News from Pastor Laura

Dear Jennifer,

Community, especially a worshiping community, is a beautiful reflection of God’s love. The way you’ve all welcomed me into the Sunnyvale Pres community is the perfect example.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this connection between love and community. In Mark 12, Jesus tells us to “Love the Lord your God” and then to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Notice the equality in that second one — you have to love yourself too.

Too often, society’s messages tell us we are valuable based only on what we contribute or how well we conform, rather than on who we are as children of God. This week I pray that you remember to love yourself (God does!) as a natural part of your love for your neighbors and for God.

I’m grateful to be a part of this loving community and excited to see how our journey together unfolds.

Peace,

Laura

March with Us at Silicon Valley Pride

Sunday, August 25 • 10:30 am • Downtown San Jose • Sign Up

Are you ready to do something our church has never done before? Let’s march together in the Silicon Valley Pride parade! Join Pastor Laura, Pastor Rich, and Carol as we demonstrate our joy in being an affirming church and share messages of love and inclusion.

Sign up to be included in the organizing emails. If you don’t have a t-shirt yet, we still have extras for sale in multiple sizes; email Carol for details.

P.S. The planned downtown Sunnyvale Pride event is not going to happen this year after all, but we hope it will be back in 2025.

Edgewood Park Hike

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 10 • 9 am • Map • RSVP

Join hike leaders Sandy J and Brian G for a beautiful hike through Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Redwood City. This is a moderate 4-mile hike that’s 50/50 shade and sun. Meet in the parking lot at 10 Old Stage Coach Road at 9 am.

If you can join us, please RSVP so we’ll know to look for you and can get in touch in case we have to cancel due to weather.

Chancel Choir Updates

Listening Session

Sunday, August 18 • 1–2 pm • Soulé Hall

Many in our church community are eager to ensure a strong future for our Chancel Choir and choral music in worship — including our staff and leadership! The choir and concerned members are invited to a listening session with staff, session, and Personnel Ministry Team (PMT) members. This will be a time to share your concerns and hear the team’s proposed next steps.

Working Group

Additionally, we want you to know that church leadership has already begun to convene a working group to plan for the future of the Chancel Choir. Pastor Laura and Dr. Valerie Sterk are assembling a group of folks from the choir, Worship Ministry, session, and PMT. This very capable and dedicated group includes Elder Laura Craine, John Givens, Elder Jonathan Dix, Erica Swanson-Smith, and others.

Affirming Church Series

The Intersection of Church and Queer

Sunday, August 18 • 11:30 am • Fellowship Hall & online

In the third part of our summer Affirming Church series, a panel of Sunnyvale Pres congregants — including Pastor Laura — will share their stories and experiences. What is it like to be a Queer person of faith? How has that lived experience shifted in recent years, and what can we all learn from one another’s journeys? Join us for this very special time of sharing.

Centering Prayers

2nd Sundays beginning Sept. 8 • 9:15 am • Fireside Room

In a loud world, silence is a gift. Inspired by her visit to Northern Ireland, spiritual director Keyla Zorzella will hold a space for silence in community through the practice of contemplative prayer.

This is a 30-minute gathering consisting of a short reading followed by 20 minutes of silence and a closing prayer. It’s a perfect way to attune your heart for worship. 

Come, God awaits you in the silence. 

Walking the Labyrinth for Peace

4th Sundays beginning Sept. 22 • Immediately after worship

Come explore a corner of our church campus where heaven touches earth. After service, follow the sidewalk next to the church office and you’ll discover the labyrinth. There, spiritual director Keyla Zorzella welcomes anyone who would like to experience God’s closeness through walking prayer.

Each month will feature a walking theme to inspire and welcome you in the sacred space, beginning with September’s theme of peace. Let’s walk together for a more peaceful world.

Church Office Staffing Update

For almost two years, John Carroll has served as our church administrator. His grace, good humor, and hard work have blessed our church and community deeply.

John’s family moved to Sacramento four months ago and he’s been commuting ever since. As of August 1, he’s accepted a position much closer to home. We will miss him, but wish him and his family all the best!

Carol Heath will be our acting church administrator until further notice.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

• Don Frevert — healing and recovery from a fall
• Dave Bentley — health challenges
• Pat Wolff — cancer treatment
• Maggie Burklund — healing and strength
• Joan Latimer — cancer journey
• Mildred Prasad — dementia

Northern Ireland Trip Panel

Aug. 11

Queer-led

Worship

Aug. 18

The Music School Open House

Aug. 24

Save the Dates

• Meet Pastor Laura • September 15
• Adult Learning class on Mission Study Trip to Peru • September 22

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) • July 21–September 1 will be All-Ages Worship; Children’s Church and STARS resume September 8. • 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
• Prayer Stations • 2nd Sunday • After worship
• Family Meals • 2nd Sunday (not happening in August) • 11:30 am–1 pm • Phoenix Center • Info

Wednesday Evenings

• Sunnyvale CircleSongs • 1st Wednesdays • 7 pm • Fellowship Hall
• Modern Worship Collective • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 6 pm meal, Fellowship Hall • 7 pm service, Sanctuary
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship • 3rd Wednesdays • 7 pm • Sanctuary

Prayer & Bible Study Groups

• 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
• 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 • Zoom • Email
• 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 @ 7 pm in the sanctuary
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 7 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.”