Dear
SVPC Family,
It’s been wonderful to connect with more of you online, through happy hours and a Zoom coffee hour after worship (which you can
join again this Sunday!).
Our conversations have made something very clear: pastors and church staff are not doing the work of adapting ministry for these pandemic times on their own. You all are doing amazing things to support one another and to show God’s love even when we can’t be physically present.
Whether you’re setting up virtual hangouts to play cards together, reaching out to receive prayer requests, having food delivered to at-risk neighbors, or even just making a phone call to a lonely friend—you’re all being Christ’s “hands and feet” during these hard times.
I am amazed at the ways that you all are, even now, keeping us true to our calling to be “rooted in Christ, reaching out in love!”
Gratefully,
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Dear friends,
I loved when, at the conclusion of one of our Zoom gatherings, one person commented that this is us being the church—connecting with and caring for one another. And yes, we are! Getting together, whether after church or at a coffee or happy hour (for coffee, water, drinks, or anything else), allows us to connect. It allows people to share the ways in which these times are really hard for them and for others, the unexpected joys they are experiencing.
Whether in these venues or with your small group, or in conversations with friends, keep reaching out and being church to those around you!
See you on Sunday!
Peace,
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Thoughts from Rev. Judy Joy, Parish Associate
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This week I read an article by M. Craig Barnes in
The Christian Century, reflecting on how we can be “witnesses to the ends of the earth” in these pandemic times. He finds inspiration in the monastic communities of St. Benedict and St. Gregory during the 6th century plagues. For them monastic prayer was an active way to care for the world each day. As we are “cloistering at home” these days, it can become that for us as well.
St. Gregory believed that agitation about the world’s troubles would be our daily invitation to prayer. We must come in humility, he said, and as we continue in prayer, we will recognize God’s goodness. Which turns our hearts to gratitude. I would suggest two other ways to cultivate a grateful heart: read the psalms as the Benedictines still do, every week. Hear the anguish and cries for help as well as the praise offered. And keep on telling others the stories of where you are seeing God’s goodness at work in your part of God’s world.
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JOIN US FOR “LIVE” WORSHIP SUNDAYS @ 2 PM
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Watch the livestream broadcast of our weekly worship service. Facebook users can watch directly from the church
Facebook page. Or you can watch on the
SVPC website.
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Need help accessing worship services or virtual events online?
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LGBTQ+ FAMILY AND FRIENDS
SUPPORT GROUP STARTS IN JUNE!
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Join other parents, friends and allies as we provide a safe space to share, ask questions and affirm each other's journeys. Hosted by Director of Community Life
Carol Heath and
Linda Andersson, who care deeply about the queer community, and want to share space with others who need support and care as they walk this often challenging path. All are welcome from the church and the community. We will meet on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
For more information and ZOOM link information, contact
Carol Heath.
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STAFF PROFILE
Everyone, meet
Adam Lee
, Associate Director of Children's Ministry
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Favorite snack or dessert?
I like most desserts, but I LOVE anything that has white chocolate and raspberries!
Favorite activity to do at home?
I play a lot of video games! I also like playing board games with my family. We've been playing lots of Bananagrams lately.
Favorite musician/band?
My favorite band (right now) is Dustbowl Revival. They have the perfect blend of folksy/funky tunes that are just so fun to listen and dance to.
One superpower?
I would have the ability to make food appear out of thin air!
How do you serve at SVPC?
I help with planning for our regular church school programs, LOGOS, VBS, and pretty much anything that has to do with kids at SVPC. I'm excited to learn how I can best serve this wonderful, welcoming community.
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UPCOMING
“
VIRTUAL
”
EVENTS
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Ongoing Connections
- Sunday mornings, Bible Study • 8:45–10 a.m., Email
- Online Church School • any time, Info
- Mondays/Thursdays, Yoga with Youth Ministry (everyone welcome) • 10 a.m., Info
- Mondays, FLASH (Middle School) Small Groups • 7–78:30 p.m., Info
- Mondays, CLUE (High School) Small Groups • 7–8:30 p.m., Info
- Tuesdays, Men's Bible Study • 6:30–7:30 a.m., Email
- 1st Tuesday, LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Support Group • 7 p.m., Email
- 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, Parent Support Group Coffees • 10–11 a.m., Email
- Wednesdays, JAM • 1:30 p.m., Email
- 3rd Thursdays, Parent Support Group Coffee, • 7:30–8:30 p.m., Email
Special Events
- Tuesday, May 26, Happy Hour with Hardy • 5–6 p.m., Sign up
- Sunday, May 31, Deadline to submit names, photos and milestones for Promotion Sunday • Submit
- Sunday, June 7, Promotion Sunday • 2 p.m. worship service
- Sunday, June 7, Deadline to submit leadership recommendations • Submit
- Sunday, August 16, Wine & Cheese & Documentaries (formerly CARAVAN Sunday) • 6–9 p.m., Info & RSVP
For information about how to connect with these events, click on the “Email” link and complete the email. Zoom call "Info" can be found in the calendar notes for that event.
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RESOURCES
In lieu of your Sunday Booksale cart, here are some suggestions for these times from
Miriam Kishi.
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- The Art of Tinkering: Meet 150+ Makers Working at the Intersection of Art, Science & Technology
- If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?
- The Joy of Not Working:..for the Retired, Unemployed & Overworked
- For children: My Amazing Day: A Celebration of Wonder & Gratitude
- Family games: Nature Fluxx and Caldron Quest Cooperative Board Game.
These resources are available online and at some local bookstores.
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IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS...
- The Merriam Family for the loss of Elvareen Dennis, Bethann’s mom and Jennifer and Jamie and Olivia’s grandma
- Continued prayers for Nancy Kop, Robert Pope and Mildred Prasad
- Nurses, doctors, hospital staff, healthcare providers
- Farmers, grocery store workers, meat packing plant workers, all food providers
- Delivery drivers, postal workers
- Police officers and firefighters
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