June-August 2013 PRESS - First Presbyterian Palo Alto
JUNE-AUGUST 2013 Vol 13, Issue 6-8
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PALO ALTO
Inside This Issue: Dear Ones,
Pastor’s Letter 1
Worship Calendar 2
Other Summer
Activities
4
Also Note... 6
Looking Back 7
Looking Ahead 8
Council Notes 8
Finance Report 9
Deacons’ Diary 11
Updates 11
Calendar 15
Church Staff Contacts
(650) 325-5659
Rob Martin x 102
Head Pastor
rmartin@fprespa.org
Arden Ratcliff x 104
Director of Children,
Youth & Family Ministries
aratcliff@fprespa.org
Andy Chislett x 107
Director of Music
achislett@fprespa.org
Lee Young
Pastor of Visitation
peace2508@comcast.net
Abby Mohaupt x 103
Pastoral Resident
amohaupt@fprespa.org
Matthew Dimick x 108
Pastoral Intern
mdimick@fprespa.org
Sarah Clementson x 100
Church Administrator
sclementson@fprespa.org
Kaela Fine x 109
Accounting
kfine@fprespa.org
Julie Barney
Pledge Accountant
WWW.FPRESPA.ORG
Summer is fast upon us—and in our life together in community, the beginning of summer
means we are in the midst of change . . . Marissa Danney has finished her internship with us
and will be serving the Ghost Ranch Conference Center in New Mexico as Chaplain for the
summer before returning to SFTS . . . Abby Mohaupt will be transitioning from an intern to
her new position as a two-year Pastoral Resident . . . Andy Chislett will be heading to Montreat,
North Carolina, to attend the national Worship & Music Conference . . . I will be gone
the month of July on Study Leave / vacation in the same neck of the woods in North Carolina
where Do will be the Artist in Residence at Montreat, and I will get to spend some muchneeded
time reading and writing and visiting with my ailing parents . . . Many of you will be
traveling for the summer—visiting family and friends or parts of the globe still untried or unexplored.
One of the many blessings that will come our way this summer in this time of change and
transition is the arrival of our new intern, Matthew Dimick. He arrives the evening of June
2 nd and will be in worship with us for the first time on Sunday, June 9 th . He is an incredibly
gifted and talented individual, and I know you will come to love him in the weeks and months
ahead.
When Matthew applied for our internship program he offered these thoughts—and I want to
share them with you so you have just a small glimpse into what a kind and thoughtful person
we will have in our midst.
From an experience with the Pastoral Intern Program, I hope to be given the opportunity to
further explore my pastoral calling. I have been blessed with the experience of working with
the Presbyterian Church through advocacy with Presbyterian Welcome at General Assembly,
the Office of Public Witness in D.C., the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Big Tent, and
Presbyterian Welcome, but I have not had as many opportunities to engage in congregational
ministry. I hope that the Pastoral Internship will be an edifying experience to integrate myself
into a church community, develop some of my own skills, and enthusiastically learn new
things.
I also hope that this internship would be a chance for me to give back to the community that
would be hosting me during this upcoming year. I hope to offer freely my own skills and talents.
My dual degree makes me a unique candidate for this position. In addition to the expected
seminary course load I will have completed, I have also completed an MSW degree.
This degree has not only given me a chance to build my counseling and direct service skills,
but has tutored me in a core curriculum of organizing, management, and policy courses. In
addition to these requirements, my work at The Network/La Red and my coursework in racial
justice have instilled in me a passion to do anti-oppression work. Although I love advocacy
work and counseling, my greatest talent and passion is teaching and facilitating discussion. It
does not matter if the group I am teaching is composed of rowdy fourth graders, sarcastic
teenagers, or opinionated adults—I have enjoyed all of the opportunities I have been given to
teach and hope to bring my experience to the community at First Presbyterian Church Palo
Alto.
Before closing, I want to thank you for offering up this pastoral internship. It is rare that a
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church is willing to offer a paid internship, housing, and a welcoming space for individuals fresh out of or in
seminary. I feel truly blessed!
We too are blessed to have Matthew as part of this community of faith—and I hope you will join with me in
holding him in prayer as he begins his ministry with us and to us!
Travel safe . . . rest well . . . and be re-energized and renewed in the midst of these summer days!
Much peace,
Rob
Sunday, June 2 nd , 2013
Pastor’s Letter—continued
Worship Schedule for June / July /August 2013
Communion / Rob Martin preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
12:00 P.M. Cool Planet, Lounge
1:00 P.M. Puente: Living Faith, Seeking Justice, Fellowship Hall
5:30 P.M Youth Group, Classroom 2
Sunday, June 9 th
Arden Ratcliff preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, June 16 th
Rob Martin preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast Time Begins, Narthex / Sanctuary
Summer Breakfast in the Narthex / Sanctuary begins this Sunday and will run through
Sunday, September 1 st . Please come @ 9:45 A.M. to visit with old friends and to make new ones!
