I remember tearing up when Rev. Dr. J. Bruce Coleman handed me my first Bible when I was 6 years old. It was in 1967 and he had just baptized me. In 1986, when I married my husband, Ed, it was Dr. Coleman who performed the ceremony. And in 2005, he and his wife, Ann, attended the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of my parents, Al and Dorie Mendoza, in my backyard.

In the 1990s, Rev. Dr. Steve Harrington baptized Ed when he became a member of Sunnyvale Pres and baptized my sons, Shawn and Conner, when they were born. In 2013, Steve and his wife, Rev. Nancy Harrington, did the memorial service for my beloved sister, Valerie Steffen, who died of breast cancer.

In 2015, I received the call to join the staff at Sunnyvale Pres. I am grateful to have worked alongside such hardworking, dedicated people who deeply love God and this church. I’m especially grateful for Rev. Karin Kennedy Hejmanowski, with whom I have worked closely to provide care for many of you through our Pastoral Care Team, Prayer Team, Deacons, Stephen Ministers, and so many more. And I am deeply grateful for Rev. Hardy H. Kim, whom God called to lead us in 2017.

Pastor Hardy has a heart that holds the cares of our congregation and so many who are hurting in our world. I have learned immensely from the knowledge, life experiences, and resources that he has shared with this church. He has challenged me by speaking truth in places where I previously experienced fear and trepidation. And I’m grateful I have chosen to learn, receive, and move forward. It has not been an easy journey.

That God brought a person of color to lead our church has been a huge gift for me, having seen my face reflected in so few leaders in my life. The Crossroads Antiracism class taught by his good friend Jessica Vasquez Torres changed my life. In that class I explored times in my life when I experienced racism, and I continue to learn about my part in perpetuating systemic racism.

Thanks to the leadership of Pastor Hardy and Carol Heath, I now not only understand but fully embrace that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are not “them.” They are us. They are our community and our family, whether related by blood or not.

After I retire, I’m going to step back from Sunnyvale Pres for a while to travel, do projects around the house, and adjust to a new pace of life. When I come back, I look forward to working alongside Pastor Hardy (as a volunteer) and all of you to continue our mission to be Jesus’ hands and feet in this world.

With gratitude for all the ways she has partnered in ministry with us, it is time to say farewell to Stephanie as she and John move on to new adventures in Alameda, California. For more than fifteen years, Stephanie has served as a Parish Associate, taught Discipleship classes, and helped form small groups for young adults and young families. John and Stephanie are active participants of the cycling group and are a beloved part of a small group that has been meeting for thirteen years. The good news is that Alameda is not too far and Stephanie will come back occasionally to preach and lead Discipleship classes over Zoom.

Stephanie and John, you will be missed!

Suspense and romance combine in two novels you won’t want to put down by local author Katie Vorreiter. In No Turning Back, her first novel, a young woman confronts more than she bargained for at San Quentin Prison. In Fifty Days, a young fugitive, hounded by government thugs, races against time and the odds to clear her name.

What a joy it is to have so many new people joining us in worship over the past year! If you have been visiting with us for the past year or even just the past few weeks, come join the pastors and other members of the church for a light brunch on April 23 in the Sacred Garden Patio right after worship. This will be a great chance to be in a smaller group to get to know each other a bit better. No RSVP necessary — just come as you are!

Families of children and youth will meet for lunch to break bread, get connected, and have fun. This month we will provide the food, open up the gym, and hopefully enjoy good weather on the patio.

Monday, April 24 • 7–8:30 pm • Zoom

Join us online, together with David Gist, the senior regional organizer for Bread for the World, for an interactive simulation that helps participants better understand the connections among government policies, racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth, especially in communities of color.

This event is presented by the Discipleship and Mission and Service Ministry areas. Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization striving to reduce hunger through racially equitable legislation.

Saturday, April 29 • 9 am • RSVP

Young adults, let’s go on a hike to the Stanford Dish Loop Trail! Meet at the Stanford Ave parking area at 9 am, then we’ll start the hike at 9:15. Please RSVP so no hiker is left behind! Questions? Want to carpool? Contact Jonathan Dix.

Curious what elders and deacons do? Want to recommend someone? Or do you just like goodies with your coffee? Then stay for Coffee Hour after worship on April 30 for an info session hosted by the Nominating Committee. We’ll have a short discussion with current officers and details on how to recommend yourself or others for next year’s officer roles. Hope to see you there! (Sorry, online folks need to bring their own goodies…)

Wednesday, May 3 • 7–8:30 pm • Zoom

What’s it like being a queer person in the Bay Area? A panel of LGBTQ+ folks will share their stories and experiences.

This event is sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Youth Space in San Jose.

The Mission & Service team is grateful for a congregation that continues to provide funds which allow us to support organizations serving the hungry, homeless, refugees, and immigrants. Members of this congregation also participate in hands-on service by working with local organizations. Examples include the Beachcombers and Presbyterian Women. Both groups recently packed food bags at Sunnyvale Community Services.

Mission & Service is eager to support additional hands-on service opportunities in 2023! Please email your suggestions to Elder Max Mikles.

Join us for weekly worship opportunities!

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