Note from Pastor Hardy
Dear Friends,

Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!

I want to say thank you to everyone who joined us for Holy Week and Easter worship services — whether in the sanctuary, online, or down by the shoreline at sunrise. It was wonderful to see your faces, to connect with you via chat, and to simply feel surrounded by a congregation of hope-filled souls.

A special thank you to all the worship leadership, tech volunteers, and music teams who prepared and offered up such wonderful gifts to lead us in our worship journey. This year I found myself appreciating all the little things, and grateful for all the ways that we have adjusted and learned to be an even more wide-reaching and inclusive community of worship.

I know that we are always quick to look for the next “new and improved” thing, but I hope that in the days ahead I will be able to maintain a spirit of gratitude for the worship, gathering, and fellowship of our community and all the “little things” — like being together in person or online, or singing along to all different styles of music, or just being able to share a chat with new folks walking in our doors.

I hope you’ll join me in trying to make Eastertide (the 49 days after Easter) a season where we continue to be grateful for the blessings God sends our way — and not just a time to return to our regular focus on work, school, the news, or our social media feeds. If we open ourselves up to really appreciating what God is sending us, I think it’ll help us to find new and renewed rhythms and patterns of shared life that will help us to be an even more loving and resilient community of faith than before the pandemic started.

What a resurrection story that would be!

With hope, 
News from Pastor Karin
Dear Friends,

Happy Easter! I hope you were able to join us last week for one or all of our Holy Week services. I loved all of it! Communion as part of our Maundy Thursday service, our Tenebrae service on Friday, and then Easter with a sunrise service and our 11 a.m. service. Whether you were online or onsite, it was a journey I am glad we could walk together.

These last weeks have also been a time of significant loss for numerous people in our congregation. If you look at our prayer list, you’ll see that quite a few people have lost friends and loved ones. As we lean into the hope of the resurrection, our hearts still grieve in the face of loss. I invite you to hold these people in your prayers and extend love in cards, emails, or calls as you feel led to do so.

And if you are experiencing grief, I invite you to join us on May 1 at 1 p.m. for our grief support group where you can be with others who are also going through grief during Eastertide.

Whether you find yourself as joyful as can be or struggling for any reason, together we can claim the truth — Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!

Peace,
Communion Sunday & DipJar
May 1

A week from this Sunday, we will celebrate communion. If you’re joining us online, remember to have your communion elements — some bread and drink that’s common to your home and household — with you when you connect to Sunday’s livestream worship.

Did you know that each time we come to the Lord’s Table for Communion, we also have the DipJar in the courtyard to help put food on others’ tables? Dip your credit card to give $5 to Sunnyvale Community Services. Want to give more? Just dip more! This method of giving is the most beneficial way to help SCS purchase needed foods in bulk. Thanks for caring! (Worshiping online? You can contribute online.)
Did you know that each time we come to the Lord’s Table for Communion, we also have the DipJar in the courtyard to help put food on others’ tables? Dip your credit card to give $5 to Sunnyvale Community Services. Want to give more? Just dip more! This method of giving is the most beneficial way to help SCS purchase needed foods in bulk. Thanks for caring! (Worshiping online? You can contribute online.)
Nominate Future Church Leaders
Recommendations open May 1

Are you interested in guiding the direction our church is heading? Have you considered a leadership role that will help you have a stronger voice? Or do you know someone who fits that description? Soon it will be your chance to let us know!

The period for submitting recommendations to the 2022 Nominating Committee is coming up May 1–29. An online form will be available from the church website Leadership Recommendations page beginning May 1. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact the committee at nomcomsvpc@gmail.com.
Why are recommendations important?

Here’s some perspective from Joe Lyon, Welcome & Hospitality ministry team:

“Nomination season is upon us! Whether you’re new to the church or a long-time member, this is an important season for our community.

We humbly ask you for nominations for elders and deacons. We know they’re out there! Think about those you worship with and those in your small groups. Consider those with whom you’ve done justice work and those you rely on for perspective. Elders and deacons are not always the most visible or vocal of members but share in their dedication to our thriving church. A great nominee does not need to be a long-time member or one who’s grown up in the church. Our body benefits from many personalities, perspectives, and stages of life. Though you can nominate anyone, self-nominations are highly encouraged.

