October 2000

Dear Friends,

We are writing to tell you about a change coming up in our life at Old First.  On October 31, Harrell Davis will complete his contract as Interim Pastor.  He and Carol are ready to seek a permanent church family, and Old First needs to move ahead toward the next steps in its search for a new pastor.  Harrell and the Session have agreed that we will not enter into a second contract together.

The Session has directed the Personnel Committee, with two additional members from the congregation, to begin searching immediately for a new Interim Pastor.  The Rev. Gene Huff, our representative from the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry, has already begun a careful screening process of potential candidates.  (Gene and his wife Joan know Old First well and have often worshipped here.)

We are happy to say that the Rev. Susan Ashton and the Rev. Erwin Barron have agreed to  provide pastoral leadership beginning November 1, until a new  Interim Pastor is found. Susan will be responsible for worship and pastoral ministries; Erwin will continue overseeing education and will also serve as Head of Staff.  (Learn more in the November "Shared Life".)

 It is hard to believe that it's almost a year since Harrell and Carol joined the Old First community.  Yet much has happened in that time, as we have explored the possibilities in the interim period together.  The Mission Vision Report was completed and accepted; new members have joined; new leaders have emerged in various areas; and the Pastor Nominating Committee is now hard at work.

We are grateful for the fellowship and discoveries we have shared with Harrell and Carol.  And, now more than ever,  we invite your participation, your presence, and your  prayers for them and for us all as we move ahead in our journeys.

Faithfully yours,

            Rose Marie Springer

            Clerk of Session

NEW PEW CUSHIONS!

On Sunday, Sept. 10, we heard from Sara Barrios and Amelia Kaymen how we can finally, finally, finally have all new pew cushions in the sanctuary, as well as the chancel and narthex.

$7,000 will finish the job. On Sept. 10 we were already more than a third of the way there with a $2,600 leadership gift from members of Session. By Sept. 17, the total had risen to $4,500. If you would like to contribute, send your check marked “for pew cushions” to the church.

CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT -- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 - 5:00 P.M.

The fall choir and orchestra concert will feature music connected with London, with a layover in New York.

We'll begin in the 18th century with two Continental composers. George Frederick Handel's early life was in Germany. After a period  in Italy, he moved to England, where he was immensely successful. Handel's Water Music was written for a party -- a river excursion -- George I gave on July 17, 1717. Handel captured the spirit of the event so well that "His Majesty... caused it to be played three times in all." (The musicians were no doubt exhausted by the time the party ended at 4:30 a.m!) We will hear the second suite, the one for trumpets and horns, strings, oboes and bassoons.

Later in the century, in 1794, Joseph Haydn returned to London, which he had  visited before. His return visit was a triumph, and inspired his last three symphonies, Nos. 102, 103, 104. (No composer has written so many symphonies as Haydn, which is why he is often called "the father of the symphony.") Symphony 104 is nicknamed "the London." There is probably nothing specifically of London to it, except for the inspiration the composer received from his visits there.

The second half of the concert will be two works of Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of England's great 20th century composers. The New York "layover" will be Vaughan Williams's "Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'" for strings and harp. "Dives and Lazarus" was a folksong Vaughan Williams had known and loved from his youth. (It will be familiar as the tune to hymn 434, which we sing to "Today we all are called to be disciples". The piece was premiered under the baton of Sir Adrian Boult at the New York World Fair in June 1939.

CROP WALK 2000

Old First's Mission Committee invites you to join hundreds of walkers from Bay Area congregations for the Golden Gate Hunger Walk, known as the "Crop Walk," on Sunday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. The walk is a community event to raise money for the elimination of hunger locally and around the world. 

Walkers will meet at Crissy Field in the Presidio and will have a choice of three scenic walks:  the newly restored wetlands and beach at Crissy Field (5K), a Presidio forest trail (10K), or the Golden Gate Bridge (10K).  This year a free barbecue is planned be-fore the walk.

