Note from Pastor Hardy
Dear Friends,

There are so many things happening in the world that—even though we’re still mostly staying at home—it can feel like our attention is pulled in all sorts of directions at once! Here are just some of the things I want to note with you:

There was a decision handed down in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Though some have called the decision justice, others have wisely noted that in a just world George Floyd would still be alive and that the decision was only the beginning of accountability and (hopefully) the start of greater change in policing. And the deaths of Adam Toledo, Daunte Wright, Ma’Khia Bryant, and the 8 killed at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis remind us how broken we still are as a society, how far we still have to go. If you don’t know these names and aren’t already exhausted from grief and holy rage, I encourage you to look them up and not look away from this ongoing problem.

We will be welcoming our confirmation students on Sunday. They have worked hard to learn about our faith, to wrestle with their own questions, and to discern how God is calling them to live. In a world where technology and social media bombard young people with distractions and entertainments, it is remarkable that they have invested long weeks in this journey—and I am certain that the ways that our community has decided to tackle the real issues of the world head-on have helped to provide even these newest adult members of our family a sense that relationship with God matters in our lives.

Finally, with all the chaos of a pandemic world, with the changing aspects of government aid and the vaccine rollout, this has been a hard 18 months for churches. With that in mind, I hope you will join me in giving thanks for the good end-of-fiscal-year report that is included in this newsletter. Many people deserve thanks for a positive outcome to the year—government officials who recognized the need for aid to individuals and communities, our comptroller Timblin Kelleher, Treasurer Al Hubbard, Ministry Resources elders Jim Shaver and Dave Morley, an overall staff that has worked hard to use funds wisely, and most of all our generous community members. You all have been such bold stewards of the resources God has gifted to you, continuing to invest in God’s ministry through SVPC even in uncertain times.

So, with all this and more happening in our world, I am grateful to be part of a faith community that cares about bringing real care and justice to the world, that is willing to make space for genuine growth in faith for people of all ages, and I’m grateful that our whole community is invested in supporting one another and our neighbors. Keep taking care of yourselves and others, guided by Christ’s love.

Peace,
News from Pastor Karin
Dear Friends,

I’m so grateful that we are a community that cares and prays. This past week at session and the week before at the deacon meeting, we took time during our meeting to gather in smaller groups and pray for those listed in this newsletter. It’s one of many ways that we extend care to one another.

I trust your prayers extend also to our greater community, our nation, and our world. The news, whether you read it, watch it, or listen to it, always has plenty for us to attend to in prayer. This week as we heard the decision of the jury in the trial of Derek Chauvin, I know many were moved to tears to know there was accountability for the treatment of George Floyd. And it reminds me just how important our anti-racism work is. We long for the day when the need for such a trial will be shocking.

There are many things vying for our time and attention. I hope time in prayer is one that makes it on your list. Pray for your friends and family. Pray for our church and the larger community. Pray, too, for our nation and our world. And as we continue to long for more freedom of movement in our own lives, let’s also long for that freedom for people the world over.

Peace,
Leadership Reflections
Kay Narva, Deacon

It has been wonderful to be connected with Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church for many years. SVPC has nurtured our family in so many ways, and it is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and talented people as we seek to make a difference in our community.

Currently I serve as a parish deacon, welcoming new members. It is exciting to meet people who are joining our community of faith, hear their stories, and help them connect with fellowship and service.

Being part of a small group in the past several years has given me a meaningful connection with some amazing women and an avenue to explore many books addressing the subject of social justice and the message of the Bible.
Year-End Fiscal Results

Fiscal 2021–21 Final Results.....$K   
Church Income....................$1,745
Church Expenses..................$1,660
Church Surplus...................$ ..85
Outreach Grps:PELC/Music School.-$..540
Combined Organization Deficit...-$ .455
PPP Loan.........................$ .525
Combined Surplus.................$ ..70

The church ended the fiscal year with a surplus of $85K, driven by higher than expected income in March. Church income of $1.7 million year to date exceeded budget and prior year income. The combined outreach groups (PELC and The Music School) recorded a full year deficit of $(540)K, due to the school closures during the pandemic. The combined organization deficit of $(455)K was completely offset by the US Government PPP loan we received (to help businesses during the pandemic) leaving the combined organization with a surplus for the year of $70K.

We are blessed by your generosity and ongoing commitment to the church and its programs. Thank you!
Small Groups:
Companions in Christ
Peggy Switchenko

Last fall our group of five began meeting over Zoom. Although we all knew each other, it was with Carol Heath’s help that we formed our group. Once we worked through the most challenging part of starting a small group—finding a meeting time that works for everyone—we have been able to meet nearly every week.

We chose to start with the Companions in Christ series and have really enjoyed the material. The books have excellent guided questions, but some of our most animated times come when we informally share our thoughts and reactions to the week’s reading and exercises. The group has been a gift for me. I am grateful that even during a pandemic I have grown in spiritual understanding, gotten to know other women in a meaningful way, and been supported by the group. God is good!

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.