When I was nominated for elder in 2019, I initially didn't feel like I fit the bill! I grew up non-denominational and never envisioned myself as a church leader. I’d scarcely been a Presbyterian for five years by then and I don’t think I have any grey in my beard! But I’m so grateful somebody saw beyond that and made me an elder. There are surely others like me who never thought they would be nominated but are perfect candidates nevertheless. Please start praying and considering those people in this coming month.”
Confirmation Sunday
This Sunday, April 24

Confirmation Sunday coming up! Our 2022 confirmands will be presented to the congregation during the 11 a.m. worship service. Please join us in celebrating them!
Grief Support Group
Sunday, May 1 • 1st Sunday of every month • 1 p.m. • Zoom (passcode: 265200)

If you’ve lost a loved one and are walking the journey of grief, come join others in a Zoom space where it’s okay to not be okay. Tears, laughter, and the presence of others who also know loss will help ease the pain and provide a way to experience the love of God. Join us the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m., led by Pastor Karin. Questions? Contact Pastor Karin at karin@sunnyvalepres.com.
Senior Coffee
Thursday, May 12 • 10:30–11:30 a.m. • Zoom (passcode: 654321)

Sunnyvale Pres seniors in your 80s and older are invited to a virtual coffee with Pastor Karin and members of the Caring Ministry Team. It’s always good to be together! If we have your birthday in our database (to tell us you’re 80+), we’ll be sending you an email reminder a few days before the coffee. Questions? Contact Roger Medsker at medskerrd@gmail.com or 1-319-400-2828.
Safe Church Training
Monday, May 16 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom (passcode: 442232)

All Sunnyvale Pres volunteers must complete this training before working with children and youth in any church program including BLAST, Stars, LOGOS, VBS, FLASH or CLUE events, or Parents’ Night Out.

NOTE: This is the only scheduled Safe Church training until late summer, so if you are planning to be an advisor on the CARAVAN trip or a VBS volunteer, and haven’t already completed Safe Church training, please attend this session. For more information, please email safechurch@sunnyvalepres.com.
Promotion Sunday
June 5 • During 11 a.m. worship
Info & Photos due May 20

During worship on Promotion Sunday we want to celebrate with folks, regardless of age, who are finishing 5th grade, 8th grade, high school or any post-secondary promotions including professional certificates, accreditations, or degrees (AA and beyond).

To be included:
  1. Submit your name and milestone on this Google form by May 20.
  2. Also email a photo to by May 20.

All graduates and their families are encouraged to attend the church service (either onsite or online) on Promotion Sunday. Questions? Contact Children’s ministry or Youth ministry.
Afternoon Fun in the Park
June 5 • 2–4 p.m.
Las Palmas Park

All are invited to an afternoon in the park filled with activities for all ages, as well as cotton candy, snowcones, and a live band! Put this date on your calendar and be sure to join in this opportunity to meet new people and renew old friendships.
VBS Volunteers Needed!
June 13–17 • 9:30 a.m.–noon • Info

We are excited to be hosting Vacation Bible School (VBS) on our campus this summer after a two-year hiatus. To do so, we need volunteers: teachers, youth counselors, snack coordinators, child care folks, and others. We need you!

We invite youth who attend our church (entering grades 5–12) to volunteer as youth counselors. Youth counselors, register here. (Please note, if you will be in 5th grade in fall 2022, your parent or guardian must be a full time teacher/leader at VBS in order for you to be a counselor.)

We invite anyone over the youth counselor age limit (entering college/over 18) to apply to be one of our classroom teachers or volunteers with smaller roles. Adult volunteers and teachers, register here.

For other details about VBS or to register your children, please click here.
Seven Habits to Enhance Christian Living
Habit #5: Acting on the Promptings of the Holy Spirit
by Sonia Gresham, Book Sale Ministry Team Friend
If this idea is new to you, you might be wondering how you will know if God’s Spirit is prompting you to do something — maybe something different than you have ever done before. He might be prompting you to focus more on reading His Word, to teach a class, counsel someone you barely know, lead a ministry, or go on a mission trip. Or it might be as simple as calling or visiting someone to whom you’ve never reached out before—but God thinks you’re just the right person to do it!

