O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

Steeple TalkTrinity Presbyterian Church Santa Cruz

From the Pastor 1

Session 2

All Church Retreat 3

Church News 4

Non-Prophet Corner 5

Church News 6

October Calendar 7

Sunday Saints 8Meetings:

Administration Meeting,October 7, 4:30 p.m.,

Fireside RoomW.C.E. Meeting,

October 2110:00 a.m., Fireside Room

Mission Meeting,October 8,

4:00 p.m., Fireside RoomSession Meeting,

October 85:30 p.m., Fireside Room

Deacons’ Meeting, October 14

1:00 p.m., Fireside RoomDates to Remember:

Bible Study, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30,

1:00 p.m., Fireside RoomSweet Pea Group,October 11 & 25,

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Youth Room

Mission Springs RetreatOctober 17-19Book Club,

October 27, 7:00 p.m., at Joanne Clever’s homeFourth Tuesday LunchOctober 28, 12:00 p.m.,

Fellowship HallNewsletter Articles Due,

October 14

ForgivingA couple of weeks ago I opened an email that contained a poem by one of my current favorite poets, Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes. The poem is titled Forgiving. (Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Unfolding Light, www.unfoldinglight.net) I found it a powerful expression of the meaning of forgiveness. I imagine all of us at one time or another, wonder about forgiveness. How is it that God can forgive us? How is it that others forgive us? How will we ever forgive those who have wronged us or someone we love? I have included below a portion of Garnaas-Holmes’ poem. As we share faith and ministry within our families, our church and the world may we remember always both our call to forgiveness and the grace we have as forgiven children of God.In Faith, Evie

Forgiving is not forgetting bad behavior, not condoning or excusing or minimizing it,not pretending that it didn't hurt, that “it was nothing.”

Forgiving is not about the behavior.It's loving the person,and letting nothing, even their hurtful actions,diminish or deter your love.

Forgiving is accepting what is—that they have wronged you—without desire to amend that,to get even, exact paymentor get them to see your hurt.It is accepting that the hurt is real,and yet your love for them, and yourself, remains.

Our forgiving blossoms from our being entirely forgiven.We have been forgiven for deeper hurts than we ourselves forgive.We choose to be in the heaven of infinite forgivingrather than the hell of unfinished and never-ending resentment.

Forgiving is coming alive,and entering into eternal life.

Forgiving is not a chore or obligation.Forgiving is joy, freedom, compassion, and peace.

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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Trinity Presbyterian ChurchSession Report

The Session meeting on September 16 was opened with prayer by moderator, Evie Macway. The elders welcomed Bill Ribble, a representative from the Nominating Committee of San Jose Presbytery. Mr. Ribble provided information about the numerous committees within Presbytery and the work they do. He invited Session members to consider possible nominees from our congregation who might be interested in participating on any of the committees.

Evie reported on a recent meeting of the Presbytery Council. She relayed a report that stated that six more congregations within the San Jose Presbytery have requested dismissal. Their requests will be considered at the next presbytery meeting. In total 11 congregations of the 43 congregations that make up the presbytery have or will be requesting dismissal. Though this represents 25% of the congregations and 45% of the membership, the presbytery projects that the departure of these congregations will represent only a 5% decrease in presbytery mission funding.

Evie also reported her pleasure in leading a recent church membership exploration class in which six people participated.

Session committee actions and reports included:• Ellen reported a new Sunday Bible Study will begin on October 5th. The study will be based upon each

Sunday’s lectionary. It will meet at 9:00 a.m. Paul and Darrell will lead the study. • Jennie reported that the Stewardship Committee has been meeting. The idea of the committee collaborating

with the Deacons and having parishes meet, possibly over a meal, to discuss stewardship is being considered. • Charlie reported the next Service Worship Sunday has been scheduled for November 2nd. • The Session voted to extend the lease for the Waldorf school for three months as the school decides how they

wish to proceed to conform to new zoning rules. The school had requested this extension. • Fourth Tuesday luncheons are resuming for the months of September and October.

Finally, it was with joy that the Session considered the request for church membership by reaffirmation of faith for Chuck and Nancy Cobery. After visiting with Chuck and Nancy it was unanimously MSP to receive them into membership. They will be publicly received during worship in November.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

Financial Report Jan. - August 2014

Income $195,742 Expense $155,697 Net $40,045

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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All Church Retreat 2014

The Trinity All Church Retreat is set for October 17-19 at Mission Springs. This year we have the privilege of having a guest speaker lead our Retreat. The Rev. Christy Ramsey is a seminary class mate and friend of Pastor Evie Macway.

