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The FOGHORN
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
November 19, 2020
Sam Nelson
Pastor of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Encinitas CA
Article by Joe Brennan
Photos by Dianne Bobko
Mary introduced our speaker Pastor Sam Nelson of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Encinitas, California - north of San Diego on the coast. Sam grew up on the coast and graduated from HMB High in 2007. He moved on to earn a Psychology degree from Cal Lutheran University; a Masters degree in Psychology in Washington DC, and then attended the seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He was ordained as a Lutheran minister at the Lutheran Church in Half Moon Bay in 2017. Sam officiated at his dear friend’s (Mary’s son) wedding.
With his Psychology background he propounds Positive Psychology, going beyond survival to thriving. The value of thankfulness and gratitude are Measurable indicators of thriving. It is a practice not just a common way of life. He offered an example from his ouw home life when they noticed that they were complaining a lot. They discussed it and agreed to start a new family tradition of “Thankfuls” at the end of every day. Each member must say out lout at least one Thankful per day. You will find what you look for so looking for thankfuls items...you’ll find them which’ll result in you felling better and happier as a result.
With the Pandemic we are missing out on Sociability. Connectedness etc. so we have many reasons to mourn. Look at others and you will see you have a lot to be thankful for. And see the negative not as bad but holding it in balance of Sad/Glad; Not either/or but Both/And and be thankful to be in the game!
More time spent at home with our loved ones can be a mixed blessing. Give each other space and be kind and forgiving. Connecting with the front line workers we encounter will yield unexpected bright moments. Look for the things to be thankful for!
SAm grew up thankful to have grown up in Half Moon BAy mentioning the Marching BAnd, Pumpkin Festival, Mavericks AND. Supportive circle of friends.
He opened it up to the group:
Kevin O’Brien Tells how he has become closer to his neighbors since the Pandemic and his family is adaPrint to its adversity for which hw is thankful
Mitone Griffiths is glad to have so much time, realizing how very busy she was with kids, home, husband, job and Rotary!
Dianne Bobko observes that is such a wonderful time, the longest time she has spent at home in forty years!
Mary Rogren sees the perspective from this time, seeing lots of people struggling and has done some relief for neighbors.
Barbara Masick has slowed down and focused on reconnecting with friends and thanks Mary and SAm for pulling this together!
Mary asks Sam how has the Pandemic changed your life? To reach younger members he realized they must be techie. Zoom meetings posted on internet, then on line YouTube, no road map - making it up on the fly but it is hard to build commit when you can’t join together in person - working on solving that.
Before Covid he had “Theology on Tap” where they would get together with q beverage for a brief lecture then break into smaller groups for discussion. It is popular during Covid with stories and opportunity to share socially.
We haven’t been able to meet since March so we are struggling to work it out it out.
How has your Congregatoin been affected?
No deaths, some with Covid, the elders feel isolated and alone because Church was their big social thing each week. Working with seniors to train Zoom. Also have two preschools which have reopened and are operating in uncharted waters.
John asks if things are going to be permanently changes?
Yes especially to be more inclusive so SAm sees a mix of personal and tech getting together.
He acknowledges the realization expressed here today by some of the importance of a slower life and the appreciation of their time and situations.
Mary presents a Certificate of Appreciation awarded with a donation to End Polio Now!
Sam thanks everyone and exits with a big gracious smile...
Club Meeting - November 19, 2020
President Mary Rogren called the Zoom meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspiration Thought - Ed Daniels offered five quotes from Ruth Bader Ginsberg:
Real Change happens one step at a time
So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune."
Fight for the things you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you
Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true."
Disagree without being disagreeable
Happy/Crappy News 
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Kevin tells of being tested Monday prior to his Oregon Thanksgiving trip at the Alcock Center. No big lines, make an appointment, 1/2 hr. Increments. They use the easier mouth swab sample collection.
Catholic Church tests on Wednesday, Senior Center tests Seniors on Thursday - Dwight Wilson
EJ reminds those traveling of the Advisory to quarantine upon returning to California for two weeks.
Announcements
Rose Serdy, Community Services Director, reports that the Club gave a check to ALAS for Thanksgiving dinners from our foundation, funds donated by members. They were able to exceed their $21K goal so the extra funds will go to Tamales at Christmas
Lunches continue to be delivered at Abundant Grace, Ginger Minoletti is managing the calendar now.
Rene Lewis is shopping for the Seniors we have adopted at Adopt A Family with our $1,700.
Paul reports Liz Schuck is doing better following her second shoulder surgery. He also shares that perhaps his favorite Rotary meeting was our joint meeting with HMB New Zealand - a great reminder of the universality of Rotary
Marble Draw - Marble spin and draw won and lost by Warren Barmore second week in a row - Buy tickets next week!
Buy marble tickets and feed the pig! Mary sends an email with the link prior to each meeting.
PHOTO GALLERY