Montclair Presbyterian Church

There are thirteen adult education classes scheduled through June, six of which start in February. Join MPC Friends and Family to participate in classes including a lively discussion of the Sermon on the Mount, viewing and discussion of films about food issues, and a study of the relevancy of the Ten Commandments for our lives today.

The six classes starting in February are as follows:

• Writing Your Life Story – Write your life story in the company of others embarking on the same journey.
• The Ten Commandments: Relevant for Life Today …. Or Not? – Join others to study and then see what we conclude about the meaning and importance of these religious rules for life today.
• Starting the Discussion: Films About Food Issues – View and discuss several recent films that explore the convergence of global concerns in one of the most basic of human needs: Food
• Many Faces of God – Read books that expand the understanding of our own faith tradition and explore other religions
• Kairos Palestine – Study a pamphlet entitled “Kairos Palestine – A Moment of Truth”, a landmark declaration written by an ecumenical group of Palestinian Christians.
• Dancing with Marilynn – Learn two ballroom dances, basic steps and variations; come alone or with a partner.

For more details, see the entire Adult Education Spring 2011 class listing.  Sign up for classes during Family Hour (after the Celebration) on January 30 or contact the church office.

Join MPC Family member Jane Rubey for a brunch celebrating her book on living with cancer – SURPRISE! I’M STILL HERE!!: Living with Incurable Cancer.  The brunch will be held on Sunday, January 23, at 11:30 in the Thornhill Room, and Marge Moser will host Jane for the discussion.

Below are few excerpts from reviews of the book on Amazon:

“Jane carefully acknowledges the impact of this disease on her emotional and physical wellness, the strength she has gained from her family, her talent for giving and receiving gifts of friendship.”

“It is an inspiring story of the power of the human spirit and her patient persistence. We would hope we all can benefit from her sharing of this faith.”

The brunch is co-sponsored by Storytellers and Companions and the book will be available in the Book Depot.

Jay Gregory, the interim Joining Hands Companionship Facilitator, will speak at a brunch on Sunday, January 16th about his experiences in Bolivia. Enjoy Jay’s wonderful photos of Bolivia and tales of what it is like to coordinate the work of the 11 networked member organizations of UMAVIDA, to host a US delegation visit, to work with the Youth Environmental Congress delegates, and to observe the ongoing magic of social movements in Latin American up close and personal. Please come enjoy lovely food (served warm, but not too hot), bring a salador dessert or beverage, or make a small donation for brunch expenses. And, dream about your own visit to Bolivia, perhaps in February 2011?  Call Jean Norris for more information.

During celebration on Sunday, December 19th, the MPC choir and a viol consort will perform several settings of the Magnificat. Please join us for these works by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and Orlando Gibbons, three of Renaissance-era England’s greatest composers.

Not familiar with the Magnificat? Wikipedia can get you started: “The Magnificat (Latin: [My soul] magnifies) – also known as the Song of Mary – is a canticle frequently sung (or spoken) liturgically in Christian church services. The text of the canticle is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) where it is spoken by the Virgin Mary…” read the full Wikipedia article

The Water Project continues until next week, 11/24. The youth group invites you to give up all beverages except water, and collect the money you save to send to a group building wells in Africa and India. Remember that it takes 37 gallons of water to produce one cup of coffee; consider those who could use that water; join us in the challenge! We will collect money on 11/21 and 11/28 after the service, or send a check with Water Project in the memo. Also a note from youth group advisor Kevin Fallehy: “I am currently working with my company to cancel our water service with Arrowhead and donate the first month’s water bill savings to the MPC Youth Group Water Project.”

STOP THE VIOLENCE: Innovative Approaches That Work

Learn about Ceasefire, funded by Measure Y, and why Measure BB must pass Nov. 2 for it to continue.

• Friday, October 8, 2010
• Montclair Presbyterian Church
• 5701 Thornhill Dr., Oakland

• 6:45 pm: Opening with Oakland choirs
• 7:00 pm: Panel Discussion followed by questions from audience
• 8:45 pm: Closing after refreshments & discussion

Hear Oakland Directors in Human Services, young men whose lives have been dramatically changed, and Oakland Deputy Police Chief Howard Jordan speak about “Ceasefire,” a successful program funded by Measure Y.

Ceasefire focuses on coordinating community and city resources to intervene directly in the lives of youth caught up in cycles of violence, through street outreach and “call-in” sessions.

Speakers will explain why Measure Y funds are no longer available and why passing Measure BB in the November election is critical for this highly effective program to continue.

All 10 Oakland mayoral candidates will also attend the forum and reflect on Ceasefire and Measure BB.

Babysitting will be provided if requested
Contact: (510) 339-1131

Tickets for MIXED NUTS, our annual program of original writings, are on sale after celebration in the Family Room. Anita & Emery Garriott, Bertha Reilly and Bud Sisson share a medley of lively, poignant, hilarious and sometimes horrifying family and growing-up memories, as well as current reflections. The evening is Friday, September 17, at 7:30pm in the Thornhill Room. A Storytellers event. Questions? Call Margaret Irvin, 510-243-1114 or contact Jan Stites.

Anuradha Mittal, internationally known activist and speaker on food and economics, will talk about Oakland Institute’s new report “(Mis)Investment in Agriculture: The Role of the International Finance Corporation in the Global Land Grab” at Montclair Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to public.

Land grabs, the purchase or lease of vast tracts of land from poor, developing countries by wealthier nations and private investors, has led to the acquisition of nearly 50 million hectares of farmland. Rising food prices, demand for biofuels, and investors seeking quick returns have been cited as the principal drivers of this activity. However, the World Bank’s private lending arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has been key in promoting this trend. The result in economically vulnerable countries is the undermining of independent small farming and increased hunger in local populations. Mittal’s talk will also address what can be done to combat these takeovers.

Mittal established the Oakland Institute, a progressive policy think tank, in 2004. She is author of numerous books and articles and opinion pieces published in major newspapers. She regularly appears on television and radio shows around the world. Mittal was named as the 2008 Most Valuable Progressive Thinker by The Nation magazine.