Whatever things are
think on these things
Vol. 59 , No. 1 January 8, 2010
$3600 To Go!
Happy new year everyone. Most of you know that
the Organ Task Force has been working on find-
ing a remedy for restoring the wind back into our
faithful organ’s pipes. Built in the mid-1920s and
purchased by the Community Church of Mill Val-
ley in 1931, our two manual and pedal, three-rank
pipe organ is actually in good condition – the
problem is the blower motor that forces air into
the wind chest. After nearly eighty years of faith-
ful service it finally just stopped blowing. The cost
of the replacement whisper silent motor is around
$14,000 plus some additional electrical expenses
of approximately $2000. It isn’t often that a mem-
ber of this church falls silent and, as you might
expect, the church community is rallying to our
old friend’s assistance.
The Organ Task Force, with marvelous assistance
from the Board of Directors, has kicked off a
fundraising drive with the goal of purchasing and
installing the new blower by Easter. In Tamalpais
Hall, we have a wonderful chart showing our pro-
gress toward our goal of $16,000 and I am very
happy to report that we have already reached
$12,400! However we still have $3600 to go.
Every donation counts and whether you make a
$10 or $1000 donation, it will mean a great deal to
the continued joy of our musical life as a congre-
gation and a community.
Thank you all for your interest and generosity.
- Christine Bikle, Chair of the Organ Task Force
Please make your check payable to “Community
Church of Mill Valley” with a note that it is for
the Organ and send it to CCMV, 8 Olive Street,
Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Barbara Strader Editor
Adult Faith Retreat
February 19-20, 2010
See Insert in this Issue!
Annex Roof Replaced
The week before Christmas the annex roof (the
building that houses the church office and Old Fire-
house School) was replaced. After having to spend
almost $24,000 to replace the Tamalpais Hall and
classroom roofs in late August plus the cost of new
gutters for that building, the Board of Directors
hoped to delay another roof repair, but leaks were
developing. The nails were pulling away from the
shingles causing them to pull loose and blow away
during wind storms. Aaron Young had repaired
detectable leaks, but predicted ongoing problems
on what was our oldest roof. In December the
Board agreed unanimously to delay no longer and
replace the roof with the best materials available
during a time when the school was not in session.
It was a fortunate decision because the roofers
found extensive dry rot requiring twenty-two hours
of additional labor and over $1600 of lumber and
dry rot supplies. The total cost of the new roof in-
cluding the dry rot repair was $16,232.47, almost
exactly the amount we hope to raise to replace the
blower motor for the pipe organ. The good news is
that all the major roofs of the church complex have
been now been replaced (the sanctuary roof was
replaced in 2005) and should last for many years.
In This Issue
MOC Convention Feedback & Update 2
First Shelter Dinner 2
Thank You, Thank You 3
Jan. 26 Shelter Dinner Needs Volunteers 3
Earl Lectures; An Interfaith Afternoon; 3
Linda Clever Book 3
Calendar of Events 4
Adult Faith Retreat Insert
 MOC Convention
Feedback & Update
In a November issue of OGR, Linda Xiques graphi-
cally described the energy and feeling of hopeful
enthusiasm that permeated the October 25th MOC
Founding Convention. Participants at the post-
Convention meeting agreed on the importance of
obtaining feedback from those who attended the
Convention. They asked MOC member institutions
to hold meetings in January to generate feedback
from those who attended. They also urged that
other members of their congregations be invited in
order to receive an update on what has happened
since the Convention. The time agreed upon for
the meeting at Community Church is at noon fol-
lowing worship on Sunday, January 24. A sign-
up sheet will be posted in Tam Hall. You can also
sign up by calling Jack Bartlett (388-8440), Betsy
Bikle (388-4649), or Linda Xiques (383-1929).
Hopefully, many of you will join us.
In addition to Convention feedback, Linda Xiques
will give an update describing the research activi-
ties of the MOC Health Care Research Team. If
time permits, you will receive a report on the ac-
tivities of other MOC research groups. Keeping
with MOC tradition, we will begin on time, end on
time, and keep the meeting to no more than an
hour-and-a-half. We’ll also provide you with food
to stay your hunger pangs. We look forward to see-
ing a generous number of you on the 24th.
First Shelter Dinner
The December 22 shelter dinner went very well. We
had about 9 homeless women, plus four Unity of
Marin workers, Alison Hendley from First United
Methodist, and me. Plus Suzanne Walker of St.
Vincent's and Walker Somebody, the homeless mu-
sician showed up for dinner. We had three full ta-
bles. Unity had set them nicely with white table-
cloths and Christmas decorations. They also pro-
vided gift bags for each woman, with gloves,
socks, toothbrushes and toiletries. Alison expects
to be hosting at First United Methodist starting in
January. The complaining neighbors have not filed
an appeal, so things should proceed smoothly.
We had more than enough food. Three casseroles
seem to be plenty. The salad was great. So was the
bread— it's fabulous heated until hot and crusty.
And Rinny's cookies went over well. She made
some with nuts and some without. A good thing,
because many of the women had lost half their teeth
and appreciated soft stuff to eat.
I sat between two very interesting women. One just
out of the psych ward and one who probably quali-
fies. They all had interesting stories to tell. We lin-
gered at the table talking until it was time to clean
up. I gathered my church utensils and headed home
for Mill Valley; meanwhile the women were
spreading out their sleeping bags and preparing to
sleep on the floor. We can't do enough.
- Linda Xiques

