January 2001

REV. CORNEL BARNETT TO JOIN OLD FIRST AS INTERIM PASTOR

The Session voted to call the Reverend Cornel Barnett as our new interim pastor beginning February 1, 2001.  Cornel, who has been a pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Calistoga, has developed a specific interest in and calling to the Interim Ministry.  Born and raised in South Africa, he is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary and has served churches in Florida and New York as well as Northern California.

Cornel finds the ministry at Old First "exciting, inclusive, and diverse."  Cornel's family consists of Suellen, Anna, and David.  Suellen is "an all-around great spouse", and Anna and David are students at UCSC.  The family enjoys "church, family, friends, theater, music, good movies, books, outings in the city and nature, early morning walks and a gym."

The Revs. Erwin Barron and Susan Ashton, our current temporary pastors, will continue to hold down the fort until Cornel arrives on Feb 1.  The Session and Congregation of Old First owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Susan and Erwin who have served us so well both individually and as a team over the last several months.

EMERGENCY WINTER SHELTER FOR MEN JAN. 21 - FEB. 4

At the November Session meeting a motion was passed to use several lower level church rooms during two weeks (January 21-February 4, 2001) for an overnight emergency men’s shelter.  This motion was submitted by the Mission Committee in response to a request made of Old First by the San Francisco Interfaith Council and Episcopal Community Services (ECS).

This program is very similar to the shelter program in which Old First has participated in the past.  ECS will set up a 60 bed emergency shelter each night in the fellowship hall.  The shelter will open at 7:00 p.m. and close at 8:00 a.m.  There will be no day access, so the fellowship hall will be available for normal use during day hours.  Dinners will be prepared off site and brought in by other congregations (St. Ignatius and Temple Emmanuel).  ECS staff workers will remain on location throughout the night, as will volunteers from Old First.  ECS will supply all needed materials and supplies and provide janitorial services the following morning.

The Mission Committee is working with all church and non-church groups that use our space to find alternate locations for meetings and activities.  We are currently working with our neighboring church, St. Luke’s, to host Tutorial and the weekly AA meetings. 

The Mission Committee is hoping to make this a special place and time for our shelter guests, and we need Old First members to serve as overnight hosts, and groups from in or outside Old First to make breakfast. A workshop will be held on Sunday, January 14 at 12:30 p.m. to orient all volunteers.

We will start taking sign-ups for those who want to volunteer their time, talents, or other resources at coffee hour from December 31 through January 14th. If you have questions or wish to discuss any aspect of this effort please call Pam Free or Kathy McAdams.

PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE NOW READING RESUMES

Our Pastor Nominating Committee, after successfully negotiating most of the essential procedural steps, is now  hard at work considering potential candidates for Old First’s next pastor. Here’s what has happened so far in the process:

     - Our Mission Vision Report was approved by the Session and then  by Presbytery in June.

     - The Pastor Nominating Committee was elected in July. Its members are Pam Byers, Sidney Hollar  and Esther Kim from the Session; Bill Wunsch, named by the Deacons; and five members elected by the congregation:  Andy Cheng (chair), Pat Cifor, Wilson Hardcastle, Roger Lindahl, and Rose Marie Springer.  We are fortunate to have the knowledgeable and well-connected Scott Schaefer as our Presbytery liaison.

     - The PNC composed a Church Information Form (CIF), which was reviewed and revised with input from the Session, and approved by Presbytery, in late October. The CIF is an intriguing and attractive presentation of Old First's congregation and ministry, and what we are looking for in a pastor.  It was posted on the denomination's electronic Opportunities List on November 1. 

Based on matches between what we've identified as needs and what pastors have identified on their own forms as strengths, the Presbyterian Church office in Louisville has sent us about 30 resumes (Personal Information Forms -- PIFs) to review.

In addition to working through Louisville, we are also soliciting applications by other means.

    - We have advertised in two Presbyterian magazines read by pastors, Monday Morning and Outlook.

    - The CIF is posted on the Old First website and is also linked from Covenant Network's site.

    - Roger Lindahl has contacted everyone who attended last year's national Urban Ministry conference here, reminding them of our opening and inviting their suggestions of candidates.

    - Pam Byers has asked Covenant Network board members to send us candidates.

