The Stone News

Stone Church of Willow Glen, Presbyterian USA October 2010

A Special Tree
by Bob James

Poets have written of their love

of trees,
But there is one special tree
for me:

The tree that has stood outside

our sanctuary door
for fifty years and many more.

I love to see it providing such fun.

It seems to draw and challenge
each and every one:

Young boys and girls climbing

its limbs;
mothers watching on
needles and pins.

Don’t worry, Mom. They won’t fall.

This tree supports them,
one and all.

Then when the climbers all come down

and go merrily on their way.
I seem to hear my tree say,
“Hey, kids. Come again. I’ll be waiting for you another day.” Bob James will celebrate his
90th birthday on Oct. 18.
And now I wonder if the children who are here, Bob and his wife Hazel have
and climbing this tree with so little fear, been members of Stone Church
are enjoying it as much as those who have climbed before – since November 1950.
that special tree that stands just outside the sanctuary door. (continued on page 2)

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 1

 Refresh and Rejuvenate Make Sunday at Stone a day for Now, it’s time to take that breath,
your whole family to refresh and listen to the music, sing praises, pass the
on Sunday Morning rejuvenate. peace, and hear an inspiring sermon, as
at Stone Church Drop your little ones, up to three you listen for the word of God.
by Mary Jo Blazek, years old, at our nursery, where Debra Your children will enjoy their own
and her staff will take care of them with children’s sermon and then be off to
Children’s Ministry Coordinator love and kindness. Church School, where they will con-
Fall is coming! Then, walk into the Narthex to be tinue their spiritual lessons.
Many times that saying puts fear in greeted by our dedicated Deacons – they After Worship, enjoy the very social
the hearts of already busy and over- are truly glad you are here. Don’t forget Coffee Fellowship, where you can
loaded parents: the beginning of the to pick up some coloring activities for reconnect with your church family and
school year, of sports teams, of music your younger children. friends.
lessons, etc. Organist Joyce will be setting the Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
With all of this activity, when can you mood as you enter the Sanctuary.
take a breath? Sit, relax, and acknowledge all of your See you Sunday! - Mary Jo
Here at Stone Church. friends around you.

Bob and Hazel James: Two of Stone’s Earliest Members

(continued from page 1) “Altar Calls.” One fateful Sunday, the
Bob and Hazel James (pictured James answered the call. And we are
at left at a Deacon event in May eternally grateful that this loving and
2009) joined Stone Church when devoted couple, and their wonderful
Tom Simpson was pastor; however, family, have been here ever since.
Bob recently admitted, “We didn’t Along with Ed and June Tablak,
know we were Presbyterians until Fred and Marilyn Gardner, and Elsie
Bill Perdue told us we were!” Bisconer, they may be among the few
Bob and Hazel were both raised left from that Altar Call period.
Methodist, but came to Stone because We celebrate the milestone of
it was a neighborhood church. Con- Bob’s 90th birthday, and we celebrate
sidering Stone a more “ecumenical” the lives of all of the saints who have
church at the time, Rev. Simpson made Stone Church such a blessed
liked to receive new members and extraordinary place of Wor-
from all faiths with straightforward ship, mission, and fellowship.

Middle School’s “Eventful” Year Considering

Begins with a Bang! Baptism?
Are you considering baptizing your
The Social Hall rocked with In October, we have a beach child this year?
enthusiasm in September with trip, and in November, we A Baptism Class for families inter-
games involving sardines and have our ranch retreat. ested in finding out more about
“a unique language.” (Ask a We’ve even added a new having their children baptized at
Middle School Youth what event, called a “rock-a-thon,” Stone will be held Sunday, Oct. 17,
that means!) in February. at 2 pm, in the Fireside Room.
And by the way, we didn’t Watch for details about There will be activities for both
eat the sardines! our need for rocking chairs, children and parents.
Thus began what promises coming soon! If you would like to attend, sign-
to be a great “eventful” year, The calendar is posted on up on Oct. 10 during Coffee Fellow-
with programs that offer the website, or send email ship, or RSVP to Mary Jo Blazek,
service opportunities and fun to Rosaleen Zisch to get Children’s Ministry Coordinator, at
fellowship. a copy. the church office.

