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A LO N G T H E WAYThe Newsletter of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church • March 2015
I joined Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church in December 1992. My husband and I were experi-enced at church shopping, since we were a Navy family. We never shopped any further after the first time we worshipped here. Our two little boys were happy when we picked them up from child care. The pastors were warm and gracious, as were other folks we met.
I joined a Presbyterian Women’s group made up of women like myself with young children. I experi-enced the women’s retreats and loved the break from the grind of motherhood. My family discovered the wonder and joy of All-Church Camp
and my husband and I were delighted to serve as camp directors.
My boys progressed through the children’s and youth programs, which brought other adults into their lives, guiding them with Christian values. I was privileged to become a deacon, and I read the Bible through the two-year course, Crossways. Church members brought my family meals after my miscarriage. I became part of a community.
This church continued to offer me opportunities to challenge myself and deepen my faith. I spent a week in Tijuana with church folks of all ages on an Intergenerational Trip.
I paddled a kayak in the pristine blue waters sur-rounding the Bahamas through the outdoor adven-tures ministry. I spent a week as a CARAVAN advisor traversing the streets of San Francisco and sleeping in a dark, dank basement with 70 teenagers, and learned about homelessness, up close
Reflections— Why This Church is a Blessing to MeBy Betsy Brittle
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March1 Safe Church Training, 11:30 Am–1 pm, Fireside
Room Adult/Youth Learning—You Are Here (3 of 5),
11:30 Am, Coleman Room Sophomore Girls’ Small Group—see website for
details Intersections Dinner Church, 5 pm, Fellowship Hall2 Seniors in Service, 8:30 Am–noon, Fellowship Hall Youth Small Groups—see website for details4 FLASH/CLUE, Youth Room6–8 Women’s Retreat, Presentation Center, Los Gatos8 Daylight Savings Time begins—set clocks forward Moment with Children—
Glory Choir (3rd–6th) sings FLASH AM, 10 Am, Phoenix Center Gym Adult Luncheon, 11:20 Am, Fellowship Hall Adult/Youth Learning—You Are Here (4 of 5),
11:30 Am, Coleman Room Sophomore Girls’ Small Group—see website for
details Dinner following Intersections, 6 pm, Phoenix Center
Gym CARAVAN Unveiling, 6:15 pm, Fellowship Hall9 Youth Small Groups—see website for details Newsletter articles due for the April edition
March CalendarA quick look at what’s happening at SVPC this month...
and personal. Over the last few years, my husband and I have met twice a month with a small group comprised of five couples. We share life and love and cherish those friendships.
I want to share why this church is a blessing to me, how it is that Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church has given me a home to learn about God and experience God’s love. I have been offered support and grace from my church family in the very tough times of my life and in the joyful times. Many of the special people in my life are people I met right here at this place.
I have never pretended to be a Biblical scholar. I have difficulty grasping the resurrection. I struggle with my faith as I see the pain and suffering in the world. But here’s what I know to be real and true: this place and you people. My life would not have been as rich and full of love and experiences were it not for what God has given me through all of you. Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church is God manifested in the real day-to-day life experiences and struggles. God gives me the chance and the opportunity to grow in my faith and receive His love within and beyond these walls. God has blessed me with a church family. I am so very grateful.
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10 Parent Support Group Coffee, March 10, 9–10 Am, Coleman Room11 LOGOS Open House, March 11, 4:45 pm, Trinity Court FLASH/CLUE, Youth Room15 FLASH AM, 10 Am, Phoenix Center Gym VBS priority registration opens Annual Congregational Meeting, 11 Am, Phoenix Center Gym Wild Things Family Concert, 2 pm, Mission Santa Clara Sophomore Girls’ Small Group—see website for details Dinner following Intersections, 6 pm, Phoenix Center Gym16 Youth Small Groups—see website for details18 FLASH/CLUE, Youth Room21 Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery Forum “Reconciling with Faith and
Freedom...”, 9 Am–2:30 pm, Santa Teresa Presbyterian Church22 FLASH AM, 10 Am, Phoenix Center Gym Special Needs Panel Discussion and Lunch, 11:15 Am, Fellowship Hall Adult/Youth Learning—You Are Here (5 of 5), 11:30 Am, Coleman Room Sophomore Girls’ Small Group—see website for details Dinner following Intersections, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall Chancel Choir Spring Concert, 7 pm, Sanctuary23 Youth Small Groups—see website for details VBS registration opens to the public25 Last day of LOGOS FLASH/CLUE, Youth Room27 Senior High Broomball—see website for detailsHoly Week is March 29–April 5—see back cover for details29 Palm Sunday One Great Hour of Sharing collection ALL children’s choirs sing at 10 Am FLASH AM, 10 Am, Phoenix Center Gym Sophomore Girls’ Small Group—see website for details Dinner following Intersections, 6 pm, Phoenix Center Gym30 Youth Small Groups—see website for details
We continue to thrive in programs and community and yet struggle with our financial picture. We are grateful for those who have communicated regarding giving and always grateful for those who give so faith-fully at whatever level you are able to do so.
