News from Pastor Hardy

Dear Kris,

Happy New Year! I hope it’s brought you opportunities for rest, reflection, and renewal. 

Last weekend brought just such an opportunity for your Sunnyvale Pres leaders. With the help of consultants from Ministry Architects, we explored how we’re feeling as leaders, received feedback on how our ministry compares to other churches, and imagined future ministry opportunities. It was a meaningful and exciting day.

This retreat was just the first step in a journey of renewal for our whole church community. In the coming months, Ministry Architects will lead us in thoughtfully assessing our ministry and updating our vision and ministry plans. All of YOU will be invited to participate as we reflect and dream together!

I trust that you’ll pray for our community as we approach this important work. I look forward to receiving the vision of community and ministry that God has for us in the days ahead!

Your partner in ministry,

Hardy

Affirming Church Series

Amber Cantorna-Wylde:

Speaking Event, Book Signing, & Reception

Thursday, January 25 • 7 pm • Sanctuary & Online

Amber Cantorna-Wylde, the daughter of an executive at Focus on the Family, will share her story of hurt and rejection by her family and the Church and how she has used her experiences to become an advocate for healing and hope among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.  

Amber is currently on a nationwide book tour and Sunnyvale Pres is proud to be hosting her in the Bay Area. Join us for this very special event as we continue to be a church that seeks to learn together. Please invite friends to this public event! 

A book signing and reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. Amber asks that those who come to her book signing table please wear a mask.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park Hike

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 13 • 9 am • RSVP • Map

Join us for this month’s hike, led by Gail and Michael Pyle. We’ll enjoy a 5-mile loop through Almaden Quicksilver County Park’s Mine Hill, Castillero, and Deep Gulch trails.

Meet at the Hacienda Entrance (21785 Almaden Road, San Jose) in the large dirt parking lot. This is a different trailhead than last month’s hike.

Please RSVP if you’re coming. We look forward to seeing you!

Prayer Stations

Starting this Sunday, January 14,

after service

In times of distress, come for prayer.

In times of joy, come for prayer.

Come for prayer for yourself or others.

Simply come and God will meet you there.  

After a long pandemic pause, our prayer team is excited to offer again time and space for prayer with our congregation. On the second Sunday of every month, a prayer station will be available after service.

Everyone is welcome — come and let us pray for you.  

Senior Macular Degeneration Group

Thursday, January 25 • 10:30 am • Zoom

Do you have a diagnosis of macular degeneration? Join us to share experiences, resources, and helpful hints. This group meets about quarterly and is open to all with this diagnosis. Led by Pastor Karin. 

Find the Zoom link on the website.

Teddy Bear Concert

Saturday, January 27 • 11 am

Sanctuary • Tickets

Grab your bear or favorite stuffy and join us for our annual Teddy Bear Concert! Faculty performers from The Music School will present a live program planned especially for young listeners. This is a great introduction to a variety of musical instruments!

Suggested donation: $5 per individual or $10 per family, ahead of time or at the door, benefitting the Janice Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Register Now — PELC & VBS

PELC (Presbyterian Early Learning Center)

PELC is taking registrations for infants through TK for full- and part-time children. Spots are available for the current session as well as summer and fall. More info on the website. 

Vacation Bible School

Join us June 10–14 for a deep sea dive as we explore the ocean and the Bible at VBS! Registration is now open for children four years through 4th grade, as well as youth counselors and adult volunteers. More info on the website.

Women’s Retreat

April 5–7 • Vallombrosa Center

Info & Register

Calling all women and non-binary folks, join us at the annual Spring Retreat! Enjoy this time to step away from life's stress and reconnect with friends. Rev. Marci Glass will be our speaker.

Come for the full weekend or just Saturday. An online retreat will be available on April 13 for those unable to attend in person.

Details and registration are on the website, or contact the retreat directors, Marsha Dyslin and Teri Archer.

Intergenerational Trip to Northern Ireland

April 12–21 • Applications due January 29

Join Pastors Hardy and Karin in Northern Ireland this spring! We’ll learn about conflict and trauma in the region, meet with local peacemakers, and enjoy the natural beauty and hospitality of the country.

We already have a wide age range of people signed up, but a few spots are still available. If you’re thinking about this rich experience, please fill out the application by January 29. See the website or contact Pastor Hardy with questions.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• Maggie Burklund — recovery from fall
• Nancy Tousignant — strength/recovery
• Joan Latimer — cancer
• Mildred Prasad — comfort/dementia
• Howard Gaines — comfort
• Frances Reid — pain relief

Grief

• The loved ones of Dick Clapp
• Jim Bennett and his family after the passing of his father

Did you know SVPC has a Rememberance Wall?

The Remembrance Wall is to the northeast of the sanctuary and borders one side of Memorial Garden. The brass plaques on this wall have the names of loved ones — not all of whom were necessarily members of Sunnyvale Pres — who are not inurned in the Memorial Garden, but whom friends of family members want remembered in this space. For more information about costs and guidelines, email karlee@sunnyvalepres.com.

MLK &

Civil Rights

Jan. 7–28



Family Meal & CARAVAN Unveiling

Jan. 14

Men’s Retreat

Feb. 2–4



Save the date...

• Lent begins: Ash Wednesday • Feb. 14
• Safe Church Training • Feb. 25

Sunday Mornings

• Bible Study • 8:30–9:30 am • Email
• Worship • 10 am • Nursery (child care) available for ages 6 months through kindergarten
• Children’s Church + STARS (3 yrs–5th grade) • 10 am • Register
• Youth Group • Times vary, check the website
• Children’s Ministry Bake Sale • 1st Sunday • After worship • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Children’s Ministry service projects
• DipJar • 1st Sunday • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Sunnyvale Community Services
• Grief Support Group • 1st Sunday • 1 pm • Zoom • Email
• Family Meals • 2nd Sunday • 11:30 am–1 pm • Phoenix Center • Info

Wednesday Evenings

• OASIS (Grades 1–5) • Wednesdays • 6:15–7:30 pm • Email • Register
• Modern Worship Collective • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays (not meeting Jan. 24) • 6:30–7:30 pm • Sanctuary
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship • 3rd Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Sanctuary

Prayer & Bible Study Groups

• Virtual Small Group for Grades 4–6 • Mondays • 6:15–7 pm • Email
• Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 am • Email

Social & Support Groups

• LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Group • 1st Monday • 7 pm • Email
• Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group • 4th Tuesday • 11:30 am • Over Zoom • Call 1-800-272-3900
• Parents Together • 1st Wednesday • 9–11 am • Patio outside the gym • Info
• Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids • 2nd Wednesday • 10–11 am • Coleman Room 702 • Info • Email
• Prayer Shawl Knitters • 3rd Wednesday • 7:30–9 pm • Over Zoom • Email
• Senior Zoom Coffee • 2nd Thursday • 10:30 am • Info
• Queer Fellowship Group • Monthly get-togethers • Email

Outdoors

• Hiking Group • 2nd Saturday • 9 am • Email
• Cycling Group • Most Saturday mornings • 9 am • Email

Helpful Links

• Subscribe to e-newsletters for children, youth, and/or weekly worship focus.
• Like us on Facebook.
• Follow Sunnyvale Pres and Youth Ministry on Instagram.
• Re-read past articles in our newsletter archives.

Join us for weekly worship opportunities!

• Sundays @ 10 am — onsite or online
• Modern Worship Collective — 2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm in the sanctuary (not meeting Jan. 24)
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm in the sanctuary

To join online, look for the red banner at the top of our website. Click the white button, “Join online worship & events.”