Giving Thanks for Pastor Laura

Dear Kris,

In modern life, many of our group affiliations can feel very transactional — we’re there to get something, or because someone needs something from us.

But then there are those special connections that are purely about being together — enjoying life, celebrating one another’s blessings, and simply appreciating each other’s inherent goodness. I’m forever grateful to those who have role-modeled these healthy connections, whose presence offers joy and comfort without demanding anything in exchange.

Even in her short time with us, Pastor Laura has nurtured exactly this kind of authentic community at Sunnyvale Pres. We’re deeply thankful for her ministry, and now we send her off with our love to her next chapter as the Transitional Executive Presbyter of San Francisco Presbytery. I know that she’ll be a blessing there as well!

Come to church on Sunday, January 19 — Laura's last Sunday with us — to hear her meaningful sermon and to celebrate Laura's ministry with us at a farewell reception immediately after worship (details below).

Giving thanks to God for the gift of shared ministry,

Hardy

Pastor Laura Likes Pie!

Sunday, January 19 • After worship • Trinity Court

Come to our farewell reception to thank and say goodbye to Pastor Laura on her last Sunday at Sunnyvale Pres. We have heard that Laura likes pie (especially fruit pies), so please bring one if you would like to share. Let's shower Pastor Laura with love and let her know how much we will miss her!

Almaden Quicksilver County Park Hike

Tomorrow! Saturday, January 11 • 9 am • Map • RSVP

We got rained out last month, so let’s try this again! Join hike leaders Kyle and Lynn Thomas on a moderate 5-mile hike through the park’s spectacular natural diversity and rich California history. 

Meet at 9 am at the intersection of McAbee Road and Whispering Pines Drive. Parking is on residential streets nearby. The 5-mile hike will last about two hours. Please RSVP so we know to watch for you!

New Year and a New Day for Yoga at SVPC

Saturday, January 18 (3rd Saturday of the month)

9 am • Fellowship Hall

Starting this month, our “Yoga as a Spiritual Practice” interest group will meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 9 am in Fellowship Hall. Whether you’re new to yoga or an old fan, this is a great opportunity to get yourself more acquainted with your body, mind, and spirit as we explore an ancient practice of body prayer. Come join us for relaxing and fun gatherings. All levels welcome! Questions? Email Keyla Zorzella.

Teddy Bear Concert

Saturday, January 25 • 11 am • Sanctuary

Grab your bear or favorite stuffy and join us for our annual Teddy Bear Concert! Faculty performers from The Music School will present a live program planned especially for young listeners. This is a great introduction to a variety of musical instruments! Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted for the Janice Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. You can donate online or at the door.

Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope

Mondays, February 3–24 • 7 pm • Zoom

Led by Rev. Stephanie Lutz Allen

This four-week class will discuss the book by Esau McCaully, offering one American Black Christian’s perspective of the Bible. We’ll start with a short presentation recapping the teaching, then focus on these four chapters:

• The Freedom of the Slaves — Pennington’s Triumph
• Freedom is No Fear — The New Testament and a Theology of Policing
• Black and Proud — The Bible and Black Identity
• What Shall We Do with This Rage — The Bible and Black Anger

New Interest Group: Card Games

Meeting times vary

This group likes to gather for easy card games that allow for conversation and laughs. Email the card playing group leader for more information or to be added to the email list.

You can also visit the Interest Groups page for other fun opportunities to connect.

Register Now for PELC Preschool

Summer & Fall 2025

It’s time to enroll for summer and fall 2025! Register now for full-time or part-time PELC classes for infants through TK.

PELC (Presbyterian Early Learning Center) is a play-based child care center devoted to the education and development of young children in a loving, stimulating and safe environment. Children learn and grow in every aspect of their early years as they become independent thinkers all the while developing a strong sense of self. 

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• Barbara McClellan — recovering from surgery
• Jack Pettygrove — health challenges
• Mildred Prasad — recovering from a broken rib
• Maggie Burklund — healing and strength

Grief

• The family and loved ones of Jackie Fletcher after her passing on December 30, 2024

New Member Class

Jan. 19

Safe Church Training

Jan. 26

Winter Retreat

Jan. 31–Feb. 2

Spring Retreat

March 28–30

Save the Dates

• Stephen Ministry training • January–May • Email
• Intergenerational mission trip • April 13–15
• Vacation Bible School (VBS) • June 16–20
• CARAVAN • July 20–27

Sunday Mornings

• Bible Study • 8:30–9:30 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
• DipJar • 1st Sunday • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Sunnyvale Community Services
• 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 • usually 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 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 (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.