On March 22 we will welcome our Interim Pastor, the Rev. Debbie Whaley and she will join us for the end of our Lenten journey and lead us in the coming time of discerning our path forward as we seek to un-derstand who God is calling us to be and then call a new Head of Staff.
These are exciting times. Let’s commit to living our lives increasingly for Christ and to be prayerful in our journey of Lent and in the seasons that follow.
Grateful for you,
Wednesday service when many of you were present to receive communion and then the imposition of ashes as a reminder of the journey upon which we are embarking.
I invite you to enter into this Lenten observance as fully as you are able. Perhaps there is something you feel led to give up for this season as a reminder to turn your thoughts to Christ. Perhaps there is a discipline you will commit to take on to increase the depth of your life with Christ in this season. Even if you are just now deciding, don’t let the fact that the season has already begun keep you from allowing it to be a richly meaningful season.
As a congregation, we are also on a journey.
This past week we entered into the season of Lent—a time when we reflect on our faith and journey with Christ toward the cross. Matt Stephan led us in a meaningful Ash
The View From Hereby Rev. Karin Hejmanowski
“These are exciting times! Let’s commit to living our lives increasingly for Christ and to be prayerful in our journey together.”
Rooted in Christ...Sunnyvale Presbyterian offers everyone an opportunity to connect with the church community.
Women’s RetreatMarch 6–8, Presentation Center, Los Gatos
Last chance to register is Sunday, March 1. For more infor-mation, please send your e-mail to [email protected].
Register now at: www.svpc.us/groups/womens.php#retreat
LOGOS Open HouseWednesday, March 11, 4:45 PM, Trinity Court
Are you interested in learning more about LOGOS, our Wednesday evening program for second through sixth grade students? Join us for an Open House and informational meeting. We will meet in the church courtyard, then take a tour of the Chimes choir and Bible Study classes, and hear about the fun activities that LOGOS offers.
Please RSVP to Becky Mallinson or Michelle VanWiggeren at [email protected] so we know to expect you. Please feel free to invite friends who may be interested. If you have any questions, please call Becky at 408-734-4254 or Michelle at 408-255-8096.
Newsletter DeadlinesThe newsletter deadline is Monday, March 9, for the April edition. Articles may be up to 120 words in length. Send your article to [email protected], and, if possible, include a photo with your article.
Go green!Go Green! Consider joining the more than 415 indi-viduals and families that now receive their newsletter electronically. The online edition arrives sooner, contains the same articles plus vivid full-color photos and live links, and can be easily shared with family and friends, all while helping reduce our carbon footprint! Opt-in by sending an e-mail to [email protected] with your request.
Annual Congregational MeetingSunday, March 15, 11 AM, Phoenix Center Gym (Building 700)
Following the 10 am worship service, we invite you to our Annual Congregational Meeting. We do annual meetings like no other church! We will review 2014, vote on the terms of call for the pastor(s), have fun, and celebrate our church’s ministry. It’s more than just a meeting—it’s a themed event that will be fun for everyone. A light lunch will be served; all are welcome and we do hope you’ll join us! Kids will be dismissed to child care after the meal. (Just a hint for the theme: Orange Friday just became Orange Sunday!)
A Gift of Organ PipesAn anonymous donor has generously donated $13,000 spe-cifically to fund a solo Cornet stop on our pipe organ. This stop was part of the original tonal design for our Balcom and Vaughan organ. Stop by the organ after worship any Sunday, and Valerie will happily show you where the Cornet’s new home will be.
John Moir, the builder of our pipe organ, has ordered the 96 Cornet pipes from the Netherlands and will install and voice the new pipes here in several months. Keep your ears open for a new Cornet tone color singing out from our organ. Our heartfelt thanks for this generous donation that will make beautiful music for many years to come!
