The past year (and more) of the pandemic has required us to live through various versions of a quarantined life. We have struggled with the loss of personal freedom, and with missing out on in-person interactions with close friends and loved ones. The pain from some of these losses has been acute, and we are constantly aware of what we are missing.

There are other losses that we don’t think of as much, but they have still diminished our lives in significant ways. We have not been able to have close and unplanned interactions with strangers. We have not been able to participate in large communal events without the anxiety of wondering whether we will be exposed to a deadly virus.

In our SVPC context, this means that we have not been able to get together—in-person, embodied—to proclaim and celebrate, together, that we have become, publicly and proudly, a community that affirms and celebrates LGBTQIA+ persons. This month, as we feel ourselves moving more into a public life where we can be together with others, face-to-face, I think we all feel how precious it is to be in contact with other people without fear. In the coming months, when we come back together in-person to worship because we have achieved the right level of safety in public health, we will do so with a sense of confidence and freedom. And for our LGBTQIA+ siblings, it will mark the first time that they can fully feel safe alongside the rest of the community as well.

At the beginning of Pride Month 2021, I give thanks that we all serve in a denomination that is helping us grow in our witness to so many communities that have been harmed by our society and our church in the past. I also feel proud that our particular congregation is doing so much to live out that kind of inclusive, affirming faith in our context here in Sunnyvale.

Gratefully,

Dear Friends,

Seven years ago I was looking for someone to work with us at SVPC, specifically with our seniors. I never imagined that we would be so blessed as to have the Rev. Dr. Libby Boatwright come and be among us—not just for that year, but for the next seven years! Throughout these years, she has continued to teach classes with Discipleship, lead GriefShare (often providing home-cooked food!), join SPICE and SAGE events, lead home communion with the deacons, be present in worship, and most of all, care for people in our congregation. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with her! She has modeled compassion, been with many on the journey of grief, and has been a welcome presence in Trinity Court and in our lives.

Libby is stepping down from her role as Parish Associate at SVPC as she turns her attention to caring for family near and far. She will be attending church elsewhere with her dear husband, Frank, and what a lucky congregation that will be! As hard as it is to say goodbye, we want to respect her choice to move on as God is calling her.

Peace,

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Because we are a church who has stated clearly that we not only welcome but affirm queer people, I wanted to share the Presbyterian Pride Calendar for 2021. In this link, you will find numerous events planned for Pride month. Take some time to look over the events and plan to attend some of the offerings. As a community, the more we educate ourselves, the more we will be equipped to live into our call to love one another unconditionally. And to all of our LGBTQ+ siblings, Happy Pride!