Quick Announcements

Deacons' Parent's Day Out will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 10 am to 2 pm. Children from infant to age 12 will be cared for and fed lunch to give parents some free time. Contact Anne Storer or Mike Wyllie.

J. Philip Newell, internationally acclaimed poet and author, who writes about Celtic spirituality, will be the Henrietta Perdue Lecturer, May 5 - 6, 2006. Contact Pat Magee.

Because so many events are announced in this StoNews issue, we summarize them in date sequence here:

November 19 & 20, 2005	Lyn Johnson Art Show	More Information
November 22, 2005	Decorate Our Church	(see above)
December 3, 2005	Deacons' & Parent's Day Out	(see above)
January 27 - 29, 2006	Snow Trip	More Information
May 5 & 6, 2006	Henrietta Perdue Lecture Series	(see above)
August 11 - 13, 2006	Camping Trip	More Information
October 14, 2006	Golf Tourney	More Information

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Come to Taizé for an Interlude of Peace in the Advent Season

"We are blessed that we can retreat from the world for this brief period of time, so that when the world re-enters, we recognize what is timeless in all time."

Taizé services will be held on all Tuesdays during Advent: November 29; December 6, 13, and 20, at 6:45 pm.

                  - Hilleguus Faber

Postscript: Click Here to see the new Taizé web page.

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Stone's Refugee Family, the Woldemeskels, Thriving in Virginia

Melaku has a new job; he no longer drives a taxi, but is working for an internet company. He says the work is very easy for him, and he enjoys it. Aster is also working, and their daughter, Maria, is doing well in school - she corrects her parents' English pronunciation every day.

Melaku was able to bring his cousin and her family here from Ethiopia. They lived with the Woldemeskels for three months, and then Melaku helped them get low-cost housing on their own qualifications. He is very proud of this accomplishment. Both his cousin and her husband have jobs and are doing well.

Melaku said he was very sad when he had to leave his friends at Stone and hopes to come back for a visit some day. He enjoys reading the StoNews every month, keeping updated on church information, but misses us all.

He wants to be sure to tell everyone at Stone, "Hello," and to thank them for their wonderful support while they were here.

He sounded very, very happy, and his English has improved greatly ... perhaps thanks to his daughter!

If you would like to drop the Woldemeskels a note, please contact the church office for their address.

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Lyn Johnson Art Show

He will exhibit this and other work in the Social Hall on Saturday, the nineteenth of November, from 11 am to 6 pm and on Sunday, the twentieth of November, from 11 am to 2 pm. Original art, prints, cards and ceramics will be available for purchase, and ten percent of the proceeds will be tithed to Stone Church.

Praising the Lord with art!

Postscript: for a quick look at some of Lyn's work from a few years ago, click HERE. These original bulletin covers were designed and created by Lyn for use in Sunday worship. The covers shown date from 2000 and 2001.

What is this equation? On the left is a trademark, an L, a K and a J on top of each other, identifying Lynden Keith Johnson. In the center is something we all know and hold dear. On the right is a symbol Lyn found in Switzerland, which means "art from the heart."

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Family Snow Trip Dates Announced

Rooms:
2 person minimum, $136.00 for the weekend
Extra adult: $34.00 for the weekend
Child (3 - 9 years old): $14.00 for the weekend
Child (younger than 3): no charge
Maximum charge for family in same room: $188 for the weekend
Meals:
5 meals (3 on Saturday; 2 on Sunday)
$40.00 per adult
$26.00 per child (3 - 9 years old)
Child (younger than 3): no charge

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Stone Summer Camping Trip Returns August 2006

Tent sites have been reserved at $52 per night (for up to four people). Luxury tent-cabins are available for $135 per night, but will be reserved only by specific request. We will be doing our own cooking, at a cost of about $25 per family.

You can sign up in the Social Hall at Coffee Time, or contact Maureen Searing. A one-night deposit is due at sign-up.

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Stone Church Golfers Annual Tournament

Since the golfers represent all ability levels, teams with both the lowest and the highest scores were recognized. Also recognized were the men and women who claimed the longest drive and closest to the pin awards.

Additional donated prizes were awarded by drawing names. Lucky winners went home with gift certificates for Siena restaurant, a Round Table Pizza party, and Aqui restaurant; a golf club from Gene Fasano; sleeves of golf balls; a golf book from Willow Glen Books; award-winning wine from the Ribble Family winery; and many more prizes. Once again our Willow Glen neighborhood merchants and Stone Church members were very generous in providing many of our prizes.

We are very grateful for all this support. So, as you shop and dine, please remember the following merchants who provided monetary support for our Stone Church tournament. Please thank them by supporting them with your business!

