Number 9 OCTOBER 2007 Volume 15
Splinters from the Board...
(This is the second copy of the FOCUS that we've sent my multiple means: hard copy, email pdf or email notice of the FOCUS posting on our website. If you'd like to change the mode of delivery of your FOCUS simply give the office a call at 650.967.7447)
A constitutional working group was appointed by the Executive Committee out of the conviction expressed at our June annual meeting that the organizational structure that workedforty-five years ago may not work today. A first congregational conversation was held onSunday evening, September 16th. The conversation was lively as we explored the question ofwhy or why not revise or change our constitution and/or organizational structure. It was anopen and honest discussion. You will find the documents that were handed out in the September 16 meeting on the bulletin board in the lobby.
The discussion centered on some questions:
What should the Constitution do?
- Support the spiritual mission of the congregation?
- Provide a framework for proper care and use of the assets ofthe congregation, denomination, and public.
What got us started?
- We have ignored parts of the constitution when it didn't fit newdevelopments and organizations at FCC.
- We have learned that other local congregations like ours foundadvantageous to adopt different governing structures.
- We have asked if our present structure helps or hinders ourability to fulfill our vision for the future.
- Our current constitution seems to result in chronic nominations challenges.
What's ahead?
- Gathering more information
- Deciding if we just need to update our current constitution andbylaws or if we need to choose a new governing structure.
You will be invited to give your comments and insights and help form whatever action wetake. We recognize that this is not the most exciting work of the congregation, but we alsorecognize that a good infrastructure can provide a solid foundation for ministry and releasepeople to do the satisfying work that God is calling us to. We hope that you will be involvedin this important work.
NEWCOMERS GROUP
You're invited to a NEWCOMERS' GROUP, if you are new to Foothill Covenant Church.Come get picture of our core beliefs, our history and mission as a congregation, and learnmore about the larger national family of churches to which we belong. If you wish to become a member of Foothill, these meetings are a requirement. We will meet for about 90 minutes on Sunday evenings, October 14th and October 21st at 6 p.m.. Talk to Pastor Jim, if you plan on coming or if you have questions.
OCTOBER WORSHIP/PREACHING -We have begun a study of 1 Timothy. In this pastoral letter, Paul gives his associate , Timothy, instructions about how to re-establish achurch that has gotten distracted from its primary mission to love the world as God loves it.He also describes the qualities of leaders who are necessary to lead such a rebirth. It is a fitting study at a time that we are looking toward a new era in the life of Foothill.
Oct. 7 1 Timothy 1.4-7 -"Bring Back Love" -Jim G Oct. 14 1 Timothy 1.8-11 -"Not Every Tool Is the Right Tool" -JG Oct. 21 1 Timothy 1.12-17 -"Building a New Foundation" -Jim G Oct. 28 1 Timothy 1.18-2.8 -"True Contentment" -Jim G
VISION TO ACTION
What's happening on our vision teams. We've laid some foundations over the past yearthat we'll build on in the coming year. Our two vision teams have been activated for the fall. There continues to be a feeling that we are being transformed even as we seek ways to be
agents of transformation in our communities.
Hospitality Points: The team fittingly met over a meal at the Browns and talked about ideasfor ministry in the coming year. It will concentrate on creating events that offer hospitalityout in our community for the primary benefit of our neighbors. It will also be on the look out for opportunities to create bridge events. These are events that may invite the neighbors intoa Foothill event that would be less intimidating than a worship service. Prompted by someSunday sharing about caring for parents, there was talk of assembling information resourcesto help our own members and our neighbors in what is becoming an increasingly common activity. If you'd like to join the team, contact Mark Liedstrand, Brenda Brown, or Doug Ericsson.
Mentor/Tutors: On Wed., October 17th at Noon at Alta Vista H.S. (next to MVHS) there will be an orientation session for people desiring to be mentors for local H. S. students. Talk to Lyle Bickley if you are interested. He can describe the joy of mentoring from first handexperience. If you'd like to tutor, middle school students at Graham Middle School in MVand you're free between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, talk to Jim Gaderlund. You'll be matched with a student who needs the skills that you have to offer - math, reading, writing,science, etc. Jim can also direct you to opportunities in some local elementary schools.
Fourth Ministries: If you, as an individual, are engaged in a ministry in the community,we'd like to tell your story. We've told some stories already, but we want to tell more. If you're willing to have your story written up, talk to Jim Gaderlund.
COVENANT WORLD RELIEF
It is often overwhelming to listen to the news and hear of yet another tragedy some where inthe world. Drought, tsunami, hurricane, war, or famine confront us almost daily. It is easy tofeel helpless in the face of the tremendous need; to want to help, but not know how. Fortunately, we in the Evangelical Covenant family have a wonderful means of reaching out tohelp: Covenant World Relief. Many of us have directed our emergency relief funds throughCWR for many years.
Again this October, Covenant World Relief Soup Can Banks will be distributed. You'll be invited to "fill the banks" until Thanksgiving when they will be collected.
These funds are used during the whole year to meet emergencies around the world. Often they are among the first aid to arrive because of our extensive network of contacts withchurches near the disaster sites. However they are used for more than emergencies, they arealso used for development projects among the poorest of the poor.
You'll be learning more about how the funds are used during October and November, butpick up a bank today and begin the effort to reach out to the hurting.
BLESS YOUR NEIGHBORS. If you have a neighbor who is looking for firewood, letthem know there is a good supply, free for the taking on our empty land along the water yardfence. A local tree trimmer has provided a supply. It's yours or your neighbor's for the taking.
MISSION SPRINGS Fall 2007 Find out what's going on this fall at Mission Springs forchildren and youth and for families. You'll get your questions answered and find registrationinformation and forms. The brochures are available in the lobby and office.
Oct. 15 - Mission Springs Golf Tournament
Detailed brochures and registrations information are available online atwww.missionsprings.com.
Women's Bible Study
Class began on Wednesday September 26 2007 at 9:45 am in the Fireside Room. Marian Ecklund will be leading us through the Book of Joshua. Her lessons are always challenging and class is a lot of fun. We welcome new attenders.
Women's Lunch Bunch
We meet at the Country Gourmet in Sunnyvale for lunch on the first Thursday of each month. Please do join us on October 4th at 11:30 a.m. The more, the merrier. If you have any questions, call Ona Avent at 408-984-7625.
Stretch Yoga Class
We continue our Stretch Yoga class on Wednesdays at Noon during the autumn (except for occasional vacations which will be announced). Please join us. Call Kay Roberts (408-2557817) for more information.
Men's Breakfast
Men's Breakfast: Hopefully, we'll see you on October 20th at 8:00
a.m. There will be an interesting topic or speaker, our usual hearty breakfast and good fellowship. Don't miss it.
Per, Doug, Lyle and Stan
Men's Lunch
Men of Foothill, please join us for lunch and informal conversation on Thursday, October4th at Noon at Dinah's in Palo Alto. Please call Jim Gaderlund at 650.967.7447 with any questions.