Note from Pastor Hardy
Dear Friends,

Sometimes we feel frustrated by the constant bad news we hear on the radio or see on the television, don’t we? There’s so much violence, hatred, and suffering out there. Maybe the worst part is how helpless it can make us all feel. We speak about being partners with God in the healing of all creation — but what can we actually do to be effective as God’s partners?

Gun violence in our country has become so commonplace that it hardly makes headlines. There are shocking terrorist attacks that emerge unexpectedly in places like Beirut, Lebanon that stun us with their ferocity and scope. There’s the ongoing struggle of migrants at our southern border trying to escape poverty, violence, or persecution in their own countries — only to be brutalized by militaristic border patrol agents in the place they’re seeking refuge. There’s even the ongoing crisis of anxiety and depression all across our society — a problem which has only been worsened by the pandemic. How can we possibly be partners in dealing with all of this?

With trust in God — and partnering together as members of the global community of the Church — there is always hope. That’s what we proclaim each time we gather together for worship. And that’s what our own congregation and Presbyterian network declare when we choose to fund and implement ministries of compassion, peace, and justice in our own country and around the world. We always have the opportunity to partner in these things. You can find out more about these efforts here.

One of the immediate ways we as Sunnyvale Pres are participating in addressing all the situations I mentioned above — along with so many more around the world — is by contributing to the Peace and Global Witness Special Offering that we’ll be collecting on October 3. You can find out how to be a part of this offering (and about the local partner we have identified) here.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by what we see in the world around us from time to time. But let’s not forget that we always have God as our partner in facing these challenges, and we always have the ability to join together as a powerful community of witness, to bring peace, compassion, and justice to situations of brokenness in the world. I hope you will choose to join us in this offering, and in the work to which we are called.

With hope,
News from Pastor Karin
Dear Friends,

Last Sunday you elected new officers for the coming terms. Year after year I have been so impressed with our leaders and the ways in which they serve this community.

Everything has looked different during these pandemic times. Deacons have met online and while in-person visits haven’t been possible for much of this time, they’ve continued to lead with compassion by making calls, writing notes, and praying for the people of our church. This compassion is so important to our life together.

Our session has also, of course, met online and discussions have been rich. The work of leading and guiding the congregation has looked different, but it has not slowed. They have made decisions to keep us safe, to lead us to become an affirming church, to support our antiracism work, and much more.

Next month our incoming officers will attend new officer training (also via Zoom), preparing to join continuing officers come January. Please join me in praying God’s blessing upon those who are preparing to serve as well as those who are finishing their term of service. Our officers serve our congregation — as the vows they take ask of them — with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. And we are grateful!

Peace,
Mission and Service
Volunteer Spotlight
Vickie Chiggewidden

After Vickie Chegwidden’s 18th birthday, her mom suggested to Vickie that it was time to become a blood donor. So Vickie started a lifelong habit of giving of herself to others — literally! Since that time, Vickie has given at various blood banks. At Stanford Blood Center alone she has donated well over 100 times! Vickie now gives platelets every two weeks. She enjoys the “me time” away from family responsibilities, watching a movie while donating, and snacking on the goodies offered afterwards. Knowing that she’s helping babies and cancer patients keeps her coming back and she says, “It’s the right thing to do.”

Interested in this volunteer opportunity? Contact stanfordbloodcenter.org to learn how you can become a blood donor!
Supporting Peacemakers in the Presbytery
Presbyterian Peace & Global Witness Offering • Give

The Peace and Global Witness Offering has been received by Presbyterian churches and by our congregation for forty years. This offering enables the church to promote peace by addressing systems of conflict and injustice in our community, our Presbytery, and across the world. The Presbytery of San Jose receives 25% of your giving each year to support the work of the Peace and Justice Working Group and to pay a stipend for the Peacemaking Advocate, who currently is Director of Youth Ministry Addie Domske.

50% will be sent to the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness. Our 25% of this offering will support PACT (People Acting in Community Together).