Gene's Classic Golf Collection - Gene Fasano
Round Table Pizza (Lincoln Ave)
Willow Glen Books
Siena: A Mediterranean Bistro
Aqui Cal-Mex Grill

The Wyllie Family
The Tablak Family
The Ribble Family

Be sure to mark your calendars for next years' tournament: Saturday, October 14, 2006, at The Villages.

                  - Maureen Ryan

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Christian Education Notes

Bibles Given

Bible recipients and their families gathered after worship for brunch and an opportunity to get better acquainted with their Bibles. They learned how the Bible is the story of God's relationship with God's people which continues with us as the lead characters as we learn to be faithful and trust God's faithfulness to us.

Making Holidays More Joyful with Less Stress and Debt

That's the goal of the "De-Stressing the Holidays for Families" class on November 13 from 11AM to 12noon. Parents will go home with ideas to share with their families to help them make decisions to simplify their holidays and focus on the real spirit of Christmas. Activities will help children think about the meaning of the holidays as well. Sign up by November 6 to participate.

On November 13, 20 and 27 students will make Advent Wreaths in their classes and take home a new "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?" booklet with a guide to use for family worship with their Advent Wreath and other ideas for a Christ-centered holiday.

Take advantage of this opportunity to make intentional choices about your celebration and gift-giving. You can find more joy and reduce the stress and debt!

Responding with Love

Church School students responded to Jeremiah's message that God writes God's love and law in our hearts. They planted more than 30 bulbs in church flower beds, made 20 cards which Rev. David Rodriquez (pastor of First Presbyterian in Hollister, now serving as Chaplain in Iraq) will give to U.S. soldiers, and accepted youth offering envelopes from Stu Bear pledging to continue to share God's love and their gifts with others.

God bless,
Miriam Kishi

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Sunday Morning Adult Study Offers Edifying Choices

Sunday morning adult study classes are being offered this school year in two broad areas: (1) Bible study and church history, and (2) spirituality and Christian life. In addition, special classes will be offered to assist parents in being Christian educators.

All classes run from 11 am to noon with nursery care available during the hour.

Spirituality and Christian Life

October 16 - December 11 - The Way of Blessedness
Would you like to go deeper into Christian Spiritual Formation in a small group setting? The Rev. Rebecca Kuiken will lead a nine-week exploration of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Each participant will be invited to discover Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God on earth and to develop and live a personal "rule of life" that helps us reside in that kingdom. The resource book, Companions in Christ: The Way of Blessedness, will be available for review and purchase.

October 30 - December 4 - Birth Pangs of the Church: The First Years
Who's a heretic and who has the true faith? When the church was being formed, Christians had many different views of Jesus and what it meant to follow the resurrected Christ. And they had questions about faith: what was "in" and what was "out"? Dale and Barbara Bracey will probe evidence from the New Testament and extra-biblical writings, including the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, the Apostolic Fathers, and Gnostic writings. Some of these views are still challenging "orthodoxy" today!

                  - Pat Magee, Adult Education Coordinator

And just a reminder: nursery care is always available during the adult study hour.

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November Choices Include Good Books

Here are the latest additions to the Stone Church library, located in the Lincoln House Conference Room.

Our younger members will find these new books:

• Naughty Bunny by Richard Scarry (1st Books J Sca), given by Vivian Shimmon
  
• All the Cats in the World by Sonia Levitin (J Lev)
  
• Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin (1st Books J Mar)
  
• David's Song: His Psalms and Their Story, edited by Colin Eislee (YA 223 Eis)
  
• Discovering Great Buildings, edited by Anne Lynch (YA 721 Lyn), given by Evelyn Williams
  
• The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (YA Sny), given by Betsy Williams

• The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life by Helen Palmer (155.2 Pal), given by Maureen Ryan
  
• Practicing the Presence: The Inspirational Guide to Regaining Meaning & a Sense of Purpose in Your Life by Joel Goldsmith (248.4 Gol)
  
• Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life by Kenneth Haugk (248.5 Hau), given by Dorothy Stevens
  
• The Great Religions by Bruce Feiler (291 Fei), given by the 2004 Class of Deacons
  
• When Religion Becomes Evil: Five Warning Signs by Charles Kimball (291.2 Kim), given by Pat Magee
  
• When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough by Harold Kushner (296.74 Kus)

• The Use of the Bible in Christian Ethics by Thomas Ogletree (Soc. Iss. 241 Ogl)
  
• The Rise and Fall of Childhood by John Sommerville (Family 305.23 Som)
  
• Interview with the Muse: Remarkable Women Speak on Creativity & Power by Nina Winter (Women 700 Win), given by Rebecca Kuiken

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News from Presbyterian Women

Thank Offering Luncheon

The Rev. David McCreath will be the presenter, speaking out of his wide knowledge of Habitat's work. The project will be the subject of a proposal to Presbyterian Women's Creative Ministries committee, seeking funding in 2006. Usually PW hears about projects already funded; this is a chance to hear about one that is asking for funding. The Thank Offering is one of two offerings taken by PW nationally each year.

