In the midst of COVID-19 and in the unfolding knowledge of struggles of so many in our world, the welcoming, thoughtful messages from our church are so special. We still have much to do to bring God’s spirit to a hurting world, but it is a blessing to be moving forward with a church community working to heal and care for everyone.

I am reminded of this in Miriam Kishi’s book, illustrated by Jim Peterson with paintings by Lucy Janjigian, God is With Us Always Even in a Pandemic, relaying “Love and be kind to each other.” Likewise, in Old Turtle, a fable written by Douglas Wood with watercolors by Cheng-Khee Chee, the usually silent Old Turtle speaks amidst quarreling, unkindness and hurt. Hearing a roar, yet as gentle as a summer’s breeze, people start to see God in each other, in everyone, and everywhere in our world. It’s time now, isn’t it?

Dear Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church,

This week marks the end of my nearly 10 years on the church staff. I will be on sabbatical for the next two months and will officially end my time on staff when I retire at the end of July. I want to let you know what a privilege and joy it has been for me to serve all of you.

My journey working at SVPC began when I filled in for two staff members who went on sabbatical and one who was out on medical leave. Then, in 2011, Ginna Traina hired me to work at the front desk three days a week. That job quickly expanded to four days a week as I took on more projects and responsibilities. When the opportunity to step into the position as Assistant to the Head of Staff was offered, I initially said no to the job, but agreed to fill in until the church was able to hire someone else. Three weeks later, I told Ginna and Debbie Whaley to stop looking for someone else because I loved the work and wanted the position!

The years working directly with Pastor Hardy Kim and Pastor Debbie Whaley were so rewarding. Both pastors brought changes to the congregation and it was a pleasure to support and work alongside them. My mind and my heart were opened to new ways of being Christ’s hands and feet in our community and in the world. It is a great joy to me that we are now an affirming church! I look forward to continuing to serve our church and community as a congregation member.

I send my thanks and love to the entire church staff. I’ve worked many places in my lifetime, but these years with the church staff have been filled with unprecedented professionalism, love, and support.

My thanks also go out to you, the congregation, for allowing me to serve you as a staff member. I have loved working with each of you!

Marshal and I have been part of this wonderful SVPC congregation for nearly 25 years. Our children grew up in this church and we have had the opportunity to volunteer and serve in many different ways. This congregation is our extended family! We look forward to seeing all of you when the church is able to safely return to in-person worship.

Marshal and I are eager to travel in our retirement and are looking forward to serving in mission efforts in Appalachia and elsewhere. We have a three-month trip on the East Coast planned for this fall and look forward to traveling overseas again once it is safe to do so.

Love and blessings to you all,

Bethann Merriam

This weekend is your last chance...please help us by May 30! The Nominating Committee asks your help in identifying gifted members of our church willing to serve as elders, deacons, and Nominating Committee members for next year. Here are perspectives from two current elders:

Betsy Brittle, Mission and Service ministry, shares, “In the past, I knew WHY the church does the work it does, but did not know HOW the church does the work it does. I felt it was time to know, so I answered the call to serve and now I know! It is leadership, passion, curiosity, and bravery that keep our church home alive. As a Mission & Service elder, I have been stretched and challenged and feel God called me to this ministry to open my eyes. And my faith? Growing by the minute! I am most gratified to be entrusted in this work by the congregation.”

Jennifer Britton, Youth ministry, responds, “As much as possible, it is important to give voice to the people who are represented and even under-represented members of our congregation—not only for their input on who they would like to serve them, but also for the persons serving to also reflect who we are. It’s a 360-degree situation. Diversity of interests, backgrounds, ages, experiences, energies...so many aspects will help bring more creativity and perspectives to the issues that confront our congregation. It would make no sense otherwise.”

Recommend yourself or someone you know by May 30, using the button below. There’s more information on the SVPC’s Leadership Recommendations page.

Last week in worship we welcomed Kristy Freese into membership at SVPC. Kristy lives in Arizona and has been joining us for worship from the early days of shelter-in-place. Thank you so much for your enthusiastic welcome of her last week and I hope you’ll get to know her in classes, retreats, and elsewhere as time goes by. Welcome, Kristy!

Graduates of 2021! We will honor your accomplishments in worship on Promotion Sunday. Join us to celebrate with folks—regardless of age—who are finishing 5th grade, 8th grade, high school or any post-secondary promotions including professional certificates, accreditations, or degrees (AA and beyond).

High school seniors are invited to a formal Senior Dinner at 6:30 p.m. that evening over Zoom. Check the Youth calendar for details.

Questions? Contact Richard Collins, Director of Children’s Ministry or Addie Domske, Director of Youth Ministry.

Sundays and Wednesdays • June 13–August 4 • Zoom

The last meeting for regular Children’s Church is this Sunday, May 30. There will be a break in Sunday programming on June 6, then our summer schedule will begin on June 13. No registration required!

All will be using the same Zoom link. Meeting ID: 840 7965 4524, passcode: 664376.

Just Among Moms (JAM) will meet at Serra Park during the months of June and July. We will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10 a.m. Bring your kids (or just yourself if they are grown!) and enjoy some in-person outdoor time together!

MINT (Moms and Intentionality) will continue to meet over Zoom during the summer months on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 8 p.m.

Questions? Contact Carol Heath.

Please fill out this form if you are interested in being a 2021–22 Youth Advisor.

*If you were an adult volunteer for the 2020–21 program year, this form will also serve as your evaluation form for the year.*

New! 'Read-to-me' version of Presbyterians Today

As part of Presbyterians Today’s newly-updated digital edition, you can now enjoy our audio technology on any computer or mobile device. Select any article from the magazine, press the sound icon, and the article will be read aloud. Try “Read-to-Me”.

To learn more about virtual events, videos and at-home activities for children and youth subscribe to their e-newsletters. Also, check out the Children’s ministry Facebook page or Youth ministry’s microsite and Instagram, or text ‘FLASH’ (Middle School) or ‘CLUE’ (High School) to 51400 for live updates.

Check out this article for three popular ways people are giving to charities from their IRAs, appreciated stock, and charitable trust accounts.

In place of the blue prayer cards you filled out on Sundays, please send your prayer requests anytime to [email protected]. Be sure to include whether your request should/can be:

Watch the live stream broadcast of our weekly worship service. No Facebook account is required to watch on SVPC’s public Facebook page. Or you can watch on the SVPC website.