The Community Church of Mill Valley

United Church of Christ
An Open & Affirming Congregation
8 Olive Street, Mill Valley , CA 94941
Phone 415/388-5540
Fax 415/388-1678
e-mail CCMVUCC@comcast.net
www.millvalleyucc.org
Pastor: Pam Shortridge Sunday Morning:
Minister Emeritus: Jack Bartlett 9:00 a.m. “The Unexpected Word” Class, Foster Room
Parish Associate of Mission: Dora Ford 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary
Minister in Covenant: Jacquie Hoffman Nursery Care for Infants & Toddlers, Nursery
Seminarian In-Care: Arn Lou Mutia Program for Children in Preschool through Third
Seminarian In-Care: James Christie Grade, Children gather in the Chapel
Director of Music: Esther Archer 11:15 a.m. Coffee Hour in the Tamalpais Hall
Executive Editor: Barbara Strader
Facility Operations Manager: Aaron Young Of Good Report is published on the second and fourth Monday of each
month. Deadline for submissions is the previous Monday at noon.
2
2
 Thank You, Thank You
• For 420 pounds of non-perishable food donated
to the Marin Community Food Bank
• $656 given to provide school supplies for the
poor children ofMasaka, Uganda and of Tarlac
in Luzon, Philippines
• One hundred and fifty-nine gift bags of socks,
candy and hygiene products for Cornell resi-
dents. Altogether the gift bags contained three
hundred eighteen pairs of socks, approximately
twenty-five pounds of candies and seventy five
pounds of hygiene products.
From Dora and Cornell:
Thank you from Cornell for the most wonderful
Christmas ever. Your gifts of socks, candy and hy-
giene items meant that one hundred forty-four men
and 15 women woke to a reminder that someone
cared. For some it was the only gift they re-
ceived. 2009 was the first Christmas in nineteen
years that Robert had the possibility of being with
his family. They live near by yet he was not in-
vited home. Your gift was the only one he re-
ceived. When I saw him this week he had a smile
on his face. It was the first I had seen in awhile.
Everyone loved the home made cookies. Elf Dora
was surrounded the moment she came in the
door. Jesus pointed out the care given lilies of the
field. Two hundred residents and forty staff felt
cared for also. The needs of Cornell residents feel
overwhelming at times. Your continued love
makes it clear we are not alone in our efforts to
serve these men and women. Thank you from the
bottom of all our hearts.
- Dora Ford
Jan. 26 Shelter Dinner
Needs Volunteers
It’s our turn to provide the evening meal for
women at the shelter at First United Methodist
Church on Tuesday, Jan. 26. We have 2 volunteers
for casseroles; we need 1 more volunteer to make a
casserole, 1 to make a salad and 1 to bake cookies
for twenty. If you can help, please contact Linda
Xiques at 383-1929.
3
Earl Lectures
All are invited to the Pacific School of Religion’s
Earl Lectures conference, happening in just a few
weeks. This year’s Earl Lectures, January 26-28,
will explore the increasingly popular phrase spiri-
tual, but not religious. “Spiritual, but not religious”
includes those who glean inspiration solely from
nature and the physical world around them, as well
as those who prefer to divorce themselves from in-
stitutional structures. The phrase also refers to some
who are alienated from organized religion—
refugees from a house of worship that has not ac-
cepted or affirmed them. “Spiritual but not reli-
gious” can also describe those who find church ir-
relevant or who prefer to worship in individual and
private ways.
The Earl Lectures are free and open to the public.
Registration for the Leadership Conference work-
shops is $99 through January 11, $125 after January
11, 2010. To register, or for more information,
please see http://www.psr.edu/earl-lectures-2010.
An Interfaith Afternoon
The Marin Interfaith Council invites all to An Inter-
faith Afternoon in Honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Lu-
ther King Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 17, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
at First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo at
72 Kensington Road. This years' theme is The Call
to Freedom. The event will include readings from
MLK's writings; inspirational words from Rabbi
Lavey Derby and Pastor Johnathan Logan; music
and congregational singing from the Marin Inter-
faith Singers; prelude by Jazz musicians Saxopoly,
and more! This event is free and open to the pub-
lic. A freewill offering will be taken.
Linda Clever Book
Come to hear our very own Dr. Linda Hawes
Clever talk about “The Fatigue Prescription: Four
Stpes to Renewing Your Energy, Health and Life
($16.95) at Book Passage on Friday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.
Filled with easy self-assessments, informational
charts and sound advice from a physician who
healed herself, this book aims to help you avoid ill-
ness, reset priorities and most importantly, regain
your health and happiness.
The Community Church of Mill Valley Postage
United Church of Christ
8 Olive Street
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Return Service Requested

