A LO N G T H E WAYThe Newsletter of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church • February 2016

On the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday at the Early Light service, homemade baked bread is offered as part of communion. Since the 1970s many have shared their gift of baking to make communion bread. Currently the bakers are Diana Aldrich, Scott Brittle, Bev Lenihan, Kathleen Meadows, Jeff Reilly, and Marilyn Shaver who baked through 2015.

When asked about why he makes communion bread, Scott Brittle shared that he does it because of his passion for both making bread and our church.

Bev Lenihan spoke of how she prepares her kitchen and her spirit as she makes communion bread. “Every

quarter or so when it is my turn to bake bread for communion, I can count on my husband entering the kitchen on that Saturday morning, amid my flutter of arranging ingredients. He smiles and remarks, ‘I see Jesus’ kitchen is open for business.’ I truly feel the presence of Jesus with me as together we prepare the

symbolic sustenance that promises He will be with us forever.”

Jeff Reilly sees baking communion bread as a small way to contribute to a bigger picture, and sometimes his family has participated in the breadmaking with Jeff.

Diana Aldrich uses the kneading time as prayer

Our Communion BreadBy Diana Aldrich

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Diana Aldrich

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Jeff Reilly Scott Brittle

time. As names come to mind, that person is “kneaded” into the dough.

For Diana, one of the joys of bread making is sharing that skill with children. Sometimes as part of LOGOS worship study, the students have made communion bread. Seeing their excitement on the Sunday it is served is a delight.

If you are a baker and would like to share your gift with the congregation, please contact Diana Aldrich at dianaldrich@comcast.net. If you have never made bread and would like to learn how, Diana would love to teach you.

When the world was created, God made everything a little bit incomplete. Rather than making bread grow right out of the earth, God made wheat grow so that we might bake it into bread. In this way we

could be partners in completing the work of creation.

—The Midrash

Newsletter DeadlinesThe newsletter deadline is Monday, February 8 for the March edition. Articles may be up to 120 words in length. Send your article to newsletter@svpc.us, and, if possible, include a photo with your article.

Go green!Go Green! Consider joining the nearly 430 individuals and families that now receive their newsletter electroni-cally. 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 newsletter@svpc.us with your request.

they will begin listening for God’s “yes” when interview-ing potential candidates.

If you haven’t already, pick up the booklet (from the church office) that provides some background and the statements of faith for those serving on the PNC. Put their names in a place so that you remember to pray for them every day. And if prompted, send them cards and emails to let them know you are praying for them.

Unlike my daughter who is due any day, we likely have another year before we will be welcoming a new pastor into our community. But like any expecting couple, we live into excite-ment and hope, knowing God is bringing unexpected blessings ahead!

In Christ,

More at www.svpc.us/pnc

vision for our community. Responding to this vision, the session continues to work on the program develop-ment and staffing to bring that vision to life. Just a few weeks ago, we voted in the members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) who now begin the process to find our new senior pastor. As I see it, the church is not unlike a family preparing to welcome a new baby. We have been working to get everything in order and we are right on track!

But there is still plenty of work to do and that work is prayer. Regularly. Daily. Our PNC needs your encourage-ment and support as they begin to take all the work done by the MRT and craft a concise profile of our church and the kind of pastor we believe God is calling to SVPC. Once they begin posting this information,

As I write, I am waiting for news that my first grand-child is about to be born. In preparation for this baby, Sarah and her husband Coty have bought a home, redirected their social and emotional resources towards becoming parents, and have received more baby gear than I thought possible as they prepare to welcome this baby son into their lives. As I think with joy about our family’s transition, I am reminded yet again of the gracious faithfulness of God to our faith community as we continue to prepare for new pastoral leadership.

Well over a year ago, as a church, we stepped up to the news of Pastor Steve Harrington’s departure. The session demonstrated strong leadership in estab-lishing the Ministry Renewal Team (MRT) which helped identify our strengths and

The View From Hereby Rev. Debbie Whaley

“We live into excitement and hope, knowing God is bringing unexpected blessings ahead!”

