Reflections from Pastor Karin

Dear Kris,

Many of you have heard the sad and joyful news that my family and I are planning to move to Tigard, Oregon in mid-July. My excitement about this new adventure is tempered only by the fact that, as Seneca famously said (and was quoted in the song by Supersonic), “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

When I leave here, I will have spent over a third of my life (thus far, of course) with you, and a wonderful third it has been! I give you thanks for allowing me the honor of being one of your pastors for these years. 

In case you missed it previously, here’s a link to letters from myself and Hardy. We’ve yet got time, so I look forward to being with you in worship and many other places in the time that remains. 

Peace,

Karin

Reflections from Northern Ireland

by Michaela Moffett

Join us this Sunday, May 12, for a worship service filled with inspiring stories and reflections from our recent peacemaking trip to Northern Ireland.

Immersed in the rich history and culture of this remarkable land, our intergenerational team delved into the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people to bring about peace and reconciliation. We learned about The Troubles while walking the streets of Derry/Londonderry with Jon McCourt, a witness to Bloody Sunday. We also had the privilege of visiting Corrymeela, Northern Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation organization, and touring Belfast with Bill Shaw, including the Duncairn Arts Centre, a shared space for arts and culture in North Belfast.

Through these experiences, we not only witnessed Northern Ireland’s natural beauty but also bridged generational gaps to build lasting community.

Please join us as we come together to reflect on our journey and explore how we can all promote peace and understanding in our own lives and communities!

Monte Bello Hike

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 11

9 am • RSVP

April’s hike got rained out, so we’re trying again in May! Join our hosts Eileen and Roger for a moderate 5-mile loop hike through the beautiful Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. We’ll meet at 9 am in the parking lot off Page Mill Road.

Please RSVP if you’re coming. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Re-opening Committee becomes the

Community Health Committee

Our church leadership has worked diligently to care for our community since the pandemic of 2020. We have carefully followed the scientists and county leaders and have done our very best to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our members.

In April of 2024, the committee formerly known as the Re-opening Committee became the Community Health Committee. This change follows the CDC guidance which indicates that it is time for a unified approach to address risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses. 

Our committee has developed new guidelines to reflect common-sense solutions to protect us all. Please reach out to Carol Heath for any questions that need to be brought to the committee.

Coffee with Karin

Wednesday, May 15 • 10–11:30 am

Thursday, May 23 • 12:30–2 pm

I know time will fly as I move toward closing my time at Sunnyvale Pres in mid-July and I’d love to chat with you before I go. Come join me for a mid-week coffee at Peet’s in Sunnyvale (144 West El Camino Real) — I look forward to seeing you!

Organ Recital

Sunday, May 19 • 7 pm • Sanctuary

Join us for an exciting organ recital by Renee Gastelum, with a meet-the-artist reception afterward in Fellowship Hall. Renee is an amazing, talented young organist from Gilroy, currently working on her master’s degree in organ performance at BYU. Her recital program includes music by J.S. Bach, Widor, Guilmant, and several contemporary Chinese composers. Not only is Renee an outstanding concert and church organist, she is also a concert pianist, choir accompanist, jazz pianist, improviser, composer, and educator. Read more of her story on Renee’s website. 

Promotion Sunday

June 2 during worship

Submissions due May 19

Hey grads! The Sunnyvale Pres community wants to celebrate you on Promotion Sunday. This includes everyone promoting from elementary school, 8th grade, high school, and all post-secondary degrees (career certificates, AA, BS, professional degrees, etc.). Submit your name and photo by May 19 so we can include you in the annual slideshow.

Potluck Picnic in the Park

June 2 • 12:30–2:30 pm

Las Palmas Park

Mark your calendars now for this all-church event. Everyone is invited! Rich and Hardy will be making the BBQ (including a vegetarian option). Please just bring a side or dessert to share.

Lots of activities for all ages including a jump house, cotton candy, games, and a jazz quartet! This picnic is also an extension of our Promotion Sunday celebration, so join us in celebrating all those marking their education milestones!

Want to help? Sign up to volunteer!

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• Al Mendoza — in hospice care
• Pat Wolff — in skilled nursing
• Elsie Hasling — recovering from fall
• Maggie Burklund — healing and strength
• Joan Latimer — cancer journey
• Mildred Prasad — dementia

Grief

• Brenda Yaggi after the passing of her father, Hal
• Nancy Tousignant after the passing of her husband, David Tousignant

Leadership

Nominations

Now–May 26

Out Loud

Choir

June–August

Vacation Bible School

June 10–14

Save the date...

• Safe Church Training • May 19
• The Music School’s Pops Concert • June 1
• NYACOP Organ Guild Contest • June 27 • Details
• CARAVAN • July 21–28
• CARAVAN Sunday • July 28
• The Music School Open House • August 24
• Queer-led Worship Service • August 25

Sunday Mornings

• Bible Study • 8:30–9:30 am • Email
• Worship • 10 am • Nursery (child care) available for ages 6 months through kindergarten
• Children’s Church + STARS (3 yrs–5th grade) • 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
• Prayer Stations • 2nd Sunday • After worship
• Family Meals • 2nd Sunday • 11:30 am–1 pm • Phoenix Center • Info

Wednesday Evenings

• Sunnyvale CircleSongs • 1st Wednesdays • 7 pm • Fellowship Hall
• 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
• Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids • 2nd Wednesday • 10–11 am • Coleman Room 702 • Info • Email
• Prayer Shawl Knitters • 3rd Wednesday • 7:30–9 pm • Over Zoom • Email
• Senior Zoom Coffee • 2nd Thursday • 10:30 am • Info
• Queer Fellowship Group • Monthly get-togethers • Email

Outdoors

• Hiking Group • 2nd Saturday • 9 am • Email
• Cycling Group • Most Saturday mornings • 9 am • Email

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
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 7 pm in the sanctuary

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