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
2:00 P.M. Paul Crowley on Robert McAfee Brown, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, June 23 rd
Matthew Dimick preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, June 30 th
Abby Mohaupt preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, July 7 th Communion / Abby Mohaupt preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Worship Schedule for June / July /August 2013
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Sunday, July 14 th
Music Sunday / Andrew Chislett
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, July 21 st
Matthew Dimick preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, July 28 th
Arden Ratcliff preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, August 4 th
Communion / Abby Mohaupt preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
12:00 P.M. Cool Planet, Lounge
Sunday, August 11 th
Rob Martin preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, August 18 th
Youth Sunday / Arden Ratcliff preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
Sunday, August 25 th
Matthew Dimick preaching
8:30 A.M. Early Church, Chapel
9:45 A.M. Summer Breakfast, Narthex / Sanctuary
10:30 A.M. Communal Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 A.M. Coffee & Fellowship, Courtyard
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Other Summer Activities
ADULT STUDY
Adult Study will resume in the fall. During the summer, at 9:45 A.M. every Sunday, there will be an informal
breakfast and greeting time at the back of the Sanctuary, as described elsewhere in this issue.
We call your attention to the item PAUL CROWLEY ON ROBERT MCAFEE BROWN written by Craig
Wiesner inviting all to join on Sunday June 16th at 2 P.M. in Fellowship Hall for an informal gathering to
celebrate the release of Paul Crowley's book, Robert McAfee Brown: Spiritual and Prophetic Writings. Paul
Crowley (Santa Clara University Professor of Religious Studies) will talk about and share readings from the
book.
Please send any ideas for upcoming Adult Study topics to Evan at evanhughesphd@aol.com or Melissa at
melissa@kirvenbrooks.org. Some possible topics for the fall are: Exploring Your Favorite Psalm; Examining
What Others Believe and Why; Everything You Always Wanted to Ask About Satan; and Faith and Free Will.
Evan Hughes and Melissa Kirven-Brooks
Living Faith, Seeking Justice
Sunday, June 2, 2013, 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
Kerry Lobel, Executive Director of Puente, and Abby Mohaupt, Puente Faith Community Liaison, will offer
their perspectives on the changing landscape of the South Coast and its impact on farmworkers and their families
as Puente celebrates its 15th Anniversary.
Catch up with friends and meet new ones, while enjoying refreshments and the company.
No charge to attend but any gift amount gratefully accepted.
RSVP to epalacios@mypuente.org with “First Presbyterian Event” in the subject line or call Abby Mohaupt at
650.879.1691 ext. 196
For more information about Puente:
www.mypuente.org
PAUL CROWLEY ON ROBERT MCAFEE BROWN
Please join us Sunday June 16th at 2 P.M. in Fellowship Hall for an informal gathering to celebrate the release
of Paul Crowley's book, Robert McAfee Brown: Spiritual and Prophetic Writings. Paul Crowley (Santa
Clara University Professor of Religious Studies) will talk about and share readings from the book. 1st Pres's
own Judy Dunbar (and also professor at Santa Clara University) who wrote the foreword will also be on hand to
share some reflections. Books will be available for purchase and sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting
Casa Nazaret at the Kino Border Initiative in Nogalez, AZ.
If you'd like to read my review of Paul's book, click the link below:
http://www.reachandteach.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1724
Yes - June 16th is Father's Day! We'll have some Father's Day cupcakes for any dads who join us, and we're
starting late enough for you to take Dad to lunch and early enough to take Dad to dinner.
Craig Wiesner
Other Summer Activities
YOUTH MISSION TRIP: JULY 8-13
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This year’s youth mission trip is coming up! Together with the youth group from Stone
Church of Willow Glen, we’ll be spending some time on the coast working with Puente de la
Costa Sur in Pescadero, CA, and doing some coastal cleanup at New Brighton Beach the second
week of July. There will be a joint information session for both the First Pres youth
group and the Stone Church youth in June—please stay tuned for information on that meeting. The absolute latest
Arden needs to know if you’re coming is June 24, so try to let her know your decision before then!
SCHOOL SUPPLY COLLECTION
While the youth are at Puente during the mission trip, they will be sorting through school
supply donations for the backpacks Puente puts together for students as they head back to
school. As part of this work, Puente has asked First Pres to be in charge of collecting math
school supplies: 12-inch rulers, graph paper, compasses, and protractors. There will be a box
in the narthex to collect these items in the weeks leading up to the mission trip. If you have
any questions, please contact Arden (aratcliff@fprespa.org) or Abby ahhaupt@fprespa.org)!
PRIME TIMERS
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, Noon to 2P.M.
Fellowship Hall
THE MAGIC OF MACHU PICCHU
Considered by many as one of the great wonders of the ancient world are the renowned ruins of Machu Picchu,
an Incan Ceremonial center located high in the Peruvian Alps.
