News from Jenna Burkhalter
Director of Children’s Ministry and Inclusion
Dear Friends,
As you may know, this Sunday’s worship service will include leaders from our queer community. When I came out as queer, I worried that people would think I was lying for attention. I grew up with a lot of internalized homophobia that twisted my thoughts and made me feel like an imposter beneath my own skin. But the experience of being in an affirming place changes things! I feel excited to talk about my queerness and opportunities for education and inclusion. This church supports me and encourages the ways I have grown to talk about this core part of my identity. This service is not just about Pride month — it’s a space for love and a chance to see Christianity from the lens of queer individuals, who often lack representation. When our church chose to have this service, I felt so seen, and blessed to be a part of the Sunnyvale Pres community!
I hope to see you there!
Jenna
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Queer-Led Worship Service
Sunday, June 11 • 10 am
To help us kick off Pride Month, Rev. Annanda Barclay will be our guest preacher this Sunday. Join us to celebrate that as children of God, we are ALL siblings in Christ!
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Sunnyvale Pride Night
Thursday, June 22 • 5 pm • Downtown
Join other Sunnyvale Pres folks at the 3rd annual Sunnyvale Pride Night! This free, public, casual celebration takes place downtown on Murphy Ave. (near Evelyn) and will include arts, music, and lots of fun. Help us hand out Pride flags and join the celebration! Contact Carol Heath for more information.
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Affirming Church Series
As an affirming church, we have been learning together over the past three years. Topics have included personal stories, biblical insights, legal considerations, and more. Interested in viewing or sharing our Affirming Church series? Our website has all the event recordings for you!
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Pride Merch
Our queer community at Sunnyvale Pres has designed Pride merch for you and your friends and family! Check out the online store, where you can order your own Pride merchandise. Choose from two designs on t-shirts or tote bags to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community — during Pride month and all year!
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Welcome, Marsha & Karlee!
We have a new permanent front desk staff person whom you all know and love already: Elder Marsha Dyslin. You can find Marsha (and her friendly smile) behind the desk most Monday through Thursday mornings. She will continue to travel to be with family frequently, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead to see if she’s in.
We also have found a wonderful individual to serve as Pastoral Administrative Assistant — Karlee Harrison! Karlee recently moved from Alabama, and she brings years of experience overseeing work in church offices, early childhood education, and even law firms. Karlee will be supporting Pastor Karin, myself, session, and other leadership groups.
Drop by the office or email to say hello or ask a question to Marsha or Karlee anytime. We are grateful that God continues to bless our ministry with such gifted individuals!
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June Hike
Tomorrow, Saturday, June 10 • 9 am • RSVP
Join us tomorrow for a 3.5-mile hike at Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, led by Shannon and Jonathan. We'll meet at the parking lot at 9 am. Carpooling is strongly encouraged!
We’ll loop parts of the San Andreas Fault trail and Franciscan Loop trail. There are some nice vista points and possibly some wildflowers still blooming — we’ll see when we get there!
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TheoEd Summer Series
Mondays, June 19, July 24, & August 21 • 7–8 pm • Zoom
This summer, join Carol Heath and others as we gather on Zoom to watch three TheoEd Talks online. These TED-style talks each center on some aspect of faith. No preparation is required as we will watch the short talks together and then spend some time in an open discussion. No need to register — just show up!
- Monday, June 19 — Four Words That Change Everything, with Lisa Sharon Harper
- Monday, July 24 — Resurrecting Church, with Dr. Shane Claiborne
- Monday, August 21 — Confronting Our Histories, with Dr. Kristin Du Mez
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Phishing Scam Alert!
Beware of fake emails pretending to be from Hardy.
It’s come to our attention that a new phishing email scam is going around. Please keep in mind that Hardy, or any church staff member, will never ask you for money or to make a purchase or budget disbursement individually. These requests must go through an approval process from a program staff member or a session committee. If you receive a scam email, please forward it to receptionist@sunnyvalepres.com.
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In Our Thoughts and Prayers...
- Prayers for Maggie Burklund and Barbara Frevert
- Continuing prayers for Mildred Prasad and Paul Nowicki
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Honoring Frank Ter Keurst
Frank TerKeurst passed away on May 23, 2023. A small inurnment service will be held in Memorial Garden. Please hold the family in your prayers.
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Vacation
Bible School
June 12–16
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Virtual
Senior Coffee
June 22
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CARAVAN
Prayer Partners
Now–July 29
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Save the date...
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Family Meals • June 25, July 26, & August 13 • 11:30 am–1 pm
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Newsies presented by The Music School • June 30–July 1
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CARAVAN Sunday • July 30
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Community Potluck • August 6
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Sunday Mornings
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Bible Study • 8:30–9:30 am • (note: not meeting in July) • Email
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Worship • 10 am • Nursery (child care) and children’s programs available for ages 6 months to 5th grade
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Children’s Church + STARS (3 yrs–5th grade) • 10 am • Register
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Youth Group: FLASH + CLUE • Restarting in the fall • 11:30 am–1 pm
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Children’s Ministry Bake Sale • 1st Sunday • After worship • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Children’s Ministry service projects
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DipJar • 1st Sunday • After worship • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Sunnyvale Community Services
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Grief Support Group • 1st Sunday • 1 pm • Zoom • Email
Wednesday Evenings
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OASIS (Grades 1–5) • Restarting in September • 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Email
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Modern Worship Collective • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Sanctuary
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Evensong: Contemplative Worship • 3rd Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Sanctuary
Prayer & Bible Study Groups
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Virtual Small Group for Grades 3–5 • Restarting in September • Mondays • 6:30–7:15 pm • Register
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Virtual Prayer Small Group • 4th Monday • 7–8:30 pm • Email
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Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 am • Email
Social & Support Groups
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LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Group • 1st Monday • 7 pm • Email
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Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group • 4th Tuesday • 11:30 am • Over Zoom • Call 1-800-272-3900
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Parents Together: In-Person • Restarting in September • 1st Wednesday • 9–11 am • Patio outside the gym • Info
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Parents Together: Online • Restarting in September • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8 pm • Zoom • Info
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Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids • Restarting in September • 2nd Wednesday • 10–11 am • Coleman Room 702 • Info • Email
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Prayer Shawl Knitters • 3rd Wednesday • 7:30–9 pm • Over Zoom • Email
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Spice Dinner (50+ singles) • 2nd Thursday • 6–8 pm • Email
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Queer Fellowship Group • 3rd Thursday • 7–8 pm • Email
Outdoors
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Intergenerational Nature Walks • Fridays • 1–3 pm • Email
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Hiking Group • 2nd Saturday • 9 am • Email
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Cycling Group • Most Saturday mornings • 9 am • Email
Helpful Links
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Join us for weekly worship opportunities!
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Sundays @ 10 am — onsite or online
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Modern Worship Collective — 2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm in the sanctuary
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Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm in the sanctuary
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