Shared Life [Archive]
December 2007 – Shared Life of Old First
Shared Life of Old First – December 2007
In this issue
• Advent Choral Celebration Dec 9
• Poinsettias and Greenery
• Children and Youth Pageant Dec 16
• Open House and Potluck Dec 23
• Christmas Eve Service
• Gifts for the Edgewood Center
• A Fair Trade Christmas
• Christmas Joy Gift Offering
• A Blue Advent
• December Adult Education Classes
• Pastor’s Letter
• Advent Art
• Jazz Vespers Dec 2
• Name Tag Sunday
• Holiday Closings
• Lectionary
• Feb 10 Annual Meeting and Congregational Luncheon
• The Electric Horse – Rosemary Bledsoe
• Officers Elected on Nov 18
• 218th General Assembly – June 21-28, 2008
• Al Barrios Children’s Library
• Report from the Music Task Force
• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for Southern California
• Thank you for Peacemaking Offering
Advent Choral Celebration Dec 9
Sunday morning, December 9, the Old First Choir and guest instrumentalists will present an Advent Choral Celebration during the 11 am service.
This joyful music will emphasize the themes of the Advent season and encourage our journey in this time of waiting for the birth of Christ. Bring a friend to this special service!
Poinsettias and Greenery
Help brighten the Sanctuary with poinsettias and greenery. Make a donation of $10 in honor or memory of a loved one, in gratitude for blessings, or in appreciation of Old First.
Children and Youth Pageant Dec 16
Our young people have written their own pageant, which will be integrated into the December 16 worship service. In present-day scenes of worry and concern, they will take a journey to find the sign and hope in the birth of Jesus.
Open House and Potluck Dec 23
Everyone is invited to attend the Open House and Potluck at Bob Hermann and Dan Joraanstad's home on Sunday, December 23 , 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
They are located at #2 Pizzaro Way, San Francisco. There is ample parking. Those wishing to take BART should get off at the Glen Park station; please make arrangements with Bob and Dan for transport from BART to their home.
Also, please bring a dish to share, as the gents will be preparing the meats.
Christmas Eve Service
Celebrate the birth of Jesus with scripture and song. Our traditional Christmas Eve service (8:00 pm, Dec. 24) closes with passing the light and singing “Silent Night.”
Invite your family, friends and co-workers to begin their Christmas celebration with us.
Gifts for the Edgewood Center
One of Old First's most successful opportunities for outreach is our annual Christmas gift collection for the children at Edgewood Center for Children and Families. Edgewood provides a residential treatment program for Bay Area children who are dealing with behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges as a result of domestic violence, sexual abuse or neglect.
Each year, we receive a list for each child from Edgewood. Those lists are available in the social hall on Sundays. You can select as many children as you wish to sponsor.
• Each child has written a “Wish List.” Select those you wish to sponsor and choose the gifts to purchase from their Wish Lists.
• Return each unwrapped gift to the Church by Sunday, December 2nd.
• Mark each unwrapped gift with the child's name and ID number (e.g., Greg H6).
• Those who have participated in the past report that they truly enjoyed shopping for these children. However, if you don't have time to shop and wish to make a financial gift, make your check payable to Old First Church and designate it for Edgewood. Someone will do the shopping for you.
The process of brightening these kids' holidays involves distributing the wish lists, procuring, collecting, storing and delivering the gifts to Edgewood. In the past we have been able to address every child's wishes, and we'd dearly like to continue this level of commitment. There are several ways to be involved if you are not able to provide gifts. We can use all the help we can get to assist with the process, so please don't be shy about asking how you can help.
Please do join us for the 11th year of gift giving to the children living at Edgewood. Betsy Chiao will be downstairs during our Fellowship hour to help you participate in this Old First tradition.
While you are at it, take the time to check what has become of the orphanage Old First helped establish. More information about Edge-wood is available on their website: http://-www.edgewoodcenter.org/
A Fair Trade Christmas
The Fair Trade Table will be in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 a.m. service on the first three Sundays in December.
