Wonders from Peru

Dear Friends,

Now that I’m back from Peru and recovered from a couple of tropical viruses, I have wonderful things to report about this special experience. 

I was invited to join the delegation as a representative of San Jose Presbytery. Led by our Ecumenical Mission Co-Worker, Jed Koball, the main goal was to meet our ecumenical partners and learn about the human and environmental devastations caused by mining, corporate greed, and political corruption. 

I purchased a communion chalice and bowl from an Indigenous artist in the Amazon for our congregation to represent our interconnectedness and solidarity with Indigenous peoples. The trip highlighted how the many political and environmental issues happening in our country are part of a trending global phenomenon. There is a lot we can learn from the people and ecumenical work being done in Peru, and much those in Peru can learn from us. 

Excited to share more with you soon,

Annanda

Death Cafés

Sunday, September 14 • 3 pm • Fireside Room

Starting in September, I’ll be hosting monthly “death cafés” — special events open to the community to share practical knowledge and help normalize talking about end-of-life, death, and planning ahead. These offerings will be 90 minutes each and will involve additional experts as co-presenters with knowledge and resources on topics such as insurance, trusts, powers of attorney, caretaking, the changes in Medicaid, and how to have hard conversations with loved ones. 

Guest Preachers

Sundays, August 24 & 31

Please join us on August 24 for the Queer-Led Worship Service. Our preacher for this day is Rev. James Potts, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Monterey. The following week, August 31, we will be led in worship by our beloved Rev. Joey Lee. Join us both weeks for wonderful preaching and engaging worship!

Parents Together

1st Wednesdays starting September 3

9–11 am • Coleman Room

Want to get to know other parents/guardians in the community? Everyone is invited to Parents Together on the first Wednesday of the month in the Coleman Room (700/gym building). Feel free to drop by and stay as long as you’re able. Younger children are welcome! 

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, September 21 • Immediately after 10 am worship

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the congregational meeting, either in person or on Zoom. The purpose of the meeting is the election of church officers: 

• Elders (Class of 2028) — Marilyn Beck, Jen Britton, Alayne Brunner, Bill Coleman, Marsha Dyslin, Michael Kunz, Ed Ranck, and Christine Roed
• Deacons (Class of 2028) — Diane Andrews, Meeduk Hyun, Joanne Papoulias, and Deb Sanfillipo
• Nominating Committee 2026 Members-at-Large — Debbie Shaver and [one space open]

The Nominating Committee is deeply grateful to these members of our congregation who have answered yes to the call!

Yoga as a Spiritual Practice

Not meeting in September • Resumes Saturday, October 18

Yoga can be a spiritual practice where we care for body and soul while encountering the God that dwells within — a form of “body prayer.” Keyla Zorzella leads us through stretches and poetic psalms/prayer. We usually meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9–10 am in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome! Email Keyla to be added to the email list.

Parents’ Babysitting Co-op

Saturdays in October & November • 4:30–7:30 pm

We’re launching a babysitting co-op on Saturday evenings at the church in October and November. Along with experienced volunteers, each family will work as part of the child care team once and drop their children off for the other 4–5 sessions to enjoy a night out. This is a great way to build relationships with other church families. Contact Debbie Shaver for more information. 

Please note: Everyone will need to be Safe Church cleared. The next training is this Sunday, August 24.

Hearing Assist Devices

Hearing assist devices are available at the usher’s closet in the narthex. You can pick up a belt pack and then choose the best way to connect: (a) a loop that goes over your head like a necklace if you have a “T-coil” setting on your hearing aid, or (b) an ear piece. Either way you will be connected directly to the church sound system to make it easier to hear what is happening in worship!

Happy Birthday!

Sending happy birthday wishes to our church friends celebrating 90+ years in August!

• Bill Tsai
• Gerry Furman 
• Eileen Chow 

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• Robbie Correa — recovering from spine inflammation
• Nancy Tucker — recovering from fall and brain bleed
• Maggie Burklund — in hospice care
• Phil Craine — healing and strength
• Mildred Prasad — dementia and depression

Queer-led

Worship

Aug. 24

Children & Youth Family BBQ

Aug. 24

Safe Church Training

Aug. 24

Silicon Valley

Pride Parade

Aug. 31

N.E.A.R.

Gathering

Sept. 6

PW Field Trip

Sept. 13

Save the Dates

• All-Ages Worship • August 31
• Peace & Global Witness • September 1–October 5
• Youth & Parent Groups • Starting September 7
• The Music School’s Jukebox Concert • October 3 
• World Communion Sunday • October 5
• Fall Fest • October 12
• New Member Class • October 26

2025–2026 Fiscal YTD Results

July 2025 (month 4)

................. ..$K   

Church Income ..... $ 441

Church Expenses.... $ 569

Church Deficit..... $(128)

Outreach Deficit... $ (40)

Combined Deficit....$(168)

The church has a total income of $441K and expenses of $569​K, resulting in a year-to-date deficit of $(128)K. The outreach groups (PELC and The Music School) record a deficit of $(40)K year-to-date. The combined organization is reporting a deficit of $(168)K year-to-date. July is the 4th month of our fiscal year 2025–2026. 

Join us for weekly worship opportunities!

• Sundays @ 10 am — onsite or online
• Modern Worship Collective — Dinner and worship in Fellowship Hall, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays through August 27 @ 6:30 pm, 2nd & 4th Sundays @ 5 pm beginning September 14
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 7 pm in the sanctuary



To join online on Sundays, look for the red “Online Worship & Event Links” button at the top of our website.