A More Inclusive Liturgy

Dear Kris,

Starting this Sunday, you might notice some wording changes in the Lord's Prayer and Doxology, updating both to reflect our congregation’s core values. Expanding the traditionally “divine masculine” language to embrace a wider range of expressions helps our worship resonate with all members and honors the fullness of God. After thoughtful consideration and discussion, this change was warmly approved by the Worship Committee, affirming our shared commitment to creating a welcoming and meaningful spiritual home for everyone. Together, we continue to grow in faith and community, celebrating the many ways we all experience and connect with the divine.

Changes you may notice: 

• The Lord's Prayer: “Our Father” becomes “Our Creator” and “kingdom” becomes “kin-dom" (which means “commonwealth”)
• Doxology: “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” becomes “Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost”
• Apostles’ Creed: masculine language for God will remain

Cheers to living into our values at this historic time,

Pastor Annanda

Intergenerational Mission Trip

with City Hope SF and Cameron House

April 13–15 • San Francisco

City Hope SF is a true example of what it means for the church to love their most vulnerable neighbors — those suffering from housing and food insecurity, social isolation, unemployment, mental health challenges, or addiction. In a neighborhood where many see only brokenness, City Hope SF is committed to building a beloved community.

Start your Holy Week with us in the Tenderloin District as we seek to live out Jesus’s mission of love.

Good News for Church Staffing!

The work of the church doesn’t just happen on Sunday mornings. Our staff works all week long to ensure that our worship, meetings, events, and programs continue with stability and strength.

So, I’m very happy to give you two positive staffing updates:

Carol Heath, Director of Community Life and our Acting Church Administrator, has agreed to continue her excellent work with our facilities and admin staff. Her position will now be Director of Community Life and Facilities. This combined role will enhance her ability to support the various community events and programs that make our congregational life so vibrant and engaging.

To make this work sustainable, Peggy Switchenko is returning as Administrative Generalist, managing the financial and administrative aspects previously tasked to the Church Administrator. 

If you see Carol or Peggy, congratulate them on their new positions — and please thank them for their important contributions to our shared ministry!

Gratefully,

Hardy

Last Call for Spring Retreat

Registration closes this Sunday, March 16

Retreat March 28–30 • Register

Our retreat weekend for women and nonbinary adults offers an opportunity to nurture your spirit with reflection, laughter, and friendship. Meet new people and strengthen relationships with those you already know. Feel grounded in the home that God provides for us.

In addition to our speaker, activities include small group discussion, prayer stations, free time for walks, museum visits, crafts, and games. Did I mention the wonderful food?

Registration closes this Sunday, March 16 at noon.

Technical Difficulties

We apologize for the technical problems with some of our recent worship livestreams. We’re working on the issues and hope to have them resolved soon. If you experience a glitch, please give us some grace as we restore the connection. You can try refreshing your browser and clicking on the link again. 

A big THANK YOU to our Sunday tech volunteers who work hard behind the scenes to make our worship services possible — both on-site and online!

Annual Meeting & Lunch

This Sunday, March 16 • Immediately after worship

Sanctuary & online

Plan on joining us for the church’s annual meeting. We’ll discuss the financial summary for the 2024–25 fiscal year, present the budget for the 2025–26 year, and vote on the Terms of Call (employment agreement) with our pastors. We’ll also see a slideshow of ministry highlights at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church from the past year. 

Child care and snacks will be provided in the Children’s Room. Stay for lunch (burgers, hot dogs, vegan option) immediately after the meeting!

Palm Sunday Potluck

Sunday, April 13 • 10 am worship, potluck immediately afterward

Everyone is invited to a good old-fashioned potluck following our special Palm Sunday worship service. Bring a dish to share and drop it off in the kitchen prior to the service. Want to help? Sign up to volunteer. Questions? Email Carol.

Volunteer Opportunities at Santa Cruz Farms

Mission & Service Ministry

Want to get your hands dirty? These Santa Cruz farms have community-building missions and strong relationships with our presbytery: 

• Common Roots Farm brings together people of all abilities to grow healthy food. Apply online.
• The Homeless Garden Project provides job training and meaningful work within the healing space of an organic farm. Register online.

If you’re interested in carpooling as a drop-in volunteer or in setting up a group volunteering time, please email Lynn Thomas.

Happy Birthday!

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

• Jack Hasling
• Betty Sauer
• Hal Van Zoeren
• Shirley Chamberlain
• Marlene Davis
• Ken Shirey
• Ann Rosing
• Marie Ramirez
• Barbara Humphreys
• Donna Whyte

Memorial Service for Dorothy Funk

Saturday, March 29 • 2 pm • Sanctuary

Everyone is invited to the memorial service for Dorothy Funk at 2 pm on Saturday, March 29.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• Barbara Humphreys — healing and comfort
• Harry Shaver — hospice care
• Vicki Anderson — healing and comfort
• Mildred Prasad — dementia and depression
• Maggie Burklund — healing and strength

Grief

• Steve Archer after the passing of his father on February 26
• The family and loved ones of Dorothy Funk after her passing on March 4
• Charles Newby after the passing of his brother on March 6

Movie Night

Tonight!

March 14

Environmental Advocacy

March 23

Can War Be

Just?

April 6

New Member

Class

April 6

CARAVAN

Chili Cookoff

April 27

Vacation

Bible School

June 16–20

Save the Dates

• Choir of Bells concert • April 26
• Safe Church training • May 18
• VBS • June 16–20 • Details
• CARAVAN • July 20–27

Lent • March 5–April 19

• Easter Eggstravaganza • April 5
• Palm Sunday & potluck • April 13
• Maundy Thursday • April 17
• Good Friday • April 18
• Easter Sunday • April 20

Sunday Mornings

• Bible Study • 8:30–9:30 am • Email
• Middle School Small Group • 2nd & 4th Sundays • 9–9:55 am • Email
• Worship • 10 am • Child care available for ages 6 months–2 years (extended through kindergarten on All-Ages Worship Sundays)
• Children’s Programs: STARS (3 yrs–kinder) + Children’s Church (grades 1–5) • 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
• Support Sunnyvale Community Services • 1st Sunday • Trinity Court or donate online
• Grief Support Group • 1st Sunday • 1 pm • Zoom • Email 
• Centering Prayer • 2nd Sunday • 9:15 am • Fireside Room
• Prayer Stations • 2nd Sunday • After worship
• Walking the Labyrinth • 4th Sunday • After worship

Wednesday Evenings

• OASIS (grades 1–5) • Wednesdays • 6:15–7:30 pm • Email
• 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

• 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 • Coleman Room or patio outside the gym • Info
• Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids • 2nd Wednesday • 10–11 am • Coleman Room 702 • Info • Email
• Senior Zoom Coffee • 2nd Thursday • 10:30 am • Info • Zoom • Email
• Young Adults Group • 4th Saturday (usually) • Email
• Queer Fellowship Group • Monthly get-togethers • Email
• Check our website for lots of interest groups — hiking, cycling, yoga, music, pickleball, board games, crafts, genealogy, environmental justice, and more!

Helpful Links

• Subscribe to e-newsletters for children, youth, and/or weekly worship focus.
• Like us on Facebook.
• Follow Sunnyvale Pres 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 (casual dinner @ 6 pm in Fellowship Hall)
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 7 pm in the sanctuary

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