Think about purchasing some Fair Trade coffee or tea for that favorite teacher, aunt, or friend. For the chocolate lovers in the congregation we will have some of the yummy Fair Trade chocolate bars on hand! And for the gourmet cook or pasta lover on your list we have the Palestinian Olive Oil.
This year we are excited about a special product we are introducing: "Peace Patch Notecards." These cards are based on the peace patches that make up Old First’s peace patch banner. With the photographic and technical assistance of Rev. Erwin Barron, the Peace and Justice Committee was able to have lovely notecards printed up. Notecards will be sold in packs of six.
For that person you just don't know what to buy for, the Fair Trade table will have copies of the Alternative Gift Catalogue and The Heifer Project catalogue for this holiday season.
Christmas Joy Offering
The Christmas Joy Offering dates to the 1930s to supplement inadequate retirement and medical insurance for former church servants. Half of the receipts are distributed to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs providing support to retired and active church workers and their families. The other half supports Presbyterian-related racial-ethnic education through the National Ministries Division of the General Assembly Council.
The Christmas Joy Offering recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church workers by providing funds to help them through difficult times. Shared and Emergency Assistance Grants help people with financial needs resulting from a variety of problems: an unemployed spouse, a flood or tornado, a seriously ill child, or unexpected family expenses. Every grant is an expression of Presbyterians' faithful witness to and sharing of the love of Christ for all people. Again and again, recipients of grants large and small say that as important as the financial assistance was, what really sustained them was the knowledge that the church was standing with them in their time of need.
The PC(USA) has long promoted education through establishing and supporting racial-ethnic schools. Christmas Joy Offering funds provide scholarships to deserving students and help with basic operating costs. These institutions develop leaders in the church and in society, and they enable students to discover and pursue their professional goals. All PC (U.S.A.)-related schools and colleges are open to any qualified student regardless of race. There are currently sx schools that receive ongoing support from the Christmas Joy Offering.
Our Christmas Joy Offering will be received on December 23. Please mark your calendars and look for the offering envelopes in your bulletin on that Sunday.
For more information , visit http://www.pcusa.org/cjoffering/about.htm
A Blue Advent
The liturgical calendar, the worship/church calendar is shown in colors. We have been in the season of Ordinary Time, which is green. December 2 marks the start of the Christian year, which begins with Advent.
Traditionally, the color has been purple: the color of penitence and fasting. Many Protestant traditions are now using blue for the color of Advent, as we will this year.
Why? Practically, it distinguishes this time from Lent, which is also symbolized by the color purple. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's website states the blue color for Advent originated in Scandinavia, probably because purple dye was too expensive for the church to use. The Episcopal Church traces the use of blue for Advent to the medieval church. Blue signifies hope and symbolizes the night sky in which the star appeared to announce the birth of Christ. Blue has been associated with Mary; it reminds us that during Advent the church waits with Mary for the birth of Jesus.
So when you see the blue color in Maggi's stole (the cloth worn on her robe) and on the communion table let it be a reminder of hope, of anticipation, and longing for Christ in the world.
Adult Education Classes - Sundays, 9:30 am, Munro Room
The Thoughtful Christian’s Advent Study on “Repentance, Faith, Holiness and Love”
Advent is a season of prayer and preparation. In the church we try to slow down and understand what it means that God graced us with a baby who is Immanuel; God with us.
December 2, - “Repentance: Do we really have to?” - Jean Olson
December 9 - “Faith: Asking questions all the time!” - Linda Reyder
December 16 - “Holiness: Open to God's indwelling presence” - Jean Olson
December 23 - “Love: God adjusts our attitudes” - Nancy Holve
Pastor’s Letter
December 2 marks the beginning of the Christian year. It is the first Sunday of Advent, when our church calendar begins anew. Advent means “coming,” and it is a time of preparation.
