Montclair Presbyterian Church

Montclair Presbyterian Church

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your kind words, comforting hugs, beautiful cards and other expressions of care and compassion during this time of grief for me and my family. After returning home last Saturday evening, I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough energy to get through Sunday, but when I woke up I realized I was actually looking forward to being with all of you again! Your patience with my sudden absence and my attempt to catch up with everything is greatly appreciated. You are a wonderfully caring community.

This week is exciting for me as we welcome the Rev. Katie Morrison to our staff! It feels like ages ago that Susan and Talitha both left and it is time to begin a new chapter with our children, youth and family life programs. I will be glad to have some support in providing pastoral care and I know the youth group is ready to rock and roll.

In preparation for Katie’s arrival this week, I met with the youth advisors and then with the youth group last Sunday evening. The transition from Susan to Katie has been hardest on them. I wanted to talk with them about their concerns and fears and to reassure them in whatever ways I was able. The youth advisors (all of whom were in youth group when they were teenagers) have been concerned about being able to retain the deep sharing that goes on within the group. They have been afraid that “we” (all those in charge) have an agenda that the youth group become more religious. I assured them that “we” completely support the goal that the youth group be able to continue its deep sharing. Some of what I spent time discussing with them and then also with the youth group a bit later on, is that if there is an agenda it is not that the youth group become more religious but that the youth group become more connected to the congregation.

The Children and Youth Committee, the Search Committee and the Session have all had conversations about wanting there to be a relationship between the congregation and the youth group that goes beyond fundraising and mission trip reports. So, I explained to the youth and youth leaders that “we” have hired Katie to help build the relationship between the congregation and the youth group. I then asked the youth what ideas they might have for how the relationship could be improved and deepened. As usual, they were brilliant in their answers. They really understood the desire and they gave me several excellent suggestions which I will share with Katie. The last thing I did with them on Sunday evening was to remind them how easy it is to compare and to not want to give anything or anyone new a chance. I encouraged them to keep coming back even if they aren’t quite sure initially how it’s going to be. I pointed out that they are the youth group and they need to keep coming for each other. I assured them they would not be disappointed and that I am certain they will have a great time together in this new chapter.

As I was driving home after the meeting, I was remembering why I used to enjoy youth ministry so much. Youth have so much to offer and our youth, in particular, are spectacular. When you see them in the next few weeks, ask them how it’s going and let them know how happy you are to see them!

Peace to each of you,
Beth

REMINDER FOR YOUTH: Youth Group will be happening this Sunday, February 5th from 7 – 9pm in the usual spot (Room 2). I am so excited for us to start getting to know each other and to begin learning about the special community at MPC. Youth Group the following Sunday will be meeting on Saturday, February 11th from 5 – 7pm with dinner and time spent together. With excitement, Rev. Katie Morrison.

FROM THE MISSION STUDY TEAM: The Team spent Wednesday, Jan 25, reviewing all of your input from the World Cafe’ Congregational Gathering on Sunday, Jan 22. We discussed the patterns that emerged, along with other interesting perspectives that came out of this exercise. Team members are compiling lists from the three questions & will be posting this information on the MPC website, soon. Concurrent to the regular MST meetings, the Team is working in several small group areas. On Monday, Jan 30, we received a preliminary report from the Survey Analysis group. The survey data will play an important role in how we look at information already gathered & yet to be gathered. As always, if you have questions, please email them to a Team-Member: Dave Miller, Debbie Fallehy, Janet Mulshine, David Siegenthaler, Earl Hamlin, Gretchen Garlinghouse, Nancy Murr, Tom Davies, Marge Nicholson, and Beth Buckingham-Brown.

LOOKING AHEAD AT CELEBRATION:
Sunday, February 5th: Family Sunday with children staying in Celebration. Rev. Beth will be preaching, Rev. Katie Morrison will be introduced and we will celebrate Communion.
Sunday, February 12th: Rev. Beth will be preaching and we will have a service of welcome and covenanting for Rev. Katie Morrison.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: There will be a congregational meeting and annual meeting of the corporation on Sunday, February 12 following Celebration for the purposes of (1) electing the new class of session members; (2) electing two auditors; and (3) receiving the auditors’ report for the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

“PER CAPITA”: The Per Capita apportionment (what it costs to be Presbyterian!) per person is $32 this year. The money that we contribute is divided between General Assembly, Synod of the Pacific and the San Francisco Presbytery. If you would like to contribute toward our cost per member, please do so by writing a check to the church and designating it “Per Capita” on the memo line. Thank you!

ADULT EDUCATION: Adult Education Class Sign-ups: If you missed the sign-ups last Sunday, come join us this Sunday in the Family Hour. All the classes are still open.

THANK YOU: Thank you MPC – Serin Eggling’s Forever Family: My mom would have loved the beautiful celebration of her life. My grandfather said in his 96 years he’s never seen someone more honored at a service than his daughter, my mom, was this last Sunday. Her choir of many years – thank you for the gorgeous song and for all each of you did over the past year to help her to keep singing with you. Thank you Betsy, for bringing the choir to her in her final weeks; thank you Beth, Leonard, Kim, Rich, Debbie, Barbara, Allen, and ALL that made Sunday so special and perfect. Thank you all that shared, all that came, and all that couldn’t make it that have been part of mom’s amazing MPC family. A special thank you to Bill Neely for being mom’s lead angel the past two years organizing rides, food, visits, respite and community for my mom, and me. Thank you Mary Jane for creating the opportunity for my mom to retrain her amazing brain and Minda for being mom’s light and church companion; so many more to individually thank. All that my mom gave to MPC the past 35 years she got back in enjoyment and love and family, especially thru her journey with brain cancer. I will forever be grateful…and mom will forever be with you in spirit. Thank you MPC family. You are an extraordinary community. Sincerely, Vanessa.