Donate online here. If you prefer to write a check, please write “P&GW” on the memo line. Checks can be placed in a Peace & Global Witness Offering envelope found in the pew racks or mailed to Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, 728 W Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale, CA, 94087.

"The Power of Hope" By Kelly Simpson Hagen, Kelly's Art from the Soul
Sunnyvale Pres Hiking Group is starting back up!
2nd Saturday of the month • 9 a.m.

Last year, our hiking group had just begun getting its stride when the pandemic hit. We’re ready to get this group started again and we hope many will join us! Each month, a meeting place and time for our hike will be announced via email one week prior to the hike. Linda Andersson and Kathryn Wilkinson will be your guides. Mark your calendars on the second Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. and come join us as we connect with each other outdoors in nature!

Participants must be fully vaccinated and masks are strongly encouraged.

If you had already joined our group last year, no need to rejoin. If you’d like to join, send an email to hiking@sunnyvalepres.com.
Youth Programming Kick-Off
Sunday, September 26 • FLASH 5:30–7:15 p.m. • CLUE 7–8:15 p.m.

Join us for our weekly Youth group kick-off this Sunday! We’ll be going thrift shopping together for the 2021 Thrift Shop Formal! Meet us at the church at the start of the program or at Goodwill of Silicon Valley (855 E El Camino Way, Mountain View, CA 94040) 15 minutes into the program. Bring money to get your best impression of formalwear you can think of. Then we’ll return to Trinity Court to show off our new outfits to each other. Pick-up is at the church.

Note: Due to the church’s current COVID protocols, no dinner or snacks will be provided for FLASH or CLUE, so please eat dinner before you come.

Fall programming is here! Check out our Year-at-a-Glance Calendar, CLUE trifold, FLASH trifold for a sneak peek of what is ahead!
LOGOS Is Back In Person for 2021–22!
September 29, 2021–March 23, 2022 • Register

SVPC’s Midweek Miracle is coming back in person this fall! While the program may look a little bit different, we're excited to return to campus and reignite this intergenerational community.

Beginning September 29, LOGOS will meet every Wednesday from 6:15–7:15 p.m. Due to the ever-evolving public health situation, we will not be providing meals during the Sept.–Dec. semester. However, we will still have games, stories, sharing, and our beloved Theme Nights!

We will not be providing the Chimes Choir beforehand, due to a lack of enrollment. If we get more interest, we may begin the Chimes Choir in the January term.

Registration is now open! Registration fees will be collected per semester, and will be adjusted based on the programming offered. Tuition for the September to December term is only $15! Scholarships are available upon request.
New Members Class
Sunday, October 3 • 9–10:45 a.m. • Info • RegisterZoom (passcode: Welcome)

If you’ve been attending worship and are interested in the next step, come and explore membership with us. The Rev. Karin Hejmanowski will be teaching a one-session New Member Class via Zoom. Those who become new members will also need to meet with our leadership on Tuesday, October 19 in the evening, and be received during our 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, October 24. To register for the class, click here.
Afternoon Fun in the Park
Sunday, October 10 • 2–4 p.m. • Las Palmas Park

Save the date! Everyone is invited to an afternoon of outdoor fun in the park! Come for music (provided by the Music School), games, and activities. Enjoy an all-ages corn hole tournament, balloon toss, pumpkin painting, making friendship bracelets, bubbles, and more. Do you have an idea for a game or activity for this event? Email carol@sunnyvalepres.com.

In accordance with our Reopening Guidelines, there will be no food and masks will be required at this event.
Now Hiring: AV/IT Coordinator

Please let those you consider qualified for this position know about this vacancy. Job description and the process to apply can be found here. We’re so grateful for the faithful service of retiring long-time employee, Suzanne Ungson.
Book Sale Cart Recommendations
The Last Things We Talk About
by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth T. Boatwright

Conveniently available on the Book Sale Cart in Trinity Court Sundays at noon.
“I read Libby [the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth T.] Boatwright’s book The Last Things We Talk About: Your Guide to End of Life Transitions and promote it shamelessly,” says Sunnyvale Pres bookseller Mary Boyle, a retired Santa Clara librarian. “It is very clear, well organized, and covers a lot of helpful information on end-of-life conversations."
Boatwright, a chaplain, pastor, and certified financial planner, served as a Parish Associate at Sunnyvale Pres from 2014 to June 2021.
The Last Things We Talk About is for anyone who wants to make order out of chaos and to take the fear out of end-of-life planning — all the forms, info and advice are there,” says Boatwright. “Get ahead of the curve, get it done, and get on with your life!”
Upcoming Events
Get connected at SVPC! We have weekly and monthly online events for all ages, plus frequent special events on a wide variety of subjects. We’d love to have you join us!