Mary Alice and Dave Thornton had an opportunity to visit this amazing site in the Fall of 2011. They will be
sharing their experience of traveling through the Valley of the Incas, visiting other Incan sites, and experiencing
the many faces of today's Peru. You will learn about some of the history of Peru and the dynamics of modern
Peru, but especially the mystery and majesty of the Incan Empire, one of the great historical stories of the Americas.
Dave will share photos of the trip and explain what is known about the Incan Empire, how Machu Picchu was
"discovered," and what scholars believe about why it was built during the late 1400's.
Peru is the third largest country in South America. Topped by towering Andean Peaks, its landscape also includes
a portion of the Amazon River.
All are welcome. Come and learn more about the beautiful country of Peru and its magical Incan ruins of Machu
Picchu.
PRIME TIMERS: “You’d love this book I’m reading!”
Tuesday, July 9, Noon to 2 P.M. in the Lounge
One of the best things about summer is grabbing a little time for pleasure reading.
• What books have you enjoyed so much that you’d love to share their titles with friends?
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Other Summer Activities
• Was it their wisdom, humor, suspense, insights, joy, educational content, or pure entertainment that drew
you in and kept you engaged?
• Do you prefer fiction, biography, humor, languages, philosophy, fantasy/science fiction, history, cooking,
health/medical, political science, religion, or something else?
Come to the July Prime Timers to recommend your favorites and hear others’ picks. Bring a book to tell us
about!
HOTEL DE ZINK
First Pres will again host Hotel de Zink during the month of July. Most people probably know
Hotel de Zink is the rotating shelter in Palo Alto that has been in operation for several years.
As the host church we will provide about 15 men and women dinner, a place to sleep, plus
breakfast and packed lunches for the next day. Due to InnVision regulations, the clients are
not allowed into the church until 9 P.M.
The system that has been devised at First Pres is to have a host (this year either a Deacon or a member of the Social
Justice Ministry) arrive at 8:30, get doors unlocked, tables ready for the meal, and help the person(s) bringing
the meal. The host will stay until dinner is over and clean up is either done or well underway. People bringing
the dinner are encouraged to stay and have conversations with the clients.
I will have the sign up charts in the Narthex before and after church beginning June 2 and will probably follow
the crowd into Fellowship Hall. While I’m going to encourage folks to bring the whole meal, there will also be
the option of bringing the main dish plus side dish OR dessert and drinks. It takes a lot more people to fill the
slots if we just bring part of the meal. Last year there was one vegetarian—I will visit First Methodist during
June to see who is participating and if there are special diets needed.
Although First Pres will provide the hosts for all 31 days, Covenant Presbyterian will again provide the meals for
one week, this year the 2 nd week of July. They were happy to be asked to participate again this year since they
had a great experience last year. Our schedules meshed perfectly: Our youth will be away the 2 nd week in July,
Covenant’s youth will be away other weeks, and both churches want the youth to be involved.
And! Evan Hughes, Paul Jones, and Gail Thompson (our wonderful A.M. crew) are planning on being there every
morning to make coffee, hard boiled eggs, and Paul’s now famous raisin bread toast.
I’ve just finished reading Bread for the World’s June issue, where there is an article on the Biblical advocacy to
end hunger. “Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me.” Hotel de Zink is a chance to provide for the
least among us.
Questions? Email joy.sleizer142@gmail.com or phone 650-324-7425.
Also Note
Joy Sleizer
Senior Chat is so much more than just receiving information. It is a group that is friendly, supportive, diverse,
and ecumenical. We invite new people to join us. In addition to a sense of community, we meet once a month,
on the second Friday, to share our ideas and lives and to receive new information. As we get older, it is important
to our health to continue learning and to try out new ideas. Senior Chat gives us this opportunity. Join
us at 10:00 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 670 East Meadow, in the Fireside Room. For more information,
call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers at 650-494-3093.
June 14: "The Miracle of Water" will be considered from philosophical, scientific, and health perspectives. Water
is essential to life, and being in water is one of the best ways to keep fit or to strengthen our bodies. Some of
us found appreciation for water at a young age and some of us later in life, but it is a real loss if we don't appreciate
water at some point in our lives. We look forward to hearing from Lucia Panini, a key staff person from the
Betty Wright Swim Center here in Palo Alto.
Dear First Pres Community,
Looking Back...
During contemplative prayer May 21st, we read Matthew 13:31-32 for our lectio divina. As we
sat with the text, a phrase kept coming to my mind: “Nurture what you love.”
Like the mustard seed, I can often feel small and like my road to ministry is looming before me.
Yet, on Sunday you overwhelmed me with your generosity and support. I asked my friends after
the lunch, “How can I express to this community that I am beyond thankful?” They said,
“Unfortunately, there may not be words for that.” I hope that my tears showed you how deeply
moved I am by your gifts and what they symbolized.