Christy was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor in 1983. After 30 years of married life and pastoring in the midwest, in May of 2013, Christy followed his wife's Physical Therapist career, to Carson City, Nevada. Bette Lynn and Christy have a daughter Rachel, who teaches in Grass Valley, California and a son Robert who lives in Akron, Ohio. Christy can be found volunteering at Computer Corps and working at Geek Squad in Best Buy.

Christy is interested in communication in all forms. He has made radio shows in two states, led classes on newsletters, social media and web communication, hosted a youth healing website, edited the Presbytery newsletter, serves on the leadership team for Presbyterian Media Mission, wrote for the Mission Yearbook of Prayer, ran commentary on-line about PCUSA General Assemblies, presented at the Presbyterian Big Tent and led worship using live web chat and instant messages. Video and movie clips have been featured in his sermons and Bible studies.

Christy says about himself, “I enjoy technology, writing, webslinging, humor, twitter, movies, and science fiction and I live by Acts 2:12.”

The theme for the program portion of the retreat will be Providing Sanctuary in a World Where Nothing is Sacred. Christy writes, “Sacred is ‘next door’ to privacy. Maybe sacred is the faithful way to talk about privacy - places and things that are set apart as special. The word sanctuary brings with it a communal idea, which is good to explore on a faith community retreat. Where is truth if everything is an argument on a dozen channels, a hundred podcasts and a thousand websites? Where is virtue where every vice is available on-line and delivered by drone? Where is community when majority religion is none and the majority of Americans are single?”

If you would like to sign up for the retreat contact the church office or speak to Dave Macway. Overnight and day use accommodations are available.

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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October Birthdays1 Ellen Bauerle 3 John Christie5 Marie Imai7 Mia Duffus8 Jacob May13 Gwen May16 Gail Larson22 Jane Beach, Emily Macway29 George Bunch31 Vera Hope

October Anniversaries 5 Jim and Sally Walters21 David and Jane Beach

If  you  don’t  see  your  special  date  listed,  please  call  the  church  of5ice,  

831-­‐423-­‐8995  and  let  us  know!

SpamalotOur very own Gary Edwards and Nicki Kerns will be performing in Mountain Community Theater's production of Monty Python's musical "Spamalot" in October. Tickets are $25 General $20 Senior/Student online at www.mctshows.org or by phone 831-336-4777.Let's fill the theater with Trinity folks for the matinee on Sunday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. Purchase your own tickets and we will meet at the church to carpool to Park Hall- 9400 Mill Street Ben Lomond, CA 95005.

Book ClubJoin us in October to talk about "Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest For Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown. Book Club always (almost) meets at Joanne Clever's home at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th Monday of the month. October's meeting will be on the 27th. New members are always welcome. Folks just interested in the particular book we are reading are always welcome to drop in, too!Don't forget to check out the books for sale during coffee hours. All books are $1.00 or whatever you care to donate. The money is given to Youth projects.

Fourth Tuesday Luncheon Program on Santa Cruz Wharf and Fishing HistoryThe October 28th Fourth Tuesday Luncheon will feature Stagnaro Family Local Wharf and Fishing Industry History and Elizabeth with Cathy and Joe Parisie on piano and clarinet. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with music and then program to follow. Invite a friend and join in fine food, fellowship, music, and program.

New Opportunity for Bible StudyTrinity will launch a second Bible study opportunity for folks who cannot make the Thursday afternoon time, or who may want to participate in a second opportunity. We will discuss the Sunday Lectionary texts that are used in worship each Sunday. Darrell Yeaney and Paul Seever will lead this discussion. Come starting next Sunday, October 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room.

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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The Non-Prophet CornerDarrell  W.  Yeaney,  Parish  Associate

The  Problem  of  “Right  Belief”

  Recently  the  western  world,  and  in  particular,  the  American  social  psyche,  has  been  shocked  and  outraged  by  ubiquitous  news  stories  and  images  of  the  violent  beheading  of  two  American  journalists  by  the  leaders  of  the  Islamic  State  group  –  ISIS.  Few  incidents  in  recent  memory  have  so  overwhelmingly  galvanized  the  public,  the  US  President  and  Congress  to  some  kind  of  military  response  to  these  provocative  and  violent  actions.   When  shock  gives  way  to  rational  thought,  Americans  seem  also  to  have  come  to  a  uni5ied  conclusion  that  the  motivation  behind  these  inhuman  actions  has  to  do  with  “belief,”  radical  religious  belief  in  a  particular  divinely  inspired  way  of  life  and  of  God’s  requirement  for  his  followers  to  establish  a  totalitarian  society  ruled  by  men  –using  violence  as  necessary  -­‐    who  are  fully  committed  to  a  particular  “right  belief”  or  “ideology”  that  covers  all  aspects  of  life.     The  Islamic  state  group  or  ISIS,  is  by  no  means  the  5irst  such  religiously  purist  group  that  has  tried  to  put  into  practice  a  totalitarian  society,  though  it  is  one  of  the  most  savage  and  brutal       The  ideologies  of  “right  belief”  are  always  discriminatory  and  tend  to  exclude  and  to  various  degrees,  punish  those  who  do  not  conform.  And  while  race  or  class  or  nationality  often  play  a  role  in  such  exclusive  ideologies,  “right  belief”  is  nearly  always  at  the  root.   The  Christian  church  has  its  own  history  of  demanding  “right  belief”  to  the  detriment  of  those  who  question,  or  choose  to  disagree.  There  are  those  infamous  events  of  history  such  as  the  Crusades  of  