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 2

 Adult Study: Historic Jesus, Gay/Lesbian Ordination, Speaking Christian
Fascinating and varied Adult Study Jody Meacham and Pat Magee pres-  Oct. 31: Redeeming Christian
classes are held every Sunday morning ent the history of the struggle for Language
at 11:15 am in the Fireside Room. ordination of gays and lesbians within the  Nov. 7: Beyond Christian Con-
Spend just an hour of your week to Presbyterian Church, USA. vention to Intention and Practice
learn something new and inspiring! The pioneering leadership of Stone  Nov. 14: Beyond Cultural Con-
Church, with the Covenant of Dissent and vention to Alternative Values and
Oct. 3: “The Historic Jesus and His Support (1998), will also be discussed. Community
Resurrection, a Postmodern
Perspective,” with Tom Sheenan
Tom Sheenan, Professor of Religion Oct. 31 - Nov. 14: “Speaking Christian: There are no Adult Study classes on
at Stanford University, presents an Redeeming Christian Language”  Oct. 17 (Consecration Sunday),
unusual (and perhaps controversial) The Henrietta Perdue Lecture  Nov. 21 (Celebration of Joyce
postmodern approach to understanding Series, featuring Marcus Borg on Rhodes’ 40 years as organist), or
the historic Jesus and His resurrection. Speaking Christian: Redeeming Christian  Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving weekend).
Language, will be held Oct. 22 - 23
Oct. 10 & 24: “Ordination of Gays (see article, page 8). For more information about Stone’s
and Lesbians: Past, Present and Adult Study presents a three-week Adult Education program, please
Future” with Jody Meacham and discussion class to expand on these contact Pat Magee, Chair, Adult Study
Pat Magee lecture topics, as follows: Subcommittee.