We are just beginning to see responses from any of these initiatives.  Old First is an attractive call in many ways. We expect to have many excellent candidates as people begin to hear about us.

Please remember, there are ways you can help in this process!

    - When you're talking with other Presbyterians around the country, make sure they know that a great congregation in San Francisco is looking for a new pastor, and invite their suggestions.

    - If you know someone who you think could possibly be Old First's next pastor, invite them to check out our CIF through the Louisville, Old First, or CovNet website.

    - Be patient!  We are very early in the process.  It may very possibly be another year or so before we have a new pastor.  In the meantime, we have a strong and vibrant congregation, with strong lay and professional leadership.

    - Stay active and involved in Old First.  We need to keep this the exciting place we all know it to be, in order for a new person to want to join us!

    - Pray!  Remember that even now God is beginning the slow process in someone's heart that will call a new pastor to Old First.

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED

Elected at the December 10 Congregational Meeting were the following Elders: Class of 2002 - Marilyn Campbell; Class of 2003 - George Becker, Betsy Chiao, Barry Clagett, Kelly Cunningham, Phil Pollock, John Sebas-tian, and Steve Taber.

The Deacons’ class of 2003 was chosen: Pat Amdur, Buddy Tate Choy, Jeanne Kirkwood, Linda Reyder, Mary Russell, Rebecca Smith, and Oliver Spencer.

The Congregational Representatives on next year’s nominating committee will be: Ingrid Larnis, Steve Schacher, Jerry Stuart and Jeanne Choy Tate.

Many thanks to this year’s Nominating Com-mittee: Pam Byers, Moderator; George Becker, Dick Bobb, Heather Losee, Linda Reyder, Jeanne Choy Tate and Colleen Weems.     

HARRELL DAVIS CALLED TO COLORADO CHURCH

The Rev. Harrell Davis, our former Interim Pastor, has been called to be Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, Colorado.

Lakewood is a suburb of Denver, in the foothills on the way to the ski slopes.The church is fifty years old, and has around 200 members. Harrell says of his new church: “ It's gone through a pretty traumatic time, taken a long interim, and now they're ready to move to the next phase. .... Lots of excitement and good energy. Folks are really happy we're coming.”

HOMELESS MINISTRY REPORT

by the Rev. Kathleen McAdams

The Homelessness Task Force has recently recognized and approved the following priorities for our ministry:

  1) Pastoral presence / Counseling / Worship

  2) Food

  3) Clothing / Socks / Toiletries

  4) Miscellaneous Emergency Assistance

  5) Health Care - medical / dental / substance abuse treatment / mental health

  6) Shelter

  7) Case Management

  8) Religious Education

  9) Harm Reduction

10) Other Education

Old First is primarily involved in the first 4 of these, while other congregations of the HTF provide some of the remaining ones. The HTF has developed a budget that reflects these priorities, and in concert with the Community Ministry Task Force, will use this information to establish long-term goals and vision.

Every six weeks or so, the Welcome Center ministry team gathers to reflect upon how our involvement in this ministry is affecting our spiritual growth, and to gather information on a topic relevant to our ministry. Anyone who is curious about ministry with homeless persons is welcome to attend. Please join us for the next meeting, Sunday, January 28 from 1-3pm at Old First at which Ms. Karla Droste will speak to us about Conflict Resolution.

IT'S GETTING COLD OUT THERE! Our guests are in urgent need of your extra blankets and warm coats. We can always use other practical men's clothing, socks, shoes, and travel size toiletries.

The next Community Dinner is on Saturday, January 20th at Old First, and is hosted by Old First's Worship Committee. Please join us for preparation at 4pm, or to serve between 5:30 and 7pm.

You can help a neighboring organization to help us: My Brother's Keeper needs volunteers to assemble sleeping bags for homeless people. Call me for contact information.

