in recent
“Offerings of Letters” to our
representatives and senators.
In addition, I have represented FPCSR in conference calls
and face-to-face meetings with legislative aides to both
Senators Feinstein and Boxer.
Interfaith Power and Light, $100, is
an advocacy organization like Bread
for the World. IPL leads a religious
response to global warming: Leading
congregations to take steps to prevent
global warming with changes in their
own homes and places of worship;
advocating, for example, support for
EPA’s carbon pollution standards for
new and existing power plants, etc.
Ecumenical Association for Housing, $200, is dedicated
to developing sustainable, affordable apartment homes
while also carefully rehabilitating older properties. They
work throughout the Bay Area. In Marin County, they have
acquired and are rehabilitating 75 multifamily units in
Mill Valley, Shelter Hill.
Homeward Bound,
$500. We are
all aware of the
important work
of Homeward
Bound as a primary
provider of shelter
and services for homeless families and individuals in Marin
County. We’ve bought and enjoyed desserts, jams and
other foods from the Culinary Academy, a job training
program, and many of us have prepared food monthly for
the up to 55 Mill Street residents.
That All May Freely Serve, $200, an organization leading
the way for a just and inclusive church, working for
the ordination of qualified lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender candidates for ministry in the PCUSA. They
have worked extensively with Rev. Janie Spahr and rejoice
with us in the successes at the most recent General
Assembly.
San Francisco Theological Seminary,
$500. Many of us feel as though
we have our own theological
seminary. Sam teaches preaching
there. The president, Rev. Dr. Jim
McDonald, and Rev. Jana Childers,
Professor, Dean of academic affairs,
and Sam’s sister-in-law, have both
given sermons at our church. SFTS
prepares students for careers in
theological teaching and research as well as for ministry in
congregations and many other settings.
Special donations this year. We receive requests, often
forwarded to us through our pastors, to support special
causes or programs. We gave $200 of travel support to
Rev. Deana Reed to advocate at General Assembly on
behalf of marriage equality overtures; $600 to support our
Hispanic Ministry in this financially challenging year; and
$300 to support the launch of our Youth Services Team
program for providing for mandated service requirements
for at risk youth. We joined the PCUSA partnership fund for
multicultural church growth for $100; while this is a worthy
investment in its own right, this membership places us in a
prime position to apply for a $5,000 grant to support our
Hispanic Ministry.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact
me, Ralph Purdy, Chair of the Mission Committee.
9
Deacons Corner
Meet The Deacons
Jim Redpath, Moderator
Janet Castle
Sue Rostoni
Dori Crawford
Mike Kuhl (not pictured)
Glen Dickey
Barbara Tjernell
Kate Martin (not pictured)
Barbara Royall
Dinah McClure
Nancy Shehi
Clergy Leader: Jan Reynolds
Lifetime Honoree: Donna Butler (not pictured)
Do you know what Deacons do?
The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness,
and service after the example of Jesus Christ. “It is the duty of deacons,
first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the
friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the
community of faith.” Book of Order, G-60402-02. Some of the ways we
do this are:
• Maintain a Prayers and Concerns List to check in with members in
need of support: recent illness or hospitalization, inability to get to
services, etc.
• Deliver flowers at Easter and Christmas to members who are in crisis
or unable to attend services.
• Coordinate activities for communion.
• Assist in Memorial Services and Receptions.
• Host “SoulSong”, a Taizé Healing Service on each 3rd Sunday.
• Send correspondence cards of concern.
• Assist in meal planning or home concerns.
• Send a monthly Home Touch Ministry Newsletter and Sunday Bulletin
to those unable to attend services.
• Run a Maintenance Ministry to assist with household “fix-it” chores.
• Facilitate a prayer chain.
• Offer rides to those who don’t have a way to get to church.
Since we are a small group, we would welcome some help from time to
time with the above activities. If you would like to help with rides, meals,
memorial services, etc., please contact Jim Redpath, moderator, or Jan
Reynolds, clergy leader. Or, if you are in need of our help or have other
suggestions, please contact one of us! How can we help you?
Message
from the
Moderator
The group of
Deacons we have
now are willing and
enthusiastic. When
I began my service
five years ago I was
the only man in a
group of seven.
