Dear SVPC Family,
Yesterday I made sure to reserve time to get outside and to enjoy the fresh, clean air. I hope that, wherever you are, you were able to find some respite from the smoky air that has kept us huddled in our homes. God’s creation holds amazing gifts that we sometimes don’t appreciate enough until we risk losing them.
At the same time, I saw social media posts from friends living in parts of the country east of here, noting how the smoke from the fires was changing their skies or their weather. It made me realize that the devastation of the fires is far from over, and that our collective failure in stewarding creation will have profound impacts that we cannot fully appreciate now. Our faith has always called us to be good stewards of creation—even when that stewardship doesn’t directly benefit us in the short term. Consider God’s command that we should practice sabbath—not just once a week, but also in providing seasons and years of rest and freedom from the grind of productivity for the land, for creatures, and for the people around us.
As we head into a very strange program year—where we might worry about the productivity of our economy in a pandemic, or where we might feel the need to scramble to bring things back to “normal”—I hope we will consider ways in which we might be called to shift toward patterns that are more caring for all of God’s creation that is around us. May we find more ways to be a community that provides rest, refreshment, and space to simply exist in God’s grace.
Your partner in ministry,
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Dear friends,
Finally a break with some fresh air to breathe in! I hope you have enjoyed it! I don’t know if it will stick around, but it is lovely for the moment.
It was good to see some of you at the Flint documentary discussion. What rich opportunities we have in these times to gather and learn and share via Zoom. I hope you’ll consider joining us for some of the things you see in the newsletter and on the calendar—the events on being an open and affirming church, becoming anti-racist, and other learning opportunities promise to be places that will cause us to think deeply and grow.
I look forward to seeing you at as many events as you can attend!
Peace,
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Thoughts from Jim Shaver,
Elder for Ministry Resources
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I’ve tried devotionals before but have always lost steam over time. I’m rededicating and have found two that I really like. Richard Rohr’s daily email from the Center for Action and Contemplation challenges me to think about my faith in new ways. Rohr, a Franciscan friar, delves into Christian history and current topics. Exploring issues such as nonviolence, faithful activism, and simplicity have helped me to expand my thinking. I’ve also enjoyed the webzine Journey with Jesus, which includes a weekly lectionary essay along with a host of other material I find inspiring, insightful, and often challenging (a side benefit is that my daughter-in-law’s father is the editor). I hope that all of you are also finding small ways to grow in your faith these days. |
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PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING |
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Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church has a history of generously supporting the Peace and Global Witness offering. Twenty-five percent of the offering received this year will be sent to two organizations chosen after careful discernment by the Mission & Service ministry team. The recipients selected for 2020 are the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and The Black Organizing Project.
Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, Thurgood Marshall College Fund serves as a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. It is dedicated to transforming the lives of students at historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly Black institutions, where talented students from diverse backgrounds gain access to lifelong rewards.
The Black Organizing Project is a Black member-led community organization working for racial, social, and economic justice through grassroots organizing and community building in Oakland, California. Their vision is to build an organization of Black people that will:
- Craft alternative models and institutions that will advance their vision of racial and economic justice
- Rebuild the spirit and foundation of their community
- Exercise political and economic power
- Act to win real systematic change
- Transform the lives of Black people
- Embody the spirit that has sustained the Black community.
Read more about the Peace & Global Witness offering here. Thank you for your generosity. |
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, October 4 • 3 p.m. • Over Zoom
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This year’s annual meeting immediately follows the 2 p.m. service. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The Zoom meeting link can be found on the church website.
Topics include the financial report of the past fiscal year, 2020–2021 budget information, action on the terms of call for the pastors, and the election of church officers.
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE: SLATE OF CHURCH OFFICERS |
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We thank the congregation for submitting their recommendations for church leadership. The Nominating Committee has been working the past three months listening and discerning prayerfully who God is calling to serve as leaders of our church. This has been a challenging year for all, but by God’s grace we have our full slate of officers! At the congregational meeting on October 4, the following individuals will be placed in nomination for election as church officers:
Elders (Class of 2023): Marsha Dyslin, Sara Grignon, Celina McCaffrey, Rodger Medskar, Max Mikles, Barbara Reynolds, Michelle VanSickle, and Barry Vickery.
Deacons (Class of 2023): Sue Ahn, Pat Innes, Sara Johnson, Timblin Kelleher, Kathleen Newby, Linda Ometer, Kristi Pierce, Debbie Shaver, and Anne Stewart.
Nominating Committee Members-at-Large: Andreas Ott and Holly Zhang
The Nominating Committee is grateful to the members of our congregation who answered yes to the call!
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SAVE THE DATE!
Dear White Christians
Book Discussion with author Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey
Tuesday, October 6 • 6–8 p.m. • Over Zoom
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Author Jennifer Harvey will lead us in a discussion of her book Dear White Christians: For Those Still Longing for Racial Reconciliation (second edition). Please register in advance for the event. The response to this event has been terrific, so we no longer have books that you can order when you register for the event. However, the book is available for you to order from booksellers online. You can find the Zoom link on the church calendar. |
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MOM'S HOUR IS NOW "MINT" (MOMS & INTENTIONALITY)
2nd + 4th Wednesdays • 8–9:30 p.m. • Over Zoom
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Refresh and recharge as we support each other in open conversations geared toward mental health for ourselves and our family. We aim to support—not fix. All moms are welcome, no matter the age of their children. Email Ashley Gonzalez for more information. |
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WORDS TO LIVE BY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES :: A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 • 7 p.m.