An Education / Discussion Forum for Adults

Inviting Christ or Shutting the Door: Finding the Boundaries in Christian Hospitality

Mondays in February 7-9pm

includes light supper

Feb 5 - "Collecting the Data on Homelessness" - presentation by the SF Food  Bank "Hunger 101"

Feb 12 - "Inviting Christ / Entertaining Angels" - speaker TBA

Feb 19 - "Shutting the Door: Setting Boundaries" - speaker TBA

Feb 26 - "Finding the Balance"

RETREAT COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES OFC ALL CHURCH RETREAT

MARCH 16, 17, 18, 2001

The spring Retreat is a chance to get away from the city and participate in the exploration of our faith through study and contemplation.  It also affords a unique opportunity to develop closer interpersonal relationships with church members one might not otherwise get to know through comradeship, meals together and fun.

The committee is now exploring topics and themes as well as potential leaders.  Those interested in participating in the planning and execution of the Retreat are invited to speak with Tom Culp, Rev. Erwin Barron, Staff Associate, or Sidney Hollar, Moderator of the Christian Education Committee.

A CONNECTION TO JOY AT VESPERS

by Rod MacDonald

One of the reasons why I came to Old First was Jazz Vespers.  Believing that life has many different "spiritual connections", I was intrigued by the idea that a church played the same kind of music I had played on Guam Public Radio. 

Motivated by a few months of Jazz Vespers, I found myself finishing a compilation I had started several years before entitled "Church Jazz"

On side one, "Dancing on the Chancel" (inspired by one of Tim Hart-Andersen's sermons) are some spirituals by Charlie Haden & Hank Jones; like "I got a Robe", "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and Nat Adderley's "Sometime I feel like a Motherless Child" and others.  These Jazz interpretations bring joy to my soul; they present  a different expression of church music I loved as a youngster, but rarely experienced.

December 10 Jazz Vespers was another one of those joyful jazz connections!  Dimitri Matheny and Darrell Grant played a spiritual medley of  "Deep River, Wade in the Water, Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child and Swing Low Sweet Chariot."   That medley coupled with Rev. Keenan Kelsey's woven message of joy through the rest of their performance, made this a memorable experience.

The Januay 14 Jazz Vespers features Gerry Grosz, a wonderful vibest/composer. This is another great opportunity to make connection between church, jazz and your spiritual journey.

LECTIONARY

Jan. 6       Isa. 60:1-6; Ps. 72:1-7, 10-14; Eph. 3:1-12; Matt. 2:1-12

Jan. 7       Isa. 43:1-7; Ps. 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:5-17, 21-22

Jan. 14     Isa. 2:1-6; Ps. 36:5-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

Jan. 21     Neh. 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10;  Ps. 19; 1 Cor. 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21

Jan. 28     Jer. 1:4-10; Ps. 71:1-6; 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-38

Feb.  4      Isa. 6:1-8 (9-13); Ps. 138; 1 Cor. 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11

SUSAN YOUNG'S LAS VEGAS INSTALLATION: OLD FIRSTERS HIT THE STRIP

by Jeanne Kirkwood

Many members of Old First attended the October 29 installation of the Rev. Susan E. Young as Associate Pastor of Green Valley Presbyterian Church in Henderson, Nevada. This was the call which led to Susan’s ordination earlier in the fall. Attending from our congregation were Betsy Chiao, Tracy and Barry Clagett, Forrest Cummings and Pat Devine, Kelly Cunningham, Jasun Harmell, Craig Kehne, Esther Kim, Jeanne Kirkwood, Ken Matthews, Richard Schnitgen, John Sebastian, Rose Marie Springer and Betty Voris.

Besides attending the installation, we were treated to a party hosted by Jim Juhan and Cynthia Conners on Saturday evening. Also attending the party were Susan’s parents, sister and long-time friend from Indiana, Betty’s granddaughter (who attends BYU in Utah), the Rev. Sally Hinchman (Associate Synod Executive and General Presbyter for Mininistry) and Green Valley pastor Hilda Pecoraro and her husband. It was wonderful to see Jim and Cynthia settled into their new home and new  life in Nevada. They have made the transition from their traditionally-furnished Victorian mansion in a very urban setting to a ranch-type suburban home complete with patio and spa. One thing that has remained unchanged is their gracious entertaining style.

On Saturday we enjoyed various entertainment opportunities of the area, including the Liberace Museum, Hoover Dam and The Strip itself. What an amazing place! It’s a representation of many famous places in the world, but at 2/3 size and all within walking distance of each other. It’s rather jarring, but fascinating.

