Dear SVPC Family,
We’ve entered into the season of Lent again.
But, for so many of us, it feels like the Lent that started in March of 2020 never ended. We’ve been in one continuous season of penitence, self-denial, and grief for our broken world.
In spite of the state of the world, I hope that you will find a way to re-encounter God’s presence in this season. May you find comfort in trusting that God is on the Lenten journey—for the sake of all. And out of all of this, at the end, miracles may come.
A Blessing for Ash Wednesday
All those days
you felt like dust, like dirt,
as if all you had to do
was turn your face
toward the wind
and be scattered
to the four corners
or swept away
by the smallest breath
as insubstantial—
Did you not know
what the Holy One
can do with dust?
This is the day
we freely say
we are scorched.
This is the hour
we are marked
by what has made it
through the burning.
This is the moment
we ask for the blessing
that lives within
the ancient ashes,
that makes its home
inside the soil of
this sacred earth.
So let us be marked
not for sorrow.
And let us be marked
not for shame.
Let us be marked
not for false humility
or for thinking
we are less than we are
but for claiming
what God can do
within the dust,
within the dirt,
within the stuff
of which the world is made,
and the stars that blaze
in our bones,
and the galaxies that spiral
inside the smudge we bear.
–Jan Richardson
Faithfully,
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Dear Friends,
My heart is so full! We just had our virtual Senior Tea for folks who are eighty years or older. There were over 40 of us present and it was a joyful time to connect and enjoy some time together! It was such a reminder of our desire to continue to make connections with one another and be in community with friends we’ve known for years and friends we’re just meeting for the first time.
I also loved our Ash Wednesday Zoom service this week as we remembered our baptism and experienced the imposition of ashes (or whatever we had available!) in our own homes. I found it deeply meaningful as a kickoff to our Lenten season.
I know we are all grateful that increasing numbers of people in our church and larger community are able to get COVID-19 vaccines, even as we realize that we need to continue our shelter-in-place precautions for the safety of all. I’m also glad that we continue to find these creative ways to connect and to observe significant celebrations and observations of our faith journey.
If you’re interested in connecting regularly with others, email Carol Heath about joining a small group. Whether or not you are part of a small group, I do hope you’ll keep making an effort to reach out to one another and to join events like those I’ve mentioned and so many more. Until then, why not make a cup of tea and give a friend a call!
Peace,
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Seminar: Aging in Place—
"But How Will You Manage?"
Maturing adults concerned about congregate care in light of the current pandemic are considering remaining in their homes. In this seminar you will learn about the principles and resources, transportation, medical and ambulatory issues, along with legal matters, protection and prevention of abuse, and preparing your home for safe living.
This seminar will be taught by Rev. Dr. Libby Boatwright, palliative and hospice specialist, Cindy Thorp, an attorney who specializes in assisting senior adults, and Tiffany Mikles who has provided training and coaching for family caregivers for over 32 years.
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Welcome Darlene Ogasawara—
new Director of PELC
Please join us in welcoming Darlene Ogasawara—the new Director of the Presbyterian Early Learning Center. Darlene has been with PELC as a teacher and administrator since 1992, most recently as Associate Director.
Since 1961 PELC has been one of the primary ministries and outreach of the church—showing God’s love to children and providing quality child care to families in the community. During the pandemic, PELC continues to care for children through online and in-person classes (strictly following county guidelines). We are so grateful for Darlene’s leadership and many years of teaching and caring for students—making PELC the special place that it is.
Here is some more about Darlene, in her own words:
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I first learned about the Presbyterian Early Learning Center in 1987 when I was searching for a preschool for my children. I was impressed with how the teachers interacted with the children, showing so much love and care while providing wonderful learning opportunities.
Then came my “Aha” moment; I knew I had to change my career path and work with children! I spoke with the Director, Grace Randle, and she immediately gave me the opportunity to work in the classrooms as an aide. She hired me in September 1992 to be a part-time preschool teacher. Nineteen years later and having 3 of my grandchildren attend this wonderful preschool, I have found my years as an early childhood educator to be very rewarding. Taking care of the most vulnerable people among us, helping them learn and grow into responsible people by keeping them safe, providing fun learning experiences, and just getting to know each individual child is something I definitely feel good about. These are just a few of the many heartwarming benefits of being a preschool teacher.
In 2011 I made the move out of the classroom into administration as an Assistant Director. I was blessed with the opportunity of working side-by-side with Grace the past 9 years. She was and still is a wonderful mentor, in addition to being my treasured friend. We have endured many obstacles in the past 10 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Closing the school, learning how to use Zoom, convincing teachers we could teach online classes to preschoolers, having to furlough our talented staff, and then opening two classes for our community in the middle of the pandemic, no less!