In gratitude and peace,
Marissa
Also Note
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
June 11 th – 18 th , 2013
9A.M. – 2P.M. daily
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It’s that time again! The Year End Donation Drive is an annual event when Stanford students
donate any items that they cannot move. Donations are collected and brought to the Ecumenical
Hunger Program (EHP). Once at the EHP campus, volunteers help sort the donations to
prepare them for distribution.
Any time that you can offer as a volunteer to this worthy event is a blessing! Come alone or bring a group.
To sign up as a volunteer, please contact admin@ehpcares.org, or call 650-323-7781 to speak to the Volunteer
Coordinator. Or… speak to a First Pres staff person!
It’s as if I am a mustard seed being planted, and you have watered my soil
and cared for me. You have nurtured me and made me know that I am loved. The road to ministry
no longer feels like it looms when I think of your kind words, your generous gifts, and
that beautiful celebration. I feel launched forward! I feel like I can grow and become “a tree, so
that the birds can come and perch in [my] branches.”
I look forward to seeing you again soon and hearing how you are.
Please feel free to contact me on my personal email address: dumplin.mld@gmail.com.
Scenes from Friday, May 17th, when
members of the First Pres young adults
group went to Pescadero to help run
activities for younger children during
the Puente Career Night event at the
local high school.
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Looking Ahead
NEW PENINSULA CROP WALK
First Pres will be supporting the Peninsula Crop Walk on October 20, 2013. The walk
will be in Menlo Park, beginning and ending at Burgess Park, with 1, 3, and 5 mile routes.
Please mark your calendars for this fun and worthwhile event. Look for updates in Sunday
bulletins and on the First Pres website. Questions: Email (preferred) or phone Joy
Sleizer--joy.sleizer142@gmail.com or 650-324-7425.
Council Notes
At its May 15 meeting, Council discussed a resolution from Cool Planet to the PC(USA) General Assembly. The
proposal, entitled “Overture Urging Divestment from Fossil Fuel Companies” was presented by Susan Chamberlain,
Shirley Eglington, and Jeff Grinnell. Susan, Jeff, and Abby produced it, and Linda Busek took it to Social
Justice, which endorsed it unanimously. The overture asks the denomination itself to divest its funds. Council
will vote on the resolution in June, and if approved, First Pres will take it to presbytery. GA next meets in June
of 2014.
All institutions participating in the divestment campaign ask for these commitments:
a. Immediately stop any new investment in fossil fuel companies and instruct asset managers who work for
the denomination to do the same; and
b. Ensure that within 5 years none of its directly held or commingled assets include holdings of either equities
or corporate bonds in fossil fuel companies as determined by the Carbon Tracker list.
Our overture to the Presbyterian Church (USA) adds one more:
c. Release quarterly updates, available to the public, detailing progress made towards full divestment.
Sally handed out attractive new pew cards for visitors, created by Arden. They not only provide a way to request
information but also have a detachable business card listing worship times. Nine new attenders went to the May 5
luncheon at Sally’s home. We have collected $3231 for the Wear for All program.
Deacon rep Lee Merkle-Raymond asked the Nominating Committee to recruit two more deacons. At their next
meeting they were to discuss a new cooking group. With Staff Relations members Don Fidler and Cindy Jose
completing their terms, Council approved the presented list of candidates who might be asked to replace them.
Rob is seeking funds to help underwrite our pastoral residency program from the GA and from two church members.
As a way to help First Pres’ers get to know each other better―including the newer people worshipping with
us―Kathy and Karen suggested a summer sanctuary experiment. Coffee and bagels will be offered at 9:45 a.m.
in and around the narthex. This should work for Early Church participants as well as 10:30 worshipers. Inside,
several of the rear pews will move to the front during the experiment, to provide extra space for a more seamless
transition into worship. Karen suggested calling this time TGIS, Thank God It's Sunday. After-church coffee/
treats will continue to be offered. Council approved the idea, with two nays.
Karen described Staff Relations’ exit interview with Marissa and said that the conversation illustrated why
Marissa has been such a blessing to us as well as what the internship had given to her. Marissa noted that because
it's hard to learn how another organization works and to build relationship when you are only there one day a
week, future interns should probably focus on only one organization, YCS, not two. Social Justice Ministry has
adopted EHP as one of its priorities. She spoke of the Silicon Valley culture’s expectations of measurable results,
while she believes that no matter how few people show up for something, it can still be worthwhile. Staff Relations
also wants to do one-year interviews with Abby and Arden.
For the Shepherding Committee, Kathy reported that Marissa is sick right now, partly from mold in her apartment.
She is staying temporarily with the Nordlunds. Matthew Dimick and other future interns will have the use
of a car which has been donated to the church.
Rick Keller reported for Facilities that the landscaping is done. This will be a planning year for work on the chap-
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el. They know what architect they would like to use, but our job might not fit the firm’s schedule. They will try
to reach a breakthrough by the end of May. Rick expects to have a congregational meeting to share ideas and
cost projections.