Church Library Adds More Good Books, Asks for Help with DVD Transfer
We hope you’ll come soon to visit Song of Night Letter to My Daugh-
our library! It’s accessible on Sundays by Katherine ter by Maya Angelou
after Worship through the back door of Nakamura & (Women 818.54
Lincoln House. Usually, you may stay a Linnea Riley Ang)
good, long time, but on days with New (1st Bks Nak)
Member Classes, we’ll need to get out
of their way by 11 am.
Browsing through both rooms of
our collection, you’ll find wonderful
books for all ages, and even videos of Zacchaeus Meets When the Emperor
many special choir presentations and Jesus by Diane Stortz Was Divine by Julie
visiting lecturers. (J 225 Sto) Otsuka (F Ots)
By the way, might you be the person
who could help us by transferring these The Measure
historical videos to DVDs? We’d be glad of a Man: A Spiri-
to furnish the blank DVDs. All About Famous tual Autobiography by
- Sue Williams, Library Coordinator Scientific Expeditions Sidney Poitier (Biog
by Raymond Holden POITIER)
New for our younger members: (YA 508 Hol) Living in God’s Time:
A Parent’s Guide to
Maria Tallchief: Nurturing Children
American Ballerina
by Adele de Leeuw In our adult throughout the Christian
(YA Biog TALLCHIEF) special sections: Year by Margaret Persky
Girl Mary by Petru (Fam-Rel 248 Per), given
Popescu (F Pop), given by Rebecca Kuiken
by
Joan
Helms
How to Make The Missing Link:
a Rainbow: Great Building Quality Time The Dance of Decep-
Things to Make and with Teens by Ste- tion: Pretending and
Do for 7 Year Olds phen Shechtman and Truth-Telling in Women’s
by Deborah Manley Mark Singer (Fam-Teen Lives by Harriet Lerner
(J 745.5 Man) 646.7 She) (Women 155 Ler)
THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 3
 StoneWorks Sponsors Blanket Drive, Helps with
Hazardous Waste Disposal, Reports on Consecration Sunday
Sacred Heart Contributions Coming October 17
StoneWorks continues to provide For more information, go to: Get ready for Consecration
many opportunities for us to help others Sunday on Oct. 17, when we
http://hhw-appts.sccgov.org/hhwevent
here and throughout the world. again pledge to Stone Church a
This webpage will answer your ques- portion of the abundant riches
Sacred Heart Blanket Drive Project tions or will direct you to a page that that God has given to us.
– On Your Mark, Get Set, GO! will. You can also make an appointment The theme chosen by the
here. The whole process is fast, easy Stewardship Committee for
StoneWorks asks you to bring clean, and pleasant. this year’s Consecration Sunday
gently used and new blankets to Stone If you have any questions, please contact is “Come and See What God
Church for the very important Sacred Maureen Ryan, StoneWorks Chair. is Doing.”
Heart Blanket Drive Project. In the weeks prior to Conse-
Many people will thank you for the Second Harvest/Valley Medical cration Sunday, the entertain-
warmth and comfort these blankets will Clinic Produce Mobile ing, original, and insightful
bring on cold winter nights. At September’s Second Harvest/ “chancel dramas” produced by
Valley Medical Clinic Produce Mobile our own Jody Meacham and
give-away, volunteers distributed 10,332 Rev. Ken Henry will humor-
pounds of fruits and vegetables to 250 ously depict the many ways that
families. your pledges facilitate God’s
Volunteers (which included 11 from work through Stone Church,
Stone) are headed by Dr. Delgado of by rhetorically asking the ques-
Valley Medical Clinic and Pat Plant tion: “What would happen if
from our Presbytery and work this event Stone Church weren’t around,
the second Saturday of every month, just for one day?”
from 9:30 to 11 am. Will Stone Church really
disappear? Will “July” and her
September Communion Sunday red dress return? Will all the
Food Donations for Sacred Heart parking spots disappear?
Blankets will be collected on Sun- Sue Evans reports that she took 119 You won’t want to miss a
days, Oct. 24 and 31, during Coffee pounds of food to Sacred Heart on single installment, especially
Fellowship. Communion Sunday in September. the exciting finale, which will
If you have any questions, please be followed by a delicious cele-
contact Blanket Drive Chairperson Additional Sacred Heart Donations bratory luncheon for the whole
Gail Chaid. for August and September congregation.
Karen Scott reports that donations to Everyone is welcome on
What Do I Do with This? How to Sacred Heart in August and September Consecration Sunday!
Dispose of Hazardous Waste included the following: - Guy Lohman
Hazardous Waste Recycling and Disposal
for Santa Clara County provides a col- August:
lection schedule that rotates among nine  30 bags of clothes
locations throughout the county.  12 bags of toiletries
This free drop-off disposal service, paid  egg crates
for by your tax dollars, is for residential  5 bags of paper bags
household hazardous waste, and the fol-  3 overnight travel bags
lowing things will be accepted:  heavy large men’s down coat
 paint, paint thinner, varnish, stain;  several sets of sheets and pillowcases
 garden, swimming pool, hobby
chemicals; September:
 household cleaning products, aero-  1 large bag of clothes
sol spray cans;  1 woman’s wool sweater Stone’s talented Handbell Choir recently had
 fluorescent tubes & CFL bulbs,  4 bags of grocery bags a “Maintenance Party” to keep the bells in
propane tanks, automotive prod-  1 bag of egg cartons tip-top shape! All handbell choir members
enjoyed their time together, which included
ucts (gas); a great potluck meal. We appreciate their
 thermometers and other mercury Thank you again for your unending hard work, both behind the scenes and
wastes. generosity. during their beautiful performances.