Special Events
  • Book Study of Kathleen Norris's Amazing Grace • Mondays, September 20–October 11 • 5 p.m. • Email
  • Kick-Off Sunday for FLASH (middle school) & CLUE (high school) • September 26 • Check the Youth calendar
  • LOGOS Resumes • Wednesday, September 29 • Register families or adult volunteers
  • New Members Class • Sunday, October 3 • 9 a.m. • InfoRegisterZoom (passcode: Welcome)
  • Afternoon Fun in the Park • Sunday, October 10 • 2–4 p.m. • Las Palmas Park • Email

To learn more about events for children and youth subscribe to their e-newsletters. Also, check out the Children’s ministry Facebook page or Youth ministry’s microsite and Instagram, or text ‘FLASH’ (Middle School) or ‘CLUE’ (High School) to 51400 for live updates.

Ongoing Connections
  • Bible Study • Sunday mornings • 8:45–10 a.m. • Email
  • In-Person Worship • Sunday mornings • 11 a.m. • Sanctuary • Online worship will continue to be available (see usual links in blue box below) • Sign up for child care
  • Children’s Church: STARS + BLAST • Sunday mornings • Register
  • Children’s Virtual Small Group (grades 3–5) • Mondays • 6:15–7 p.m. • Over Zoom • Register
  • College-Age Small Group • Mondays • 6–7 p.m. • Check the calendar
  • Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 a.m. • Email
  • LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends Support Group • 1st Tuesday • 7 p.m. • Email
  • JAM (Just a Moment) Parenting Group • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 9:30–10:30 a.m. • Over Zoom • Email
  • MINT (Moments of Intentionality) Parenting Group • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8–9:30 p.m. • Over Zoom • Email
  • Prayer Shawl Knitters • 3rd Wednesdays • 7:30–9 p.m. • Over Zoom • Email
  • Spice Dinner • 2nd Thursday • 6–8 p.m. • Check the calendar
  • Queer Fellowship Group • 3rd Thursday • 7–8:30 p.m. • Email
  • Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families Morning Coffee • 2nd Tuesday • 10–11:30 a.m. • Email for Zoom link
  • Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families Evening Coffee • 4th Thursday • 7–8:30 p.m. • Email for Zoom link
  • Hiking Group • 2nd Saturday • 9 a.m. • Email
2021–2022 Fiscal YTD Results

August 2021 (month 5)............$ K   
Church Income....................$.596
Church Expenses..................$.728
Church Deficit..................-$.132
Outreach Grps:PELC/Music School.-$ 129
Combined Organization Deficit...-$ 261

Year-to-date results remain on track to budget. Church income and spending are tracking to budget through August, and the outreach groups, while operating at a deficit, are performing better than expected. We continue to expect our PPP loans to cover any combined deficit this year by funding employee and facility costs.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

  • The family and friends of Judy Black who died last week, especially sons Tim and Matt Black and companion Steve Ellen
  • Our Presbytery leaders who are meeting tomorrow, September 25

Have a prayer request?

In place of the blue prayer cards you filled out on Sundays, please send your prayer requests anytime to prayer@sunnyvalepres.com. 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
Join Us Onsite or Online for Worship on Sundays @ 11 a.m.
Zoom Coffee Hour follows.
If you're not ready or able to join us in person, you’re invited to join the livestream broadcast of our weekly worship service.

Look for the red banner at the top of our new website (SunnyvalePres.com). Click the white button, “Join online worship & events.
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#