The Thank Offering luncheon will be held in the Social Hall on Saturday, November 12, at noon. For reservations, contact Tina Luebcke by November 7.

Coffee Sale

Calendar

November 1, 9:30 am, Focus Group, at Liz Shandera's home
November 2, 1:00 pm, Amethyst Circle, in the Library Conference Room
November 3, 9:30 am, Emerald Circle, at Alice Thorn's home
November 8, 11:30 am, Lunch Bunch (Taiwan Restaurant; call Ida Raby for details)
November 12, noon, Thank Offering Lunch in the Social Hall
November 14, 7:30 pm, Sapphire Circle, at Sue Evans' home
November 17, 9:30 am, Bible Study with Marge Palmer, in the Library Conference Room
November 17, 1:00 pm, Book Group I, reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd, at Liz Shandera's home
November 21, 2:30 pm, Book Group II, reading Beethoven's Hair by Russell Martin, at Marcia Ludwig's home

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New Medicare D Prescription Plan

                  - Rhonda Lakatos

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Church and World Board Provides Myriad Opportunities to Serve Others

Community Inns Comes to Successful Conclusion

Stone's members enjoyed being part of this endeavor - people rushed to sign up. The dinner dates filled quickly, as well as the opportunities to help with shopping, hosting, coordinating, and moving. One church member commented that people who do not usually participate in church activities take part in this program.

All ages were included in this project: the Church School and Middle School kids made placemats that brightened each table; the Vivace children's choir (which practices at Stone) provided lovely singing; and the High School kids provided their unique energy and enthusiasm.

One of our guests shared a sad story: When his wife died, he had to sell his car and other belongings to pay her funeral expenses. He lost his housing and began to live on the street. He was so grateful for food and a place to sleep.

My (Christmas) Shopping List for the World

Make Hunger History

Tours of Bill Wilson Center

• Wednesday November 9, 9-10 am
  
• Tuesday November 15, 10 - 11 am
  
• Wednesday November 30, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
  
• Thursday December 8, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Adopt-a-Family

Backpacks for Refugees

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Mission Study Committee Sends Questionnaire, Schedules Group Discussions

The Mission Study Committee is ready to conduct the most anticipated part of its role in the search for Stone Church's next pastor, which will make for a very busy November. Here's what's going to happen:

• In early November, the full membership will receive a questionnaire that will help identify how we see ourselves as a congregation and what we perceive to be our mission in the community and the world. Because we want to reach everyone, the questionnaire will be distributed by hand, at Sunday worship and via U.S. mail. Please complete only one questionnaire for yourself - but please complete one - and return it by the mid-November date on the document.

• Because not every question we want to ask is best answered on a questionnaire, there also will be two opportunities for members to attend meetings and discuss their feelings. Childcare will be available for both meetings, and there will be a signup sheet to help us accommodate everyone:
  • Dessert and discussion from 7:30 - 9 pm, Friday, Nov. 4, in the Social Hall.
  • Soup lunch and discussion from noon - 1:30 pm, Sunday, Nov. 6, in the Social Hall.
  • Discussions for children, middle school and high school youth groups will take place during Church School and the High School Youth Group on Nov. 6.

                  - Jody Meacham

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First Call for PNC Members

Once our Mission Study Committee finishes its work, the congregation will elect a PNC. This group should reflect Stone's membership and should include members who are willing to meet weekly over many months. The committee will review the applications of interested pastors, narrow down the number of prospects, check references, listen to sermon tapes, and with the help of Presbytery, do all the other necessary tasks leading up to nominating a person to be out next pastor.

The manual On Calling a Pastor says this: "Election to a PNC is a sacred trust. The members of the congregation must give careful and prayerful attention to the election of persons to serve in this important role. Those who are asked to serve should consider this to be a significant commitment of their time, energy, and very best wisdom. They should be persons who understand and accept this as a task of spiritual discernment, not being easily influenced by personal desires or congregational politics, but rather listening for the voice of God. They also should be persons of integrity who respect confidentiality." Are there people you would like to be considered? Are you feeling a desire to be on the PNC, yourself?

Over the next month or so, there will be a brightly colored box under the stained glass window in the Social Hall. Please put into this box the names of members you suggest; and it is fine to suggest yourself.

The Nominating Committee will seriously consider all names submitted, as well as other names, and will bring a slate of candidates to the congregation for a vote.

                  - Sue Williams, Moderator, Nominating Committee

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Session Beat

The Rev. Marge Palmer opened the October Session meeting with a prayer on mission support. New members Dan Raby, Pam Rosia-Bohrk, Cindy Roberts, Mike Roberts, Hilda Salazar, and Jane Martin were received by the Session after they introduced themselves and told how their faith journey brought them to Stone Church. Marge then discussed plans for a Session/Deacon retreat to be held in the Social Hall.