January30 The Music School’s Teddy Bear Concert for Children, 11 am, Sanctuary31 Recognizing Elder Abuse, 11:30 am, Soulé Hall

February2 Parent Support Group, 9 am, Coleman Room, www.svpc.us/groups/specialneeds 3 FLASH, 6–7:45 pm, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 pm, Youth Room4 PELC Open House, 6–8 pm5 The Music School’s Erhu Concert, 7 pm, Sanctuary7 Food drive for those in our community served by Sunnyvale Community Services Mini retreat #1: Practices for Spiritual Growth, 9 am, Room 304 Recognizing Elder Abuse, 11:30 am, Soulé Hall8 Deadline for February newsletter articles10 Ash Wednesday Services, 5:15 and 7:30 pm, Sanctuary FLASH, 6–7:45 pm, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 pm, Youth Room12 Night to Shine, 6–9 pm, Calvary Church Los Gatos. For more info: youth@svpc.us13 Grief Share, 9 am–12:30 pm, Fireside Room14 Mini retreat #2: Practices for Spiritual Growth, 9 am, Room 304 FLASH AM, 10 am, Gym Moment with Children Rainbow Choir (TK/K–2nd) sings at 10 am Social Justice Discussion, 11:15 am, Room 304 Recognizing Elder Abuse, 11:30 am, Soulé Hall Lenten Community Dinner, 6:15 pm, Gym15 Church office closed (Presidents' Day)16 Session meets, 7:30 pm, Soulé Hall17 Winter Break—No LOGOS FLASH, 6–7:45 pm, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 pm, Youth Room20 Grief Share, 9 am–12:30 pm, Fireside Room

February CalendarA quick look at what’s happening at SVPC this month...

21 Mini retreat #3: Practices for Spiritual Growth, 9 am, Room 304 FLASH AM, 10 am, Gym Adult Luncheon, 11:20 am–1 pm, Fellowship Hall Lenten Community Dinner, 6:15 pm, Gym24 FLASH, 6–7:45 pm, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 pm, Youth Room26 CLUE Donuts, 6:00 am, Donut Wheel, Cupertino27 Grief Share, 9 am–12:30 pm, Fireside Room28 Mini retreat #4: Practices for Spiritual Growth, 9 am, Room 304 FLASH AM, 10 am, Gym Lenten Community Dinner, 6:15 pm, Gym

March4–6 Women’s Retreat, Presentation Center, Los Gatos5 Grief Share, 9 am–12:30 pm, Fireside Room6 CARAVAN Unveiling 6:15 pm, Fellowship Hall Lenten Community Dinner, 6:15 pm, Gym13 Annual Congregational Meeting, 11:15 am, Gym Lenten Community Dinner, 6:15 pm, Gym14 What Do Muslims Really Believe?, 7:30–9 pm,

Fellowship Hall20 Palm Sunday Lenten Community Dinner, 6:15 pm, Gym24 Maundy Thursday Service, 7:30 pm, Sanctuary25 Good Friday Service, 7:30 pm, Sanctuary27 Easter Sunday, services at 6:30, 9, and 11 am, 5 pm

April–MayPracticing God’s Radical Hospitality six-week church-wide

small group study

Where is that?

Coleman Room (Room 702, Bldg 700)

Fellowship Hall (Bldg 300)

Fireside Room (Room 203, Bldg 200)

Gym (Phoenix Center) Phoenix Center

(Bldg 700)Sanctuary (Bldg 100) Soulé Hall (Room 501,

Bldg 500)Youth Room (Room

752, Phoenix Center)

Rooted in Christ...Sunnyvale Presbyterian offers everyone an opportunity to connect with the church community.

Spotlight on Staff— Gama Ramirez, Maintenance SupervisorWhen asked why he has continued to work at our church for 22 years, Gama replied, “No other place I’ve worked treats you like family!” Gama has certainly become part of SVPC’s family. His first positions were as night, and then day custodian, and he became the Maintenance Supervisor ten years ago.

Gama says his number one priority is safety. When something needs minor repair, he takes care of it and arranges for specialists when major repairs are needed.

Gama directs and works alongside the four mainte-nance engineers. He is on campus from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Front desk administra-tive assistant, Roxanne, is Gama’s daughter, and, the former night custodian, Cody, is his son-in-law.

