News of the Presbytery of San Jose
He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 
John 21:17

SJ PBY logo.
2022 Presbytery Meetings

September 24th
November 19th
To list an event that is supported by your church or committee, and that is open to the entire Presbytery, go to
Collette and I will be expanding the Presbytery's use of social media starting in May. As a result, the submission deadline for newsletter articles will strictly be the 7th of every month. This allows us to create, schedule, and launch social media posts in a timely fashion as a complement to the newsletter.

So, please make note: newsletter articles are due by the 7th of each month for publication on the 10th.

Thanks! (Jenni)
Be sure to check the
Presbytery's website at https://sanjosepby.org
for other announcements and helpful information, including the updated "Ministry Funding Request Form."
Zephyr Point is looking for summer staff. If you know a young adult/college student who would be interested in serving at the PC(USA)'s summer camp at Lake Tahoe, visit their website below for more information:

For the Mid-Council Newsletter, click here:

Save the Date!

Join the Grateful Gardens Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19th for special music and cuisine, as well as sharing in
traditional readings.

The Grateful Gardens are located at the Church of Christ,
990 Meridian Ave., San Jose.

More information to come.

This event is being organized by Elder Collette Lynner, Director of Grateful Gardens and the Church of Christ, Grateful Gardens' host.
Preschool Director 

The Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos is seeking an experienced full-time director for our preschool program, Growing Footprints Preschool. Our thriving program has been an important mission of our church and we are looking for a candidate who will continue our ministry and support our excellent teaching team. Job description and application process can be found here:
Bell Choir Director Position

Foothill Community Presbyterian Church is looking for a part-time bell choir director.

Job description may be found here:

Contact Peg Nickl at
or 408-258-8133 with any inquiries.
Mark your calendars! Evergreen Presbyterian Church will be hosting an all-day rummage sale on Saturday, June 25th at the East Valley Family YMCA. The Y's address is 1975 S. White Rd., San Jose. More info to come.

If you're interested in donating items, please contact Jenni Bales at pastorjennibales@gmail.com or (408) 439-1406. Otherwise, bring a friend, and hope to see you there!
Immanuel House Logo
A lot has been happening at the Immanuel House! Read their newest newsletter for an update regarding their new house manager and the current residents:

To keep current with everything the Peace and Justice Working Group is doing, click here:

Follow the Presbytery of San Jose on Instagram at @sanjosepby.
Pastoral Reflection

In John 21, Jesus makes one of his post-resurrection appearances to the disciples. As they're out on the water fishing, Jesus calls to them. Upon recognizing him, they come to shore to enjoy a meal Jesus had prepared of fish and bread. After eating, Jesus takes the time to talk with Peter. It's the first one-on-one conversation they've had since that fateful Passover meal not so long ago.

Just as Peter had denied Jesus three times the night of his trial, so Jesus comes back to him with three questions. "Peter, do you love me?" The first time he uses the word agape. In essence, Jesus is asking, "Peter, do you feel a sense of obligation towards me?" Peter's response uses the word fileo and could be summed up at "You know you're my closest and dearest friend!"

They go through this a second time: "Peter, do you agape me?" Peter's response, "Lord, you know I fileo you!"

Then, Jesus asks a third time, but this time, Jesus changes his tone and asks Peter, "Peter, do you fileo me?" Peter of course says, "yes" and accepts the call to shepherd Jesus' people.

Jesus creates a safe space for Peter to be vulnerable. Something needs to be said to clear the air, and Peter needs a moment to make things right. Jesus gives him that opportunity, and yet finds a way to also embrace him. He then also entrusts Peter with a call that's going to demand sacrifice.

May we have that kind of authentic and vulnerable relationship with our Savior. May we also experience him as our safe space in the depths of our need for grace. And finally, may we also appropriately respond to Jesus' call on our lives.

Amen

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Bales
Director of Communications
Presbytery of San Jose
Phone: (408) 279-0220 Website: www.sanjosepby.org