Participants raise money by finding sponsors for the walk.  Last year the Old First team raised over $1700, a second place total for the entire Bay Area.  Mary Culp's dog, Harry, raised the most money by far for our team.  This year our fundraising goal is $2000.  (Harry, we are going to need some help with this.)

The event is sponsored by the San Francisco Interfaith Council and Church World Service. Church World Service supports self-help development, meets emergency needs, and helps address root causes of poverty in more than 80 countries.  The local recipient agency is the San Francisco Food Bank, which provides groceries at low cost for Old First's Welcome Center and monthly meals for our homeless neighbors.

To register for the walk or to sponsor a walker from Old First, see Bryan Nichols or Amy Marlo at the Crop Walk table during Coffee Hour.

CHILDREN'S SABBATH ON OCTOBER 29

Our wonderful children will be celebrated in worship at Old First on Sunday, October 29, as part of the national Presbyterian Church's focus, "The Year of the Child."  Children will lead the congregation in prayers and liturgy and will assist with the sermon.  The concerns of children in our congregation and worldwide will be our focus.  Many say that societies can be judged by how they treat their children.  Come celebrate with us the joy and exuberance of children as well as their growing intelligence, care, and love!

After worship that day, join us during coffee hour for the dedication of the new Al Barrios Memorial Children's Library collection.

SUSAN YOUNG’S INSTALLATION OCTOBER 29

Susan Young, Old First’s former Director of Community Ministries, will be installed as the first Associate Pastor of Green Valley Presbyterian Church in Henderson, Nevada, at 3 pm, Sunday, Oct. 29, after being ordained at her home church, Chevy Chase Presbyterian, on Oct. 14.

A delegation of Old Firsters plans to attend Susan’s installation. Cynthia Conners and Jim Juhan are hosting an Old First dinner on Saturday night; after the post-ordination reception at the church, there’s a post-post party Sunday night at Susan’s new apartment.

Susan writes, "I hope you will make this an excuse for an Old First weekend in Las Vegas!  There is golf, sunshine (even in October) and lots to do.” For more information, see  Barry Clagett.

COVENANT CONFERENCE IN PITTSBURGH NOV. 2-4

More than 500 Presbyterians from across the country will consider "Biblical Authority and the Church" at the 2000 Covenant Conference  Nov. 2 - 4 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania..  Sponsored by the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, the conference includes addresses by three leading Biblical scholars and theologians, Walter Brueggemann, William Placher, and Brian Blount; four worship services, workshops and plenty of opportunities to talk together.  People at last year’s Covenant Conference in Atlanta found it mind-stretching, inspiring, and invigorating -- "the best church conference ever," as one participant enthused.

Even if you’ve never attended a national church conference before, think about this one!  Join Pam Byers, Susan Ashton, Jeanne Kirkwood, Gene and Joan Huff, Tim Hart-Andersen, and many others in Pittsburgh.  Full information and registration forms are on the Covenant Network website (www.covenantnetwork.org) or in the narthex at Old First.

OLD FIRST SPAGHETTI DINNER NOVEMBER 4

Join the Board of Deacons for a very special event on Saturday, November 4: the Old First Spaghetti Dinner.   The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for all the pasta you can eat.  Forget Italy;  Presbyterian deacons really know how to make spaghetti.  There will be lots of fun, fellowship, and surprises.  The suggested donation is $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for children.  Don't miss it!

MISSION FAIR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Be sure to join us for fellowship, fun and games at the Mission Fair following the worship service on Sunday, Nov. 5 in the Fellowship Hall.  This is an opportunity for you to personally meet representatives from the various non-profit organizations that our church supports.  We expect to have over 20 representatives who can talk with you about the mission and goals of their organizations.

This event is sponsored by the Mission Committee for the purpose of giving the members of Old First an opportunity to meet face to face with the individuals from the organizations we support through our Mission Program.  You will learn about the services offer by the organizations and receive interpretative material.  If you are interested in finding worthwhile volunteer opportunities, this is a great place to look.

