January 2003

SAYING GOOD-BYE TO ERWIN

Erwin Barron’s last Sunday at Old First will be January 5;he will be in the pulpit that day.

Erwin came to us on a short-term basis four years ago as Director of Christian Education. He extended his commitment to us several times, served as Head of Staff for a while during our interim period, and won all our hearts.

Erwin is leaving us because his work on his Ph.D. in Theological Ethics offers him no other option. His research on how different churches make ethical decisions will take him to two other churches each Sunday over the next year.

There will be a reception after church on Jan. 5, when we make our expressions of thanks and wish Erwin well in the future.

WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP

7:00 - 7:30 PM 

    Jan 1 - Evening Prayers

    Jan 8 - Service of Healing and Wholeness

    Jan 15 - Guided Meditation

    Jan 22 - Taizé Service

    Jan 29 - Holy Communion

CONGREGATIONAL LUNCHEON & ANNUAL MEETING

SUN., FEB. 16, 2003 - 12:30 PM.

Lunch tickets

            Before Feb 9 - $5 adult, $3 ages 5-12

            Feb 9  and after - $7 adult, $4 ages 5-12

This event offers the congregation a chance to review the events of the previous year and look forward to what 2003 has in store.

The luncheon is a semi-potluck affair. The Congregational Care Committee provides several main dishes and attendees bring side dishes, salads and desserts as the spirit moves them.

Tickets will be on sale at Coffee Hour starting January 19. For the first three weeks, the cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Please notice that the price goes up on February 9, one week before the event. By this date the luncheon committee will have made plans based on the number of people expected to attend; the price change is to encourage a reasonably accurate count.

People attending church events assume there will be enough tables and chairs for everyone who shows up and enough food for everyone. Sure enough, this usually happens, but it’s often due to something in the miracle category. 

At a recent event, for example, one third of the guests turned up without signaling their intention to do so. A couple of years ago, one week before the Congregational Luncheon there were 25 people signed up; the committee knew there would be more than 25, but how many more .....?

Please, buy your tickets in advance.

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED

Elected at the December 15 Congregational Meeting were the following Elders: Class of 2005 - Rosemary Bledsoe, Greg Free, Sidney Hollar, Jonathan Lee, Leila MacDonald, Harriet MacLean, Jay Pier-son. Glen Potter will fill an unexpired term in the Class of 2003.

The Deacons’ class of 2005 was also elected: Emily Borland, Tracy Clagett, Pat Devine-Cummings, Kristi Hoerauf, Connie Johnson, Bryan Nichols and AnnieScott Rogers. Erin Berg and Jordan Hollarsmith were elected to the Class of 2004.

Next year’s Nominating Committee will be Steffen Bartschat, Andy Cheng, Ted Chiao, Randy Smith, Sally Spencer and Rose-Marie Springer.

HOW TO SPONSOR COFFEE HOUR AND SANCTUARY FLOWERS

We’re going back to our old procedure for signing up to sponsor Coffee Hour and Sanctuary Flowers. The practice of taking signups at a table at Coffee Hour never really caught on and created considerable confusion.

Old-timers will remember how this used to work. It can work again: Signup calendars for both Coffee Hour and Flowers are now posted on the bulletin board outside the Munro Room. You choose your Sunday, write in your name, and send your $50 to the church office, along with any special dedication for your contribution.

IN MEMORY

Gerald Grace died at home on December 5. Memorial service to be announced.

PASTOR'S PONDERINGS

Dear Friends,

Many of you know that Erwin Barron will be leaving Old First on January 5, 2003. Erwin has moved to the dissertation phase of his Ph.D. program. The dissertation will require research in other congregations — research that will commit him every Sunday for a year or so. I'd like to take this opportunity to say how thankful I have been for Erwin's ministry in our midst.

Erwin will be in the pulpit on January 5th. I'm looking forward to that since I've not heard him before. (I have read several of his sermons though; that's why I'm looking forward to it.) Following the service we'll have a rousing going-away party. I hope you will be there.

Many of us know how Erwin has poured out his heart to the children of Old First. We've seen his warm presence and his energy. Some others know how he took up the mantle of leadership when he was needed most. But what some may not have noticed is how graciously he put it down. I did.

What none may have realized in the same way that I do, is what a stimulating colleague Erwin has been to me. Sunday afternoon, when everyone else had left, seemed to be our time to reflect theologically. The conversations were stimulating, his perspective and pastoral heart moving; I'm fortunate to have shared this time.

And so I'm sad that Erwin feels it is time to move away from parish ministry and into teaching ministry. I understand it, but I'm sad, because I can't help but feel that a great deal of the reason for the move is related to the Presbyterian church's rejection of him as a gay man. We at Old First have welcomed him; I long for the day when he will be welcomed into ministry by the whole church. So thanks, Erwin and may God be with you.