A Baptist friend reminds me that “Advent is not so much about the coming of Christmas as it is about the coming of Christ into the world. During Advent we stand like those of before the birth of Jesus, longing for a Messiah, an anointed One from God who will rescue us from ourselves.”
We also stand in 2007, longing for this same Christ, who comes again and again into our world and will one day come again in fullness. In a world that tries
to move us on to Christmas right after Halloween, Advent invites us slow down, to focus on the coming of Christ and ask that we make room in our lives, in our hearts to encounter Christ in a whole new and deeper way.
Please take time to read in this newsletter about the many opportunities that you can use to begin this New Year in a spirit of hope and longing.
And I’d like to share with you some truthful and haunting words written by Paul Tillich, one of the 19th century’s finest Protestant theologians, over half a century ago. Tillich was born in Germany in 1886, ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran church, served as a military chaplain during WWI, and was a professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Maggi
German parents! In this fourth war Christmas, show your children that
there is still another path than that which leads to blood, tears, and misery.
Tell them that today, in all the world people are making their way in the
spirit of the child of Christmas, in spite of war and hatred and mutual murder.
Tell your children that in all hostile lands, children are worshipping the child of
Christmas, who is equally near to all and equally loves all people.
Overcome the spirit of hatred that is being sown daily in your hearts and those
of your children with the spirit of love, the spirit of Christmas.
• Paul Tillich
Advent Art
This year the church will focus on texts from Isaiah, which will be reflected in
worship through music, word, and art.
The Old First Worship Committee and Tracy Clagett thank all those who helped create this year’s Advent art, illustrating passages from the Book of Isaiah -- Connie Johnson, Nina Krietzman, Marne Krozek, Art Olson, Linda Reyder, AnnieScott Rogers and Jeanne Choy Tate.
Jazz Vespers – First Sundays, 5:00 pm – Dec 2 - Anton Schwartz & Friends
Name Tag Sunday - First Sunday of Every Month
Please wear a name tag and help Maggi learn our names
Holiday Closings
No Adult Ed class on Dec. 30.
Church office is closed Dec 24 and 25.
Doris Krauss Senior Center is closed Dec 24 and Dec 31.
Lectionary
Dec 2 - 1st Sunday of Advent
Isa. 2:1-5; Ps. 122; Rom. 13:11-14; Matt. 24:36-44
Dec 9 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
Isa. 11:1-10; Ps. 72:1-7, 18-19; Rom. 15:4-13; Matt. 3:1-12
Dec 16 - 3rd Sunday of Advent
Isa. 35:1-10; Ps. 146:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55; James 5:7-10; Matt. 11:2-11
Dec 23 - 4th Sunday of Advent
Isa. 7:10-16; Ps. 80:1-7, 17-19; Rom. 1:1-7; Matt. 1:18-25
Dec 24 - Christmas Eve
Isa. 9:2-7; Ps. 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Dawn - Isa. 62:6-12; Ps. 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20
Day - Isa. 52:7-10; Ps. 98; Heb. 1:1-4 (5-12); John 1:1-14
Dec 30 - 1st Sunday after Christmas
Isa. 63:7-9; Ps. 148; Heb. 2:10-18; Matt. 2:13-23
Jan 6 - Epiphany of the Lord
Isa. 60:1-6;; Ps. 72:1-7, 10-14; Eph. 3:1-12; Matt. 2:1-12
Sunday, February 10 - Annual Meeting and Congregational Lunch.
The Electric Horse
Rosemary Bledsoe - from Old First’s 1986 Advent Devotions booklet
Christmas was coming, too soon. The bank balance and the available credit were going, too fast. While I schemed to stretch the hours and dollars to make a happy Christmas for my daughter, she was entranced by TV holiday specials and commercials. She saw a snowy landscape at dusk, a horse and sleigh with harness and traces festooned with lights, followed by a scene of a happy family around a fireplace. And she pouted: "They're going to have a better Christmas than we are."