Now we have 11 Deacons with three men and
no one misses a meeting – except on the rare
occasion that travel plans get in the way, of
course.
So why join? Why do you need the title? As
Christians we are all called to serve. And we
all do. Directly or indirectly. Maybe that is the
answer.
The money collected in the green envelopes
helps us to carry on with helping those in our
congregation who need a little something now
and then. And isn’t it nice to how you are part
a group who can be counted on again and
again?
On behalf of all of the Deacons, I thank you
for each of those ones, fives and tens that you
add to the green envelopes on Sundays.
Jim Redpath
Deacon Moderator
10
Spiritual Explorations
Saturday, September 13
9:30 am-12:30 pm
in the Chapel
SoulSong
Third Sundays at 5:00 pm
the next SoulSong will be Sunday, September 21
Begin your week with this quiet service featuring poetry,
prayer and Taizé chants, offered the third Sunday of
each month. “Taizé” refers to a collection of Christian
chants originating from France; however this brief yet
poignant service offers much more. Held in a beautiful,
contemplative candlelight ambience, we draw from
ancient Christian traditions of scripture, chanting,
prayer and silence, as we open ourselves to God’s
embrace. We honor this practice in the other world
religions as well, knowing that God heals in a variety
of ways: an insight into how one’s life might change;
sustenance in a hard time; new or renewed connection
with people of faith; the power to forgive another or
oneself; the improvement of a medical condition; a
sense of sacred wholeness and peace. Music by pianist
John Steiner and cantor Sarah Wolf.
Chant
f est
S a n R a fa e l
a Translineage* Experience
Chantfest is on break at this location while Sam is
on Sabbatical. We hope it will resume in January
– please watch for announcements.
Save
the
Date!
Sunday, November 9, 5:00
Matt Venuti
sings and plays the
A Musical Immersion
into the
Opening Performance
by
pm in the
Chapel
Hang
and the
Heart
of the
Gubal
Core
Pianist John Steiner
Watch Matt’s videos and listen to his music at
www.mattvenuti.com and look for more
information in the next Clarion.
Are you eager to practice
the interconnectedness with
all things that we feel in the
best meditation sessions? Do
you hunger for social connection
that has meaning? We go much deeper together than
alone. Not to mention, it’s more fun!
Jeff Bellsey and Christina Sophie will lead a three-hour
group meditation on Saturday, September 13. After
a brief introduction, Deep Dive begins with gentle
movement, followed by a period of guided meditation,
to bring the focus inward and tune the attention. Next
is two extended periods of silence, 30 and 45 minutes
respectively, with instructions to assist the process. The
meditation concludes with conversation as a spiritual
practice. It’s a full and delicious three hours of multiple
types of consciousness practice. Wear comfortable
clothing. There will be time for casual socializing before
and after. The suggested donation is $20-30, however,
no one will be turned away. Please join us!
Interlude
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
Spirituality Classes, 7:00 pm
Take some time out of your busy week to relax, refresh,
learn something new and enjoy the company of others.
ABC’s of Spirituality Continues! On the 1st and 3rd
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:45 pm, we will continue to offer
a contemplative gathering. From a collage of wisdom
from the world’s religions and from spiritual teachers
of all eras, authors Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
created “an alphabet of spiritual literacy” that we will
draw on each session, learning to read the sacred
in everyday life. You are invited to join others who
have found that Spirit is found in the ordinary and the
everyday... “For when we are spiritually literate, we
discover that the whole world is charged with sacred
meaning.” Teachers: Spiritual directors Kay Collette,
Lorna Wuertz and Jan Reynolds.
Second Wednesdays at 7:00 pm this fall, Adult Ed will
continue to team up with the Mission Committee to
bring films and discussions about the environment and
issues of social justice.