Grace and peace,

Sam

LECTIONARY

Jan. 5  - Jer. 31:7-14; Ps. 147:12-20; Eph. 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9) 10-18

Jan. 12 - Gen. 1:1-5; Ps. 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

Jan. 19 -1 Sam. 3:1-10 (11-20); Ps. 139:1-6, 13-18  1 Cor. 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

Jan. 26 - Jon. 3:1-5, 10; Ps. 62:5-12; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Feb. 2 - Deut. 18:15-20; Ps. 111; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

SERVICE AS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE

by Judith L. Dancer, Senior Center Director

I have been contemplating the concept of service and what it means to me as a human being.  I spoke to Katherine Markov, Old First’s wonderful intern, about service within the church.  I understood her to say that Christians view themselves as carrying out Christ’s mission of helping those less fortunate and that, in essence, one becomes Christ and serves.  To go to church is to fill up in Spirit and go forward into the world, sharing that spirit with others, especially those in need of connection due to loneliness, illness, etc. 

I could relate to what she said.  In my spiritual practice, I go to my prayer group to remember who I am, connect with Spirit and remember why I was put here.  Then I am replenished to carry on in my work and play.  Coming to the Senior Center, working with the seniors and creating a safe, life-giving haven fulfills my purpose of service.  Although I don’t perceive all of the seniors as needy, I do see that our culture and way of life has separated us from a group of people who used to be revered and sought after for advice and help. 

In November, some women of the USF women’s golf team volunteered to serve our Thanksgiving meal.  Before the meal  they were standing around, not sure what to do or how to interact with the seniors.  Their comfort level was being challenged, and I saw that.  I took each one around and introduced her to one or two seniors, telling the young women how this person grew up in Chinatown or that one used to tap dance.  The senior became more real, not just an age or someone each young woman couldn’t relate to.  (The same thing happened when I passed around photographs of our Halloween celebration at a staff meeting; someone said the photos put faces to the seniors in the center, making them individuals instead of an unknown group.)

By giving freely to this group of people and creating a warm, nurturing environment, I feel my love and respect going out in to them and into the world.  Love reminds me of the Australian boomerang, when it is thrown out into the sky with full strength and intention:  it comes back to me tenfold.  I watch Sarah Taber giving arm and back massages to the seniors every week.  When the person sits down, s/he may be tired or achy for some reason.  After the interaction of conversation and therapeutic touch, both seem more invigorated.  It is a truly touching sight of caring that goes both ways.

The seniors want to do service as well  (which is to say: give love).  Many of them volunteer at the senior center and for other organizations.  By telling the young women about the history of their lives, the seniors are doing service -- educating the young and teaching them the history of this little part of the world.  Try reading that in a history textbook!

Do I do service to get something back?  No, I do service because it is my nature.  Anything I get back is icing on the cake.

I raise the question -- What does service mean to you?  Is it an important concept as a Christian and a child of God?  How do you “serve” in your life?  What is your view of older people, and are they in your life?  What do older people have to offer to you in forms of history, active listening, and connecting person to person? 

I hope to have stirred ponderings in your heart and mind, maybe even soul.   I would love to talk to you about your thoughts and what actions you may take.  Blessings to you in your quest for being more human and connecting to others in service.

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

by Megan Rohrer

In this season of remembrance and new hopes for the next year, I wanted to let you know all the wonderful things that happened in the Welcome Ministry this past year.  Here is what has happened since I became the director last June:

            Individuals who have found housing: 15

            Community dinner guests per month: 90-120

            Welcome Ministry meals served per month: 320

            Counseling per month: 60

            Pastoral care per month: 10

            Religious services performed per month: 2

            Toiletries and non-perishable bags given out per month: 120

            Medical visits with guests per month: 16

            Volunteers for community dinners:

                        1 for every 3 guests; 7 homeless volunteers

            Volunteers for the Welcome Center:

                        1 for every 10-11 guests; 4 homeless volunteers

Cecilia, 67, came to San Francisco with her dog Baby after she lost most of her friends in the September 11 attack on New York; she lived in a shelter for almost two months, where she was robbed twice.  With the help of the Welcome Ministry she was able to go to the doctor for the first time in 55 years.  Because Cecilia's glasses were stolen in the shelter. she needed help filling out forms and getting prescriptions.  The Welcome Ministry was able to get Cecilia and Baby into permanent housing at the Sisters of the Poor (despite their three-year waiting list). 

Denise and Martin came to San Francisco after Martin was injured and unable to work.  Denise and Martin have been volunteering at the Welcome Ministry for over two months.  As a result, their self-esteem has increased; they successfully overcame their heroin addiction, found housing and jobs.  Denise is currently working on getting her three children back.  Denise was able to get her oldest son, Michael, back and he is living with them.

Next year The Welcome Ministry will continue to feed the hearts, minds, souls and stomachs of our homeless and hungry friends.  Thank you again for all your help and support.  I hope this year has been equally rich for you and yours.   May you have many more fruitful years to follow!

Shelter Meal Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, you have called us to your table and shared with us the fruits of the earth.  May your grace enkindle in us love for the many people whom poverty and misery reduce to a condition of life unworthy our your children.  Arouse in the hearts of those you have blessed with abundance the determination and passion to share your abundance with others.  Let our hands be the hands with which you serve food to those who hunger.  Let our hearts be the hearts through which you make your presence known to those who yearn for you.  Amen.                                                                 - St. Ignatius Church

THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN FILMS

by AnnieScott Rogers

When I got the notice that auditions were being held for a Christian film being produced in Chicago, I answered immediately.  I knew I loved acting in films, and being a Christian, I thought — what better way to combine two of my greatest loves.  It never occurred to me to ask exactly what a Christian film was.

