Dear Friends,
If you are like me, you have been following news of the invasion of Ukraine with a heart full of shock and sadness. What might make this one more frustrating is how avoidable it all seems. I don’t know much about the history of Russia and Ukraine, but it does seem like nationalistic and personal drives for power on the part of a few specific actors loom large in the causes leading to this conflict. It makes the human suffering of millions seem all the more tragic.
I don’t want to dwell on the causes and who’s to blame. I just want to let you know about a couple of ways that we can help the people affected by the situation in Ukraine. These opportunities have been shared by our Presbyterian leaders:
First, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (the relief organization of our denomination) has already been in contact with partners in the area and is figuring out how to deliver the direct aid that’s being requested. If you would like to support that effort, please check out this link.
Second, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is always working as a prophetic witness against violence and conflict in our country and around the world. PPP has encouraged concerned Presbyterians to reach out to our legislative leaders to take steps to support vulnerable Ukrainians who are at risk of displacement or death. You can find the link to that petition by the Peacemaking Program here.
May we pray for, and work for, God’s peace to be made real — in Ukraine, in our own country, in all the world.
Faithfully,
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Dear Friends,
As we continue in this Lenten season, we are grateful to walk the journey together. I wonder what intentions you’re holding for this season and what’s helping to remind you of them from day to day. Notes-to-self or check-ins with a friend or a small group can be a great way to encourage yourself and perhaps others. Even if you didn’t set specific intentions, those check-ins can simply remind us to acknowledge the season and expand our experience of the journey.
Hardy gave some great resources regarding the situation in Ukraine and I’m grateful for these connections we have through our denomination. Please know that in addition to any personal giving you may choose to do, the Mission & Service ministry has already sent funds to help with initial needs. We know there will be more opportunities to give, but we had already set some resources aside for emergency situations and, like so many of you, we wanted to do what we could to help immediately.
We will keep praying for Ukraine as well as other places and people in need.
Praying with you,
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New Guidelines from the Reopening Committee
The Reopening Committee has been doing our best to keep up with all the changes regarding best practices to address the realities of this pandemic. In our ongoing efforts to try to support our community in its worship and wider ministry, we have been conferring more frequently as the situation progresses more rapidly in a positive direction, and as state and local guidelines have also shifted. Therefore, we are making some big changes to our campus guidelines, effective March 3:
- Allow singing by all people indoors and outdoors.
- Allow removal of masks outdoors on campus for all people, whether needing to do so for drinking or eating or just because.
- Allow removal of masks for youth and children (age 5 and up) indoors starting the week of March 14. This would be for all activities, not just nutrition/hydration.
- Allow masked wind instruments to be played indoors.
- Allow public speakers to remove masks when speaking.
- Allow adult staff to eat in common areas indoors with masks off, according to the accepted group standard.
- Continue to strongly recommend indoor masking in settings where there are larger groups of mixed age including seniors or children under 5. (This includes worship.)
- Create a culture to support people who choose to mask beyond these county, state, and CDC guidelines.
We are making these changes due to the rapid decline in cases and hospitalizations, but there is no certainty that this will continue indefinitely. Because of this, we are trying to live into the idea that we should do what we can, when we can, and make other changes when circumstances call for them. Please note that this new set of recommendations still maintains the expectation for masking in large indoor settings. For example, this means that we will still be asking everyone to mask in worship, even when singing.
These are hopeful changes. We have all been through a lot. We will continue to consider ALL as we watch the trends, listen to scientists and medical professionals, and do our very best to make decisions that show support, love and care.
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One Great Hour of Sharing
Sunnyvale Pres participates in three of the PC(USA) special offerings during the year. Through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) during the Lenten season, Presbyterian Mission focuses on disaster, hunger, and oppression.
The three programs supported by OGHS — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People — all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
Our gifts to OGHS connect us with people finding their voice and accessing their God-given power, and are the single largest way that Presbyterians come together to work for a better world by advancing the causes of justice, resilience, and sustainability.
One program supported by OGHS will be described in the next newsletter. Stay tuned!
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Lent & Easter Schedule of Events
Sundays during Lent, March 6–April 3
- 11 a.m. Worship, onsite and online
Holy Week Services, onsite & online
- Palm Sunday, April 10 @ 11 a.m.
- Maundy Thursday, April 14 @ 7:30 p.m.
- Good Friday, April 15 @ 7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 17
- 6:30 a.m. Sunrise service at Shoreline Park in Mountain View (also livestreamed on Facebook)
- 11 a.m. Traditional service, onsite & online
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Abendas G G
(Gnanadas Gelisumam)
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Rini Susan V S
(Vijayakumar Senlakumari)
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Register today for the Women’s Retreat!