Missing from picture above: Kris Sheridan
Nominating Committee
Barbara Reynolds, Chair

The Nominating Committee requests your help in identifying future leaders for our church. We are seeking individuals who are willing to work hard and have a great time together as they follow God’s call and seek God’s guidance. The Nominating Committee wishes to consider potential leaders who broadly represent the membership of the church and you can help us!

There are a variety of positions:
  • Elders: As members of session, elders head up the ministry areas of our church. Session makes decisions regarding the church as a whole.
  • Deacons: The deacons provide service of compassion and care for all members of the church, in particular those who are unable to attend church, new members, college students, and young adults.
  • Nominating Committee members: This team prayerfully discerns who God is calling to fill these positions in the coming year.

Please prayerfully reflect on people you know who might fit these positions well. Submit recommendations or volunteer yourself by completing the SVPC Leadership Recommendation Form (available at the button below through May 30).
If you would prefer a paper recommendation form mailed to you, please contact the committee at nomcomsvpc@gmail.com.
Spring Choir Concert Watch Party
Tonight! Friday, April 23 • 7 p.m.

Let’s gather online to watch our first Collaboration Concert, from March 2019, with over 300 musicians including SVPC’s Chancel Choir, the Cupertino High School choirs, orchestra, soloists, and organ. The concert features Dan Forrest’s powerful “Requiem for the Living” (2013), a five-movement prayer for rest based on the Biblical texts of Ecclesiastes and Job, and traditional Requiem texts. The concert includes several spirituals with tenor soloist Trente Morant, a harp solo, a piano solo, and two organ solos.

As we watch together, conductor Andrew Aron and organist Valerie Sterk will be in the chat window, answering questions and providing running commentary about the concert. Check the church website for the link to join the watch party. Here’s the concert program PDF to follow along during the watch party.
Confirmation Sunday
Sunday, April 25 •
11 a.m.–Noon • Over Zoom

Join us for worship at 11 a.m., when our youth confirmands will be presented, and then after worship join us for Spring Fling, an online celebration for the entire Sunnyvale Presbyterian Community.

Please remember in your prayers our youth being confirmed this Sunday and those who mentored them (in parentheses):
  • Tyler Gray (Scotty VanSickle)
  • Emily VanSickle (Bethann Merriam)
  • Beatrice Zorzella (Diana Aldrich)
  • Robert McLeod (Roger Medsker)
  • Zachary Compton (Elsbeth TeBrake)
  • Martha Marki (Elsa Amboy)
  • Danielle (Denali) Reilly (Michelle VanSickle)
  • Joseph Lagussi (Addie Domske)
  • Thomas Lagussi (Jasmine Epps)
Spring Fling
& Celebration of Confirmands
Sunday, April 25 •
Noon–1:15 p.m. • Over Zoom

Join us after Sunday’s worship for an online celebration for the entire Sunnyvale Presbyterian Community—church, The Music School and PELC. We will eat lunch together, meet new people, and celebrate our confirmation students. A virtual choir made up of students from The Music School and other singers will entertain us too! We’ll end with a game of “This or That,” and a scavenger hunt.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information Night
Wednesday, April 28 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom

Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines? Feeling hesitant about getting it or know someone who is? Dr. Amy Morishima, a member of SVPC and a Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) doctor, will be presenting on the facts about the vaccines via a presentation developed by PAMF to dispel myths and inform people about the vaccines. There will be time for Q & A following.

The information presented will not be specific to the Bay Area, so we encourage you to invite anyone you know who is hesitant about the vaccine to attend this event!
Senior Tea
Thursday, April 29 •
10:30–11:15 a.m. • Zoom

Join Pastor Karin and members of the Caring Ministry Team on Zoom for conversation, community and a musical treat! We’ll email you a reminder a few days before the tea. Questions? Contact Judy Beggs at jmbeggs@live.com or 1-650-305-0810.
Affirming Church Series—
Legal Rights of Queer People
Thursday, April 29 • 6–7:30 p.m. • Zoom

People who care about queer people need to know and care about their legal rights. Whether it’s gay marriage, employment discrimination, or transgender health treatments, the decisions of courts and legislatures have a profound impact on the lives of queer people. This program will explore the unique legal issues that queer people face, the advances that have been made in recent years, the challenges that lay ahead, and the role of the church in protecting these rights.

Rev. Michael Kirby has been a leader in the PC(USA) on issues of marriage equality. He was a practicing lawyer in Texas before entering the ministry. Rev. Kirby will be interviewed by Barry Vickrey, Discipleship lead elder and a retired law professor.
New Member Class
Sunday, May 2 • 9–11 a.m. •
Over Zoom

Save the date! If you’ve been attending worship and wonder what the next step in connecting is, come and explore membership with us at our next New Member Class. For information please contact Jean Ranck.
Conversations with God:
Discussion Group on Black Prayer
Mondays, May 3–24 • 5–6 p.m. • Over Zoom

Rev. Dr. Stephanie Lutz Allen will lead this four-week discussion group. Weeks one through three will focus on prayers from James Melvin Washington’s classic book, Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans, and the fourth week will look at the Biblical imagery in Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb." Each week will include discussion of the prayer/poem and a closing time of meditation, as a guided Lectio Divina.