There are constant big debates among Christian filmmakers as to what constitutes a Christian film.  Many say that it must be based on scripture.  Others say that it must depict a story from the bible.  Still others state that any film that proffers good values and a strong moral is a Christian film.  Others say that all they need is the passion to tell the story, and God will do the rest.  There are several Yahoo groups to which I belong in which this subject is debated every time a new person joins the group.  As you can guess, there is never agreement.

There is less debate among critics.  When they say a film is a Christian film, it means that it is “preachy” and low budget, which translates to low production values (usually poorly acted by non-professionals and more often than not with poor sound, poor lighting and poor editing.) 

Filmmakers are getting the message — at least that’s what I hear many of them say.  Their contention is that the basics of a compelling story, professional sound, light, and professional actors are critical in reaching the secular world.  The best selling “Left Behind” novels are being made into films and a television series.  Films such as “Waterproof” with Burt Reynolds,  “Joshua” with F Murray Abraham, “Time Changer” with Gavin MacLeod, Hal Linden, Jennifer O’Neill, and Paul Rodriguez are getting the message and using professional casts and crews.

Crusader Films (funded by Billy Graham’s ministry) and Epiphany Films are two that seem to have made the break into higher production values.  “The Omega Code” and “Meggido” are two of Crusader’s Films that have made it to the theatres. 

In November, another film by Epiphany, ”Joshua”,  was released and was shown in selected theatres.  I saw the film in October at the WYSIWYG Christian Film Festival (held annually in San Francisco) and was captivated; I immediately went to http://www.GospelDirect.com and ordered a copy.)

This brings me to the next question, “Where does one see Christian films?”  The answer is “mostly on video”.  There are websites that feature Christian films; many are also the websites for the production companies that make them:  http://www.testimonypictures.com , www.cloudtenpictures.com,  http://www.christianfilms.com,  http://www.christianmovies.com,   http://www.topsecretproductions.com .They can often also be purchased at the film festivals such as WYSIWYG.                                                              

Many of you might be curious as to what is involved in acting in films.  As a non-union actor who is obviously not in Los Angeles where the majority of movies are made, the procedure is that of being constantly unemployed and looking for work.

Most of my work is self-obtained. I have an agent who occasionally sends me out on commercial auditions.  Every morning and evening that I am not out of town or in rehearsal or filming, I access the two San Francisco online audition websites to find films that are looking for mature female actors.  Then I read the breakdown to see what the film is about.  If possible, I check out the websites of the production companies to see if they have any previous films to their credit.

Most list compensation as “copy, credit, meals”.  A  student film for a certain instructor at AAC might pay as much as $66.  Some independent films — like the last two feature films I did actually have deferred payment — meaning “if the film makes a profit, the actors get paid.”

Once I get a part, the director or producer will either phone or e-mail me with a rough idea of the production schedule.  Ideally, there will be a calendar with the scenes being filmed each day, and the call times and length of filming.  No matter how  long the filming day, it is comforting to know that it is shorter for the actor than for the crew, who must be there an hour or more before the actor to set up, and stay an hour or more later to break down.  Most of the actor’s time is spent sitting around waiting for setting up the scenes, changing the lights, making sure the sound is working, and setting up the camera angles.  The time spent in front of the camera is short compared to the time spent waiting.

When the film is finished, it’s on to the next film for the actor.  Sometimes, however there are areas where the dialog has to be re-recorded.  This is called ADR, or looping; it can happen from a week to months after the film has wrapped, since it is during the editing that the need for ADR becomes apparent.

Editing may take from days, for a really short film, to years for a feature where the editor goes on to another project before finishing yours.  Sometimes things happen that keep the film from ever being finished.  It’s a chance you take when you do independent films.  Since very few films other than the Indies are done in San Francisco, and major studio films cast their actors from the Los Angeles pool, the Indies are the ones you do to “keep your acting chops” until the big one comes along.

In the last three years I have acted in 30-40 independent films from 5 minutes to 2 hours long.  One, “Sausalito”, has been seen in a theatre in San Francisco.  Another, “The Calling”, was shown at the WYSIWYG Christian Film Festival in San Francisco.  Both of those films can be purchased online in DVD format, and “The Calling” is also available in VHS format either online or through me for the festival price of $15.  A third feature, “Sonata”, is being edited and promises to be released in the spring.  Another feature,” Enamored”, was filmed three years ago and is still not finished.  I have copies of about half of the work that I’ve done, and from that I have made a two-minute demo reel to help me get more film work.

Such is the life of a struggling actor — and the reason almost all actors have day jobs.

December 2001, Nov 2001, October 2001,  September 2001, July/August 2001, June 2001,  May 2001,  April 2001, March 2001, 
February 2001, January 2001 

December 2000, November 2000,October 2000, September 2000, July/August 2000, May/June 2000,April 2000, March 2000, February 2000