Arden explained that this summer’s mission trip will go to both Puente and Capitola―and that some youth from
Stone Church will join the trip. The Children/Families Advisory Group met in early May. Moving forward, she
plans to focus on good ways to structure ourselves around what is best for children. She will be away May 22-29.
Abby reminded us that members of the Puente community will be here on June 2. Please come to meet them!
She hopes that this summer two people from here will host youth from Puente on field trips, and she would love
for other folks to do the same. The Day Workers Center people who were fasting for immigration felt hospitably
welcomed during their overnight at First Pres.
This summer Abby wants to engage the congregation in new ways: working with the deacons’ canning day in the
kitchen, finding a better way to store and protect our banners, joining her in runs or walks around the church
neighborhood, whatever interests us. Maybe a book group?
Rob reported that the planners of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE)’s national Connect-
ED conference―to be held in San Jose next January―have invited him to do all the liturgy and Abby to be in
charge of the art/design work for the event. He also passed around a copy of the article Abby wrote for the April
issue of Presbyterians Today.
Staff has been discussing the church’s summer schedule, given that Rob will be away June 30 to August 2 (three
weeks of study leave and two weeks of vacation). Study leave will involve reading, preparation for the fall, adaptive
leadership training, and the writing of liturgy for the APCE conference. (Rob currently has 6 weeks of study
leave and 8 weeks of vacation in reserve.) He held a good meeting with 12 San Jose pastors, whose seven
churches want to remain in the presbytery. Some of the pastors will meet with Korean church leaders in the presbytery.
Abby will go before the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry on June 10 at Los Gatos (5:30 P.M.). Rob encourages
elders and anyone else to attend, ARRIVING THERE AT 5:00. Then on Saturday, September 28,
Abby will go to the floor of presbytery in Salinas to be examined for ordination.
Rob pointed out that a newspaper article had failed to state that we were the first Palo Alto church to express
willingness to allow vehicle dwellers on our property, should the city pass an ordinance permitting it.
Council will not meet in July.
Council Notes
Ellen Forbes
Major Categories
Finance Ministry Report for April 2013
Status
(Rounded actual compared to prorated budget)
Pledge Income ☺ $1,100 over budget
Total Congregational Giving $2,300 under budget (only 2% below budget)
Staff Compensation
☺
$4,800 under budget (timing: retirement expenses upon 1 yr
anniv dates)
Administrative ☺ On budget (thanks to Sarah and Staff!)
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Finance Ministry Report for April 2013
Facilities ☺ $7,900 under budget (reflects deferred maintenance)
Presbyterian &Ecumenical Giving
☺ Paid $7,750 in April for full Q1-Q2 portions
Social Justice ☺ $6,200 over budget (paid Q1,Q2 and some Q3donations)
Total Income ☹ $44,900 under budget (we delayed next Legacy draw to May)
Total Expenditures ☺ $2,100 under budget
Income – Expenditures ☹ Net Loss of $42,868
April by the Numbers
Gifts from the Congregation (67% of YTD Income): Congregational Giving for the four months ending in
April fell just 2% below budget. We received total donations of $143k against a budget of $146k. Especially
important this year, please keep your pledge contributions current through the summer months, a time that often
lags in weekly congregational giving. We are grateful that Donor Identified Giving continues to run 30%
over budget, representing faithful, consistent giving by members who are not (or not yet) pledge donors.
Facilities Usage Fees (3% of YTD Income): All rental fees charged for use of our campus facilities have
been received as scheduled. In addition to the many groups who rent space on a weekly basis, we have several
short-term tenants who lease space for occasional larger events, often on a recurring basis year-to-year. Some
of these groups include The Finlandia Foundation, Palo Alto University, The Garden Club of Palo Alto, and El
Camino Youth Symphony.
Income from Legacy Fund Draw and Special Donations (30% of YTD Income): Withdrawals from the
Legacy Fund totaled $54k through the end of April. This draw amount is $43k below the budgeted total that
would have been required to balance our P&L through the end of April. We are running the Operating or
“Church Checking” Account on minimal cash balances, withdrawing money only as needed to pay current
bills, while showing a financial loss on our monthly Statement of Profit and Loss (P&L). Without significant
new gifts from the Congregation over the next few months, we anticipate requiring a similar $50k draw to cover
cash expenses in May and June. Many thanks to the donors who have responded to Council’s invitation to
offer special gifts this year in support of our staffing and revitalization plan!
Legacy Fund Investments totaled $1.08 million as of mid-May. We are blessed that favorable market returns
since the start of the year have helped offset our recent cash withdrawals. However, we remain concerned
about heavily using rather than preserving Legacy assets that we need to undergird our financial health over
the long-term. I continue to work with Staff and Council to pursue new sources of funds to bolster our Pastoral
Internship and Residency, Music and Worship programs, Facilities, and commitment to Social Action. Council
welcomes your ideas and financial support.