That would have hurt in any case, but there was an extra sting in it because I could guess how much time and money had gone into that particular slice of advertising unreality. I tried to explain to her that the people in the commercial were actors, not a real family, and that last June somebody had paid them to sit around a phony fireplace and simper at each other like sick sheep; that no matter how much snow there is, you don't see many horse-drawn sleighs, and they're almost never lit up like used-car lots.
Later, looking for some comfort, I read Thomas Merton's account of his first Christmas in the monastery: "In all the other Christmases of my life, I had got a lot of presents and a big dinner. This year I was to get no presents, and not much of a dinner, but I would have, indeed, Christ Himself, God, the Savior of the world. You who live in the world, let me tell you there is no comparing these two kinds of Christmases."
Of course I had to compare them anyway, thinking of the monks making "the cold stone of the abbey church ring with a chant that glows with a living flame, with a clean, profound desire." We who live in the world, we have our paid performers and electric horses, lots of presents and a big dinner, the cold glitter of The Tube — all of which, in truth, adds up to nothing. Inside the pretty paper, the gift boxes might as well be empty, like stage props. Under the excess of carefully merchandised sentiment, there is no feeling at all.
Oddly enough, that was where I found my comfort: in the darkest days of the year, arriving at a place beyond bitterness and mockery, and thinking maybe it is a good thing that Christmas "in the world" does not truly satisfy — that it leaves us with a hunger and an emptiness that can only be filled by Christ Himself, God, the Savior of the world: the one and only gift we ever need.
Look, and you will find; ask, and it will be given. But first — you have to know that something's missing.
Dear Lord, on a day of great feasts in the world, I come begging and needful to your table. Bless me, feed me, that I may live.
Officers Elected on November 18
At a congregational meeting on Sunday, November 18, the following Old First officers were elected:
Elders - Class of 2009: Alfred Martin; Class of 2010: Chris Burt, Carol Carter, Barry Clagett, Bob Hermann, Jeanne Kirkwood, Mary Russell, Jeanne Choy Tate.
Deacons - Class of 2008: Betsy Chiao, AnnieScott Rogers; Class of 2010: Nina Berg, Mary Culp, Dan Joraanstad, Heather Losee, Dana Nojima, Oliver Spencer.
Also elected were the four members at large for next year’s nominating committee - Marne Krozek, Linda Reyder, Phil Pollock, Glen Potter.
Save these Dates: June 21-28, 2008
Jeanne Kirkwood
The PC(USA)’s 218th General Assembly (GA) meeting will take place in our backyard next June! The location is San Jose and the host presbytery is Presbytery of San Jose.
This is the “all church” gathering that now happens every two years. This is the meeting where amendments to our Book of Order are discussed, voted on and distributed to Presbyteries. Many other activities also are available.
Although only commissioners are entitled to vote on the various issues, anyone can attend GA. There are worship services, committee meetings, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, a huge exhibit hall, shopping opportunities and a wonderful chance to rub elbows with Presbyterians from throughout the USA. The San Jose Presbytery's Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) will be looking for volunteers from all the churches in the area to perform a number of different types of duties -— from opening doors to giving directions and running errands.
A complete listing of events will be available early in 2008 . Talk to Jeanne Kirkwood or Jean Olson if you are interested in attending some or all of the events. We will work on coordinating with COLA as well as matching up drivers with riders. You can also check out the website: http://www.sanjosepby.org/GA2008.htm for further information.
We will remind you again as we hear of exciting opportunities!
Al Barrios Children's Library
Old First families and members/visitors of all ages are welcome to peruse the books in the children's library, located in Room B just off the Fellowship Hall. Here are a few reviews of books from our excellent (and growing) collection of books:
Saint Nicholas - by Ann Tompert
Review by Jemma Fagler
Everyone knows about Santa Claus. But if you read this book you can learn about Santa's ancestor, Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a truly wonderful person who did what God wanted him to do. It was always right for the people and civilization around him, even though not all people back then thought so.
