News from Pastor Hardy

Dear Kris,

Our Sunnyvale Presbyterian community is connected to a wider network of support and shared ministry, and sometimes those connections come into focus in powerful ways. This past week I was part of a Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) delegation to Maui, to learn about recovery efforts from the fires in Kula and Lahaina. In the face of overwhelming challenges there, we can still see signs of God’s Spirit at work. 

One such sign came in our church’s personal connection to a community thousands of miles away. One of our elders currently on session — Ashley Gonzalez — and her family were displaced from their home by the fires. I was blessed to meet with her and learn from her story while I was on Maui. 

God’s power is also clearly at work in the generous sharing of our community. Already your gifts to help fire survivors are making an impact, with Mission & Service designating funds for direct aid to Maui. Your abundant giving to our church’s overall stewardship campaign for 2024 will ensure our ability to keep supporting vital ministries like PDA moving forward.

I am so proud to be a part of a community that participates in this kind of work beyond our own walls — and grateful to be part of a community of such overflowing giving.

In hope,

Hardy

You Belong at Sunnyvale Pres!

SunnyvalePres.com/give

Belonging in community is a gift. Sometimes it is a gift that is granted to us. Other times it is a gift that we claim and grasp for ourselves. In our stewardship commitments we are claiming our place in a particular corner of God’s community, taking our place in the shared work.

Thanks to the many stewardship commitments made already, our ministry plans for 2024 are looking stronger by the week. We hope the many stickers that we’ve sent out become ever-visible reminders of our mutual belonging to each other and to God.

If you haven’t made a 2024 stewardship commitment yet, it’s not too late. Claim your place. Declare that you belong here at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, and that you will help God’s work be done through us! Contact Richard Collins, our Financial Secretary, or set up your stewardship plans online.

Hike: Bear Creek Redwoods

This Saturday, November 11

9 am • RSVP

Carol Heath is leading us on a moderate hike at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in Los Gatos. The hike 5.3-mile loop trail is mostly shaded with some open exposure. Please RSVP so we’ll know to look for you and can reach you in case we’re rained out.

Want to lead a future hike? Our group is taking turns leading new or familiar routes, so please email if you’d like to step up!

Rev. Joey Lee’s Final Sermon

Sunday, November 19

Rev. Joey Lee is retiring at the end of the year. On November 19, he will be preaching here at Sunnyvale Pres for the last time. Join us for worship on this special day and bring a pie or other dessert to share after worship in honor of Joey.

Advent Wreath Making

Sunday, November 19

11 am after worship

Everyone is invited to join Children's Ministry’s annual Advent wreath making celebration! This event is open to folks of all ages. Come make a beautiful Advent wreath to take home and enjoy all season. All materials will be provided, including plantlets, ribbons, pinecones, and more. We hope to see you there!

Speaker: Mission Co-Worker

Rev. Dr. Karla Koll

Sunday, November 26 • 11:30 am

Soulé Hall and Zoom

Rev. Dr. Karla Koll has been serving PC(USA) as a professor of history, mission, and religion at the Latin American Biblical University (UBL), an ecumenical school in San Jose, Costa Rica, since 2013. She began her Central American ministry in 1986 in Nicaragua and then served for thirteen years in Guatemala before being called to UBL. All are invited to come learn about reconciliation in a region that struggles for peace and justice.

MWC Friendsgiving

Wednesday, November 22

6:30 pm • RSVP

Join us for a special Modern Worship Collective Friendsgiving. We’ll be providing a meat and vegan main course; you’re invited to bring a side or arrive at 5pm to help prepare one here in the Fellowship Hall kitchen before worship. Please RSVP if you are able to join us. We’d love to see you there!

Baby Quilts for Cameroon

Be part of a project to help Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church supply baby quilts to a maternity clinic in Buea, Cameroon. If you can help by making a baby quilt or donating a partially made quilt or children’s print fabric for others to finish, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Teri Archer (408-497-0026) or Laura Craine (408-910-9374) for information.

Holiday Coat Drive 

Every Sunday in November

Mission & Service is collecting new and very gently used coats (scarves, hats, and gloves also accepted) to benefit partner organizations in East Palo Alto. Put them in the red barrel any Sunday morning in November. Thanks for helping others to have a warmer holiday!

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

• Maggie Burklund
• Nancy Tousignant
• Joan Latimer
• Mildred Prasad
• Fran Lusk

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays

Nov. 12

Young Adult Grateful Hour

Nov. 12



Middle East Perspectives

Nov. 15



Safe Church

Training

Nov. 16

Second Harvest volunteering

Ushers

needed



Save the date...

• Senior Zoom coffee • Dec. 7
• MWC holiday service • Dec. 13
• Christmas Angel Luncheon • Dec. 14
• Youth Study Break & Gift Exchange • Dec. 17
• Winter Retreat • Feb. 2–4, 2024
• Spring Retreat • April 5–7, 2024

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 • 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: In-Person • 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
• 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.