News from CARAVAN

From Rev. Rich Pak,

Director of Youth Ministry

Dear Kris,

I’m deeply grateful to the Sunnyvale Pres community for your support and prayers during this year’s CARAVAN. We were blessed to make a meaningful impact while building countless connections — with the people in Paradise, among our youth and leaders, with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), and living the direct connection between faith and action.

After each full day painting homes in the scorching sun and setting up a Boys & Girls Club, we cooked dinner together, played hours of ping pong, and reflected on our experiences through scripture. We saw glimpses of the ways God is faithfully working in this world and found ourselves within that story.

The need for continued work and connection in Paradise is great. PDA and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville have created a wonderful setup for groups to come volunteer. May we continuously and faithfully respond to God’s call to build a more whole and just world.

In God’s hope,

Rich

Presbyterian Women

Sunnyvale Pres has four Presbyterian Women (PW) Circles. Circle members enjoy fellowship and learning together. This year, the Global Mission Circle’s focus is Greece and the PC(USA) mission worker there. The others will study Sacred Encounters — The Power and Presence of Jesus.

If you would like to know more, including when and where the meetings are and how to join a Circle for a meal in August, contact Membership Chair Judi Pogue.

TheoEd Summer Series

Monday, August 21 • 7–8 pm • Zoom

Join Carol Heath and others on Zoom to watch the TED-style talk “Confronting Our Histories.” Dr. Kristin Du Mez describes her process of studying the history of White evangelicalism for her best-selling book Jesus and John Wayne.

No preparation is required as we will watch the short talks together and then spend some time in an open discussion. No need to register — just show up! You’ll find the Zoom link on our website.

Safe Church Training

Thursday, August 24

7–8:30 pm • Zoom • RSVP

All Sunnyvale Pres volunteers must complete this training before working with children or youth in any church program. Please RSVP to safechurch@sunnyvalepres.com or check the website for more information.

Young Adult Gathering

Thursday, August 31 • 6:30 pm

Ansel Misfeldt’s home • RSVP

We’ll provide the taco bar — chicken or vegetarian — with toppings. You bring a side, dessert, or drink.

We will have games available. Feel free to bring something you like to play!

Kids are welcome! Come rekindle some old friendships and meet some new people too.

Please RSVP so we have an accurate count for food. You will receive the address when you RSVP.

You can join the Choir of the Bells!

Practices begin September 5.

Do you play (or want to learn to play) handbells? Come join the Choir of Bells this season and make a joyful noise unto the Lord! We play during worship on the third Sunday of the month, as well as Christmas Eve, Good Friday, and our spring concert.

Practices are Tuesdays at 7 pm, beginning September 5. All levels welcome; initial rehearsals will cover introductory material. Questions? Email Gretchen Rauch or Jeff Reilly.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers...

• Continuing prayers for Scott Brittle, Charley Hopkins, Maggie Burklund, Beverly Fisher, Nancy Tousingnant, Joan Latimer, Mildred Prasad, Carol Warner, Jeff & Janet Harp, Bill Pierce 
• The loved ones of Dorothy Davidson, who died
• Michelle VanSickle following the death of her mother

Family Meal

August 20



Senior

Coffee

August 24

Discipleship

Class

Sept. 10–Oct. 1

Save the date...

• Contemporary Topics in Kids’ Books • Tuesdays, Sept. 19–Oct. 10 • Online
• PW Workshop: “Kids Today: A Changing World” • Oct. 14

Sunday Mornings

• Bible Study • 8:30–9:30 am • Email
• Worship • 10 am • Nursery (child care) available for ages 6 months through kindergarten
• Children’s Church + STARS (3 yrs–5th grade) • Restarting in September • 10 am
• Youth Group: FLASH + CLUE • Restarting in the fall • 11:30 am–1 pm
• Children’s Ministry Bake Sale • 1st Sunday • After worship • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Children’s Ministry service projects
• DipJar • 1st Sunday • Trinity Court or donate online • Supports Sunnyvale Community Services
• Grief Support Group • 1st Sunday • 1 pm • Zoom • Email

Wednesday Evenings

• OASIS (Grades 1–5) • Restarting in the fall • 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Email
• Modern Worship Collective • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Sanctuary
• Evensong: Contemplative Worship • 3rd Wednesdays • 6:30–7:30 pm • Sanctuary

Prayer & Bible Study Groups

• Virtual Small Group for Grades 4–6 • Restarting in September • Mondays • 6:30–7:15 pm • Register
• Men’s Bible Study • Tuesdays • 6:30–7:30 am • Email

Social & Support Groups

• LGBTQ+ Family and Friends Group • 1st Monday • 7 pm • Email
• Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group • 4th Tuesday • 11:30 am • Over Zoom • Call 1-800-272-3900
• Parents Together: In-Person • Restarting in September • 1st Wednesday • 9–11 am • Patio outside the gym • Info
• Parents Together: Online • Restarting in September • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 8 pm • Zoom • Info
• Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids • Restarting in September • 2nd Wednesday • 10–11 am • Coleman Room 702 • Info • Email
• Prayer Shawl Knitters • 3rd Wednesday • 7:30–9 pm • Over Zoom • Email
• Spice Dinner (50+ singles) • 2nd Thursday • 6–8 pm • Email
• Queer Fellowship Group • 3rd Thursday • 7–8 pm • Email

Outdoors

• Intergenerational Nature Walks • Fridays • 1–3 pm • Email
• Hiking Group • 2nd Saturday • 9 am • Email
• Cycling Group • Most Saturday mornings • 9 am • Email

Helpful Links

• Subscribe to e-newsletters for children, youth, and/or weekly worship focus.
• Like us on Facebook.
• Follow Sunnyvale Pres and Youth Ministry on Instagram.
• Re-read past articles in our newsletter archives.