There was an insightful discussion from many Session members who had been on previous Pastor Nominating Committees, after which, it was concluded that Stone would have a nominating committee of 10 members, including one youth member.

Revised charters for two boards, Church & World and Christian Education, were presented, discussed, and approved.

Bruce Raby, Personnel & Administration board moderator, presented a fundraising policy with clarifications and a revised facility-use fees schedule. Both received unanimous approval.

Ed Tablak, Membership & Evangelism board moderator, gave thanks to David Minehart for his work as our past webmaster and for the easy transition to Rod Thorn as the new webmaster.

Dean Helms, Stewardship board moderator, talked about the fall Stewardship drive and encouraged timely pledging.

The Church & World board procured a new rainbow banner for Buildings & Grounds to place on the side of the education wing.

Buildings & Grounds is investigating options for new church signs.

The Christian Education board is grateful for the donation of seven tables from Doug Williams' company, Northrup Grumman.

The meeting was closed with a prayer by Marge.

                  - Stan Searing, Elder

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Stewardship Campaign for 2006 is Well Underway

HELPING HANDS. Share your time, talents and financial resources in Christian service.
GIVING HEARTS. Share your time, talents and financial resources toward the mission of Stone Church.

Kickoff Sunday
Thanks to Jeanette Rapp for the eye-catching postcard invitation to the Kickoff Sunday reception. Thanks to Lyn Johnson for the very appropriate bulletin cover for the Sundays of the campaign drive. Thanks to the Rev. David McCreath for a very inspiring Stewardship sermon. Thanks to Mary Alice Collins and the High School group for serving refreshments and cleaning up the Social Hall. Thanks to everyone who helped out this special Sunday, and don't forget Stu Bear who visited the Church School classes and greeted people at the reception.

Faith Sharing
The Stewardship Board invited the Worship Committee, the Christian Education Board, the Church & World Board, and the Buildings & Grounds Board to share their dreams, visions, and opportunities during the four Sundays of our kickoff month.

Annual Pledge-drive Packets
By this time, you will have received the packets put together by the Stewardship Board for our annual campaign. We would like to highlight some of the items in the packet. The cover is the same as the bulletin cover for the four October Sundays during the campaign drive. In the Rev. Marge Palmer's letter, one paragraph needs repeating here.

"There is another approach, which I think has merit, in which people are encouraged to give, not on the basis of the church budget, but in response to God's incredible gifts to us; to give not because we feel pressured to do so, but out of the sheer joy of giving as a child of God."

In the green Stewardship letter, please note, "When you make your pledge, here are some things to think about:" And on the back of the green sheet, please note the goal of the Stewardship Board of raising your pledge by 10%. You will also find a magnet for your refrigerator, cards to be given to your friends and neighbors, a pledge card and return envelope (please note the desired return date of December 1, 2005), and form for automatic withdrawal, if you so desire. Also included is a "What is Stewardship" booklet and a directory listing the Staff, the Session, and the Deacons.

                  - Dean Helms, Moderator, Stewardship Board

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Session Revises Stone's Fundraising Policy

The Session had asked the Personnel and Administration board to review the fundraising policy because of congregational concerns about an increase in fundraising activities, particularly during Coffee Time in the Social Hall following Sunday worship. Many of those activities were not permitted under the previous policy, but the policy had not been enforced.

Under the revised policy, collections such as the One Great Hour of Sharing and disaster relief collections are not considered fundraising.

Allowable fund-raising projects must be approved by the Session under these criteria:

1. No more than two fundraising activities per sponsor in a one-year time period.
2. Only one fundraising activity is allowed each month. The PW Fair Trade Products sale is exempt from this restriction.
3. Monies received are to be deposited in the General Fund. Deficits may not be made up from the General Fund without explicit Session approval.

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Chair Committee Wants You to Be Seated!

Did you sit on it? Did you resist giving another person the chance to try it out?

The chairpersons of the Social Hall Chair Committee, consisting of Virginia Holtz, Jan and Jerry Keifer, Fred Oliver, and Joyce Summers are hoping that you have the answers to all of the above questions. They have been working very diligently to locate the best chairs for the Social Hall, while considering the amount of money available. A sample chair has arrived and will offer everyone a chance to try it.

Is it comfortable?
How's the height?
Does it seem to be a "safe" chair for everyone?
Will it hold the largest and the smallest of us?
How does the color fit into the new room?

Now, we've all been on committees enough times to know that the chair will not please everyone, but we hope you will like it and think that it will be a serviceable and safe chair. It was purchased from Church Chair Industries and has a ten-year warranty. Find it and give it a "test drive"!

                  - Jan Keifer

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