Saint Nicholas spread God's word to other people and helped them become better people. He gave food, clothing, and money to the needy, helped a woman from slavery and many other good deeds that you can read about. He became a priest when he was nineteen and helped sailors get to Lycia, his hometown. After he became a bishop, he got thrown into jail because he did not bow down to Emperor Diocletian.
This book helps people of all ages to learn about a very good person who helped a lot of people and was more than worthy to be Santa's ancestor. It will help you get a good understanding of what a good saint is like and how you can be more like Saint Nicholas in your everyday life. There are many ways -- to stand up for what you believe in, to give food or money to the homeless, or just help somebody carry something is a simple deed you can do in everyday life.
The Penderwicks - by Jeanne Birdsall
Review by Jemma Fagler
The Penderwicks is a breathtaking tale of four sisters. There's Rosalind, she's 12, and practical and responsible; her sister Skye, who is stubborn and feisty, she's 11; there is Jane who is 10, and dreams of becoming an author and is very artistic; and little Batty who is only 4 years old and loves her beloved butterfly wings. When their usual summer house is sold to another family they have to think quick and snatch up a cottage in Framley. But when they get there they are in for a surprise. Instead of the little cottage they were expecting, they found a huge mansion with a snooty owner, Mrs. Tifton. Soon they meet Mrs. Tifton's son Jeffery, and they have many adventures together from exploring gardens, shooting arrows, running from bulls, chasing rabbits, and eating the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But Mrs. Tifton is icy-hearted and cold and does not like the Penderwicks because they are causing trouble EVERYWHERE. She warns them that they better stay out of trouble for the Garden Club Competition. And of course they will -- right?
This would definitely appeal to all ages, but some that would really enjoy it are 8-12 year olds. This would probably be a fun read for adults, too. It's very funny and keeps you drawn into it. This is one of my favorite books, and I bet it will become one of yours, too, if you read it!
Report from the Music Task Force
Pam Byers, Chair
Old First is a singing congregation and one in which music is very important, according to participants in recent congregational surveys. And the music we like is varied.
At the end of last year, the session constituted a Music Task Force, with representatives from the Worship, Christian Education, and Personnel Committees, the Choir, and the congregation. The Task Force was charged with “review[ing] the leadership structure of the Old First music program,” recommending an optimal structure, and locating and recommending for hire one or more musicians to carry out the recommended program and structure. The Task Force, comprising George Becker, Nina Berg, Shirley Buono, Cindy Burt, Pam Byers, and Lori Yamauchi, staffed by Nancy Holve, has been meeting since early spring.
The Task Force solicited input via a congregational survey included in the bulletin for several Sundays and in Shared Life, and also through the April Town Hall Meeting. We are very grateful to the more than 40 people who shared their ideas. We also reviewed the Music Vision developed by another Music Task Force, chaired by Cindy Burt, in 1997, and considered which parts are still relevant to our ministry today.
According to our respondents, music at Old First “plays a central role in my worship experience,” “sets the tone of the service - essential,” as it “speaks to the non-intellectual side of my worship experience.” “Many times music is my worship experience,” as one commented. For 80% of respondents, music is “very important, a major reason I come.” We have a lot of music in our services, with hymns, anthems, and responses; but most think it is “about the right amount.”
The most striking result of the surveys is the congregation's desire for and appreciation of a very wide variety of musical forms. The prior Task Force made broadening our music repertoire, both for congregation and choir, a significant priority; and the results appear to be appreciated and reinforced now. In addition to the traditional hymns and classical anthems nearly all respondents want to sing or hear, large numbers called for gospel music and spirituals, Taizé chants, non-western music, modern anthems, and Gregorian or Anglican chants. There were also numbers of votes for praise music, folk songs, and jazz. Our congregation has developed a very eclectic taste in music, for both the congregation and the choir! People also enjoy a wide range of instrumental accompaniment for hymns and anthems.