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Rev. Dr. Libby Boatwright will be our guide as we study this beloved epistle. Using prayers, hymns, and confessions of faith, the book of Ephesians weaves a comprehensive summary of the Apostle Paul’s theology and vision for a universal united church centered on Christ. |
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YOUTH MEAL REMOTE HOSPITALITY TEAM |
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I have a saying on my kitchen bulletin board that says, “Love People, Cook Them Tasty Food.” In our Youth ministry we make a lot of food throughout the year; now you can join us in loving people and support our coming year’s programming by joining our Youth Ministry Remote Hospitality Team.
As we continue to do ministry from a distance, we might need to prep, cook and/or deliver simple meals or simply pick things up and deliver to students’ or advisors’ houses. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more details, please, email me at keylazorzella@gmail.com. I'll be happy to share more about ways you can serve in Youth ministry. —Keyla Zorzella Lead Elder for Youth Ministry
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STAFF PROFILE
Everyone, meet Karyna Brandariz, Administrative Assistant for Youth Ministry. Karyna joined SVPC staff in October 2019.
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Favorite snack or dessert?
My favorite dessert is homemade cheesecake. While living in Spain for 6 months, I always ordered cheesecake since I was pleasantly surprised that every restaurant made it a little differently. Some had more of a flan or custard consistency, some included cream cheese or fruits, while others were more like the traditional cheesecake we are familiar with in the U.S. I loved all of them!
Favorite activity to do at home?
When I have leisure time, my favorite activities are reading, puzzles, and organizing spaces.
Favorite music?
Because I spend most of my time studying Occupational Therapy, I enjoy listening to the “Atmospheric Calm” or “Harry Potter Study” playlists on Spotify. I also listen to music in Spanish to brush up on my Spanish speaking skills and to dance.
One superpower?
Although not necessarily a super power, I would love to do magic (still waiting for my owl from Hogwarts—they accept 27-year-olds, right?!)
How do you serve at SVPC?
I support the Youth ministry with their communications, such as the weekly eNewsletter, flyers, Instagram, and email communications.
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UPCOMING “VIRTUAL” EVENTS
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Ongoing Connections
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Bible Study • Sunday mornings • 8:45–10 a.m. • Email
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Discussion Group—African American Poetry from the Harlem Renaissance: Poems of Beauty, Perspective and Protest, Round Three • Mondays, September 21–October 12 • 5–6 p.m. • Email
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College-Age Small Group • Mondays • September 28–October 26 • 6-7 p.m., Email
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Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 a.m. • Email
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LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Support Group • 1st Tuesday (2nd Tuesday in October only) • 7 p.m. • Email
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Parent Support Group Morning Coffees • 2nd & 4th Tuesdays • 10–11 a.m. • Email
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Words to Live by in Uncertain Times :: A Study of the Book of Ephesians • Wednesdays, October 7-28 • 7 p.m. • Register here
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JAM (Just Among Moms) • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 1:30 p.m. • Zoom Link
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MINT (Moms & Intentionality) • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8–9:30 p.m. • Zoom Link
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Spice Dinner • 2nd Thursday • 6–8 p.m. • Check the calendar
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Parent Support Group Evening Coffee • 3rd Thursday • 7:30–8:30 p.m. • Email
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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
Special Events
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Affirming Church Series: Stories from LGBTQIA+ Folks in Our Congregation • Thursday, September 24 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Check the calendar
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Congregational Meeting • Sunday, October 4 • 3 p.m. • Check the calendar
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Community Conversation on Anti-Racism: Dear White Christians—book discussion with author Jennifer Harvey • Tuesday, October 6 • 6–8 p.m. • Zoom link
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Peace & Global Witness offering donations may be made on the church website by following the steps outlined in the letter sent to your email on September 5.
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Get Connected—Computer, Tablet, and Smartphone Help
The Sunnyvale Public Library is offering virtual one-on-one Get Connected appointments either by phone, email or video meeting. Each appointment will be 30 minutes long.
Get Connected allows you to meet (virtually) with a Librarian and ask questions about how to use your computer, tablet or smartphone. Learn how to attach a photo to your email, move app icons around on your device, take photos and more. They are also happy to help you learn how to use the Library’s new Chromebooks available for borrowing.
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Discipleship Class Recordings
Recordings of several Discipleship classes are available in the church library. You can easily find them by clicking on this link here and then using the Search box.
Our most recent series was A Meditative Reflection on Psalms, taught by Rev. Dr. David Bowman. The three recordings cover Psalms 23, 137, and 139. After you click on the link, you will find these are items 16, 17, and 18. You will also find classes taught by Pastors Debbie Whaley and Hardy Kim, Dr. Bill Prior, Mary Green Vickrey, and Barry Vickrey.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
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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IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS...
- Edna Cate, Mildred Prasad, and Grace Randle for continued healing
- Emily Ralph’s father, Dan Sooy, who is recovering from surgery
- Safety for college students returning to school
- Firefighters and all who have experienced loss in the California, Oregon and Washington wildfires
PRAISE...
- The birth of Holden Richard Roman Steffen to parents Hilory and Kellen Steffen, grandfather Richard Steffen and great-grandparents Al and Dorie Mendoza
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JOIN US FOR “LIVE” WORSHIP SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
AND A SHORT COFFEE HOUR FOLLOWING
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Watch the livestream 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. You’re invited to join us for Coffee Hour following the service.
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 1:45 p.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 (September 20). At about 1:50 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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Apr 2020 – Aug 2020 ....................... $K
Church Income .................................. $707
Church Expenses ............................... $622
Church Surplus .................................. $..85
Outreach: PELC/Music School ....... - $479
Combined Organization Deficit ...... - $394
While the church’s giving is similar to last year, the Outreach Groups have been hit hard in this pandemic. PELC’s full-time program started back up in July and The Music School has remained partially open. The good news is that the U.S. PPP loan (to help businesses during the pandemic) will cover these Outreach deficits.
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