Sunday Dinners during Lent
March 8, 15, 22, and 29 •at 6 PM. You’re invited to join us for a light dinner following the evening worship service on these nights. Come enjoy meals that will warm your soul as you share dinner with the church community.
www.svpc.us/ dinnersLent
March 1 at • 5 PM. At this Intersections worship service, we’ll be gathered around tables. The music and sermon and communion will be interspersed between our eating and sharing.
www.svpc.us/ dinnerChurch
New Members ClassApril 26 & May 3, 11:15 AM–12:45 PM, Coleman Room (Bldg 700)
Received in worship on May 17 after meeting with Session at 9 AM, Fellowship Hall
The New Members class, taught by Pastor Karin Hejmanowski, is for anyone who has been attending worship and has been thinking about exploring the next step of connecting with Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church as a member. To let us know you plan to attend, please contact Dot Dansey at [email protected] or 408-739-1892. Child care is available by reservation for children of all ages. Contact our Child Care Coordinator, Debbie Klein, at [email protected] or 408-730-0212.
Vacation Bible School—Voyage to the Son!June 15–19, 9:30 AM–noon For children 4 years old (by September 1, 2015) through entering 4th grade. We invite older students who attend our church to be youth counselors.
Come travel with us on our continuing search for greater understanding of the love and life of Jesus Christ. In this year’s program, children will have a great time learning about events in Jesus’ life through stories, songs, crafts, music and worship. In addition your child will have an opportunity to be part of a fellowship of loving and caring people committed to the Christian education of our children.
Priority online registration for church members and regular attendees begins March 15. Registration opens to the community on March 23. The cost for the week is $50 per child. This fee is waived for children of full-time teachers/leaders. Mark your calendar now and check our website for more detailed registration info.
If you would like to volunteer, contact Carol Heath at [email protected] or 408-732-1892.www.svpc.us/groups/summer
Online: What’s at svpc.usTransitions— • www.svpc.us/transitionsDinner for Seven— • www.svpc.us/groups/fellowshipWeekly announcements—• www.svpc.us/calendar/bulletin
E-mail — [email protected]
Like us on Facebook: SVPC — facebook.com/SunnyvalePres Youth — facebook.com/SVPCYFM Children’s — facebook.com/SVPCMWC
Stewardship UpdateBy Tavie Armfield, Church Comptroller
It’s hard for me to believe, but I have been a part of this church community for 35 years. We, as a church, have done many great things together. I can remember a time before the Early Light service existed—which is our contemplative service on
Sunday mornings at 7:50 am—or before Intersections was added, which is our contemporary service on Sundays at 5 pm. And in years to come, someone might say they remember a time before we had the new monthly Seniors in Service program.
Growth and change are good things! This church continues to be a blessing to many, but, as we have grown and changed, not
all the years have been easy. Yet our congregation has always wanted to know the challenges we face and, because we love our church and are committed to its ministry, we have always risen to the challenge and met the needs that were there.
But you need to know that this year, at this point, poses a significant and daunting challenge for us and we need the support of all of our friends and members.
For our current fiscal year which ends in March, we are projecting a shortfall of approximately $65,000. This is unusual for us as we have not ended a year with a deficit in over fifteen years.
Our church’s Session is putting together the budget for our next fiscal year and at this point in the process we are projecting a shortfall of $110,000 for the fiscal year beginning this April.
We have already made some cuts to next year’s budget, but before our Session makes any decisions on further cuts, we need to hear from you.
Your financial commitment to our church is what makes our programs thrive! It is through your strong support that we are able to strengthen our roots as we reach out to our community in love.
www.svpc.us/difference/giving
I am blessed to be a blessing!
728 West Fremont AvenueSunnyvale, CA 94087Phone 408-739-1892
www.svpc.us facebook.com/SunnyvalePres
Your Pledge to SVPC will also bless these charitable organizations:Bill Wilson Center
Bread for the World
Compassion International
Convalescent Hospitals Ministry
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Faith in Action Rotating Shelter
Family Supportive Housing
Sunnyvale FISH
Friends for Life
Habitat for Humanity
Home First
Immanuel House
Central Asia PC(USA) Mission
Mission Trips
Mount Hermon Retreat Center
Our Daily Bread
Pilgrims of Ibilin
Refugee Transitions
Rotating Shelter
Stanford UCCM
Sunnyvale Community Services
Zephyr Point Conference Center
Stewardship 2015
Be YourselfGod has given all of us unique spiritual gifts and talents. He encourages us to nurture and grow these talents and to bear good fruit by them. What unique gifts and talents do you possess? How can these gifts be used to bless others in our church and community? By giving of ourselves and our talents, God will in turn bless us further by growing our spiritual gifts and increasing our capacity to give.
