As I write this note to you, I am contemplating all the things I have to take care of before leaving to attend my first church conference since the start of the pandemic. The conference is the annual national gathering for NEXT Church — a Presbyterian network of clergy and lay leaders. I serve as a member of the leadership team. Going to this conference involves flying all the way to the east coast, preparing to lead discussion groups, and meetings with the leadership team. Just dealing with all the packing and clearing of my schedule in advance of the trip, I feel tired and out of sorts.

It’s ironic then, to consider the theme of the conference: “The 2022 NEXT Church National Gathering is an invitation to rest, restore, and explore stories that need to be told — about why we rest, why we resist rest, and why some of us cannot rest.” I’m definitely not feeling invited to rest as I anticipate this trip. I very much hope that God will grant me this blessing somewhere along the way.

But this got me to thinking about what qualifies as rest for me. I do think that when I get to the conference and start meeting with other leaders, get to hear their stories, and share in meals with other participants, that this will feel like rest and restoration to me. It’s not that it takes so much less energy to do these things; it’s more that I experience God’s Spirit filling me up during these sorts of times.

I pray that all of you will find ways of engaging in community — particularly our Sunnyvale Pres community — in ways that restore you by filling you up with God’s Spirit. For some, that engagement could include a new leadership role. We’re in the middle of asking you all to submit recommendations to the Nominating Committee for future leaders for our church. Self-nominations are also welcome! Maybe there’s an area of our ministry, a program for connecting with others, or an outreach by which we serve the community — something that makes you feel livelier and more hopeful just thinking about it? Serving as a leader for that kind of ministry area might be just the “rest and restoration” that God is calling you to experience.

Faithfully,

Dear Friends,

As you peruse this newsletter, you’ll see there’s a lot going on. I recently saw a meme that said, “Lies pastors tell themselves:” and at the beginning of the list was “Things will calm down after Easter.” Ah, clergy humor!

These days we continue to try out new things and enjoy some of the things we let go of during our years of doing everything virtually. As we approach things, we try to keep the whole of our congregation in mind — those on-site and those online. One thing you might see in Trinity Court during coffee hour is one or more people with phones held up next to them. They’re not playing video games; they're bringing someone from Zoom coffee hour to come and meet people in Trinity Court. So please don’t avoid them! Take a moment to introduce yourself and include them in your conversation.

People join us online for many reasons. Some are cautious out of concern for their own or loved ones’ health. Some don’t live within driving distance. Some are joining us from their travels. Some have a busy day but still want to be with us. Some find getting out challenging due to age or health. Thank you to everyone, whether online or in person, for making an effort to connect with one another!

As a denomination, we consider ourselves very connectional. That sense of connecting begins in our local congregations. At Sunnyvale Pres, let’s keep connecting. Let’s keep refreshing long-time friendships as well as making new ones. It’s worth the effort!

Peace,

If you have been attending worship and are interested in the next step, come and explore membership with us. Rev. Karin Hejmanowski will be teaching this one-session New Member Class in-person and on Zoom. Those who become new members will also need to meet with our leadership on Tuesday, June 21, in the evening and be received during our 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 26. To register for the class, click here.