A Vision for Today and Tomorrow

“Inspired by Jesus’ love, 

we connect in a community that embraces all, 

serving each other and our neighbors.”

— Sunnyvale Presbyterian Vision Statement 

Dear Friends,

What does it mean to say that our vision “defines” our ministry? It means our vision expresses both who we are now — a people inspired by Jesus’ love to connect and serve — and the ways in which we’re continually growing in our faith. 

We feel God’s love, but know we haven’t grasped its fullness. We’re connected with others, but know we can learn even more openness and compassion to embrace one another more fully. And we serve wholeheartedly, yet still long to see more of God’s justice and abundance reflected in our world.

So, amidst all our wonderful opportunities to connect and serve — from small groups to stewardship commitments to mission opportunities and beyond — may we always keep our eyes focused on our shared vision. 

In this newsletter and in the weeks ahead, you’ll hear more about our church vision and how you can help make it our reality. I encourage you to reach out to the Vision Team, Pastor Annanda, or me, so that you can find your place in the work. 

With hope,

Hardy

Engaging in Service
Volunteer Service Tool opens October 11 @ 11 am

Do you wish for more meaningful connections and ways to live out your faith? We know it can be challenging to find specific opportunities to turn your good intentions into tangible service.

That’s why we created the Volunteer Service Tool. It begins with a survey about your interests and skills, then matches them with various ways to engage. We encourage you to use this tool to discover fulfilling service in the church and community!

Vision Team Update

For two years, we’ve journeyed together on this visioning process — from churchwide surveys and listening sessions, to an exciting weekend summit that generated our new vision, values, and goals. Now it’s time to put them into practice! 

Our vision and values help ground our daily lives and focus our priorities, resources, and outreach as a congregation. Pray for us to be inspired by Jesus’ love to live into these core values in all we do!

Welcoming New Members

On Sunday, September 20, we had the joy of welcoming and receiving six new members into the life of our church during worship! We are so grateful to have them joining us and look forward to the many ways they will share their gifts, faith, and presence with our community.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:

• Tanya Fox
• Greg Fox
• Helen Johnson
• Mairi Wohlgemuth
• Dan Wohlgemut
•  James Wong

We are so glad you’re here!

Death Cafés

Sunday, October 4 (1st Sunday of the month)
1:30–3 pm • Fireside Room

Pastor Annanda is restarting her monthly “death cafés” — special events open to the community to share practical knowledge and help normalize talking about end-of-life, death, and planning ahead. These gatherings involve additional experts as co-presenters with knowledge and resources on topics such as insurance, trusts, powers of attorney, caretaking, the changes in Medicaid, and how to have hard conversations with loved ones. 

The topic for October 4 is long-term care; we welcome speaker Barbara Tsai.

Adult Learning Class
Election Info from the 
League of Women Voters

Sunday, October 11 • 11:30 am–1 pm
Soulé Hall & Zoom

The League of Women Voters is back to provide information on the upcoming elections of 14 statewide measures plus the local ones! The non-partisan group helps educate the community about the issues we are being asked to vote on. Bring your ballot with you if you want to fill it out as you learn!

Fall Fest

Saturday, October 18 • 4–6 pm
Trinity Court

Come for an afternoon of fun, including a live band, lots of games, pumpkin painting for the kids, hot dogs, and s’mores! Bring a potluck dish to share and enjoy an afternoon of community fun in Trinity Court. Volunteers needed! Questions? Email Carol Heath. 

Trek or Treat

Friday, October 23 • 6:30–7:30 pm Church campus • Details

Fun for the whole family! This spooktacular event will be held on the Sunnyvale Pres campus. Doors will be decorated for Halloween so kids can “trek-or-treat” in this safe and family-friendly environment. Help us give back to our community by making a donation to Sunnyvale Community Services. (Indicate “Sunnyvale Community Services” in the drop-down.)

Volunteers needed! Decorate a door or help in many other ways.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

Continued Prayers

• John Vorreiter — healing and recovery
• Ken Shirey — healing and recovery
• All those traveling to attend the All-Church Retreat

Grief

• Coleen Hausler after the unexpected passing of her sister, Ruth
• Nancy Tucker after the passing of her brother

Upcoming Events

• Sermon Series: We Need Each Other • through Sept. 27 • Details
• All-Church Retreat • Sept. 25–27 • Register
• Note: MWC not meeting Sept. 27
• 9 am Bible Study • beginning Oct. 4 • Details
• Safe Church Training • Oct. 4 • Details
• Shared Grace: Dinner Worship (formerly MWC) • Oct. 14
  2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm
  Note the new day & time as of October 14!

2026–2027 Fiscal YTD Results 
August 2026 (month 5)

................. ..$K   

Church Income* .....$653

Church Expenses.... $606

Church Surplus..... $ 47

Outreach Surplus .. $110

Combined Surplus....$157

Year-to-date, the church reports $653K in income and $606K in expenses, resulting in a $47K surplus. The outreach groups (PELC and The Music School) have a surplus of $110K. The combined organization is reporting a surplus of $157K year-to-date. August is the fifth month of FY2026–27.

Join us for weekly worship opportunities!

• Sundays @ 10 am — onsite or online
• Shared Grace: Dinner Church — 2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm for dinner and worship in Fellowship Hall
  *Note the new day & time as of October 14!*
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship — 3rd Wednesdays @ 7 pm in the sanctuary



To join online on Sundays, look for the red “Online Worship & Event Links” button at the top of our website.

Beware of scams! If you’re ever unsure about a message that looks like it’s from a church staff member, contact us before purchasing gift cards or sending money to anyone.