11
September – October
Recurring Events
Day
Time
Activity
Location
Sunday
8:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:15 am
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
Contemplative Worship
Traditional Worship
Spanish Worship
Adult Ed (see page 5 for next class information)
Hiking Group on 3rd Sunday
SoulSong on 3rd Sunday
Chapel
Sanctuary
Chapel
Chapel
Chapel
Chapel
Monday
7:00 pm
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday
4:00 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Chaplaincy Meeting & Dinner
Intermediate Tai Chi
Deacons Meeting on the 1st Tuesday
Session Meeting on the 2nd Tuesday
Mission Meeting on the 3rd Tuesday
Canoles Hall and Kitchen
Chapel
Geneva Room
Geneva Room
Library
Wednesday
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Interlude: 1st and 3rd Wednesday
Adult Education/Mission: Second Wednesdays
Women’s Book Group on last Wednesdays
Chapel
Chapel
Chapel
Thursday
8:30 am
5:00 pm
4:30 pm
7:30 pm
Men’s Book Group on the 2nd and 4th Thursday
Mill Street Hot Meal on the 4th Thursday (sign up the Sunday before)
Qigong Class- all levels
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Library
Mill Street
Chapel
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
There are no recurring events scheduled on Saturdays. Childcare and nursery are provided on Sunday mornings.
Special Events
Date
Time
Activity
Location
Sunday, September 7
Wednesday, September 10
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, September 14
Sunday, September 21
Sunday, September 21
Sunday, September 21
Sunday, October 5
10:00 am
7:00 pm
9:30 am
11:15 am
1:00 pm
2-4:30 pm
5:00 pm
10:00
Homecoming Service Followed by BBQ – no 8:30 Service
Film Night – Queen of the Sun
Meditation Deep Dive
Adult Ed: Embracing An Alternative Orthodoxy begins
Hiking Group
4th Annual Youth Gleaning
SoulSong
Special Joint Worship Service with Spanish-Speaking
Congregation and Lunch to follow (see page 6)
Sanctuary and Canoles
Canoles Hall
Chapel
Chapel
Meet in church parking lot
Green Gulch Center
Chapel
Sanctuary and Canoles
Hiking Group – September 21
We’ll begin this season with a mostly level, approximately 4-mile, hike
as we explore the northern part of China Camp and Turtle Back Island.
Carpools will leave our church lot at 1:00 pm, or, if you prefer, meet us
there. Park along North San Pedro Road near the Back Ranch Meadows
campground. You will need $3.00 per person for a trail use fee and may
want sturdy shoes, water and your snack. Dogs are not allowed on these
trails. To let us know to expect you or for answers to your questions, please
call Binny or Chuck Fischer (456-4665) or Sally Hanson (472-4342).
Family Ministries
Autumn Activities
For Children and Youth
will be opportunities to convene for some
social activities from time to time with
other church youth groups in the area.
This fall, we have designed a variety of
activities for Sunday morning to meet the
needs of various age groups.
4th Annual Youth Gleaning
Sunday, September 21
Sacred Storytelling is based on the Godly
Play curriculum, with skilled teachers that
impart stories about Jesus’ ministry and
Old Testament bible stories. This is a
gracious method where children wonder
about the meaning of Bible stories.
Community Service – at least once per
month, we will provide opportunities for children and
youth to do something kind and good for people who
need a little help. Sometimes we may take a walk into the
community.
Youth Events – We are planning for a seminary student to
join us this fall to lead some Sunday discussions for our
middle school and high school students. In addition, there
Through our partnership with the Marin
Interfaith Council, youth and their families
are invited to participate in contemplative
and service opportunities!
Join us for the 4th Annual Youth Gleaning
Sunday, September 21, from 2:004:30 pm at Green Gulch Center, 1601
Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965.
See what a broccoli plant looks like. Learn about our
food system. Hear about how the fields are connected to
Buddhism and other faith traditions and get your hands
dirty in the sun. This is a youth event (primarily grades
6-12), but family members are welcome. Long pants,
socks, and close-toed shoes are encouraged. RSVP to Jan
by September 17!
Look for another issue of the Clarion toward the end of October. Until then, please continue to watch for the
weekly FPCSR Enews which will keep you informed of all the great things happening at church this Fall!
First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
415.456.6760 | office@fpcsr.org | www.fpcsr.org
Associate Pastor / Acting Pastor: Rev. Jan Reynolds – jreynolds@fpcsr.org
Pastor: Rev. Sam Alexander – on Sabbatical Leave until January 2015
Church Administrator & Clarion Editor: Laura Langston – llangston@fpcsr.org
Office Assistant & Sunday Coordinator: Bayne Merritt – bmerritt@fpcsr.org