There will be activities for children and plenty of popcorn for all. Please add this to your calendar and join us on Nov. 5, following the worship service.  Questions or comments may be forwarded to Pam Free via the church office.

SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Worship Committee is experimenting with a change in the order of worship. The worship service will not be interrupted for announcements about events in the life of the church; instead, all announcements will be made at the beginning of the 11 o’clock hour — after the Prelude, but before the Introit. This procedure will be continue through October, and then be evaluated by the committee.

ERWIN BARRON HONORED BY SHOWER OF STOLES

The Shower of Stoles Project (a national, ecumenical witness to the church’s waste of the gifts of qualified lesbian and gay people) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special exhibition in Minneapolis Sept. 23-24.  Among the clergy highlighted in the exhibit was Erwin Barron, our Director of Christian Education and formerly Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian in Minneapolis.  Erwin, who was the first president of the board of the Shower of Stoles, flew to Minneapolis to take part in the celebration.

FRANCES GRAY HONORED BY PRESBYTERY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Our own Frances Gray was honored with tributes and a standing ovation at the September meeting of the San Francisco Presbytery. Her contributions to the Presbyterian church were recounted by Buddy Tate Choy and Sara Barrios, and Frances responded with words of appreciation and wisdom.

Buddy recalled Frances' long service in the Middle East as a missionary and college president. She was influential in raising the status of women  in Lebanon and Iran and was decorated by the Shah of Iran and the President of Lebanon for her contributions to education in their countries.

Sara talked about Frances' many contributions to Old First, including teaching a Bible class for 13 years, serving as an elder and as a mentor for seminary hopefuls. Her knowledge of early Christian art made for two unforgettable  tours to the Holy Land, Rome, Turkey and Greece “in the footsteps of Paul”.

WELCOME

To Colette Elise Bartschat, born Sept. 27;  7 lbs 14 oz.  Daughter of Lisa and Steffen Bartschat, sister of Kate and Megan.

IN MEMORY

Tony Hines, our parking lot attendant for many years, died in his sleep Sept. 11.  He had been ill with heart weakness for several recent years.  He had no family.

HOMELESS MINISTRY REPORT

by Kathy McAdams

I've had a chance to get my feet wet since the end of July - hosting a Saturday dinner, talking and praying with Welcome Center ministers and guests, meeting pastors and members of nearby churches, cooking and shopping, attending committee meetings, and responding to crisis situations.

I am most struck by the way in which this ministry is an assurance of God's presence, for all of us - not only by the way in which our work is encapsulated in prayer and reflection, but the way in which we are welcomed by each other, guest and host. We remind each other that even when we don't feel worthy of care or respect, we are loved and cared for by God, and we model that for each other. Our guests begin to believe that if so many people around here care for them, we must see something that they don't see. They're willing to trust us that there's something there, inside them, that's worthwhile. That thing that we see in them is the image of God, the face of Christ incarnate, and it is indeed worthy of respect. Our guests bring God's presence to us, and we reflect it back to them, accompanied by our own manifestation of divine Spirit. If we accomplish nothing else here, this is indeed a victory.

Since the last printing of Shared Life, one person has stepped forward to help with shopping, and several with cooking, but there are still opportunities available for involvement in ministry to homeless people. We can always use donations of practical clothing and shoes, blankets, and travel size toiletries.

In addition, the Third Saturday Community Dinners are usually hosted by various committees or groups of Old First, or by other churches in the Homelessness Task Force. This month's dinner is on Saturday, October 21; we begin preparation at 4 pm, and have several seatings between 5:30 and 7 pm. Please join us if you can.

Finally, I commend the people of Old First and surrounding churches for having had the courage to embark on this ministry to homeless people. I look forward to this time of learning how God is calling us to live, and of growing together into the "Kin-dom" of God.