Investing in Our Vision: As mentioned in previous newsletters, our 2013 spend rate is approximately $65k
per month, but we currently receive pledge and donation income averaging $36k per month. We are approaching
the one-year anniversary of our newest staff joining us – Abby in May; Arden, Andy and Pastor Lee in
June; and Marissa, who started her Internship in August and finished at the end of May. What an amazing investment
we have made in these community and worship leaders! Their gifts and talents continue to inspire
and encourage us to deepen our faith in walking humbly with God.
We have met all budgeted program and maintenance commitments, and have donated $23k YTD to Social Justice
Ministry-endorsed organizations and the Church General Mission Fund. Thanks be to God for this loving
community! We are each blessed with countless daily opportunities to reach out to others, sharing the goodness
of God’s abundant love and healing grace.
Kathy Merkle-Raymond, Treasurer and Elder, Finance Ministry
Deacons’ Diary
MAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
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Date Early Church 10:30 Service TOTAL
5/5 16 88 104
5/12 Mother’s Day 13 121 134
5/19 Pentecost 11 106 117
5/26 Mem. Day Wknd 15 72 87
Total for Month of May: 442
The Deacons are busy preparing for Hotel de Zink this coming July at First Pres. This year, Joy Sleizer is coordinating
the project. In recent weeks, Deacons and members of Social Justice Ministry have signed up to host the
dinners for Hotel de Zink clients in Fellowship Hall. Next on the agenda for all of us at First Pres is to sign up to
provide these dinner meals. Joy will have more information on food preparation sign-ups elsewhere in this issue
of First Pres Press. We are fortunate to have Covenant Presbyterian Church helping us again this year.
Many of us, perhaps, have asked how we can make a difference in the lives of the homeless. Hotel de Zink is
exactly that opportunity. Bringing food, staying and talking with the Hotel de Zink clients and the InnVision
staff, working with fellow church members on these meals – these are very special ways that we help ease the
burden of the homeless and open our minds and hearts to the reality of their lives.
The Deacons are also gearing up for a special project soon. At our most recent meeting, Rob told us that the
freezer we’ve been waiting for will be delivered next week. Soon after that, we Deacons will have a “cooking
night” to prepare dinner meals, and then use the freezer to store those meals for families and individuals in moments
of crisis or special need. Stay tuned for more information on this cooking project – we will need church
members’ assistance if you can provide it!
We are sad to have to say good-bye to Marissa Danney (Godspeed, Marissa!), our Pastoral Intern for the past
year, but at the same time we’re excited to welcome Matthew Dimick, who starts June 2 nd as our church’s new
Pastoral Intern. At our May meeting, Rob told us that because Matthew has special skills in social work, he will
be working closely with the Deacons – we very much look forward to it.
Marcia Gordon, the Deacon in charge of the Home Health Aid Loan closet, says that we have a strong need for
more wheelchairs. The closet has two wheelchairs now, but they are almost always in use by church family
members. If you can donate a used wheelchair, or perhaps money toward the purchase of a wheelchair, please
contact Marcia (650 424-9644, or email her at marcia582@yahoo.com). Thank you so much!
Have a fun summer season, and don’t forget that Hotel de Zink needs all our help in July to succeed!
Ellen Perry
It’s almost summer!
Updates
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS
I do not understand how it can be 50 degrees in the middle of May. My Midwest body just does not understand…
though I’m grateful that it’s not 100 degrees.
I’m looking forward to spending my second summer with each of you… mostly because I know more of your
stories and dear faces.
I have loved getting to know many of you over the last year, and I’m hoping that this summer we’ll find more
ways to connect.
So, I’ve been talking with a couple people in our community and here are some things I’m going to be doing this
summer. I hope you’ll join me in each of these mini-adventures (as my grandma would say).
Page 12
Updates...continued
June 22: Arden and I are going to hula hoop in the church courtyard in the early afternoon. More details coming
soon, but expect to learn some fun tricks (or just how to keep the hoop on your hips for longer than five seconds)
and spend time together in play.
July 6: Come make banners for the sanctuary. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall at 1P.M. and create some
pieces to be used in worship for the rest of the summer and into the fall. Be prepared to get a little messy, but
don’t be too worried if you don’t think you’re creative.
August 24: Lee Merkle-Raymond and I are going to can local fruit and jelly. Want to learn how or share your
expertise? Come hang out with us in the kitchen from 1-4 P.M..
Finally, I go to Pescadero for two days a week and so I’ve gotten to know that community really well. I know all
the back roads there, which has made me realize that I still don’t know the neighborhood around the church very
well. So, once a week I’m going to walk or run around the neighborhood, and I’d love some company. Email
me (amohaupt@fprespa.org) or call me in the office (325-5659 x 103) if you’d like to join me. I’ll choose a day
and time based on who’s interested in coming along.
Blessings and peace to each of you, whatever your summer brings. See you soon.