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 4

 Autumn is upon us, with its cooler days. in mind that these lovely baskets can Amethyst Circle, 1 pm, Oct. 6,
Trees are losing their leaves; liquid amber be ordered starting Oct. 12. Church Library
trees are really spectacular (that’s sweet Our three circles, which are open Emerald Circle, 9:30 am, Oct. 7,
gums to folks from the South), but seem to to all interested women, meet at vari- Gail Chaid’s home
be disappearing. Wonder what Columbus ous times and places to try to accom- Fair Trade Sales, 10:30 am, Oct. 10,
and crew thought of them? modate many different schedules. Social Hall
What do you know about Emmaus Contact Jan Keifer for more informa- Sapphire Circle, 7:30 pm, Oct. 11,
House? It is the only women’s shelter tion about opportunities. Claudia Hamm’s home
in San Benito It is heartening to receive feedback Lunch Bunch, 11:30 am, Oct. 12,
Presbyterian County. As about our programs. Maria Lopez, Taiwan Restaurant
Coordinating Team, 9:30 am, Oct. 14,
Women an ecumeni-
cally founded
PTA president at R. K. Smith School,
reports they have received $331 from Social Hall
and supported facility, it often has the S.H.A.R.E.S. program. This will Book Group II, 2:30 pm, Oct. 18,
needs with which we can help. Right certainly help with enrichment activi- Joyce Summers’ home, reading May-
now, they are looking for a vacuum ties for the students. Many companies flower by Nathaniel Philbrick
cleaner (their old one wore out), are offering double coupons during Book Group I, 1 pm, Oct. 25,
paper products of all their back to school promotions. Liz Shandera’s home, reading
kinds, towels, tooth- This month we are highlighting The Journal Keeper by Phyllis Theroux
paste and brushes, Kimberly-Clark products, but don’t Focus Group, 9:30 am, Oct. 27,
sandwich bags (that forget all the others! Coupons may Liz Shandera’s home
is, plastic wrap, bags, be placed in the box on the library Bible Study with the
foil, etc., for food stor- cart on Sunday mornings or given Rev. Marge Palmer, 9:30 am, Oct. 28,
age), sponges, flash- to Dorothy Stevens. Don’t forget Church Library. Lesson 2 of the
lights/batteries, and the 1.5% from Lucky and Save Mart study of Revelation. Have you read
light bulbs. Monetary contributions receipts (see above). If you do not the entire book? This is an adventure!
are welcome: make checks payable have a S.H.A.R.E.S. card, bring the This study is open to everyone.
to Emmaus House, and send them to receipts and place them in the box Prayer Shawl Ministry, 4 pm,
Claudia Hamm. on the library cart. Oct. 28, Fireside Room. This group
It is almost time to order Fair Trade does more than just shawls – come and
Christmas gift baskets. As you are The PW schedule for October starts at learn what else you can contribute.
making your Christmas gift list, keep the top of the next column. Men are welcome. - Catherine Amos

The Men’s Ministry of Stone Church Books and other media to be contrib-
includes a mission work team, a book
group, and a flying
uted to the sale may be placed in the
large box in the Social Hall during the
Annual
Men’s group. weeks prior to the sale. Presbyterian
Ministry mation For more infor-
about
This is a good time to clean out
bookshelves and prepare for winter Women “Thank
any of these activities, contact Parish reading!
Associate David McCreath. Offering”
Fall Book Sale, Oct. 24, Benefits
Mission Team Worktrip, Nov. 5-7
The Men’s Mission Team is planning
Luncheon
Heifer, Other Mission Projects a worktrip, Nov. 5-7, to Westminster Coming Nov. 20
The Fall Book Sale, sponsored by Woods. There is always plenty of room,
the Men’s Book Group, will be held and all men are welcome to come.
Oct. 24 in the Social To sign up, or for more information, The annual Presbyterian
Hall, following contact Leland Wong. Women Thank Offering
morning Worship. Luncheon will be held Sat-
At the sale, there “The Circus” Comes to the Men’s urday, Nov. 20, at noon, in
will be a Children’s Book Group, Oct. 18 the Social Hall.
Table, at which The Men’s Book Group will read and Come to eat and to be
each book will cost discuss Water for Elephants, Sara Gru- inspired!
twenty-five cents, en’s story of life in a traveling circus, For more informa-
to be placed in the Heifer International Oct. 18, beginning at 7:30 pm. tion, please contact
Quarter Tower. Rod Thorn is the host. PW Mission Moderator,
This sale will also provide for resale All men, whether performers or not, Rosaleen Zisch.
of CDs and DVDs. are welcome to attend.