We are planning to be on campus for the 2021–2022 school year. Class information is on our website, registration has begun, and we have received positive feedback from families excited to come back to school.
As Director of PELC, I look forward to a thriving community of happy children once again engaged, nurtured, and loved at our school here at SVPC.
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We are so grateful to Darlene for her leadership and passion for helping children! |
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Leadership Reflections
Bev Fischer, Home Deacon
Our family came to SVPC through PELC. Our daughter and her twin boys came to live with us when the boys were just two years old, and stayed until they were 10. Looking for a preschool for the boys, we discovered PELC. Warmly welcomed by PELC Director Grace Randle and Pastor Karin Hejmanowski, we knew this was the place for our family. Everyone was caring and friendly; loving teachers turned a difficult time into many blessings. The boys loved attending preschool and stayed until they sadly “aged out.” As the children became familiar with SVPC and began coming to Sunday School, they were welcomed by Carol Heath and lovely church school teachers even though they could not attend every week. Now the boys are 14, and in confirmation as Addie Domske and Carol graciously continue to include them.
During a personally difficult time, I was graciously offered a Stephen Minister, which was another lovely blessing. We always felt included and cared for, even though we couldn’t yet reach out and be helpful to others. We appreciated SVPC and the atmosphere of inclusiveness here so much that we eventually became members.
We continue to appreciate SVPC, and our many friends here. I am blessed to serve as a home deacon, enjoying these friendships, and am thrilled to be able to contribute now.
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Small Groups: Growing Together
Nancy Ewing
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I am part of a small group of six women that has been meeting since June 2020. With Carol Heath’s help, we formed our group during the pandemic, so we have only met online. Our group has been a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and to support one another during these unusual circumstances. We are different ages and attended different services, so it has been fun to get to know people we might not have met ordinarily. We call our group “Growing Together” and we grow together in learning about topics that we find interesting, such as racism and queerness. We also grow together in our spiritual journey and our journey toward self-discovery. We are vulnerable with each other and learn from each other. We have read So You Want to Talk About Race and Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith. Next, we will learn more about ourselves using the Enneagram self-assessment tool.
If you are interested in learning more about how to be a part of a small group, please contact the Director of Community Life, Carol Heath.
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Last days to sign up for:
Opportunities to Engage in Deeper,
Challenging Conversations about Racial Justice
which begin this Sunday, February 21. Registration required.
The Presbytery of San Jose Committee on Representation and Empowerment presents a different kind of workshop designed to heal race-based divisions through a focus on self-knowledge and self-love. The following workshops are open to any member of any congregation or worshiping community in the Presbytery of San Jose. |
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White Awake: Lenten Study 2021 (for anyone who self-identifies as “ White” ) — Sundays, February 21, March 7 & 21, April 18 • 4–5:30 p.m. • Information • Zoom Registration Link
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Building a People of Color Community of Resistance (for people who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) — Sundays, February 21, March 7 & 21, April 11 & 25 • 4–6 p.m. • Information • Zoom Registration Link
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Affirming Church Series—What Does the Bible Say About LGBTQIA+ Inclusion?
Thursday, February 25 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom
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In our ongoing effort to be an affirming church, we have invited the Rev. Dr. Derrick McQueen to join us for a conversation around the way the Bible has been used to marginalize our LGBTQIA+ siblings and how we can actually look to the scriptures to see how we are called to embrace, include, and uplift this segment of the Christian community. There will be time for Q and A. This event will be recorded and will be available for viewing later on the website. There will be an ASL interpreter for the deaf community. This event is being co-sponsored by Stone Church of Willow Glen.
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Women's Retreat:
Redrawing the Lines: Women are the Future of the Church
with speaker Jasmine Epps
All women are invited! Join us as we find unique ways to connect during the day including music, a speaker, small groups, and afternoon activity groups. Choose from baking, crafts, knitting, yoga, wine tasting and more. We will offer breaks and movement throughout the day to help avoid screen fatigue. Our time together will culminate with a short worship service and communion. Retreat cost will be just $10 to go toward our speaker’s honorarium.
Jasmine Epps is a Womanist Minister and Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church. She holds an MA from Claremont School of Theology and Union Theological Seminary specializing in Womanist Social Ethics. She is a mother, a writer, poet, and lover of trees.
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What's Next: Choices After High School
Sunday, March 14 • 7–8:30 p.m. •
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Keyla Zorzella and Marsha Dyslin assembled a wonderful group of parents and students from SVPC who have “survived” the college selection and admittance process. Each will bring their unique experience and perspective as they've decided what was next after high school and are willing to share their stories and knowledge with students and families that will go through this process soon. Open to students, parents, and friends of SVPC. No RSVP required. |
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UPCOMING "VIRTUAL" EVENTS |
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Get connected at SVPC in 2021! 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!