Upcoming Church Events

Sunday
8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary (Newcomers welcome)
9:00 a.m. The Bible: Viewed and Re-viewed with Pam Shortridge.
Tamalpais Hall. A conversation open to all.
10:00 a.m. Worship
Child care for children 4 and under, Nursery
10:15 a.m. Children’s Program for children Kindergarten through 3rd Grade,
Tamalpais Hall
11:15 a.m. Coffee and Conversation, Tamalpais Hall
All are welcome.

This Week
Wed., Jan. 13, 11:45 a.m., Men’s Lunch, Moylan’s, Novato

Coming
Sat., Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m., Board of Directors Retreat, Chapel
Sun., Jan. 17, 4:00 p.m., An Interfaith Afternoon in Honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.; First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo

Mon., Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Office closed
Tue., Jan. 19, 12 Noon, Of Good Report newsletter deadline
7:30 p.m., Christian Life Team, Foster Room
 Toward a Greener Faith:
Loving the Earth for Lent
You are invited
to the
Adult Faith Retreat
February 19-20, 2010
at
Enchanted Hills Camp
“God loves the earth fully.
By loving one another and every sentient being
—even the rocks who cry out—
we love God.
In this love we are called to resist the poisoning of peoples and earth.”
— Karen Baker-Fletcher
 Toward a Greener Faith: Loving the Earth for Lent
Annual Adult Faith Retreat
Where?
Enchanted Hills Camp. Located above the Napa
Valley in a wooded coastal environment, 20 minutes
from the town of Napa at 3410 Mt. Veeder Road.
Travel time from Mill Valley is approximately 1¼ to 1½
hours. The camp is fully accessible and is managed by
United Camps, Conferences and Retreats.
Lodging is in heated lakeside cabins with rooms for
two, real beds, and an adjoining bathroom. We meet
in the Kiva, a large private room. Delicious meals—
made with adult tastes and appetites in mind—are
served in the Dining Hall.
When?
6:30 p.m., Friday, February 19, to 2 p.m., Sat-
urday, Feb. 20. The retreat begins in the Kiva at
6:30 p.m. on Friday; supper is at 7 p.m. You may
check in as early as 5 and enjoy a walk by the lake or
a short hike along one of the trails, take a nap, or en-
joy some coffee in the Kiva. The retreat ends Satur-
day at 2 p.m. Please plan to stay for the full time.
Cost?
The cost for lodging, 3 meals, and materials is $95
per person. (Partial scholarships up to $50 are avail-
able. Please note on your registration the amount of
help you need, then enclose what you can afford to
pay.)
February 19-20, 2010
Who?
All adults are welcome. The camp accommodates all
ages, singles & couples, and people with limited mobility.
Facilitators: Pam Shortridge, Pastor, and Carol Manahan,
Associate Conference Minister.
Carol completed an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Environ-
mental Ethics and Biblical Studies at the Graduate Theo-
logical Union in 2006. In addition to her work with the
churches of the Golden Gate Association, she teaches
part time at California College of the Arts. Her focus is
on environmental ethics and biblical studies with a par-
ticular interest in agriculture. She and her spouse Anni
Jensen have created a drought-tolerant ornamental gar-
den and organic food garden of fruit trees, berries, and
vegetables around their Richmond home.
What? Study, story-telling, reflection, discussion,
meditation, and hands-on exploration & discovery....
“This is our vision—a beloved creation of raucous diver-
sity and extravagant beauty, a web of life knit together
by the Spirit of God who infuses every cell. It is a
deeply religious vision, and yet it can easily be translated
into the language of the public sphere. Doing justice,
promoting equity, ensuring freedom, and conserving na-
ture are the social dimensions of loving our neighbors as
ourselves.” — Janet L. Parker, Christian ethicist and
pastor of Rock Spring Congregational UCC

Registration for Adult Faith Retreat, Feb. 19-20, 2010

(Deadline for registrations is 12 noon, Friday, Feb. 5.)

Name ______________________________ Phone ____________ E-mail ______________

Name ______________________________ Phone ____________ E-mail ______________

Address _________________________________________________ Zip ______________

Scholarship requested $_______ (Up to $50 per person)

Deduct requested scholarship from the full cost ($95).

Total amount enclosed $_______ Make checks payable to Community Church. Note “Adult Retreat.”