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 5

 Session Looks at New Process for Contracts,
Approves New Sunday Evening Service
The regular monthly meeting of The Session voted to appoint
the Session, held Sept. 21, began with Rev. Aimee Moiso as the leader of a
Mary Alice Collins describing the new Sunday evening service designed
people who come to monthly Taizé to appeal to members in their 30s and
meditative prayer services. Attend- 40s. The intention is to help them
ees encompass a wide variety of ages connect with the church and with
– including young teens – and a vari- each other. The service is to be infor-
ety of prayer needs – from a young mal, with an abbreviated sermon and
Fall Sermon Series: man dying of cancer who came faith- interactive environment. Bob and
fully to Taizé the last year of his life Karen Johnson will provide the music,
Journeys – to those who have experienced the and there will be a mission component.
In this season of autumn, Rev. Dr. Ken death of a loved one. The service is Rev. Ken Henry has been working
Henry has been presenting a sermon series, often the one people in crisis come with Aimee (who will receive a $1,000
Journeys, which he describes below: to, because in the silence and beauty stipend for the year) to develop
“In worship and through the sermon, they experience the deeper reaches the service.
we will focus on different aspects of the of prayer. The date of the annual con-
Christian journey. What is a spiritual Susan Bedolla, chair of the Person- gregational meeting was set for
journey? How does we journey toward nel and Administration Committee, Jan. 30, 2011.
God? And then, how do we go forward brought, for a first reading, a new Reporting for Presbyterian Women,
when the journey ahead appears difficult process for signing contracts. The Claudia Hamm talked about Emmaus
or, perhaps, without clear direction? process has been developed so Ses- House, a battered women’s shelter
I hope this sermon series encourages us sion is aware of, and has better con- in Hollister, which has been open
to explore our own spiritual walk, lending trol over, commitments (contracts) for five years. “Santa” Walter Roach
us strength for the journey!” of $500 or more being made in the volunteered his services, and Jona-
Here is the schedule for the remaining church’s name. The process requires than Miller and Kate Wheatley asked
sermons in this series: that any such contracts be signed by about projects for middle and high
Oct. 3: Peace: A Lifelong Journey, either the President or the Secretary school kids.
Rev. Ken Henry, preaching of the Corporation. - Alice Thorn, Clerk of Session
Oct 10: The Journey Continues,
Rev. Marge Palmer, preaching
Budget and Finance Reports Stone’s Strong
Cash Position, Requests Per Capita Payment
Sunnyvale Presbyterian The Budget and Finance Com- To date, only $4,120 of our total
Presents “Caregiving: mittee has provided the following per capita assessment of $9,856 has
financial updates this month. been received. If you have not paid
When Roles Reverse” Per Capita your per capita for 2010, please do
Jim Comer, author of the book When For those who may not know, Per so. If you have lost your per capita
Roles Reverse: A Guide to Parenting Your Par- Capita is “a set amount of money envelope, just put your payment in
ents, will speak at Sunnyvale Presbyterian (apportionment) per member that another envelope marked per capita.
Church, on Saturday, Oct. 9. He’ll talk congregations pay to the larger Pres- Financial Report
about the challenges and issues we often byterian Church (USA)” [pcusa.org]. Stone Church’s financial report
face when trying to help aging family These monies are used for shows we are a bit ahead of bud-
members. operational costs of the Presbytery, geted income (primarily due to
Sign in and refreshments begin at 8:30 Synod, and General Assembly. pre-payment of some pledges) and
am, and the talk goes from 9 am to noon. The 2010 per capita assessment is a bit below budgeted expense. This
The event is free, but it is requested that $27.58. Stone must pay this amount for accounts for a current cash posi-
you register by going to: each member of the congregation. It is tion that is about $26,000 ahead of
not included in your pledge amount. our budget. - David Jaffer
www.jimcomer09oct2010.eventbrite.com
Annual Income & Budget Income &
Stone’s Health Ministry Committee is Budget Expense to Date Expense
planning a future class on helping aging August YTD
family members, a timely subject especial-
ly for those in the sandwich generation. Income $487,358 $33,897 $338,337 $347,469
- Kathie Lloyd Expense $487,358 $31,756 $319,580 $302,347
Cash Flow --- $ 2,141 $ 18,757 $ 45,122
THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 6
 Fred Groppuso shared an interesting photo from Stone’s past ...
Fred is shown here installing the lighting in the basement. We’ve
been able to identify everyone but one person in this photo ... from
left: Steve Coons, the unidentified man, Fred (on ladder), Marcia
Ludwig, Gary Hutchinson, Dick Kennedy, Ann Coons, Rosemary
Eichorn, and Gary Weiss (kneeling with paint and roller).