Ash Wednesday Services Wednesday, February 10, 5:15 & 7:30 PM, Sanctuary

5:15 pm—All are welcome to this family-friendly service: young in age and young at heart. Imposition of ashes will be a part of this interactive worship service. Child care is available for babies and toddlers in Room 901.

7:30 pm—Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. This year the imposition will take place as you enter the service. Our service will also include communion. Child care will be available in Room 901 for ages six months to six years.

Ash Wednesday, Season of Lent, Lenten Opportunities, and Holy Week: www.svpc.us/lent

Want To Pay Less in Taxes?Here are three popular ways people are contributing to charities and reducing their tax burden.

Give appreciated stock.• If you donate stock shares directly to SVPC, you may claim the current market value of the shares as a charitable gift. And you do not pay taxes on your gains.Give through your •Charitable Trust Accounts such as a Donor Advised Fund. A tax deduction can be taken when the fund is established and the donor determines how the funds are to be invested and to whom (and when) the funds may be given.Give from your IRA/401K/403B distribution directly to •SVPC. If a donor is over age 70½, a Minimum Required Distribution (MRD) must be taken annually. If the distribution is sent directly to SVPC as a contribution, it is not counted as taxable income.

This is meant to be an overview. In all cases, please consult your tax advisor.

Financial UpdateBy Tavie Armfield, Church Comptroller

Thanks to our very generous congregation, we ended the first six months of our fiscal year with monies received at 3% over budget. This year’s approved budget that will end March 2016 shows a $41K deficit, but we are hoping with the ad-ditional giving especially by those who were able to step up, and with careful spending by staff and session, we can end the year with a surplus. We are ever grateful for your faith-fulness to this church!

Nine Months Ending 12/31/15

Actual Budget Delta Of Budget

Income 1,387 1,346 41 103%

Expenses 1,281 1,342 (61) 95%

Surplus/(Deficit) 106 4 102

Note: All figures are in thousands of dollars.

Community Dinners during LentFebruary 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20 at 6:15 PM, Gym

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

Session SummariesDecember 15, 2015 and January 19, 2016 Session Meetings

In December and January session opened their worship times with prayer, lighting of the Christ candle, a time for silent reflection, and affirmation of the church’s vision statement.

In their work and ministry time together in December, session received two report updates (Financial and Stewardship) from Comptroller Tavie Armfield, met with the new elders-elect, received a report on the Pastor Nominating Committee selection process, and shared their gratitude for our outgoing elders.

In January in their work and ministry time together session reflected on and gathered together wisdom from their recent session retreat, received a financial report from Tavie Armfield followed by a 2016 stewardship update and discussion, and Council, and Outreach and Evangelism ministry teams shared some updates.

December and January session meetings closed their time by breaking into small groups and spending time in prayers of intercession for friends and members of the church. www.svpc.us/who/session

Recognizing Elder AbuseJanuary 31–February 14, 11:30 AM, Soulé Hall

Join us for this three-week Adult Learning class. Recognizing and prevent-ing elder abuse is not just a concern of older adults. All family members can be affected when this type of abuse occurs. Learn how you can recognize scams and evidence of elder abuse

as well as how to avoid becoming a victim, and even how to help someone you know who may have been a victim.

Presenters include Gregory Ovanessian, criminal in-vestigator from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and Cindy Thorp, elder law attorney. Topics will include: Scams Directed at Seniors, How to Recognize and Report Suspected Elder Abuse, and What Help is Available for Victims of Elder Abuse.

A Tasting of Ways for Interacting with God: Practices for Spiritual GrowthSundays, February 7–28, 9–9:50 AM, Room 304

You are invited to join us in this series of mini-retreats over four Sundays. Each retreat will introduce you to a spiritual practice that promotes a deeper relationship with God. The first retreat will introduce listening to God through spiritual senses. Following that, subsequent retreats will focus on listening to God through entering a story in scripture, listening to God through devotional reading, and listening to God through writing a letter with God. The series is being led by Jim Peterson and Judy Beggs.