Saturday, March 12 • 9:30–4:30 • Over Zoom
All women are invited to this year’s Women’s Retreat — Cultivating Love with speaker Ananda Barclay. Join us as we find unique ways to connect during the day including music, a speaker, small groups, and afternoon activity groups that will include both online and in-person options. Retreat cost will be just $10 to go toward our speaker’s honoraria. Questions? Email womens_retreat@sunnyvalepres.com. |
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Annual Congregational Meeting
This Sunday, March 13 • Immediately after 11 a.m. worship service • Onsite and online
All are invited to our Annual Congregational Meeting. Our fiscal year runs from April 1 through March 31, so this meeting is a great time to see where the church stands financially. This is also the time when the congregation meets its obligation to approve the Terms of Call for the pastors. We will also be reflecting back on Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church in 2021.
This will be a hybrid meeting, meaning that you can attend in person or via Zoom immediately following worship. Hope to see you there! |
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Lobster Rolls for Lunch
Tuesday, March 15 • 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. • Sunnyvale Pres parking lot
This Tuesday, Cousin’s Maine Lobster will be stopping by campus with their food truck during lunch time. They will be serving up delicious lobster rolls, shrimp tacos and much more. Feel free to stop by, grab lunch to go or enjoy your food on campus with church staff. Lunch will be available for purchase between 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Hope to see you there! |
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All Singers Invited!
Rehearsal Thursday, March 17 • 7 p.m.
Sing Sunday, March 20 • 11 a.m.
Are you eager to sing in worship again? Come sing with the Chancel Choir — all voice parts are welcome. We’ll rehearse on Thursday evening and then we’ll sing the familiar melody of “Amazing Grace” as our anthem on Sunday morning. If you’d like to sing with the choir, please email Andy Aron or Valerie Sterk. (Proof of COVID vaccinations and masking are required.) Come sing in joy and praise with the choir! |
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Hiking Group Meets Third Saturday
in March
Saturday, March 19 • 10 a.m. • RSVP
Everyone’s invited to join us as we hike the Zinfandel Trail. Meet up at the Picchetti Winery parking lot at 10 a.m. This month we’ll be joined by members of the Los Gatos Presbyterian Hikers. Please email hiking@sunnyvalepres.com to RSVP for the hike.
(Note: we normally meet on the second Saturday of the month, but the March hike has been changed to avoid a conflict with the Women’s Retreat.)
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FLASH + CLUE Retreats
FLASH: March 19–20
CLUE: March 26–27
Join us this month for our middle school FLASH Lock-in (March 19–20) at Sunnyvale Pres and our high school CLUE retreat (March 26–27, which was rescheduled to this new date because of omicron) at Westminster Woods. Details and sign-ups are here. Scholarships are available for all. |
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Calling All Men!
Sunday, March 20 • 12:30 p.m. after church
Looking for a fun way to get outside and enjoy the company of others? Please join us at 12:30 p.m. or whenever you can get there after church for our “Cornhole, Dogs, and Suds” event at the Las Palmas Park picnic grounds in Sunnyvale. Enjoy grilled hot dogs, a cornhole tournament (for the uninitiated, it’s basically a bean bag toss) and beer tasting. The beer is being provided by the Grateful Goat brewing community, started by some of our own church members.
Please sign up here so we know how much food to plan. After a long period of COVID isolation, we are looking forward to seeing you, renewing old ties and making new friends! |
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Why did we adopt a “Confession of Complicity”
recently at Presbytery?
Discipleship Class • Monday, March 28 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom
Join San Jose Presbytery Peacemaking Advocate Addie Domske in a conversation around the recent Presbytery vote to adopt a confession and practice of land acknowledgement in recognition of our indigenous siblings and neighbors. We’ll discuss a brief overview of how this issue landed within the presbytery (after a vote in a recent General Assembly to do the same) and discuss follow-up actions for individuals and congregations alike. All are welcome. |
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Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World
Book Study • Wednesday evenings in April • Over Zoom • Sign up
Next month, Marsha Dyslin will lead a book study on Brian McLaren’s book, Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. Join us to enjoy reading this book and then discussing it together each Wednesday.
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Books to Lead You Through
the Wilderness of Lent
to Resurrection and the Hope of Easter
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40 Days 40 Prayers 40 Words: Lenten Reflections for Everyday Life by Bruce Reyes-Chow
- The hands-on Easter Story Cube lets kids read the story of Easter as they unfold the cube. Other children’s Easter selections include coloring and activity books.
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The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs is a moving tale of three Marys.
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Jesus Calling for Easter by Sarah Young offers seasonal devotions from the popular Jesus Calling series.