Several expressed a desire to strengthen the congregation's confidence in singing, through teaching new hymns (and familiar ones) to children and adults, and introducing new musical idioms intentionally to the congregation as well as the choir. Several would like to see the liturgical dancers, the handbell choir, or the orchestra revived. Many wished for an enhanced children's music program. The Worship and Christian Education committee will consider such initiatives as resources and volunteers become available,
The Task Force will recommend that the Worship Committee offer ongoing opportunities for input via an occasional Town Hall Meeting about music. Congregants are always welcome to talk with members of the Worship Committee or with Maggi about new hopes or ideas. The Task Force expects to make a staffing recommendation to session within the next month.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for
Fire-Ravaged Areas in Southern California
Presbyterian churches throughout the affected area opened their doors to provide respite and showers for fire fighters, and served as places where the displaced could find social services and begin the paperwork for recovery.
National Response Team members from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance are now
working with the presbyteries to organize for the long-term recovery where they will work with those least able to recover without outside help. One Great Hour of Sharing funds and
funds designated for U.S. disasters are supporting these relief efforts.
The giving accounts are:
DR000165 - U.S.A. Disasters & Emergencies
DR000180 - Church Support - supports church leadership
and physical facilities.)
Gifts by credit card can be made by calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283 or online at www.pcusa.org/pda/donate/accounts.htm. Checks payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can also be mailed directly to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Central Receiving Service
100 Witherspoon St.
Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Thank you for your generosity!
The Peacemaking Offering amount collected was $926.00. The amount of $694.50 (75%) will go toward presbytery needs. The amount for the Peace and Justice Fund is 25% of the total collected amount. Our portion of $231.50 will go into the Peace and Justice Fund. We are still considering various possibilities for the commitment of these funds.
The Officers of Old First Church
Session of Elders - Rosemary Bledsoe, Cindy Burt, Pam Byers, Carol Carter, Ted Chiao, Barry Clagett, Bill Feister, Greg Free, Bryan Nichols, Charles Olson, Jean Olson, John Sebastian
Board of Deacons - Dee Christensen, Hsiaochien Chuang, Emmy Clausing, Mary Culp, Pam Free, Britt LaGatta, Heather Losee, Dianne Middleton, Sarah Taber
Deadlines
For January issue - Sunday, Dec 16
For February issue - Sunday, Jan 20
e-mail articles to Rosemary Bledsoe, editor, rosemarybledsoe@comcast.net
Old First Staff
The Rev. Maggi Henderson, Pastor
Nancy Holve, Congregational Nurture Director/
Christian Education Director
Cheryl King, Church Office Administrator
Fernando Gonzalez, Sexton
Marne Krozek, Wedding Coordinator
Jay A. Pierson, Ph.D, Director of Music
George Becker, M.D., Assistant Organist
William Vaughan, Organist
Community Program Staff
Kathy Barr, Director, Old First Concerts
The Rev. Eugenia Kinney, Director, Doris Krauss Senior Center
The Rev.Megan Rohrer, Director, Welcome Ministry
December 2006, October 2006, June 2006, March 2006, February 2006, January 2006
November 2005, October 2005, September 2005, July/August 2005, June 2005, May 2005, April 2005, March 2005, February 2005, January 2005,
December 2004, November 2004, October 2004, September 2004, July/August 2004, June 2004, May 2004, April 2004, March 2004, February 2004, January 2004,
December 2003, November 2003, October 2003, September 2003, July/August 2003, June 2003, May 2003, April 2003, March 2003, February 2003, January 2003
December 2002, November 2002, October 2002, September 2002, July/August 2002, June 2002, May 2002, April 2002, March 2002, February 2002, January 2002
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
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