Thanks, Fred, for a glimpse of our history!

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 7

 College From Sarah Hedayati: Over the Classes Offered
Conundrums summer, I have kept myself busy
interning part-time with two different to Get to Know
Please send news of college-bound members companies.
and friends to Editor, The Stone News. I am a market research intern at Stone Church
Shopatron, an e-commerce company
From Rachel Buckley: I am studying helping other companies to expedite Have you been think-
abroad in Quito, Ecuador, right now. their shipping and handling. ing about joining the
I’ve been here for about a month, and The other part of my time I have congregation here at
I will be staying until December. been interning with the Friends of Stone Church?
The first four weeks we took an inten- Hearst Castle. We raise money to A new series of orienta-
sive Spanish course and traveled to the help restore the art and artifacts in tion classes has started and
Galapagos Islands. We then entered the castle and help underprivileged continues on Sundays,
into the University (Universidad de kids learn about art. Oct. 3 and 10.
San Francisco de Quito). Both of these internships have been These classes are designed
It has been really interesting so far, great experiences, and I have learned to help you understand our
and I am learning a lot from new expe- a lot. I will continue with the Hearst church and its many mis-
riences. Castle internship through the fall. sions, and how you might
And I hope everything at Stone is I love and miss my Stone Church consider Stone Church your
going well. family! next church home.
Rev. Ken Henry leads
these informal gatherings at
11:15 am in the Church
Library. There is no obliga-
Dr. Marcus Borg, world-renowned tion to join – this is purely
Marcus Borg on biblical scholar and author, returns to help you get to know us a
as Henrietta Perdue Memorial Lecturer little better.
“Speaking Christian: on October 22 – 23. To let us know you are
Reclaiming He will discuss how important
Christian words have lost their
coming, or if you have any
questions, please call the
Christian Language” meaning and power over the centu- church office.
ries and how their rich, illuminat-
ing, and powerful meanings can be
redeemed.
Speaking Christian: Reclaiming Chris-
tian Language is the Friday evening The Stone Church ofWillow Glen
overview lecture. Three lectures on Presbyterian Church (USA)
Saturday then expand and explore 1937 Lincoln Avenue
this topic: (1) Beyond Literalism to a (corner of Clark Way & Lincoln)
Historical and Metaphorical Interpreta- San José, CA 95125-3499
tion of Christian Language, (2) Beyond phone: 408-269-1593
Christian Convention to Intention and fax: 408-269-8412
Practice, and (3) Beyond Cultural stonechurch.org
Convention to Alternative Values and
Community. Rev. Dr. Ken Henry, Pastor
Tickets are on sale during Coffee Claudia Hoagland, Office Manager
Fellowship after Worship. Tickets
will also be available at the Church The Stone News Staff:
Office and at the event. June Tablak, Editor Emeritus,
The cost is $20 for the Friday night Church Mouse
lecture, $30 for the three Saturday Emily Moak Meacham, Editor
lectures, or $40 for the complete Rhonda Lakatos, Pat Magee,
program. Reduced prices for stu- Jody Meacham, Fred Oliver,
dents are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, Lizanne Oliver: Assistant Editors
$25 complete program. Childcare Sylvia Snyder, Chief Photographer
is available upon request; please Alice Bailey, Ken Henry, Dan Raby,
Dr. Marcus Borg and his dog, Henry, at Trinity indicate need at least two weeks Corey Arnold, Gail Chaid:
Episcopal Cathedral in Northwest Portland in advance. - Pat Magee Additional Photos
(Photo: Corey Arnold)

THE STONE NEWS, PAGE 8