GriefShareSaturdays, February 13– March 5, 9 AM–12:30 PM, Fireside Room

Please join us for this four-week class which will be led by the Rev. Libby Boatwright. GriefShare is a video seminar featuring speakers combined with small group discussion led by trained facilitators. Each session allows participants to talk about how they are dealing with the death of a loved one. The cost is $15 for the workbook; snacks are provided. To register, contact Jean Ranck at jean@svpc.us or 408-739-1892.

Reaching Out In Love.Christ commands us to love one another as He loves us. Here’s how.

Is Everyone Really Equal? A Monthly Social Justice Discussion Every 2nd Sunday of the month, 11:15 AM, Room 304

Following the shooting at the church in Charleston, South Carolina, members of our church issued an open invitation to discuss a Christian response to this heartbreaking loss of life and to racial misunder-standing in our country. Since October those joining in discussion have developed the following goals:

Reaching out to bridge •the gaps between ourselves and others by celebrating our diversity; increasing our acceptance, appreciation, and respect for others; and acknowledging our similarities and differences that, when shared, will move us into a world community of peace and personal joy.Reading and responding to • Is Everyone Really Equal? An Introduction to Key Concepts in Social Justice Education. This book is the resource for ongoing discussion. Anyone interested in participating in these discussions is welcome.

For more information, contact Judi Pogue at judipogue@comcast.net.

February Adult LuncheonFebruary 21, 11:20 AM–1 PM, Fellowship Hall

Musical entertainment will be provided by The Boomerangs, a locally known barbershop quartet. The cost for lunch is only $5. Please join us and bring a friend!

March Adult Luncheon Schedule ChangeIn March everyone is invited to our annual Congregational Meeting on March 13 im-mediately following the 10 am service. There will be no adult luncheon on March 20 as we hope the adult-lunchers will instead join us on March 13 for a great time of fun, a bit of singing, and some church business. The adult luncheon will happen again as scheduled on April 17.

What Do Muslims Really Believe? Monday, March 14, 7:30–9 PM, Fellowship Hall

Most Christians know very little about what Muslims believe, and because of events around the world and even in our own state, our ignorance contributes to fear which for some leads to hate. Mark your calendar for this presentation on Islam. Take advantage of this opportunity to become informed about the beliefs of Muslims in our community and around the world. For questions, contact Miriam Kishi at miriamekishi@gmail.com.

Women’s RetreatMarch 4–6, 2016, Presentation Center, Los Gatos

Have you registered yet for the upcoming women’s retreat? Our speaker this year is Rev. Cheryl Raine, pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove. Our topic for the retreat is The Experienced Presence: Come, Holy Spirit, Come! We hope you will join us as we explore the different ways we can experience the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. Questions? Contact Katie Chapman at womens_retreat@svpc.us.

Register now at: www.svpc.us/groups/womens#retreat

Reflections on Cultural Diversity: Findings from the Ministry Renewal TeamIn the reflection activities conducted by the Ministry Renewal Team (MRT) in 2015, many respondents observed that the ethnic composition of our church does not reflect that of our community and this could be an important opportunity for growth. Some acknowl-edged the congregation has become more diverse; however, many believe we still need to find ways to be more welcoming to people

from all different cultural and language backgrounds.

Respondents offered ideas about how to better embrace different cultural backgrounds through in-tercultural events such as potlucks and fairs/festivals that could include dance and music from various cultures, and Adult Learning classes featuring guest speakers from a variety of cultures and religions. There was much recognition that there is

rich cultural diversity in the children’s outreach programs on our campus: The Music School, PELC, and Vacation Bible School. How we might better integrate these fami-lies—perhaps through more co-sponsored events such as the highly successful Trunk or Treat event—is one such challenge to consider.

Respondents also suggested we celebrate the diversity that already exists in our congregation by inviting more scripture readers of different eth-nicities, creating prayer times when people could pray out loud in different languages, encouraging more diversity on our committees and small groups, and increasing the ethnic diversity of our leadership.

For additional MRT findings, see the Mission Study Report at www.svpc.us/mrt.

Immanuel House In November the newly renovated Immanuel House in San Jose welcomed their first refugee resident. By early January, eight of the fourteen beds were occupied. The House Managers, Greg and Pat Plant, are very happy to live with and help host residents in the newly refurbished transitional house for refugees.