MUSIC NOTES
Peace,
Abby
Sunday June 9 will draw to a close a wonderful and successful church year for the music program
at First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto. The choir will sing for the last time on June 9 until
Ingathering in September. The choir has sung two anthems almost every Sunday since Ingathering
last year. They have sung challenging and beautiful music from spirituals to renaissance motets.
They have grown from strength to strength and have worked hard at Thursday rehearsals
and at the two choir retreats during the year. The choir has been an integral part of our worship
experience at First Presbyterian, especially during the Christmas Eve and Easter services with extended preludes
and anthems.
The First Pres Youth Band has led us in worship several times throughout the year, including a fun Christmas
Youth Service and, most recently, during the Mother’s Day service. The Jazz Prophets, a resident jazz trio, has
played many times. Who can forget the memorable jazz procession for Palm Sunday! I had the privilege of playing
an organ recital on February 27, hopefully the first of many! What a great space for music First Pres Church
is!
I’d like to give special thanks to all the wonderful choir members and soloists and especially to section leaders
Elliot Franks and Matt Lovell. Elliot and Matt have inspired us with their beautiful voices and their leadership.
The choir has continued to grow throughout the year and most recently with the addition of alto Bess Sadler, and
sopranos Mary Ellen Player, Mary Ann Irvine, and Katie Engar since the New Year. Upcoming exciting events
for next year will include an organ recital in early September, a Halloween Concert, and a First Pres Recital Series
that is in the works which will feature a concert by the First Pres Choir. I look forward to another great year
in this exciting time for First Presbyterian Church. Solo Dei Gloria!
Andy Chislett
FILM REVIEW: “Seraphine”
The mysteries of devotion to faith, creativity, and destiny are intertwined in the
life story of Seraphine Louis (1864-1942) (Yolande Moreau). In the small French
town of Senlis, she was a very devoted but lowly housekeeper who received her
call to painting at the age of 41. In the film, recurring scenes highlight her love of
nature’s trees, leaves, and flowers and her devotion to the Virgin Mary. They also
show her gathering available materials to make secret paints and spending whole
nights creating brilliant colorful paintings while singing hymns.
Updates...continued
Page 13
Destiny intervenes with the arrival in Senlis of the Parisian art critic and collector Willhelm Uhde (Ulrich
Tukur), who, by coincidence, sees a Seraphine painting. Uhde, an early champion of Picasso and Rousseau,
identifies Seraphine as a “modern primitive” painter and gives her encouragement and support. As a German
and as a gay man, he is forced to emigrate when WWI intervenes. After returning to France more than a decade
later, he finds Seraphine still painting. With his financial support from the sale of her paintings, 1927-1930 is
her most productive and creative period. But Uhde has to withdraw his support after the 1929 financial crisis.
Seraphine’s solitary immersion in her painting and her distress due to inability to understand the complexities
of reality are more than her mind and spirit can tolerate.
Faith issues in the film address devotion and feeling called, spiritual aspects of nature, and tolerance for the
marginalized.
The film received seven César awards, including Best Actress for Moreau’s magnificent performance. Director:
Martin Provost.
Running time: 126 min. In French with English subtitles, not rated
Vija Lusebrink
COOL PLANET NEWS
The Cool Planet Working Group has been busy working on an Overture Urging Divestment from Fossil Fuel
Companies for General Assembly 2014. In May we presented it to our own Council (see details in the Council
report).
Meanwhile, the Youth have identified various EarthCare projects around the church. Primarily these focus on
having more recycling and composting bins around the campus, with better educational material about what
goes where. This is just a start though; they have compiled an impressive list!
With all these projects, we will continue to meet throughout the summer. We will have our usual meetings after
worship on the first Sunday of June and August; however in July we will have a picnic/hike on the 14 th ,
with location TBD. We welcome newcomers at any of these events.
To keep up to date with us, please visit www.fprespa.org/coolplanet, which includes links to our Divestment
101 Adult Study series, or our Facebook page, Cool Planet Palo Alto.
Pat Kinney
Looking for More Info about First Pres? Check out…
• Our church website: www.fprespa.org
• Yahoogroup email list: To join, email
sclementson@fprespa.org
• First Pres Press monthly newsletter in pdf format
• Sunday worship bulletin announcements
• 2013 Budget and financial needs, contact Kathy Merkle-Raymond, Finance Elder;
Email:
treasurer@fprespa.org
• Annual Report available in pdf format: email
sclementson@fprespa.org
• Annual Meeting Budget Review:
www.youtube.com/leekathymr
• Minutes of Council meetings available in the Narthex or from Ellen Forbes, Clerk
Page 14
Updates...continued
Please note that we’re doing only one issue of the Press this summer, and this is it. To make sure that you get
the September issue early, we’re moving up the deadline, normally the 4 th Wednesday of the month, to August
21 st . As always, send your submissions to both Lela Noble (Press editor, @ lnoble@sbcglobal.net) and Sarah
Clementson (church administrator, @ sclementson@fprespa.org), optimally in Times New Roman 12 font.