Parent Support Group CoffeeTuesday, March 10, 9–10 am, Coleman Room (Bldg 700)
The Special Needs ministry at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church invites parents from the church and the community to coffee and discussion. Whether you have a child with a diagnosed special need, no diagnosis, behavior chal-lenges or you just know you need a supportive community, we welcome you to be part of an informal parent support group. This is a place for parents to gain support and build community, ask questions, share their frustration and isolation, learn about special needs resources, and share joys and accomplishments along their journey.
Join Julie Clinton, mother of a son with Tourette’s syndrome, and Whitney Hillestad, Special Needs Coordinator and parent of a child with mild behavioral challenges.
The Special Needs ministry at SVPC is welcoming and inclusive to all who desire to be a
part of this church community no matter their strengths or struggles. For further information, contact Whitney Hillestad at [email protected].
Reaching Out In Love.Christ commands us to love one another as He loves us. Here’s how.
Adult LuncheonMarch 8, 11:20 AM–1 PM
The barbershop quartet, Boomerang, will entertain us with their wonderful a cappella singing. We meet in Fellowship Hall and the cost for lunch and music is only $5. Please join us and bring a friend!
Julie Clinton
Special Needs Panel Discussion and Lunch Sunday, March 22, 11:15 AM, Fellowship Hall Child care and lunch provided—reservations required
Register at specialneedssvpc.eventbrite.com.
Learn about the new Special Needs ministry at SVPC and ways to be welcoming and inclusive to all who desire to be a part of this church community no matter their strengths or struggles. Hear from folks at SVPC about their personal experience with special needs. Learn about the progress we are already making to serve families and our plans to grow this ministry.
The panel will be moderated by Carol Heath, Director of Children’s Ministry, and Whitney Hillestad, Special Needs Coordinator. Panel participants include:
Donna Yeager• , a congenital quadruple amputee with an infectious laughMary Aron• , mother of twin boys Sam and Adam; Adam has cerebral palsy and an amazing smileJanet Van Zoren• , mother of Cindy who has Down Syndrome and enjoys being a table parent at LOGOSAndrew Penner• , brother of Daniel who has a neurode-generative disease and loves cars and feeling the wind on his faceJulie Clinton• , mother of Steven who has Tourette’s Syndrome and loves performing magic tricks
The Children’s and Equipping ministry areas are jointly spon-soring this panel discussion and lunch. For questions about child care send e-mail to [email protected]. For additional information contact Whitney Hillestad at [email protected] or Susan Brooksbank at [email protected].
Change Worldwide is Happening Because of You— the Members and Friends of SVPCBy Gary Schultz, Mission Elder
Thank you for your support of the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) program in 2014. Your contribution of thousands of dollars last year provided many thousands of people worldwide with help they needed.
Through partnerships with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (www.pcusa.org/pda), the Self-Development of People (www.pcusa.org/sdop), and the Presbyterian Hunger Program (www.pcusa.org/hunger), you are alleviating world suffering and strengthening communities through your generous giving. From the 2014 OGHS collections (over $6 million from all PC(USA) churches), over $2 million each was provided to PDA, PHP and SDOP—giving you the ability to offer much needed help to places almost impossible to reach if you were to try on your own.
Programs supported include projects in over 100 countries, such as:Combating Ebola in West Africa•Supporting refugee camps for Syrians, now numbering well over 2.5 million people•Helping visually impaired youth achieve independence in Michigan•Providing people in the East African Kitui community with sustainable clean water •and opportunities for work
Please join us in 2015 to continue these high-impact programs through your contribution to OGHS on Palm Sunday, March 29.
Sharing brings joy—to others, to God and to us.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers... Ruth Baker, who died; Ralph Babcock, whose mother, May Babcock, passed away; Jim Traina, who continues to recover after surgery; Maggie Burklund, who was ill; and Laura Babcock, Chuck Devine, Herb Ebhardt, and Barbara Frevert, who continue to receive care.
CARAVAN 2015 UnveilingSunday, March 8, 6:15 PM, Fellowship Hall (Bldg 300)
Learn the destination of CARAVAN 2015. CARAVAN is a week-long service and learning trip where students put their faith into action as they serve God by serving others. CARAVAN is open to current eighth graders through graduating high school seniors. This year’s CARAVAN will take place July 18–26.