Be aware! His Spirit might prompt you as you’re reading your Bible, praying, or talking with a friend. But if God prompts you to do something, you can feel confident that He will begin preparing you to do it — and He will give you the courage you need to answer His call.

Be the Gift by Ann Voskamp, available on the Book Sale Cart in Trinity Court, might be just the book to guide you.
Upcoming Events
Get connected at Sunnyvale Pres! 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: Brian McLaren’s Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World • Wednesday evenings in April • Zoom
  • Confirmation Sunday • April 24 • During 11 a.m. worship
  • Youth Group in the Park • Sunday, May 1 • 6:30–7:45 p.m. • Serra Park • Check the calendar
  • Senior Coffee • Thursday, May 12 • 10:30–11:30 a.m. • Zoom (passcode: 654321)
  • CARAVAN Parent Meeting + Student Meeting #3 • Sunday, May 15 • 1:30–2:30 p.m. • CLUE Room • Check the calendar
  • Safe Church Training • Monday, May 16 • 7–8:30 p.m. • Zoom (Passcode: 442232)
  • Promotion Sunday • June 5 • During 11 a.m. worship • Send photos & info by May 20
  • Afternoon Fun in the Park • Sunday, June 5 • 2–4 p.m. • Las Palmas Park
  • Vacation Bible School • June 13–17 • 9:30 a.m.–noon • Info & register
  • CARAVAN 2022 • July 16–24 • Chicago • Info

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 Instagram or Linktree, 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 and Online Worship • Sunday mornings • 11 a.m. • See usual links in blue box below to connect online • Sign up for child care
  • Children’s Church: STARS + BLAST • Sunday mornings • Register
  • DipJar to support Sunnyvale Community Services • 1st Sunday • Give in the courtyard or online anytime
  • Grief Support Group • 1st Sunday • 1 p.m. • Zoom (passcode: 265200) • Email
  • Youth Group: FLASH + CLUE • Sunday evenings • 6:30–7:45 p.m. • Check the calendar
  • 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
  • LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Group • 1st Tuesday • 7 p.m. • Email
  • Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families: Morning Coffee • 4th Tuesday • 10 a.m.–12 p.m. • Room 702 • Email
  • Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group • 4th Tuesday • 11:30 a.m. • Over Zoom • Call 1-800-272-3900 
  • The Well (FLASH + CLUE) • Wednesdays • 7:15–8 p.m. • Check the calendar
  • JAM (Just a Moment) Parenting Group • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 9:30–10:30 a.m. • Over Zoom • Email
  • Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Families: Virtual Coffee • 2nd Wednesday • 9:30–11 a.m. • Email for Zoom link
  • 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
  • Hiking Group • 2nd Saturday • 9 a.m. • Email
2021–2022 Fiscal YTD Results

March 2022 (month 12)............$K   
Church Income....................$1,663
Church Expenses..................$1,726
Church Deficit...................$..(63)
Outreach Grps:PELC/TMS Surplus...$..140
Combined Organization Surplus....$...77

We ended fiscal year 2022 with church income of $1,633K. This is down 5% versus last year but was better than we had forecasted. Church spending of $1,726K for the year resulted in the church having a deficit of $(63)K for the fiscal year. Both PELC and The Music School contributed a surplus for the year, offsetting the church deficit to result in a combined full-year surplus of $77K. This was a better than expected result for the year and positions us well as we start our new fiscal year (which started April 1). These results are before the impact of the PPP income of $667K which funded quite a few months of payroll expenses throughout the pandemic, and will give us room to fund several of our key reserves as we close out fiscal year 2022.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

  • Kristy Freese who has health issues
  • Joe Don Heath who is recovering from clavicle surgery
  • Fran Lusk who is in skilled nursing at Sunny View
  • Jose Romero’s mother, Shirley, who has advanced cancer
  • Audrus Hicks who is in hospice
  • Addie Domske for the loss of her uncle, Paul Fairman
  • Carol Heath and family for the loss of her mom, Karen Walters
  • Elaine Mansfield for the loss of her mother, Juanita Benson
  • Emily Ralph for the loss of her uncle, Kenny Sooy
  • The friends and family of Patsy Duke

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.