First Pres June, July and August 2013 Calendar
Sunday Schedule Jun 2 – Sep 1
8:30A.M. - 9:30A.M. Early
Church, Chapel
Worship service in the style of the
Early Church with music, prayer and
discussion of the Lectionary texts
9:45A.M. - 10:30A.M. Coffee and
Bagels, Outside at the Front of the
Sanctuary (NEW: Starts Jun 16)
Enjoy chatting with friends over
Peet's coffee, juice and HOB bagels,
starting at 9:45!
10:30A.M. - 11:30A.M. Community
Worship Service, Sanctuary
All are welcome to celebrate Communion,
served on the first Sunday
of the month. Please bring food to
donate to the Palo Alto food closet
or toiletries to donate to the Ecumenical
Hunger Project (EHP) in
East Palo Alto. Child care is provided
11:30A.M. - 12:30P.M. Coffee &
Fellowship, Church Courtyard
Please join after Communal Worship
for fellowship, coffee, tea and treats
5:30P.M. - 7P.M. Youth Group,
Classroom 2
All youth are invited!
Sundays Jun 9 and 23, Jul 14 and
28, Aug 11 and 25
12P.M. - 1P.M. Women's Group,
Pastor’s Study, Abby Mohaupt
leading
Discussion and sharing for the women
in our community on the 2 nd and
4 th Sundays
Tuesdays Jun 4, Jul 2 & Aug 6
10A.M. - 11A.M. Worship & Music
Ministry, Pastor’s Study
Worship & Music Ministry monthly
meeting on the 1 st Tuesday
Tuesdays Jun 14, Jul 9, & Aug 13
12P.M. - 2P.M. Prime Timers, Fellowship
Hall
Bring a bag lunch and cookies or
other dessert treats to share
7P.M. - 9P.M. Facilities Ministry,
Fellowship Hall
Facilities Ministry monthly meeting
on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month
Wednesdays Jun 5-Aug 28:
UMPA Meal 2-6:30P.M.. Dinner
at 5P.M. in Fellowship Hall
Jun 5 Team 4, First Pres, Joy,
Derrick and Craig
Jun 12 Team 5, LDS Church, Palo
Alto 1st Ward, Heidi
Jun 19 Team 1, Beth Jacob, Carol
Jun 26 Team 2, Vineyard Christian
Fellowship, Rajesh
Jul 3 Team 3, Etz Chayim, David
Jul 10 Team 4, First Pres, Joy,
Derrick and Craig
Jul 17 Team 5, LDS Church, Palo
Alto 1st Ward, Heidi
Jul 24 Team 1, Beth Jacob, Carol
Jul 31 Team 2, Vineyard Christian
Fellowship, Rajesh
Aug 7 Team 3, Etz Chayim, David
Aug 14 Team 4, First Pres, Joy,
Derrick and Craig
Aug 21 Team 5, LDS Church, Palo
Alto 1st Ward, Heidi
Aug 28 Team 1, Beth Jacob, Carol
Wednesdays Jun 19 and
Aug 21
7P.M. - 8:30P.M. Council
Meeting, Classroom 1
Monthly meeting on the 3 rd
Wednesday. Council is the
operational leadership board
for our church congregation
Thursdays Jun 20 and Aug
15
7P.M. - 8:30P.M. Deacons
Meeting, Classroom 1
Monthly meeting on the 3 rd
Thursday. The Board of Deacons
is the primary caregiving
leadership group for our
church community
Page 15
www.fprespa.org/calendar.htm
Sat Aug 24
Time TBA: Canning fruit and
jams, with Pastoral Resident Abby
Mohaupt and Deacon Lee Merkle-
Raymond, Kitchen
Wed Aug 21
4P.M. First Pres Press Deadline
for September Issue
Please send Press articles and news
items to Lela Noble
(lnoble@sbcglobal.net) and Sarah
Clementson
(sclementson@fprespa.org)
Other Events:
July 1-31 Hotel de Zink, Fellowship
Hall
Housing and meals program coordinated
by First Pres Deacons and Inn-
Vision
July 8-13 Youth Mission Trip to
Pescadero and Capitola
Youth from First Pres and Stone
Presbyterian Church engage in
Coastal community service work
and beach clean-up projects
First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto
1140 Cowper Street
Palo Alto, California
94301
We’re on the Web!
www.fprespa.org
Our Mission Statement
The mission of First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto
is to make our personal witness and public work consistent with the
prophet Micah's challenge to do justice, love kindness, and walk
humbly with God. As a community of faith, we center our communal life
in worship and are challenged to live out the good news of the Gospel.
Following Jesus the Christ, we pursue God's nonviolent vision of justice
and human dignity for all people and share this understanding with
our children, our members, our community, and the World.
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