Send an email to Stephanie Lutz Allen to sign up and obtain the Zoom link.
Luke's Parables
Wednesdays, May 5–26 • 7–8 p.m. • Zoom
Taught by Dr. Bill Prior, Professor Emeritus (Philosophy),
Santa Clara University

Jesus of Nazareth was, among other things, a teacher, a rabbi. One of his most important teaching instruments was the parable. Some of Jesus’ parables, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Prodigal Son, are among the most famous passages in scripture. Parables can give us information about the life of first-century Israel. They can also guide our lives today. Most important, perhaps, they can give us insight into the mind of Jesus.

The richest source of Jesus’ parables is the gospel of Luke. We will examine four parables: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus, and the Wicked Tenants. The first three of these are unique to Luke; the fourth is found in all three of the synoptic gospels. Join us as we explore these four parables for the window they provide into the origins of Christianity and for their message for us today.
Adult Leadership Training—All SVPC leaders welcome
Sunday, May 9 • 3:30–5 p.m. • Check the Youth Calendar

Can God be queer? Is sex bad? What are we teaching our youth when we talk about queerness and sex? Come to this month’s adult volunteer training, sponsored by Youth Ministry, to discuss what we can learn about the abundance of queerness and the sacredness of sex.
Promotion Sunday
Sunday, June 6 • During 11 a.m. worship
During worship on Promotion Sunday we want 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).

To be included:
  1. your name and milestone need to be entered into this Google form by May 19
  2. a photo should be emailed to childrens@svpc.us, also by May 19

All graduates and their families are encouraged to attend the livestream worship service on Promotion Sunday. Questions? Contact Richard Collins, Director of Children’s Ministry or Addie Domske, Director of Youth Ministry.
Upcoming Events
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!

Special Events
  • Tonight! Spring Choir Concert Watch Party • Friday, April 23 • 7 p.m. • YouTube Premiere
  • Spring Fling and Celebration of Confirmands • Sunday, April 25 • Noon–1:15 p.m. • Over Zoom
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Info Night • Wednesday, April 28 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom
  • Senior Tea • Thursday, April 29 • 10:30–11:15 a.m. • Zoom
  • Legal Rights of Queer People • Thursday, April 19 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom
  • New Member Class • Sunday, May 2 • 9–11 a.m. • Over Zoom • Email
  • Conversations with God: Discussion Group on Black Prayer • Mondays, May 3–24 • 5 p.m. • Over Zoom • Email
  • Luke’s Parables • Wednesdays, May 5–26 • 7 p.m. • Zoom
  • Leadership Training (all SVPC leaders welcome) • Sunday, May 9 • Check the Youth Calendar

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.

Ongoing Connections
  • Bible Study • Sunday mornings • 8:45–10 a.m. • Email
  • Children’s Church STARS + BLAST • Sunday mornings • 9:30 a.m. STARS; 10:10 a.m. BLAST • Registration requested but not required • Zoom
  • FLASH + CLUE • Sundays • 6 p.m. FLASH (grades 6–8); 7:45 p.m. CLUE (grades 9–12) • Check the Youth Calendar
  • College-Age Small Group • Mondays • 6–7 p.m. • Check the calendar
  • Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 a.m. • Email
  • LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends Support Group • 1st Tuesday • 7 p.m. • Email
  • Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families—Morning Coffees • 2nd & 4th Tuesdays • 10–11 a.m. • Email
  • JAM (Just Among Moms) • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 1:30 p.m. • Zoom
  • 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
  • MINT (Moms & Intentionality) • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8–9:30 p.m. • Zoom
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry • 3rd Wednesdays • 7:30–9 p.m. • Email for Zoom link
  • Spice Dinner • 2nd Thursday • 6–8 p.m. • Check the calendar
  • Queer Fellowship Group • 3rd Thursday • 7–8:30 p.m. • Email
  • Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families—Evening Coffee • 3rd Thursday • 7:30–8:30 p.m. • Email
In Our Thoughts and Prayers

  • Those in cancer treatment including Julie Reilly and Michael Yocum
  • Rodney Kop and family for the loss of Rodney's wife Nancy Kop
  • Marilyn Ricciardi for the loss of her father
  • Continued prayers for Julie Forys, Jacqueline Howell, Mildred Prasad

Praise

The youth being confirmed this Sunday and those who mentored them (in parentheses):
Tyler Gray (Scotty VanSickle); Emily VanSickle (Bethann Merriam); Beatrice Zorzella (Diana Aldrich); Robert McLeod (Roger Medsker); Zachary Compton (Elsbeth TeBrake); Martha Marki (Elsa Amboy); Danielle (Denali) Reilly (Michelle VanSickle); Joseph Lagussi (Addie Domske); Thomas Lagussi (Jasmine Epps)


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
Join Us "Live" for Worship on Sundays @ 11 a.m.
Coffee Hour follows.
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 (April 25). At about 10:50 some music will start. Welcome to worship!
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#