the  Middle  Ages  or  the  Religious  Wars  of  the  14th  &  15th  Centuries.   Sociologists  can  also  cite  the  legacy  of  the  Protestant  belief  in  “Election”  which  has  justi5ied  economic  inequality  as  God’s  favoring  the  wealthy  and  regarding  the  poor  as  deserving  their  fate.   Or,  one  could  remember  the  racist  ideology  –  explained  by  “right  religious  belief”  -­‐  that  justi5ied  slavery  and  the  rise  of  the  Confederacy  in  the  United  States  and  its  continuing  legacy  of  segregation,  discrimination  and  denial  or  suppression  of  civil  rights  of  minorities.   Also,  there  are  the  more  recent  practices  of  various  Christian  denominations  and  congregations  that  have  excluded  others  based  on  “right  beliefs”  about  certain  antiquated  teachings  of  the  Bible  as  the  unchanging  “Word  of  God.”   But  as  Pastor  Evie  reminded  us  in  a  sermon  recently,  it  was  the  Apostle  Paul  who  cautioned  us  to  be  tolerant  of  each  other  regarding  our  different  religious  beliefs  and  our  understanding  of  what  those  beliefs  require.     Perhaps  the  question  we  face  in  today’s  world  is  not  belief  itself,  but  what  we  believe  and  whether  we  can  honor  our  own  religious  beliefs  in  an  atmosphere  of  humility  and  respect  for  differences.   Might  the  “Narrow  gate”  that  Jesus  spoke  about,  be  not  a  gate  of  “right  belief,”  but  rather  the  narrow  gate  of  humility,  that  triggers  a  mutual  respect  for  different  beliefs  and  an  open  atmosphere  in  which  to  grow  and  become  more  than  we  now  are  and  beyond  our  current  certainties?

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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With Presenters and Teachers:

The Rev. Karen Oliveto Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco

The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow 7th Avenue Presbyterian Church in San Francisco

Explore ways that PROGRESSIVE RENEWAL is transforming and revitalizing churches like yours—today! This year’s seminar promises lively interaction with two practiced and spirited pastors who are making renewal happen in their San Francisco congregations. How are they doing it? What can we learn together? What kinds of CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY are catching fire among young adults, spiritual seekers and long-time church members?

Karen Oliveto is Pastor at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco and Adjunct Professor of United Methodist Studies at the Pacific School of Religion. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a pastor, writer, consultant and coach who focuses on issues of faith, politics, technology and parenting.

SAVE THESE DATES NOW AND SHARE THIS INFO WITH YOUR FRIENDS AT CHURCH!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION AVAILABLE SOON AT www.ticketriver.com.

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN THE 21st CENTURY:

CONNECTION & ENGAGEMENT

An Interactive Two Day Seminar

February 6-7, 2015

Peace United Church of Christ

900 High Street, Santa Cruz

Sponsored by the

Progressive Christian Forum

of Santa Cruz

Barbara Scott MemorialKnitting Needle Lending

Library

Let's keep Barbara's passion alive by keeping her needles knitting.

Need a size that you don't have?Borrow from her collection...Call or email Joanne Clever

426-0268 joanne@clevers.net

Spiritual Nurture: the Heart of Personal and Congregational Life & Development coming to Trinity November 8-9

This fall Trinity and the Progressive Christian Forum of Santa Cruz will co-host a weekend with Rev. Dr. John R. Mabry. Dr. Mabry is a United Church of Christ pastor, currently serving Grace North Church in Berkeley and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakland. He teaches world religions and spiritual direction at the Chaplaincy Institute in Berkeley, and is an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University in the Pastoral Ministries Department. He is also a prolific writer and sings in two progressive rock bands. Dr. Mabry will give a lecture Saturday evening at Peace UCC Church. He will preach at Trinity on Sunday morning and lead a workshop on meditation following worship. Look for more details soon!