Ongoing Connections
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Bible Study • Sunday mornings • 8:45–10 a.m. • Email
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Children’s Church: STARS + BLAST • Sunday mornings • 9:30 a.m. STARS; 10:10 a.m. BLAST • Registration requested but not required • Zoom
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FLASH + CLUE • Sundays • 6 p.m. FLASH (grades 6–8); 7:45 p.m. CLUE (grades 9–12) • Check the Youth calendar
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College-Age Small Group • Mondays • 6–7 p.m. • Check calendar for Zoom info
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Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 a.m. • Email
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LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends Support Group • 1st Tuesday • 7 p.m. • Email
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Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse families: Morning Coffees • 2nd & 4th Tuesdays • 10–11 a.m. • Email
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JAM (Just Among Moms) • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 1:30 p.m. • Zoom
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LOGOS • Wednesdays over Zoom • 5–6 p.m. • Register
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The Well (FLASH + CLUE mid-week program) • Wednesdays • 6:45 p.m. FLASH (grades 6–8) • 8 p.m. CLUE (grades 9–12) • Check the Youth calendar
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MINT (Moms & Intentionality) • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8–9:30 p.m. • Zoom
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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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Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse families: Evening Coffee • 3rd Thursday • 7:30–8:30 p.m. • Email
Special Events
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Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans • February 1, 8, 15 & 22 • 5–6 p.m. • Over Zoom
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God & Physics (youth & their guardians welcome) • February 21 • Check the Youth calendar
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White Awake: Lenten Study 2021 • February 21, March 7 & 21, April 18 • 4–5:30 p.m. • Register
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Building a People of Color Community of Resistance • February 21, March 7 & 21, April 11 & 25 • 4–6 p.m. • Information
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Seminar: Aging in Place—“But How Will You Manage?” • February 24, March 3, 10 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Register
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Affirming Church Series—What Does the Bible Say About LGBTQIA+ Inclusion? • February 25 • 7-8:30 p.m. • Zoom
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Leadership Training (all SVPC leaders welcome) • Mental Wellness: A Balm for the Soul • February 28 • 3:30–5 p.m. • Check the Youth calendar
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Women’s One Day Online Retreat • March 13 • 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Info & Registration
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What’s Next: Choices After High School • March 14 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Check the Youth calendar
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Save the date! FLASH Spring Service Lock-In: What does the Lord require of you? • March 19–21 • Check the Youth calendar
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Fiscal YTD Results
Apr 2020 – Jan 2021..............$K
Church Income....................$1,400
Church Expenses..................$1,345
Church Surplus...................$...55
Outreach Grps:PELC/Music School.-$ 522
Combined Organization Deficit ..-$..467
The church has a surplus of $55K fiscal year to date. Church income of $1.4 million year to date covered church expenses of $1.3 million. The outreach groups (PELC and The Music School) saw a slight improvement in their deficit in January as they continue to try to operate as close to break-even as possible, despite greatly reduced capacity. The combined organization deficit of $(467)K improved slightly in January. We continue to expect that the U.S. Government PPP loan we received (to help businesses during the pandemic) will help offset much of the combined deficit.
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In Our Thoughts and Prayers
- Donna Yeager who is hospitalized
- Michael Yocum, Julie Forys, and others who are in cancer treatment
- Jim Bennett’s family as they gather today for a small graveside service for his mother
Praise
Praise for the birth of Felix Rosendo Narva to parents Andrew and Diana Narva, big sister Natalia, and grandparents Jim and Kay Narva.
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Have a prayer request?
In place of the blue prayer cards you filled out on Sundays, please send your prayer requests anytime to prayer@svpc.us. 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 "Live" for Worship on Sundays @ 11 a.m.
Coffee Hour follows.
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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.
Here’s what to look for when you watch on Facebook.
- Click on the blue Watch on Facebook button (in this email or on the front page of the website). If you don’t have a Facebook account, ignore any prompts by Facebook to log in or create an account.
- You may need to scroll down just a bit to see the Videos entry on the left side. At 10:45 a.m. we’ll already be live and there should be the word “LIVE” in red on the Videos button. Just click it.
- You should see a Welcome to Worship slide dated for this Sunday (February 21). At about 10:50 some music will start. Welcome to worship!
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Would you like to listen to Sunday’s service on your phone?
Follow these instructions on your phone to dial into listen only mode on Zoom:
- Use this phone number: 1-669-900-9128
- Enter this meeting ID followed by #: 668 692 256 #
- Enter # for Participant ID: #
- Enter this password followed by #: 254631#
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