News from Pastor Hardy

Dear Kris,

Thank you to everyone who’s already participated in our work with our church consultants, Ministry Architects (MA). Anthony and Phyllis from MA met over 100 of you in this week’s listening sessions. You shared honestly about the realities of church life, including your deep love of Sunnyvale Pres and hopes for our future.

At Wednesday night’s open meeting to hear MA’s initial findings, they shared many positive aspects — especially our community of radical welcome. They also reflected some of the pain we’re experiencing, including the long-term decline in numbers, and struggles with trust and communication. It was a good and open conversation with a deeply hopeful ending.

The next step is putting together teams to pray for our church and to help lead us through MA’s recommendations. I’m excited about this visioning process and the possibilities we’re nurturing together. What an amazing opportunity to revitalize and refocus our ministry in powerful ways as we’re led by God’s Spirit!

With gratitude,

Pastor Hardy

Call for Leadership Nominations

Recommendations due May 25

Have you ever thought about the future of our congregation — and who might help lead us there? Maybe you’ve noticed someone with a heart for service, or maybe you’ve even felt a little nudge to step into leadership yourself.

The Nominating Committee is currently gathering recommendations for next year’s church officers, and we’d love to hear from you! Elders help guide the direction of our church through session, and deacons serve as compassionate caregivers to our community.

You can share your thoughts and suggestions on the Leadership Recommendations page anytime between now and May 25. Every recommendation matters — we truly value your voice!

Young Adult Tea 

Tomorrow! Saturday, April 26 • 3 pm • RSVP

I’ve always found that a cup of tea solves all problems, or at least makes your outlook brighter. Whether you enjoy tea, or just good company, join other young adults of Sunnyvale Pres for an afternoon tea at Marissa’s house in Sunnyvale.

If you are able, please bring a snack to share. I will have some iced tea and many options for hot tea! Please RSVP to Marissa.

Chili Cookoff CARAVAN Fundraiser

This Sunday, April 27 • 11:15 am–2 pm

Fellowship Hall & Trinity Court

Enter your chili • Tickets & info

Come support our Youth Ministry’s CARAVAN mission trip to San Francisco this summer. Enjoy an afternoon of great food, good conversation and a game of cornhole. Tickets are $10 per person and include chili, cornbread, drinks, and two voting tickets.

Also, it’s not too late to register to enter your chili in the cookoff!

Happy Birthday!

Sending happy birthday wishes to our church friends celebrating 90+ years in April!

• Ethel Hopkins
• Pat Royer
• Mackey Lunsford
• Simone Yecny

Welcoming New Members

Sunday, May 4 • During worship

Please join us on Sunday, May 4, as our newest members will be received during the worship service.

Year-Round Fresh Produce Project

Sundays beginning May 4 • Trinity Court

Do you have more produce than you need from your fruit trees, garden, or CSA box? Share your bounty with our church community and Sunnyvale Community Services! Bring your excess produce to Trinity Court on Sunday mornings, next to the Book Sale table.

Everyone is welcome to help themselves. Remaining produce will be donated to SCS for distribution on Wednesdays to families facing food insecurity. This is an Environmental Justice Action Group project. 

Hardy’s Sabbatical Review — Part 2 (Ireland) 

Sunday, May 18 • 11:30 am • Soulé Hall & online

During Pastor Hardy’s sabbatical travels last fall, he dove deeply into the peacemaking and historical conflict resolution work being done in South Korea and Ireland. What impacted him most were people’s stories about their everyday lives, identities, and communities. Last month we heard about his experiences in Korea. Please come to hear about the Ireland portion of his trip.

If you missed the first session (Korea), watch it here.

Promotion Sunday

June 1 during worship • Submissions due May 18

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 18 so we can include you in the annual slideshow.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• John Vorreiter — recovering from fall and hip surgery
• Vicki Anderson — recovering from surgery
• Barbara Humphreys — healing and comfort
• Harry Shaver — hospice care
• Mildred Prasad — dementia and depression
• Maggie Burklund — healing and strength

Grief

• Prayers for Sara Johnson after the passing of her sister-in-law on April 4

Choir of Bells

Concert

April 26

Film Screening &

Panel Discussion

May 7

Flamy Grant

June 8

Vacation Bible School

June 16–20

Save the Dates

• Spring Ring handbell choir concert • May 3
• Safe Church training • May 18
• Potluck Picnic in the Park • June 1
• Sunnyvale Pride • June 14
• Building Communities of Peace: A Weekend of Conversations with Peacemaking Partners from Korea and Ireland • June 20–22
• CARAVAN • July 20–27

2024–2025 Fiscal YTD Results

March 2025 (month 12)

................. ..$K   

Church Income...... $1422

Church Expenses.... $1686

Church Deficit..... $(264)

Outreach Surplus... $ 295

Combined Surplus....$..31

Fiscal year-to-date through March, the church reports a deficit and the outreach groups report a surplus. The church has a total income of $1,422K and expenses of $1,686K, resulting in a deficit of $(264)K. The outreach groups (PELC and The Music School ) have contributed $295K fiscal year-to-date. TMS has a surplus of $34K, while PELC reports a remarkable surplus of $261K. The combined organization is reporting a surplus of $31K. March is the last month of our fiscal year.

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.