Chancel Choir Spring ConcertSunday, March 22, 7 PM, Sanctuary
Invite your friends and family to the Spring Concert presented by the Chancel Choir. The choir will open the concert with the dramatic and beautiful Requiem Mass in D Minor by W.A. Mozart. Popularized by the 1984 movie Amadeus, Mozart’s Requiem (1791) was unfinished at the time of his death, completed the following year primarily by F.X. Süssmayer, and has been shrouded in mystery and con-troversy ever since. The Requiem is set for chorus and four soloists, and is accompanied by a small orchestra. (Returning audience members will be delighted to know that three of our four outstanding soloists from the Christmas Concert will be returning as soloists for this Spring Concert.) Also on the program is Mark Hayes’ Spirit Suite, an exciting setting of three African-American spirituals for choir, soloist and orchestra. Continuing our tradition of inviting the audience to sing along, the choir will close the concert with an inspiring rendition of Let There Be Peace on Earth for choir and orchestra. Plan now to attend this delightful spring concert.
Child care (six months to six years) will be provided, and all are invited to a reception immediately following the concert. A free-will offering will be collected to help offset the concert costs.
Wild ThingsSunday, March 15, 2 PM, Mission Santa Clara
Are you ready to walk on the wild side? Wild Things is a special family concert featuring the Santa Clara Chorale at Mission Santa Clara. Join us that day for SVPC’s annual meeting and luncheon in the gym and then board the church van or carpool to the concert. The concert is for all ages and children under age 12 may attend free. Discounted tickets are $18 and information is available on Sundays in Trinity Court or during the week by calling the church office.
“Reconciling with Faith and Freedom...”Presbyterian Women Presbytery-wide event March 21, 9 AM–2:30 PM, Santa Teresa Presbyterian Church, San Jose
Christian ethics and human trafficking will be covered by presenters Sally Lieber, former California Assembly member and author of “The Compact,” a community-wide approach to preventing human trafficking at Super Bowl 2016, and the Rev. Karen Peterson-Iyer, Santa Clara University professor.
To carpool, contact Sue Slavik at [email protected].
Seniors in ServiceFirst Monday of each month 8:30 AM–noon, Fellowship Hall
All ages and stages are welcome to come and assist with the various projects including food bagging for Sunnyvale Community Services, soap packets for the homeless, Front Door Ministries lunch program, off-campus services including Our Daily Bread food preparation team and Convalescent Ministries, special cooking projects, and services for our children’s ministries and PELC at our own church. For information contact Libby Boatwright at [email protected] or call the church office.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service ReflectionsThank you to the more than 100 adults, youth and children who came out to serve in various capacities at the church on January 19! People gathered in the gym and wrote letters to service people, packed bags for the homeless, brought books for Africa, and more. A crew in the kitchen cooked a dinner for 20 for First Presbyterian San Jose’s women’s gathering and lunch for 60 for the Bill Wilson Center.
Very exciting is the two projects sponsored by two of our youth. The first was H2O (Hope to Others), organized by Janelle McAfee. After reading the book Do Hard Things, Janelle felt inspired to make kits for the homeless. At MLK Day of Service, 200 colorful bags were put together—each containing bottled water, fig bars, oatmeal, nuts, sausages, and tissues to give to the homeless in our community. People were invited to take a bag, store it in their car and when passing by a homeless person, give it out with love.
The second project was sponsored by Andrea Daniels, the African Library Project. Children books are collected, new or used, and when the number reaches a full library (1,000 books), the library is sent to benefit Akropong DA Primary and Junior High School in Ghana, Africa. One full library has been collected and sent, and Andrea is now working with her school on organizing a second.
Holy Week ServicesPalm Sunday, March 29—7:50 AM, 10 AM‡, 5 PM‡
Holy Week begins with the remembrance of Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey as the crowds waved palm branches.
Maundy Thursday, April 2—7:30 PM*At this service we remember the Last Supper, the Passover meal shared between Jesus and His disciples in the upper room.
Good Friday, April 3—7:30 PM*A service in which we reflect on Jesus’ death on the cross and what it means to be bereft of hope.
Easter Sunday, April 5—6:30 AM, 9 AM‡, 11 AM‡, 5 PM‡A celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
* Child care provided for ages 6 months–6 years.‡ Child care provided for ages 6 months–2 years. Church School for age 3 through 6th grade.
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728 West Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94087