Youth Group at Trinity!There are some young people in the church who have expressed an interest in forming a church youth group once again. In order to help make this happen there will be an organizational meeting for parents and interested youth on Sunday, October 12, following worship. We will have snacks and conversation about what our youth group will be. All youth (and their parents) from 6th-8th grade are welcome. For more information speak to Rosie or Stacy Teresi or Evie Macway. Personal invitations will be sent out soon!

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Office Hours:Tues. - Thurs.10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

1 2Bible Study, 1:00 p.m., FS

3Office ClosedAlAnon, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m., Youth RoomAlateen, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., LibraryAA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

4

5Bible Study, 9:00 a.m., Fireside RoomChoir Practice, 9:00 a.m., Sanctuary Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.

AA, 8:00-9:00 p.m., FH

6Office Closed

AA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Youth Room

7Boutique 9:30 a.m., Youth Room

Administration, 4:30 p.m., FS

AA, 5: 30 p.m., FHBoy Scouts, 7:30 p.m., FHCA, 7 - 8 p.m., YR

8Mission, 4:00 p.m., FS

Session, 5:30 p.m., FS

Rotating Shelter, 5:30 p.m, FH

9Bible Study, 1:00 p.m., FS

12 Step Group, 7- 8:30 p.m., Library

10Office ClosedAlAnon, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m., Youth RoomAlateen, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., LibraryAA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

11Sweet Pea, 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m., Youth Room

12Bible Study, 9:00 a.m., Fireside RoomChoir Practice, 9:00 a.m., SanctuaryWorship Service, 10:30 a.m.Youth Group, 11:45 a.m., Youth RoomAA, 8:00-9:00 p.m., FH

13Office Closed

AA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Youth Room

14Boutique 9:30 a.m., Youth Room

Deacons, 1:00 p.m., FSAA, 5: 30 p.m., FHBoy Scouts, 7:30 p.m., FHCA, 7 - 8 p.m., YR

15

Rotating Shelter5:30 p.m., FH

16Bible Study, 1:00 p.m., FS

12 Step Group, 7- 8:30 p.m., Library

17Mission Springs Retreat

Office ClosedAlAnon, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m., Youth RoomAlateen, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., LibraryAA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., FH

18Mission Springs Retreat

19Bible Study, 9:00 a.m., Fireside RoomChoir Practice, 9:00 a.m., SanctuaryWorship Service, 10:30 a.m.

Mission Springs Retreat

AA, 8:00-9:00 p.m., FH

20Office Closed

AA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Youth Room

21W.C.E. 10:00 a.m., Fireside RoomBoutique, 9:30 a.m., Youth Room

AA, 5:30 p.m., FHBoy Scouts, 7:30 p.m., FHCA, 7 - 8 p.m., YR

22Ombudsmen, 10:00 a.m., FS

Rotating Shelter, 5:30 p.m., FH

23Bible Study, 1:00 p.m., FS

12 Step Group, 7- 8:30 p.m., Library

24Office ClosedAlAnon, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m., Youth RoomAlateen, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., LibraryAA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., FH

25Sweet Pea, 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m., Youth Room

26Bible Study, 9:00 a.m., Fireside RoomChoir Practice, 9:00 a.m., SanctuaryWorship Service, 10:30 a.m.AA, 8:00-9:00 p.m., FH

27Office Closed

Book Club, 7:00 p.m., Joanne Clever’s homeAA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., Youth Room

284th Tuesday Lunch, 12:00 p.m., FH

AA, 5:30 p.m., FHBoy Scouts, 7:30 p.m., FHCA, 7 - 8 p.m., YR

29Rotating Shelter, 5:30 p.m., FH

30Bible Study, 1:00 p.m., FS

12 Step Group, 7- 8:30 p.m., Library

31Office ClosedAlAnon, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m., Youth RoomAlateen, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., LibraryAA, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., FH

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

October 2014

Trinity Presbyterian Church420 Melrose Avenue

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Phone: 831-423-8995Email: trinitysc@sbcglobal.netWeb: www. trinitypressc.org

November 2 Communion ServersElizabeth Bunch, Jane deVette,

Beth Hooley, Gwen May

October 5 ! Scott Whitley! ! ! Lenore Spalaris! ! Darrell & Sue Yeaney! ! Karen Wichelmann

October 12 ! Frank & Kate Miller! ! Jolynn Khoury! ! Mark & Beth Hooley! ! Juanita Stock

October 19!

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Harry & Mary Blanchard and

October 26! Bell Family ! ! Mark & Beth Hooley! ! Bob Scott ! ! ! Lee & Emily Duffus

October 5 Communion Servers Carolyn Brothers, Reed Duffus,

Betty Gangware, Kate Miller

If  you  would  like  to  receive  this  newsletter  via  email,  or  if  you  no  longer  wish  to  receive  this  newsletter,  please  send  us  an  email  or  give  us  a  call.  Thank  you!

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