FORUM ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Come join the FORUM on HUMAN TRAFFICKING. WHAT YOU CAN DO! It is on February 11, 2012 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at The First Unitarian Church, 685 14th Street in Oakland (14th and Castro Streets) FREE ADMISSION. Heat these local and humanitarian groups: District Attorney’s office, New Day for Children…hope in the lives of girls caught in the despair of human trafficking, Misssey… Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth, Not for Sale…together, we can end slavery in our lifetime. Come discuss this vital and urgent problem! Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Gen Katz, gen@metron.com (preferred) or (510)530-8870.

STORYTELLERS: Everyone is invited to our Storytellers’ VALENTINE OPEN MIC BRUNCH on Sunday, February 12, 11:30 AM. Hear or share original pieces about “What Touches Your Heart” or any other theme. Stories, poems, vignettes, or opinion pieces (under 6 minutes) may be included in our Anthology 2012 by submitting camera-ready copy on 8 ½ x 11” white paper. Questions? Call Margaret Irvin, (510)243-1114.

SAVE THE DATE: March 4 at 4:00 PM, Jeff Clements, author of the new book, CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PEOPLE: Why They Have More Rights Than You and What You Can Do About It with a foreword by Bill Moyers, is coming to talk at our church. The Supreme Court decision, Citizens United, opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate spending to influence elections at all levels of government, but we can amend the Constitution. This has been done many times in our history to ensure that “We the People” means all the people, not just the privileged few. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a leader in the movement to end corporate personhood. This free event is open to the community and co-sponsored by our Social Justice Committees and Free Speech for People. For more information contact Barbara Peters, barbxpeters@gmail.com or 510-654-9677.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE WOMEN’S MARCH 10th RETREAT! Lots have already signed up, so come join us. Spend time with delightful women, delicious goodies, and provocative discussions as we reflect and connect about priorities for the next chapters of our lives. Carrie McKiernan will lead us. Cost only $25. Partial scholarships and childcare available, please request when you register. See Jan Stites at the registration table this Sunday. Enjoy!

CLOSE TO HOME PRESENTS A TALK AND SLIDE SHOW:

The Evolution of Flowers
Early Sex on Planet Earth
with Dr. Chelsea Specht

Monday, Feb 6, 2012 7:30 P.M.

Over 100 million years ago, during the age of the dinosaurs, there was an explosion in the number and kinds of insects on Earth. As the variety of insects increases, plants evolve gorgeous and overt sexual organs to attract them. We know these organs as flowers. Attracting insects, as well as birds and mammals, to cross-pollinate them is a good evolutionary strategy to promote genetic variety. Flowers make themselves irresistible to insects by way of colors, perfumes and nectars. Humans have been captivated as well. UC Berkeley biology professor Chelsea Specht will discuss some of the flower patterns we see and how those patterns have contributed to the fantastic diversity we have today. http://www.close-to-home.org/flyer.htm.

WE PRAY FOR:
• Bunny Stevens as she continues to recover from knee surgery.
• Don Alter and Peggy as Don continues to recover at home.
• Tom Debley’s sisters, Virginia and Rosemary as they both deal with health crises.
• For Bill Neely’s friend Tom and his family and friends as they grieve the death of Tom’s partner, Bob.
• Brad Hestir’s work team as they struggle with issues with their supervisor.
• Jean Mudge’s brother-in-law, Hunter, as he deals with his wife Carol’s diagnosis of a brain tumor.
• Jean Roggenkamp and Todd Miller’s son, Noah, who is moving to Japan next week.
• Ann Fisher who is at home recovering after a successful heart procedure.
• Dave and Cynthia Blumgart as Dave continues to go through chemotherapy for throat cancer.
• Serin Eggling’s family and friends as they continue to grieve her death.
• Jean Gregory as she grieves the loss of her grandson, Ethan, who recently moved to Louisiana, and for Ethan that he will be safe and well cared for at home and school.
• Anna Marie Schmidt and Bob Roat and Abby as they grieve the death of Anna Marie’s father.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR:
• Don Alter’s return home.
• Charlie Boije’s return to church after his recovery from his heart attack and surgery.

DEADLINES: To submit announcements for the bulletin and Contact, please send them to office@mpcfamily.org. The deadline for Contact is Tuesdays at 3 pm, and the deadline for the bulletin is Wednesdays at 12 noon.

MPC Calendar:
http://www.mpcfamily.org/getting-involved/calendar/
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MONTCLAIR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
5701 Thornhill Drive, Oakland, California 94611, (510)339-1131
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Rev. Beth Buckingham-Brown, Office hours Monday-Wednesday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sherrill Figuera: Administrative Assistant, Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Rev. Katie Morrison: Coordinator for Children, Youth, & Family Life
Kim Rankin: Music Director
Marcia Roy: Organist
Gil & Maria Chiguila: Caretakers
Rev. John Hadsell: Theologian in Residence
Rev. Kathy Ray: Parish Associate
George Somers, Artist in Residence