Green Valley Presbyterian is growing rapidly (as are Henderson and Las Vegas), and there are several church services available. On Sunday morning, the 9:45 gathering featured a talk by Craig Kehne. The installation itself was held at 3:00 pm and was well attended by the members of Susan’s new church. In her welcoming remarks, Pastor Pecoraro invited the Old First members to stand; we were all seated together, and we made an impressive block.

Susan had invited “The Faithful Fools” from San Francisco to participate. Besides singing “We’ll Build a Land”, the Rev. Kay Jorgensen gave the sermon, titled “Ministry: Bearing Witness to Joy and Suffering”. This certainly set the tone for Susan to continue her community-oriented ministry.

Pastor Pecoraro gave a charge to the congregation that was very specific in stating that Susan had full pastoral authority and strongly indicated she and Susan would have the opportunity to learn from each other. It’s clear they plan to work as a team.

After the installation, there was the traditional Presbyterian reception with lots of food and fellowship. Susan was warmly greeted by her new flock, reflecting they joy they feel in having finally found their first-ever Associate Pastor.

Susan will have many challenges in her new role. This is a very diverse and fast-growing congregation. She will have to find ways to integrate the new members with the long- and short-term members, as well as the various age groups. She will be working with a transient/tourist kind of population as well as those who have made the decision to put down new roots in the shallow desert sand.  Her job description is general and without precedent, so she will have the opportunity to be very creative, without much history or tradition to guide her.

SAN FRANCISCO PRESBYTERY MEETS HERE JANUARY 9

San Francisco Presbytery will meet at Old First from 3 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2001.We expect this to be an extremely well-attended meeting, one that will fill the sanctuary, and we will need all the help we can get.  The Rev. Susan Ashton is now recruiting volunteers to help stage and host the proceedings.

We need people to register delegates to the meeting. Registration will be more closely monitored than usual, because elders must be registered in advance by their Sessions; numbered ballots will be given out for the vote on Amendment O. We expect to need the most people on duty from 5 to 7 pm.

We’ll also need help with selling meal tickets, preparing, serving and cleaning up after a light supper. Meal preparation will begin in the morning, so we can use help any time during the day.

Volunteers will also provide security and all-around help answering questions from those attending.

If you can lend a hand with anything at any time of the day or evening, please don’t wait to sign up. Call Susan with your offer ...... now!

WHY THE JANUARY PRESBYTERY MEETING IS SO IMPORTANT

by Pam Byers

For the past several years, the January meeting of Presbytery has often brought high  drama.   In January  1996  the presbytery passed Old First's overture reasserting that ordination discernment and decisions belonged with local sessions and presbyteries.  (Alas, it was buried in the Albuquerque G.A.)  That presbytery meeting also elected Jeanne Choy Tate and Tim Hart-Andersen as commissioners to the General Assembly. In January 1997, after many hours on the phone lining up votes, we defeated Amendment B (although not enough other presbyteries did the same).  In January 1998, after many hours on the phone lining up votes, we passed Amendment A (although not enough other presbyteries did the same!)

The past two years, the January meetings have not included quite such momentous decisions.  But this year, the meeting will indeed be another crucial one:

•       We'll elect commissioners to the coming General Assembly;

•       We'll vote on overtures to that G.A., including a proposal to delete G-6.0106b (the former Amendment B);

•      We'll vote on proposed amendments coming out of the 2000 G.A., including the infamous "ministry gag order" or "prohibition on prayer" ban on holy unions, Amendment 00-O.

Providentially (aided by a little strategic thinking on the part of our session), Old First is hosting the January 9 presbytery meeting.  (We wanted the meeting to be where ministers and elders from the city can easily attend, and which SFTS professors can easily reach.)

This hospitality by Old First can be an important part of our church's contribution to the cause of the larger church's becoming a more welcoming body.  I hope many Old Firsters will want to help us welcome the presbytery to this meeting.  As you can see on Page 1, we will need many  church members to help for part or all of Tuesday, January 9, to greet and register people, prepare and serve dinner, and generally make strangers welcome in our home.   This is a good chance to meet hundreds of our local colleagues, and to show off our special church. Please respond to the session's initiative, and Susan's organizing plea!

I hope to see many of you working with us on January 9.  Thanks!