The Immanuel House Board and House Managers want to thank Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church and individuals who have gen-erously helped furnish the house in every way with all that a big family needs for daily life. To be added to the newsletter or to host a dinner for the residents, contact Pat Plant at pat.plant@gmail.com. For more information, contact outgoing board member Coleen Hausler at chausler786@gmail.com.

Practicing God’s Radical HospitalityApril 3–mid May

An outcome of the Ministry Renewal Team's report (www.svpc.us/mrt) is that our church community desires to explore being more inclusive. Practicing God’s Radical Hospitality is a six-week small group study that explores getting to know each other and our stories within our community. The Outreach & Evangelism and Equipping Ministry teams, under Pastor Debbie Whaley’s mentorship, will offer the study church-wide. If your small group would like to join us for this study or if you would be inter-ested in leading or co-leading a small group, contact Coleen Hausler at chausler786@gmail.com or 408-245-3515. Training will be provided.

What’s Happening at The Music School? In addition to our classes and lessons this time of year, we start planning for our annual spring musical. Adventures, Connections, and Kaleidoscope classes add singing, dancing, and acting to their regular cur-riculum which includes lessons, theory, music reading, rhythm, and fun through games and centers. Students can major in piano, orchestra, band instruments or general music. Our faculty is phenomenal and our students are awesome. Come join the fun!

Teddy Bear Concert for Children Hosted by The Music School, January 30, 11 AM, Sanctuary

The Music School will present a very special children’s concert. Children, families, and everyone who is young at heart are invited to bring their teddy bears and attend this annual concert. Faculty performers from The Music School will present a program designed especially for young listeners including classical literature, folk music, and children's music featuring singing and instruments. A ticket donation of $5/individual or $10/family will contribute to the Janice Williams scholarship fund. For more information contact The Music School at 408-739-9248.

Erhu ConcertHosted by The Music School, February 5, 7 PM, Sanctuary

Join us for a concert featuring Erhu virtuoso Cindy Zhang. She will be performing familiar pieces such as Amazing Grace, as well as traditional Chinese music. There is a $12 suggested ticket donation. There will be a reception following the concert in the Coleman room. Hope to see you there!

The erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument…sometimes known in the Western world as the “Chinese violin” or a “Chinese two-stringed fiddle”.

In Our Thoughts and Prayers... For the loss of loved ones: Steve Wilde’s mother (Molly Wilde); Stephen Bear’s grandmother (Anna Golino); George Tharakan’s father (Paul Tharakan); Barbara and Dan Dutro’s son (Danny Dutro); Chris Wu and Judy Chow’s son (Wesley Wu).

For injuries: Connie Adler, Anneka Bear, Linda Hagan.For continuing care: Ann Coleman, Charley Hopkins,

Genny TerKeurst.

Celebrations... We celebrate the birth of Isaac Charles Nuessle, born on January 7 to Tiffany and Will Nuessle. Proud grand-parents are Chris and Wilna Derr.

We also celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Dick and Pat Wolff on December 30, 2015.

Online: What’s at svpc.usTransition Information—• www.svpc.us/pncCurrent session members—• www.svpc.us/who/sessionNewsletter (current and past editions)—• www.svpc.us/calendar/newsletter

E-mail — info@svpc.us

Like us on Facebook: SVPC — facebook.com/SunnyvalePres Youth — facebook.com/SVPCYFM Children’s — facebook.com/SVPCMWCJAM—facebook.com/JAM

Not a Resolution, Just Taking Care of Yourself Take care of yourself by choosing from these Balance For Living exercise/conditioning classes (1¼ hour each) which take place in the church gym.

Getting Fit,• Mondays at 8:30 am. Conditioning plus resis-tance bands for muscle strength along with basic Pilates.Body by Jackie,• Tuesdays or Fridays at 8:30 am. Muscle conditioning, stretching, abdominal and back strengthening.Thursday Pilates• , Thursdays at 10:30 am. Classic Pilates.

Come once, twice or three times a week, signing up by the session or paying $5 per day for drop-in. Instructor Jackie Hirsch helps you get the exercise you need while listening to your body. Registration forms are available at the church kiosks and online. www.svpc.us/groups/exercise

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