LECTIONARY

Oct.  1      Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Ps. 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50

Oct.  8      Job 1:1; 2:1-10; Ps. 26; Heb. 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16

Oct. 15     Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Ps. 22:1-15; Heb. 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31

Oct. 22     Job 38:1-7 (34-41); Ps. 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Heb. 5:1-10;          Mark 10:35-45

Oct. 29     Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Ps. 34:1-8 (19-22); Heb. 7:23-28;                  Mark 10:46-52

Nov. 5       Ruth 1;1-18; Ps. 146; Heb. 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34

MODERATOR'S CORNER: FINANCE COMMITTEE

by Barry Clagett

(The Finance Committee is honored to kick off the new Shared Life feature titled “The Moderator’s Corner. The activities of a different Session committee will be featured each month.)

As the 2001 Stewardship Campaign kicks off, the 2001 Operating Budget is being developed at the same time. Session committees are developing proposed budgets for their areas of responsibility within the framework of the 2001 pledge goal of $324,000. In December, the committee budgets will be combined into a total budget consistent with the actual pledge total for the coming year. The 2001 budget will be approved by Session at the January meeting. As we begin to implement the recommendations of the Mission Vision adopted by Session in May, we look forward to strengthening and expanding OFPC ministries in 2001.

Financial Highlights Through August 2000

                                    Income      Expense           Income less Expense

Actual                           $259,000     $255,000                    $  4,000

Budget                          $264,000       263,000                    $  1,000

Variance -av (Unfav)       $  (5,000)           8,000                        3,000

The Year 2000  budget is  in balance through August.  The  net surplus  of $4,000 reflects a lower level  of expenditure activity through the summer.  Actual pledge income of $185,000 through August is short of the budget of $196,000.  Typically, pledge contributions increase during the Fall.

The Old First Garage has been operating successfully since its inauguration in May 1999. After the initial cleaning, painting, and “Old First Garage” lettering installation, monthly revenue and expenses have been as planned. The validated parking arrangement has proved very convenient for our worship services and special events as well as for staff and volunteers. An improved sign, extending outward from the building, will be installed this fall.

We would like to introduce Rose Gutierrez, our new Accounting Clerk. Rose brings a strong background and a very pleasant personality to our work. Rose replaces Karyn Lee who has been a dedicated employee since 1998. This past Spring Karyn completed her schooling and found full time employment. We wish her well in her new endeavors. 

COMPUTER CENTER

The Old First Church Computer Center is now up-to-date with a new iMac, a scanner and Internet access available to church members and friends. Forge Toro is so delighted with the  iMac, a gift from the Al Barrios Memorial Fund that he’s declared himself the “Presbyterian Beatification Committee of Calvin’s Curia”. He announces, “Al is associated with the requisite three miracles: The apparition of the iMac, the running of Windows 98 on the iMac, and the  use of said iMac by young and old.”

Many thanks for gifts of computers and equipment from Bob Hermann and Dan Joraanstad, Ingrid Larnis, and Chris Burt.

In addition to hardware, the Computer Center has books on how to use popular software — and always welcomes donations of more books!

Do you have a Pentium-based computer with CD-ROM drive you’d like to donate? Perhaps your company has recently upgraded its hardware and needs a 501(c)3 recipient. Maybe you have a Mac you no longer use (we especially need monitors). Drop off your donation in Room “A” on Sunday or during regular church hours during the week, with a note and any documentation you may have.

WELCOME BACK!

We often have former members and members-at-a-distance visiting Old First, but September 10 brought a bumper crop: Hugh Swaney and Richard Schnitgen from Palm Springs; Buck Strewler from Boston; Cheryl Fleetwood and Chris Adams and their two children (including new son Wiley) from Denver, and Deb McGuire from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. (If you missed Deb’s sermon on Sept. 3, you missed something wonderful!)

SESSION NOTES

July 25 meeting

            The Mission Vision Study’s recommended charter elements for a Community Ministry Task Force were read and some Critical Issues were reviewed. Of special concern is the Tutorial program.

