I know that we have been dealing with pandemic related news and the impact of COVID on all of our ministries for quite some time now. At the same time, I think we can be grateful that local leaders, healthcare experts and workers, and even the conscientious behavior of our local neighbors have all meant that the worst effects of the pandemic have not been widely seen in our area.

That’s why these current days are so difficult. Finally, we are seeing a variant of COVID that is spreading quickly in our area, in spite of everyone’s best efforts. If you’re like me, you’re hearing more and more accounts of individuals and families in your various circles contracting COVID and having to deal with the often difficult consequences. We’re still doing everything we can to protect ourselves and others — and we’re still stressed and anxious because of how contagious and dangerous this illness is.

Every area of our church life is being impacted — everything from worship to small groups, from how we can use our facilities to how the families coming to our PELC and Music School feel when they are gathered for classes. Even now, there is a lot of disruption for PELC and Music School teachers and students. We are having to postpone retreats and events for groups of all ages.

Yet, even in this, we trust that God is with us. God gives us courage and strength to move forward in hope — carrying a vision of future days when we will be able to gather together face to face, supporting each other in person and singing in joy.

Holding to this vision, I want to encourage you all to keep engaging with your Sunnyvale Pres family however you can. Join us online for worship if you’re not feeling safe about coming in person. Sign up for our various classes and fellowship opportunities that are taking place over Zoom. And, especially now, please pray for your church community. Pray for members who are lonely. Pray for staff who are stressed. Pray for elders who are making hard decisions. Pray for teachers in our outreach groups who are risking their health to show up for kids. Pray with gratitude for God’s continued presence with us. Pray that we will all do everything we can to care for each other.

Grateful for your prayers,

Dear Friends,

I found myself thinking today about the things that are completely reliable in life. It ranged from the rising and setting of the sun and the orbit of the earth around the sun, to laundry, dishes, cooking, and the cuteness of our little dog. But the list could go on and on. But here’s the thing — I was thinking about these because I had found my mind repeating to me the words of Lamentations 3:23–24.

If I can trust, whether with humor or dread, that something as mundane as laundry is going to be faithfully true, how much better and more wonderful to rely on something as majestic as the faithfulness of the God of the universe who has set the planets in motion! I’m so grateful for God’s mercies that are for all people.

And… I should go do some laundry.

See you soon,

This Saturday, January 22

11 a.m. • Over Zoom • Tickets

The Music School’s Teddy Bear Concert will be virtual again this year! Join us for our annual faculty concert with instrument demonstrations and a repertoire specifically selected for young listeners. Admission is by donations of any amount, and all proceeds benefit the Janice Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click here for ticket reservations.