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Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World by Bruce McLaren has been selected for church-wide discussion Wednesdays in April at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
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Lent and Easter books are on the Book Sale Cart in Trinity Court Sundays after 11 a.m. worship.
For Rev. Hardy H. Kim’s March 6 message “In the Wilderness” from the first Sunday in Lent, click here. (The sermon begins at timestamp 36:50.) |
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Get connected at Sunnyvale Pres! We have weekly and monthly online events for all ages, plus frequent special events on a wide variety of subjects. We’d love to have you join us!
Special Events
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Women’s Retreat • Saturday, March 12 • 9:30–4:30 • Over Zoom • Register
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Daylight Saving Time Begins • Sunday, March 13 • Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed Saturday night!
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Congregational Meeting • Sunday, March 13 • After 11 a.m. worship service • Online and onsite
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Lobster Lunch • Tuesday, March 15 • 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. • Sunnyvale Pres parking lot
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FLASH Retreat Lock-in • March 19–20 • 6 p.m.–11 a.m. • Register
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Men’s Event: Cornhole, Dogs and Suds • Sunday, March 20 • 12:30 p.m. • Las Palmas Park • Sign up
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CLUE 2022 Winter Retreat: Conversations about Sex & Sexuality • March 26–27 • Register
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Discipleship Class: Confession of Complicity • Monday, March 28 • 7 p.m. • Zoom
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Book Study: Brian McLaren’s Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World • Wednesday evenings in April • Over Zoom • Sign up
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CARAVAN 2022 • July 16–24 • Chicago • Info
Ongoing Connections
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Bible Study • Sunday mornings • 8:45–10 a.m. • Email
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In-Person and Online Worship • Sunday mornings • 11 a.m. • See usual links in blue box below to connect online • Sign up for child care
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Children’s Church: STARS + BLAST • Sunday mornings • Register
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DipJar to support Sunnyvale Community Services • 1st Sunday • Give in the courtyard or online anytime
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Grief Support Group • 1st Sunday • 1 p.m. • Zoom (passcode: 265200) • Email
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Youth Group: FLASH + CLUE • Sunday evenings • New time starting in April! 6:30–7:45 p.m. for FLASH + CLUE combined • Check the calendar
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Children’s Virtual Small Group (grades 3–5) • Mondays • 6:15–7 p.m. • Over Zoom • Register
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College-Age Small Group • Mondays • 6–7 p.m. • Check the calendar
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Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 a.m. • Email
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LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Group • 1st Tuesday • 7 p.m. • Email
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Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families: Morning Coffee • 4th Tuesday • 10 a.m.–12 p.m. • Room 702 • Email
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Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group • 4th Tuesday • 11:30 a.m. • Over Zoom • Call 1-800-272-3900
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LOGOS • Wednesdays • 5:30–7:15 p.m. • Email
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The Well (FLASH + CLUE) • Wednesdays • 7:15–8 p.m. • Check the calendar
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JAM (Just a Moment) Parenting Group • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 9:30–10:30 a.m. • Over Zoom • Email
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Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families: Virtual Coffee • 2nd Wednesday • 9:30–11 a.m. • Email for Zoom link
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MINT (Moments of Intentionality) Parenting Group • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8–9:30 p.m. • Over Zoom • Email
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Prayer Shawl Knitters • 3rd Wednesdays • 7:30–9 p.m. • Over Zoom • Email
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Spice Dinner • 2nd Thursday • 6–8 p.m. • Check the calendar
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Queer Fellowship Group • 3rd Thursday • 7–8:30 p.m. • Email
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Hiking Group • Saturday, March 19 (exception; usually 2nd Saturday) • 9 a.m. • Email
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Three Smart Ways to Give to the Church
Check out this article for three popular ways people are giving to charities from their IRAs, appreciated stock, and charitable trust accounts. |
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In Our Thoughts and Prayers...
- Jackie Miller who is recovering from a fall
- Continued prayers for Gary Schultz
- Sandi Ordinario for the loss of his sister, Ruby O. Agnir
- Bill McTiernan for the loss of his wife, Luella
Praise...
- Praise for the wedding of Dave Morley and Betty MacDonald!
Have a prayer request?
In place of the blue prayer cards you filled out on Sundays, please send your prayer requests anytime to prayer@sunnyvalepres.com. Be sure to include whether your request should/can be:
- Shared confidentially with the prayer team and pastors only
- Listed in the weekly newsletter
- Shared during prayer time on Sunday
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Join Us Onsite or Online for Worship on Sundays @ 11 a.m.
Zoom Coffee Hour follows.
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If you’re not ready or able to join us in person, you’re invited to join the livestream broadcast of our weekly worship service.
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