            The Mission Vision’s goals for mission, stewardship and evangelism were discussed.

            Rev. Davis reported on the Interim Ministry conference he has been attending. The conference defines the role of an interim pastor as “teaching, introducing, motivating and evaluating.”

            Kathy McAdams, the new Interim Director of Homeless Ministry, was introduced.

            Worship Committee thanked all Session members who had attended Communion training.

August 22 meeting

            Elder Bill Moss has submitted his resignation from Session, due to his out-of-town work commitments.

            Stewardship moderator Amelia Kaymen outlined plans for the next pledge campaign, and Evangelism moderator Rosemary Bledsoe submitted a proposed plan of action to increase the number of members of the church.

            Sara Barrios asked for and received Session support of an effort to raise funds to purchase the remainder of the pew cushions for the Sanctuary. It was agreed that a  leadership gift from members of Session would introduce the effort.

            Seminarian Debra McGuire, now under care of Old First, was present to be questioned by Session. Her application to be enrolled by Presbytery as a Candidate for the ministry was unanimously approved.

            Pam Free, Moderator of the Community Ministry task force, presented the names of the members of this group: Doris Bebb, Jean Olson, Barry Clagett, Carmine Salvucci, Sarah Taber, Shirley Franklin, Bill Campbell and Harrell Davis.

            A  request from the Interfaith Council to house a men’s overnight winter shelter at the church in March was accepted with the proviso that the dates be changed to avoid conflict with planned evening activities during Lent.

            CE Committee’s plan for cleaning the furnace room supply closet was endorsed.

            Erwin Barron has notified the Personnel Committee that he would like to extend his contract until at least December, 2001.

HIDDEN TREASURES OF OLD FIRST

You’d think our structure of missions and committees offers enough ways to serve the church, but ...... there are always more things to do, and more people perceptive, dedicated and energetic enough to find these needs and fill them.  For example:

Lois Nason, wedding hostess, who represents Old First at 4 or 5 weddings   each year 

Ingrid Larnis, who maintains the Children’s Biblical Garden off the             Fellowship Hall 

Kathleen Conatser, Mary Culp, Polly Day, Johnni Olds, Linda Reyder, Mary  Russell, Joan Dills St. Clair, Sarah Taber, and Lori Yamauchi, who pray     for us when we request the aid of the Prayer Chain 

Lupe Ross, who keeps the choir robes in good repair

Oliver Spencer, who tutors new member and dedicated student Jasun         Harmell on Saturdays 

Jim and Mary Lou Wilson, who keep in touch with our young folks away at   college 

Doris Krauss, who makes a special trip to the church every Friday to pick up Sunday bulletins for our homebound members at The Sequoias  Johnni Olds,  who brings Pete Chiappa to church 

David Lo and Amy Marlo,  who make sure  Verlin and Dee Yamamoto  have  a ride  on Sunday  

Betsy Chiao, who puts in one long day every month printing Shared Life and getting it ready to mail, with the help of Ellen Huie, Elizabeth Pride,             Neale Miller and Merle Montgomery  

Bart Crosby, who prints the Sunday bulletins and  helps with other large     printing jobs 

Chris Burt, our sound engineer for Sunday worship, who records every             worship service 

Mary Lou Wilson, docent for Sanctuary tours by visiting groups, and Pat     Amdur, docent-in-training

Polly Day, Jessie McFadyen, Mary Russell, Lupe Ross and everyone who visits hospice and hospital patients and homebound folks 

Nell Boals, who has a very special way of recognizing and thanking the      congregation’s “worker bees”: her own homemade blackberry jelly!

You know somebody we’ve missed, don’t you?  That’s good!  We’ll do another list like this of people who do special tasks in the church and/or for church members, plus a different list of those who do personal mission work outside the church (like reading to older people or growing plants for the Ambassador Hotel).  E-mail  names to Rosemary Bledsoe at rosmbled@aol.com or put the information in the Shared Life mail slot in the church office.